Document Rev 1, March 2023
Applies to:
Observing Group
Astrophotography Group
1. The Groups:
The Observing WhatsApp group exists for WDAS members to share their interests in astronomy, observing the night sky and related scientific subjects. It is intended for brief and informative messages that are likely to be of interest to a wide audience. Be aware that there are approximately 50 members of the Observing Group when posting messages.
The Astrophotography group exists for more detailed discussions on this subject. Members should consider joining this group and posting images on it, – especially if the images are a work in progress, and/or a lot of technical language is being used. Be aware that there are approximately 20 members of the Astrophotography Group when posting messages.
2. Guidelines for both Groups:
Please be respectful towards other members, and remember that for some, English may not be their first language, so be tolerant and helpful.
Be constructive and sensitive with your comments. If a fellow member is inaccurate with their information, or if you disagree – consider not responding.
Consider using direct messages for protracted or complex exchanges with individual group members rather than sharing these with the whole group.
Fellow members may be interested in buying astronomy equipment that is for sale – a good tip is to advertise such items on www.astrobuysell.com/uk and post the relative link so that others can see it. This group is not intended for discussions and exchanges about the buying and selling of items.
Civil, appropriate language is appreciated, and an administrator may remove comments if they feel it necessary, or if the comments stray from the primary topic of astronomy/observing related topics and astrophotography.
Views about politics and religion are best expressed elsewhere.
Non-astronomy related campaigning or petitioning will not be allowed.
3. Failure to observe these guidelines:
This may result in the following:
- Firstly – a formal warning.
- Secondly, an automatic three month suspension from the WA group.
- Thirdly, an automatic permanent suspension from the group.
4. Application of these Guidelines.
- What happens if I break the guidelines?
The administrators have the right to remove, edit, move, copy or close any thread or post. They may also suspend or ban any member for any breach of the guidelines or for any other reason as Section 3 above. - What if I see a message posted that breaks a rule?
Please report these posts or threads to the administrators and the post or thread will be reviewed and action taken as soon as possible. - What is my responsibility as a member?
Please keep these guidelines in mind when you post. The administrators have the right to change these guidelines at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of every member to remain up to date with the current guidelines.Posting is only allowed if you agree to abide by these guidelines, and by posting you are accepting these. - Why have guidelines in the first place?
The guidelines are there for the protection of the WDAS WhatsApp Group members community as a whole, to prevent abuse, conflict and disharmony within the group and to ensure the use of Observing Group WDAS/Astrophotography WDAS is a pleasant experience for all our members. - Accept moderation
By using these WhatsApp groups, you agree to accept the Moderation guidelines of the WDAS group Administrators. Publicly posted complaints about moderation will not be tolerated, eg “Where has my thread gone?” These will be regarded as a ‘failure’ as Section 3 above. Any messages to or about any WDAS members that contain derogatory remarks or swearing will result in an immediate ban. All moderation aims to be fair and even handed. Any grievance involving the moderation by the administrators can be reported to the committee by email to wdas.chair@gmail.com.
This page last checked & updated: Sunday, 16 April 2023