This policy covers online interaction and moderation on the BMC website. This includes, but isn’t limited to, commenting on online information and articles.

Aim of moderation

The aim of moderation is to ensure that this platform is inclusive and safe and that the BMC website is a place where you will find lively, intelligent discussion.

House rules

• Debate is welcomed and expected. However, personal attacks, trolling or abuse will never be tolerated
• Criticism of our articles or positions is to be expected but persistent misrepresentation of these or the BMC will not be tolerated
• The BMC expects that users of the site will respect other people’s views and beliefs. Content that may be considered offensive or threatening may be removed
• We reserve the right to remove comments or to stop all comments on a piece of content if the conversation has ceased to be constructive or inclusive.
• We will not tolerate swearing, racism, sexism, homophobia or other forms of hate speech.
• We reserve the right to remove any content that may be commercial, spam-like, or may put the BMC or its collaborators in legal jeopardy.
• We reserve the right to remove content that is not relevant to the conversation. Topics and conversations can be wide-ranging but should be related to the original topic or content.
• You must not pretend to be someone else, claim to be speaking for someone else when you are not, and should declare any conflict of interest where one exists.
• We reserve the right to ban the accounts of those who persistently break these rules
• We reserve the right to place a higher weight or value on comments and other content generated by registered users who are known members of the BMC

In short: play nice. If you act responsibly, with maturity, and with consideration for others you should have no problems. Otherwise you may find your content removed or user account banned.

Moderation and responses

We have reluctantly taken the decision to moderate anonymous comments before they are shown on the site. During normal working hours this process can take place within minutes, though this is not guaranteed. Comments submitted by registered users appear immediately.

When a comment is made on the BMC site or a comment is reported to us as abusive the article author and website staff are notified. The BMC aims to respond within 48 hours to all comments that require a response and on the same business day to any reports of abuse or requests for moderation.  There are periods during the year when the BMC office is closed. During these periods responses and moderation may be delayed.

Community Content

The views expressed in commentary on BMC content do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the BMC, its staff or collaborators. Those posting content of which they are not the author should properly attribute that content.

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