Composing a note, the floor is open...

Hmm...I think if you go at it from a "this site is run by a business" aspect...things should remain okay. Folks here forget that often and honestly when you own a business it is NOT in your interest to alienate ANY facet relating to your business, or court lawsuits...you know?

So perhaps...and feel free to use/not use any of the below.

"We understand everyone needs to vent, and people may at some point wish to warn fellow members about people or situations relating to procuring their pets. However, this site is a public face for a pet related business visited by thousands daily....as such we must always be sure not to put the forum in a position where information shared publicly, could result in legal action either towards the company OR individual members here on the forum. This is not to say information should not be shared...but only that it should be shared, wisely."

"PM's are a resource made available to all members and often this is the best route to share information that could be considered personal, negative, or diminishing of another's character, business, or lifestyle. Vents/requests for support, are always welcome...these along with asking for referrals to breeders or rescues, and making recommendations to same, comprise a big part of this forums overall value...but always consider what you post, from the perspective mentioned in the first paragraph."

"The internet, isn't always as faceless as it seems, and has a way of bringing people closer, even those who don't necessarily wish to BE, close . Thank you all for the efforts you make to keep things interesting, fun, and informative. It is really appreciated"

 Ooh you're a star!  Guinness for you!

Oh and you probably already thought of this but making the note an Announcement where they can read and not reply might be wise. The usual suspects will likely start in with their "The Man is keeping us down" crap.

BUT...hmmm, getting Jaime and any other of the big dawgs to put in on it, or sign off on it, will leave little wriggle room so there's that to consider to minimize whining as well.

 I spoke to Jaime a bit ago, maybe if we sign it with all our names, including hers, we can have the best of both worlds?

yeppers...worth a shot. Let me know when you post it tho so I can hide...erm I mean...prepare.

I think asking or naming any one breeder, or alleged puppy mill (like a direct link or a name) is potentially very problematic.  On my weim board we just went thru this.  Someone posted a link to a CL ad for a bitch that was for sale with her litter of puppies, offered as a business proposition.  Horrible person right?  Easy to get a little crazy and diss what a nasty, horrific person that would do something like that.

Guess who found the link to the board with a ton of people trashing her?

IT WAS A DISASTER.  Add someone who is litigious, as in the case Bonita freely admitted to... defamation/slander lawsuits would probably appear.

I think we should be to the point and add rules:

1. Links to or personal information of a private parties should never be included in posts, this includes unauthorized cross posting.

2. Please no links to or discussion of specific breeders.

Using Gina's note (nice note Gina!) to soften the blow.   It explains the addition of the new rules.

Anyway, that's my two-cents -- which may not be worth even half that :)   

I agree Lani, simple basic rules should be added in there someplace..to the main list we have.

I just don't think people are aware about webmasters being able to track specifically, WHERE a link is being posted, technology gotta love it!

 looks good all - sorry for the lack of input I am have a bad week with this asthma so feeling under the weather and feeling a bit drugged.  Which I knew what the problem was and I would DO something about it ARGH!