The tone of each forum is ultimately up to its participants. It is members’ responsibility to help keep their FPF civil and constructive. If you’re planning to weigh in on a discussion topic, please make sure to keep these guidelines in mind:
- When posting about a heated topic, focus on issues, not neighbors. Mentioning specific people can result in readers taking sides, rather than discussing the matter at hand.
- If a posting isn't totally clear, don't assume the worst about what your neighbor means. Consider giving the benefit of the doubt; ask questions.
- Avoid being snarky. A sarcastic attitude can convey disrespect, and harm local relationships.
- When replying to the forum about a heated subject, consider letting your draft sit overnight before hitting “Submit.”
- Do not email a personal attack directly to the author of an FPF posting. That violates FPF's Terms of Use and is grounds for removal.
- If you enter into a debate on your FPF, be prepared for and open to pushback. You will likely hear from people who disagree with your point of view. Disagreement does not necessarily constitute a personal attack.
- Use FPF to start and accelerate community conversation about challenging topics. Please consider taking extended debate elsewhere — ideally to an in-person, facilitated discussion.
While we understand the impulse to engage in conflict online, please remember that on FPF you are talking with your neighbors — real people who are a part of your community.