DISCUSSION: alt.sex.spanking.adult was discussed in alt.config about three weeks ago. (message id ). JUSTIFICATION: ---------------------------- A search on DejaNews from April 12, 2000 - July 12, 2000 for all posts on soc.sexuality.spanking shows an average of 722 per day. A search using the same date range on alt.sex.spanking, an unmoderated group, and using the keyword ZZZ (which is the subject header used by participants to separate valid posts from spam) shows an average of 85 posts per day. A search using the same date range on the soc.subculture hierarchy using the keyword "spank*" or "paddle" shows an average of 27 posts per day. With a total of 834 posts per day related to this subject, we believe that there is sufficient activity to justify dividing the topic further into an adult-only content forum and believe it will increase the number of posters willing to participate. -------------------------- CHARTER: The group is a moderated forum for the mature discussion of spanking as an exclusively adult activity. alt.sex.spanking.adult is moderated by software and a backup team of human moderators. Moderation is used only to ensure that the newsgroup remain a viable venue for mature discussion. A list of the moderation board will be posted regularly on the newsgroup. I. Inappropriate Messages The following types of messages are inappropriate for the newsgroup, and may be grounds for rejection. 1. Spam 2. Binaries 3. Trolling - posts that appear to be designed solely to disrupt the group. 4. Flames - vitriolic attacks on a personal level, including outing posts. 5. Messages that are crossposted to more than three groups or any crosspost to non related groups. 6. Posts from unapproved vendors advertising products that are not specifically spanking-oriented. Posts from an approved vendor that advertises on the newsgroup more frequently than twice per month or who advertises products or services not related to the topic of the newsgroup. 7. Personals 8. Messages that include references to spanking minors (under 18 years of age), child-abuse, child-rearing, incest or sex with children. Messages which discuss genuine role-play (including age-play) and stories of role-play that are so labeled are appropriate, as is discussion of non erotic spanking between adults. So long they seem genuine in their intent and are respectful of the spirit of the newsgroup's focus, messages which discuss one's own experience in adolescence and sexual awakening are also appropriate. 9. Stories of murder, extreme violence or mutilation - including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, maiming, mangling, disfiguring, disemboweling or dismembering. 10. Messages from posters on the automatic reject list. This may include messages from non approved advertisers and posters who violate the guidelines listed above more than twice in six months. Posters on the automatic reject list may immediately appeal to the moderators for a change in their status. Available moderators will discuss the situation and vote among them on removing the poster from the automatic reject list. A tie would constitute a reversal of the original decision. If the initial appeal is denied or is not initiated, the poster may apply for reconsideration after a 30- day suspension. The moderators will send a letter of warning to first-time offenders (assuming a valid e-mail address is available) to ensure that an accidental infraction does not result in a poster being placed on the automatic reject list. II. Moderation Team The moderation team initially consists of one moderator but may be expanded as needed. A moderator may be removed from the team by a majority vote of all other moderators. Moderators may be added to the team by a majority vote of all moderators. This charter may be amended to include different methods of moderation should the majority of moderators vote that such a change would be in the best interests of the group. III. Disclaimer The moderators of alt.sex.spanking.adult do not hand-moderate every posting and have no way to cancel postings once they are propagated. While every effort is made to ensure that the robot software rejects postings which are contrary to the Charter, or refers them to the moderators for futher consideration, some inappropriate postings may appear from time-to-time. Approval of a posting by automation or by a human moderator is in no way an endorsement of its content. Posters assume full responsibility and legal liability for the content of their postings. Furthermore, the moderators are not responsible for the truthfulness, accuracy or legality of any postings to alt.sex.spanking.adult. Readers who use any information that appears in alt.sex.spanking.adult do so at their own risk.