Arlington Maker Space — Community Forum Rules

Welcome to the Arlington Maker Space community forum! This is a space for makers, tinkerers, hobbyists, and curious folks to share ideas, ask for help, and build things together. Keep it friendly, keep it helpful, and keep making.

1. Be Kind & Respectful

Treat everyone with respect, regardless of experience level, background, or skill.
No personal attacks, harassment, bullying, or hate speech — ever.
Disagree with ideas, not people. Critique the work, not the maker.

2. Stay On-Topic

This forum is about making, learning, and the maker space community.
Keep discussions relevant to the category you're posting in.
No spam, self-promotion, or advertising without permission.

3. Be Helpful

When someone asks for help, share what you know — or point them to someone who can.
If you're not sure, say so. Don't guess and present it as fact.
Credit others' work and ideas. Don't pass off someone else's project as your own.

4. Keep It Safe

No dangerous or illegal content. This includes instructions for building weapons, explosives, or anything that could harm people or property.
Follow all safety rules of the maker space when working in the shop.
Don't share personal contact info of others without their permission.

5. No Spam or Self-Promotion

Don't post links to your business, products, or services unless it's genuinely relevant to the conversation.
No affiliate links, MLM pitches, or repeated self-promotion.
If you're a business owner wanting to connect with the community, introduce yourself — we love local makers!

6. Respect Privacy

Don't post other people's personal information (addresses, phone numbers, emails) without consent.
Be mindful of what you share about yourself online.

7. Use the Right Categories

Post in the most relevant category so others can find and respond to your topic.
Check if a topic already exists before starting a new one.

8. No Trolling or Drama

Don't post inflammatory, off-topic, or deliberately provocative content.
Don't start or spread rumors, gossip, or drama.
Keep the community a positive, constructive place.

9. New Members — Introduce Yourself

We'd love to meet you! Tell us what you're into and what you'd like to make.
This helps us connect you with the right people and resources.

10. Have Fun & Keep Making

This is a community of builders and dreamers. Encourage each other.
Celebrate wins, big and small. Share your projects, your failures, and your lessons learned.

Enforcement

First offense: A friendly reminder from a moderator.
Repeated offenses: A warning, then temporary or permanent suspension.
Serious violations (harassment, illegal content, safety risks): Immediate action, including removal and reporting.

The goal is a welcoming, helpful community — not a rulebook. If you're ever unsure, ask a moderator. We're all here to make things and help each other.

— The Arlington Maker Space Team