Portland Chat is built on the principle that everyone deserves a safe, respectful space to connect with others. These Community Guidelines outline expected behavior and content standards. By using our platform, you agree to follow these rules and help maintain a positive community for all.
Our Core Values
We expect all members to embrace three fundamental principles:
- Respect: Treat others with dignity, even when disagreeing
- Authenticity: Be genuine and honest in your interactions
- Kindness: Choose compassion over judgment
Expected Behavior
We encourage all users to:
- Communicate respectfully and considerately
- Respect personal boundaries and consent
- Be open to different perspectives and experiences
- Report violations rather than engaging in conflict
- Help create an inclusive environment for all
- Keep promises and be reliable in interactions
Prohibited Content & Behavior
The following are strictly forbidden on Portland Chat:
- Harassment, bullying, or targeted abuse
- Hate speech based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics
- Sharing false or misleading information with harmful intent
- Sexually explicit content or solicitation
- Spam, advertising, or promotional messages
- Sharing others' private information (doxxing)
- Impersonating others or creating fake accounts
- Any illegal activities or encouragement of harm
- Scamming, phishing, or fraud attempts
- Posting graphic violence or disturbing content
Content Standards
All shared content should contribute positively to the community:
- Avoid repetitive or low-effort messages
- Don't post content solely to provoke reactions
- Respect intellectual property—only share content you own or have rights to use
- Mark sensitive or potentially triggering content appropriately
- Keep conversations relevant to the context
Privacy & Consent
Respecting privacy is fundamental:
- Never share someone's personal information without explicit permission
- Ask before sharing screenshots or conversation excerpts
- Don't pressure others to share information they're uncomfortable with
- Honor requests to stop communication immediately
- Understand that consent can be withdrawn at any time
Enforcement & Consequences
Violations of these guidelines may result in:
- Content removal
- Temporary account suspension
- Permanent account termination
- Legal action when applicable
Severity of consequences depends on violation nature and history. We strive for fairness but reserve the right to act immediately for severe violations.
Reporting Violations
If you witness guideline violations, please report them:
- Use the in-app reporting feature on profiles or messages
- Provide as much detail as possible
- Reports are confidential—your identity is protected
- Our moderation team reviews all reports promptly
- Follow up through your account notifications
Appeals Process
If your account is moderated and you believe it was in error, you may appeal through our contact form. Provide your username, details of the action taken, and why you believe it should be reconsidered. Appeals are reviewed by our moderation team within a reasonable timeframe.
Community Impact
Following these guidelines helps Portland Chat remain a place where authentic connections flourish. When everyone contributes to a respectful environment, we all benefit from richer, more meaningful interactions. Thank you for being part of a community that values kindness and authenticity.
Quick Reference: Do's and Don'ts
✓ Do
- Be respectful and kind
- Communicate honestly
- Respect boundaries
- Report violations
✗ Don't
- Harass or bully
- Share false information
- Post explicit content
- Ignore community standards