ONLINE ENGAGEMENT & NETIQUETTE POLICIES
In workplace and educational settings, exhibiting respectful and professional behavior is an essential component of all in-person interactions with colleagues and guests. This expectation also applies to virtual online environments such as learning management systems for educational purposes, like Design Learning by ASID and social networking platforms such as LinkedIn. Design Connection by ASID follows a similar format and standard when engaging with others on this platform.
As an active participant of Design Connection by ASID, you are expected to adhere to the following policies:
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BE RESPECTFUL - Exercise the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would want them to treat you.” Keep community posts and replies positive and constructive, even if you disagree with another user’s position. Respect what has been written and remember that this community is meant for professional exchanges. Inappropriate or offensive language used in posts or other written items will be removed/deleted.
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BE PROFESSIONAL When Expressing Yourself: Present the best version of yourself when communicating with your colleagues and professional designers on this platform. Use correct grammar, capitalization, and punctuation in all community communications. This includes avoiding “text-speak” like “C U l8r” and typing messages in either all uppercase (which is interpreted as YELLING) or in all lowercase. Proofread your messages and comments before posting.
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BE PURPOSEFUL - Value the Benefits of a Virtual Professional Community: The purpose of Design Connection by ASID is for individuals practicing or supporting the interior design profession to share resources and discuss relevant topics of professional interest and some fun topics as well. Use the platform to ask and answer questions and hold constructive conversations. It is inappropriate to blatantly promote paid products, services, or sales – all posts, comments, or content with advertising motives will be removed and reported. The following actions are appropriate and purposeful:
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Providing advice pertaining to your area of expertise
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*Posting not-for-profit learning events (live or on-demand) free to register (*Members only. Industry Partner representatives should reach out to their contact at ASID HQ about posting events on Design Connection.)
Job Openings: Individuals must use Design Careers by ASID to create and share job openings. Job openings posted to Design Careers sync to Design Connection and populate in the Activity Feed.
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BE RESOURCEFUL - Share Reputable Content: If sharing a piece of content to a community group, make sure the content is appropriate and reliable. You are encouraged to share content from trusted sources within the profession but should avoid sharing a video from TikTok or an article from People Magazine. If sharing a resource that is not of your own creation, be sure to credit the author using an appropriate form of citation (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago styles). In addition, do not share any confidential content or information about a client or another user. These practices will help you present your point of view with valid documentation.
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BE TIMELY – Avoid “Spamming” the Feed: While resource sharing is extremely encouraged, posting many resources in a short timeframe as separate library entries will flood community pages and the main Activity Feed. This will have a negative impact on engagement on your posts. It is recommended as best practice to share resources with a few days in between, so members have the chance to see and engage with your content.
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BE PROACTIVE - Search Before You Post (Again): Scan recent posts in the community prior to submitting a post yourself. A question you have may have been posed and answered within the community. Likewise, there may already be a thread dedicated to your idea of interest.
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BE INCLUSIVE - Recognize and Appreciate Differences: Embrace the unique values and backgrounds of all users of this platform. This attitude not only ensures that you are treating others with respect, but also opens the door for new learning experiences and meaningful discussions.
Policy Violations
Design Connection by ASID is intended to be a safe space for the interior Design Connection and ASID Members to share information and network with each other. It is keenly dedicated to inclusivity and connectivity. Any written post, comment, or shared resource can be flagged as in violation of Netiquette Policies by the Platform Administrator or Community Ambassadors. Any user may also report content that is considered offensive or suspected of violation to the Platform Administrator.
The following process outlines the consequences for any user that violates one or more of the Netiquette Policies:
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Violation 1: A written warning via email and removal of content violating the Netiquette Policies. The Platform Administrator will monitor the user’s activity periodically over a 30-day period to assure the User is following the Netiquette Policies.
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Violation 2: A written warning via email indicating the Second Violation, removal of the content, and a 30-day suspension from using Design Connection by ASID from the date of notification. The User Account will be placed on Inactive status during this 30-day period.
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Violation 3: A written warning via email indicating the Third Violation has occurred and the User’s Design Connection by ASID account will be deactivated effective immediately. A formal report with supporting documentation will then be submitted to the Design Connection by ASID Advisory Board for review.
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American Society of Interior Designers. (Retrieved September 19, 2023). ASID Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. www.asid.org/resources/about/ethics
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"Netiquette: Ground Rules for Online Discussions." Netiquette: Ground Rules for Online Discussions. Colorado State University. Web. 2 Dec. 2015.
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Erstad, Will. "9 Netiquette Guidelines Online Students Need to Know." 9 Netiquette Guidelines Online Students Need to Know. Rasmussen College, 25 Sept. 2014. Web. 2 Dec. 2015.
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“Netiquette Guides for Online Learning”. Gadsen State Community College. Web. Sept. 2016. http://www.gadsdenstate.edu/elearning/netiquette
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"Netiquette: Etiquette for the World of Online Communication." Netiquette: Etiquette for the World of Online Communication. Howard Community College. Web. 2 Dec. 2015