The Basic Guidelines;

-Be respectful of other members situations. They came to this forum for support, not be belittled, or called stupid or ridiculous, or anything of the sort. This means just because you may not think someone is overweight, and that they are being irrational, that doesn't mean it will help to tell them that.  This is a sensitive subject for many and they do not need to have a topic full of 'OMG UR NOT FAT'.  Please try to offer some advice or support to them.

-Comparing yourself to them isn't going to help either of you. If someone posts "I'm 5'5" and I weigh 145lbs and I think I'm fat/have low self esteem" it doesn't help them to say "Oh my gosh, I'm the same height and I'm 115 and I'M SOOO FAT!" That just makes them feel worse, and it doesn't help them in terms of supporting them. Try not to make it about you, or your weight - obviously people have different body types and what may be right for you may be way underweight for someone else. However, if they feel like you're fat at 115, they may try to go way under their ideal body weight because their self-esteem is even more damaged. If you don't have anything to offer to them, it's really better not to post.

-DO NOT GLORIFY EATING DISORDERS. This is a zero tolerance policy.  Any post which we feel encourages or glorifies harming yourself will be deleted.  This is dangerous and not what our site is about.  It is not okay, cute, or anything of the sort to make those types of attention seeking topics and we will not condone it.  An example of this would be the best way to make yourself throw up, or how to starve yourself more effectively, etc.  

-Please do not post Pro-Ana/Pro-Mia/Etc. sites simply for the purpose of encouraging people. If you want to have a discussion about them, that is okay, but if someone is asking for support on an eating disorder, or it's just  a general topic, do not link them to those kinds of sites.

Thanks!

Post edited at 9:19 am on Oct. 2, 2008 by Annastasia