This document was complied from suggestions of a few regular contributors. It is the free initiative of the author and is not 'officially' endorsed or enforced. Further suggestions and refinements are welcomed.

Etiquette in the Philosophy of Freedom Community (October 2007 version 1.3)
 
This website enables individuals throughout the world to come together freely to explore the writings of Rudolf Steiner, particularly the Philosophy of Freeing Spiritual Activity, and the development of anthroposophy in a manner that promotes the truly free human being. Through our continuing activity of thinking, listening and communicating we seek for ever new aspects of truths that are available to all devoted seekers. Any truth that becomes rigidified into dogma immediately dies into untruth.
 
The advice here is offered for contributing journals and responding to the posts of other members.  We invite all serious and playful exploration of perspectives in our global learning environment where all participants are simultaneously teachers and pupils.  These are not house rules, only a reminder that this site intends to be a civilising forum where respect for the freedom of others is implicit in a philosophy of freeing spiritual activity. 
 
We encourage plurality of perspectives so that we may transcend barriers such as nationality, language, education, locality and individual opinion.  A person can represent many points of view. It is better to have one person representing a point of view here than having no representation at all.  Please make an effort to support others in their learning and development.
 

• Freedom of expression carries personal responsibility in the context of our common work toward the ideals of ethical individualism. Please accept responsibility for your writing on this website, warts and all, and refrain from making accusatory or derogatory personal remarks.
• Remember that all contributions are public, even those that specifically address another member. If there are issues that are of a private nature, email the member personally through their contact page.
• Online communication is a craft where countless pitfalls of misunderstanding have to be negotiated. Readers come from parts of the world where your culture of language may be unfamiliar. What is understood may be different from what was intended, even between people fluent in the same language.
• Humour may be mistaken for a serious remark, so make it clear to readers when you are joking. Strong language that is acceptable in your culture may be offensive to others. If you are unintentionally responsible for a hurt or misunderstanding, be honest and open about the mistake.
• Take time to write offline and make your contributions as clear and unambiguous as possible.  Be aware that genuine misunderstandings may occur so be patient in understanding others and explaining. A generous apology is worth ten excuses.
• If you read a contribution that evokes a strong emotional response, try to empathise with alternate points of reference before making a thoughtful and balanced response. This community often acts like a mirror: when you write from a true place, your message will get through. At other times what you receive may only be your own reflection.
• There may be disagreements in spiritual endeavour, but there is no need for rivalry. There is room for all. Striving for a deeper understanding may become heated at times, which can be exciting and positive as long as it does not become personally disparaging. If you believe a contribution to be misguided, offer advice and examples of how to do better. If your advice is not taken up, acknowledge the freedom of others to choose differently.
• If you encounter a problem, it may be helpful to reflect on your own contribution in working towards a resolution in yourself. In the conversation groups, contact the manager privately through the contact page if you encounter an irreconcilable issue.

 If you read a contribution that you believe conflicts with the advice here, you may respectfully refer the writer to this document. http://www.philosophyoffreedom.com/node/2239