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Austin A30/A35 Owners' Club Social Media Policy
The use of social networking applications allows us to be in contact with a
huge audience via the world wide web. There are many advantages to this, but
these must be balanced with our duties to ourselves, our friends, our colleagues
and the club's reputation. The use of the club's media via Facebook etc,
provides us with an ability to communicate with other like minded people, but
it also means that we have a duty, both legal and moral, not to use the method
irresponsibly. Individuals may be risking legal action, as media postings carry
the same penalties in law as the written word.
The club recognises that members will engage in social networking. For the
purposes of this policy this includes all types of posting on the internet,
including, but not limited to some of the following social networking sites,
e.g. Facebook, blogs, Twitter, bulletin boards, chatrooms and the club website
forum pages. It also includes posting of video on such media including YouTube.
Social networking, whether undertaken on club premises or elsewhere should be
responsible in that there should be no adverse effect on the club's interests or
aims, or to any individual named or by innuendo. To assist members and to
reduce the likelihood of any personal comments having an effect on the club or
individual members, the following rules apply:
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Do not discredit the club or any individuals, customers or suppliers.
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No complaints or grievances should be aired via the internet. There are procedures in place
within the club for discussion of any problems.
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Do think about what you are posting on the club forum, Facebook etc. either via the written
word or in picture form. Items that contravene the law, such as health and safety regulations:
the rules of the Owners' Club or anything that could be taken amiss or misinterpreted
by the members of the general public.
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Please be aware that using material from any copyrighted source without permission is
likely to breach copyright.
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If others have access to your personal sites, do not allow them or indeed yourself to
criticise or allude to other members or the club, so as to bring disrepute to that individual
or the club. You have a responsibility not to cause distress to any individual in your personal
postings. Your social networking is subject to all the policies and rules of the Owners' Club
and any other written policy or procedure.
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All members have the right to refuse a friend request without
repercussion.
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Any approach by members of the press or media regarding club policy or procedures
should be referred to the correct club official or to any Executive Committee member.
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Be polite - posts will be visible to the public. If you wouldn't want the same thing
said to you, it's probably not a good idea to say it to others. Don't swear or name
call. Profanity, threats, discriminatory nicknames, harassment, bullying, gruesome
language or the like will not be tolerated.
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Never be defamatory - you should assume that you will be held legally accountable for
anything said online in the same way as if you wrote it in print or said it publicly. The
Club will not be held liable for your personal view.
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Take your time - never feel an obligation to respond immediately online. Everyone balances
time at their computer with other activities, so a delay for you to compose your thoughts,
calm down and consider the right response is often a good idea.
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Members must not use Owners' Club Social networking sites for political purposes.
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Blocking a Moderator on any Social Media platform is not allowed and will see the person
removed from the group.
Failure to comply with this policy may render an individual liable to disciplinary action and
possible loss of membership of the Owners' Club and expulsion therefrom.
The Club reserves the right to remove any material which may adversely affect the Club's reputation
(or create a risk of legal proceedings).
Agreed Version, January 2018