ValleyNet Groups

Statement of Purpose

This email list is a discussion forum for topics specific to Hartford, VT. It is not an "official" list set up by the town government. It is open to anyone who wants to participate.

The goal of this discussion list is create a sense of community and neighborhood for the residents of Hartford. Announcements of community events open to the public and invitations to events like pick-up baseball games, events at the BOR, evening concerts at the bandshell behind the town offices, and similar event postings are encouraged.

Posting Guidelines

The intent is to keep the discussion on and about Hartford. The issue doesn't need to be unique to Hartford, but it must be specific to Hartford. Subscribers to the list are assumed to be in agreement about that simple constraint.

If in doubt about whether a topic is appropriate for our list, consider this: If there are state or national online forums, such as email lists, newsgroups, or blogs that address your issue, the topic is most likely better addressed elsewhere. Please keep discussion topics centered on Hartford.

Some examples:

• Announcement of an event to be held in Hartford is ok.
• Discussion of a school district issue that affects Hartford residents is ok.
• Discussion of legislation in Montpelier or Washington is ok if it addresses a Hartford issue.
• Announcement of a pet lost in Hartford is ok.
• Discusssion of the national politics in the context of a warned town meeting resolution is ok.
• Forwarding content of emails or web sites that are not related to Hartford is absolutely not ok.

General Discussion List Rules

No abusive or threatening postings will be allowed. This discussion list operates on the assumption that list postings will be civil and respectful to other list members. Anyone engaging in what the administration of ValleyNet considers to be abusive language or threats directed towards another list member will be warned the first time, and will have posting privileges revoked after that. If the first incident is serious enough, the list member will have their posting privileges revoked immediately.

Because this list is set up for the convenience of the community, occasional business announcements will be tolerated (new business in town, information about a business service offered in conjunction with a public event, or a one-time listing about babysitting). In no case should any business (small or large) use the discussion list for ongoing business promotion, and doing so will result in a warning and the possibility of having posting privileges revoked.

It is inappropriate to post the content of any private correspondence to or from a list member without the express permission of all correspondents involved.

The administration of ValleyNet, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to warn, suspend, or permanently exclude any list subscriber for any abuse or infringement of these list rules and guidelines, depending upon the severity of the infraction.

To contact ValleyNet with comments or to bring specific issues to their attention, write to valleynet.administration@valley.net.