Community Standards & Code of Conduct
Platform Mandate: "Light, Integrity, and Brotherhood in the Digital Age"
Welcome to our digital Lodge. This platform exists to foster true brotherhood, intellectual enlightenment, and moral growth among Freemasons. Unlike public social media networks, access here is a privilege, not a right.
Every user on this platform is expected at all times to conduct themselves as an Upright Man and Mason. Your digital footprint here is an extension of your obligation in the West.
I. Core Pillars of Conduct
1. The Square & Compass of Digital Speech
Members must circumscribe their desires and keep their passions within due bounds in all posts, comments, media, and direct communications.
- Integrity: Speak truth with kindness. Slander, deceit, and dishonest representations are strictly forbidden.
- Brotherly Love: Differences of opinion will arise, but they must always be addressed with respect, empathy, and courtesy.
- Relief & Truth: Misinformation, malice, and toxic outrage farming have no place here.
2. The Tiler’s Principle: Privacy & Security
- Masonic Secrecy: Secrets of the Craft, modes of recognition, and ritual work must never be posted, recorded, or discussed in public or unencrypted spaces.
- Brotherly Confidentiality: What is shared in confidence within this community stays within this community. Screenshots, leaking private messages, or exporting posts outside the platform is grounds for immediate expulsion.
- Personal Privacy: Respect the privacy of brothers and their families. Do not doxx, share personal contact details, or upload photos of others without explicit consent.
II. Prohibited Content & Behavior
While traditional social media platforms allow coarse discourse, this platform enforces a higher standard of decorum.
1. Political & Religious Partisanship (The Unbroken Rule)
In keeping with ancient Masonic tradition, sectarian religious debates and partisan political arguments are strictly prohibited.
- Not Allowed: Endorsing political candidates, arguing over partisan policies, attacking specific religious denominations, or attempting to proselytize.
- Allowed: Philosophical discussions on morality, historical analysis of religion/statesmanship, and civic engagement focused on non-partisan community relief.
2. Unbecoming Conduct & Harassment
- Harassment & Bullying: Targeted harassment, insult, public shaming, or intimidation of any Brother or guest will not be tolerated.
- Profanity & Vulgarity: Gratuitous vulgarity, explicit media, gore, or sexually suggestive material is strictly banned. Keep speech elevated.
- Bigotry & Discrimination: Any speech promoting hatred, prejudice, or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, or disability is a direct violation of Masonic principles and results in an immediate ban.
3. Commercial Exploitation & Solicitation
- Unapproved Commerce: Do not use the platform as a commercial marketplace, MLM channel, or spam engine.
- Legitimate Appeals: Masonic charity drives, Lodge fundraisers, and legitimate brotherly support requests must be vetted by platform moderators or posted only within designated charity hubs.
III. Standards for Content & Interaction
| Area | Expected Conduct | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| Profile & Identity | Real identity only. Display your name and Lodge affiliation proudly and accurately. | Fake names, impersonation, anonymous trolling, or false Masonic credentials. |
| Posts & Media | Thoughtful, constructive, educational, or uplifting content. | Clickbait, rage-bait, meme spam, or low-effort inflammatory posts. |
| Comments & Debate | Measure your words. Ad hominem attacks (attacking the person rather than the argument) are banned. | Personal insults, condescension, or persistent argumentative hostility. |
IV. Moderation & Disciplinary Framework
Because we hold our members to the standard of upright men, moderation on this platform is firm, transparent, and swift.
1. The Board of Moderation (The Digital Tilers)
Platform moderators act as the Digital Tilers. They are charged with preserving the harmony of the digital Lodge.
2. Progressive Discipline System
Depending on the severity of the offense, violations result in the following actions:
- The Friendly Admonition (Warning): A private reminder from a moderator regarding a mild infraction (e.g., slipping into heated political discourse).
- Temporary Mute (The Leveling Period): Loss of posting/commenting privileges for 24 hours to 7 days to allow tempers to cool.
- Suspension: Temporary loss of account access (14 to 30 days) for repeated violations or moderate misconduct.
- Permanent Expulsion (Striking from the Roll): Immediate termination of account access for severe infractions, including hate speech, leaking private ritual/data, or malicious harassment.
Note on Masonic Standing: Egregious digital misconduct that brings dishonor upon the Craft may be reported to the offending member's respective Grand Lodge for appropriate Masonic discipline.
V. Reporting & Conflict Resolution
If you encounter content or behavior that violates these standards:
- Do Not Engage: Avoid joining a public flame war. Rebuilding harmony starts with restraint.
- Use the Tiler Flag: Click the "Report to Tiler" button on the post or comment.
- Private Resolution: Where possible, practice the Masonic virtue of addressing a Brother directly and privately to resolve minor misunderstandings before escalating to moderation.
Final Acknowledgment
By creating an account and participating on this platform, you affirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by these Community Standards. You agree to hold yourself to the highest moral plane, acting on the Square, walking on the Level, and keeping your actions within the Plumb.