Getting Started

Creating your account Setting up your profile Finding and joining micro-communities Understanding member privileges and responsibilities Mobile and desktop app setup

Participating in Mus

Building connections with other members Finding events and activities Buddy match program for new members Navigating Mus Following community guidelines

Communication & Interaction

Using text and voice chat rooms Direct messaging other members

Privacy & Security

No articles in this category.

User Troubleshooting

No articles in this category.

Creating Your Community

No articles in this category.

Participating in Mus

No articles in this category.

Following community guidelines

About FAQ Terms Privacy Help Contact
Every Zakaya community has its own set of rules and norms that help maintain a positive environment. Understanding and following these guidelines ensures respectful interactions and helps you become a valued community member.

Following Community Guidelines

Overview

Community guidelines are the backbone of any thriving Zakaya community. They set expectations for behavior, create a framework for positive interactions, and help ensure everyone feels welcome. Each community on Zakaya has its own unique set of guidelines tailored to its specific culture and purpose.

Finding Community Guidelines

When you join a new community, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with its specific guidelines:

  1. Locate the Rules Button: In any community, you'll find a "Rules" button in the community navigation panel.

  2. Review Upon Joining: Guidelines are automatically displayed when you first join a community. Don't just click through them—take time to understand the expectations.

  3. Ask Community Moderators: If anything seems unclear, don't hesitate to reach out to community moderators or your buddy match for clarification.

Common Types of Guidelines

While each community has its own specific rules, some common guidelines you'll encounter include:

Behavioral Expectations

  • Be Respectful: Treat others as you would want to be treated
  • No Harassment: Zero tolerance for bullying, hate speech, or targeting individuals
  • Appropriate Content: Guidelines about what types of content are welcome

Participation Requirements

  • Activity Levels: Some communities may expect regular participation
  • Contribution Quality: Expectations about thoughtful vs. low-effort posts
  • Topic Relevance: Staying on-topic in specialized communities

Communication Norms

  • Language Use: Guidelines about formality, slang, or professional communication
  • Response Times: Expectations about how quickly members should respond
  • Conversation Flow: Rules about thread organization or conversation etiquette

Context-Specific Etiquette

Beyond written guidelines, each community develops its own unwritten etiquette. Take time to observe before becoming an active participant:

  • Lurk First: Spend time observing interactions before jumping in
  • Notice Tone: Is the community casual, professional, or somewhere in between?
  • Learn the Lingo: Communities often develop their own shorthand or inside references

Guideline Violations

Zakaya takes community guidelines seriously. Here's what happens when guidelines are violated:

The Three-Strike System

  1. First Strike: You'll receive a private message from a moderator explaining the violation and offering guidance.

  2. Second Strike: You may be temporarily removed from community activities but will still remain a member.

  3. Third Strike: Persistent violations may result in removal from the community.

Severe violations may result in immediate removal, bypassing the three-strike process.

Reporting Violations

If you notice someone violating community guidelines:

  1. Use the report function by clicking the three dots (...) next to any post
  2. Select "Report" and choose the appropriate reason
  3. Provide additional context if prompted

Benefits of Following Guidelines

Adhering to community guidelines isn't just about avoiding penalties—it creates a better experience for everyone:

  • Stronger Connections: Following norms helps you integrate more seamlessly
  • More Meaningful Engagement: Understanding the community's purpose leads to better interactions
  • Community Growth: Healthy communities attract and retain more active members

Examples

Example 1: Professional Community

In the "Digital Marketing Professionals" community, guidelines might include: - Using professional language - Providing sources for industry claims - Avoiding direct sales pitches to other members - Respecting confidential information

Example 2: Support Community

In a "Parenting Support" community, guidelines might focus on: - Non-judgmental responses - Trigger warnings for sensitive topics - No unsolicited advice - Celebrating all parenting approaches

Example 3: Hobby Community

A "Weekend Hikers" community might emphasize: - Safety-first information sharing - Accurate trail difficulty ratings - Inclusive event planning - Leave-no-trace principles in outdoor discussions

Final Thoughts

Community guidelines aren't arbitrary restrictions—they're the foundation that allows diverse people to come together in meaningful ways. By respecting and following these guidelines, you contribute to creating the kind of positive environment that makes Zakaya communities special places to connect.

×