We have been facing an issue as our community grows: there have been a few bots or users who are either giving AI answers to questions, creating AI comments (apparently) or just answering every comment on a post with the same one, and clearly moving towards a "DM funnel" commonly used in groups. So let's make things clear. First, we don't tolerate it. I love when you spark discussion, but when it is clear the poster either doesn't know how the writing process works or how to talk to writers, it can get frustrating for everyone fast. This behavior is hard to describe, but one that I know and recognize when you try it. Don't engage in this here. It's subtle, but it's still self promo. Second, if you as a member get an unwanted DM, or an unsolicited one that seems like someone trying to sell you something you did not ask for, report it to myself or Stacey immediately. This is designed to be a safe and welcoming community, free from that kind of thing, and I will boot people to keep it that way. Which brings us to number 3: DMs. First, don't sent DMs to another member unless invited or you agree to that kind of discussion. We want you to connect and make friends here, but don't make it creepy, dude. That;s not our jam. Second, if I DM you asking you to clarify your purpose here, and warn you about self promo, usually it means I have already seen something that raised a red flag, your content has been flagged by an auto mod in Skool, or a user has raised a question about you. Just respond to be honestly. Many users attempt to join and have a high spam risk score assigned by this platform. I look at everyone of those carefully. Do not try to get around or push the limits or rules here. Here to genuinely connect with authors? Awesome. Playing some kind of spam game or scheme? Move on, or I will move you on. Let's be nice, kind, free of self-promo or schemes to sell something to authors, or make some other kind of not-cool nefarious connections. And as in all things, if you see something "off" say something. We'll do our best to keep this a clean, drama free community.

If you didn't get that title, that's a joke from the Big Lebowski, a definite Plot Dude principle. Look, we want this whole durn community to be fun, enjoyable, and a safe space for everyone. So we have to set some rules to get started. Refer back to this post from time to time, but we'll try to announce any changes in separate posts. But here's our starting place: 1) Be kind. Don't dis on anyone else for any reason. There are some topics we just won't allow to be discussed here, but no matter what, kindness matters. That golden rule thing: treat others the way you want to be treated. No exceptions. This is the only rule where there won't be a warning: treat someone unkindly, and you'll get removed faster than the Dude can mark a gutterball zero. 2) No selling or self-promotion. Stacey and I are even "light" on this in this community. There are classes, some that will be free, others that are paid, in the classroom section. Most of the time though we will be posting about FREE things we offer, like free webinars, education, and our podcast. If you offer author services and want to be recommended by Print2Pro, contact us. You get one warning for this one. Continued self promo after that? You'll find yourself outside, and unable to look in. 3) No political or religious posts, even related to your current WIP. This is a politics and religion free space, not because we don't care about those things, but because they cause division. We're here to talk about writing craft and business. Stacey and I even differ in our religious and political beliefs, but we won't be having that discussion here. If you are insanely curious, and want to talk about those things, you'll have to book a paid consultation with us one on one, and we might have to charge you double. 4) Don't be annoying or be a jerk. Everyone is at a different stage in their writing career and has different goals. We like to teach gently, not in a condescending or mean way. Take 'er easy, dude. Keep things light and kind.