SME TALK MAGIC

This is our curated discussion Facebook Group for magicians and variety entertainers. On it you will find a community of professional and amateur magicians and entertainers who share a wealth of  welcome conversations and inspiring posts. Regular content providers are a big part of our success. In addition to great articles, podcasts and blogs our group is a great place to get answers to questions and to collaborate with others.

We are a "Curated" discussion group. Please understand that we control the content. Any item posted by a member may still be removed by the moderators or admins if it is deemed to not fit the group intent or content guidelines.

OUR COMMUNITY STANDARDS

Rules and Guidelines

1. ALL POSTS ARE CURATED
   We curate all posts. Our standards for posts are they must engage the group members though questions or share non self-promotional information. They can not be a "vanity" posting.

2. MODS / ADMINS ARE THERE TO KEEP THE PEACE.
   If your comments on a post cross a line of being polite or break rules or expectations you may be MUTED for 12-48 hours. Please take the time to consider your mistake (or apologize).

3. BE EXCELLENT TO ONE ANOTHER
   Please consider yourself a guest at a party and choose kindness. If you approach our group as if you are a guest at a party, there to enjoy the company and discussions then you are very welcome to participate. If you decide to be disruptive, we may ask you to leave.

4. NO SPAM OR UNSOLICITED SELF-PROMOTION
   SME Talk Magic is a "NO SPAM ZONE" Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Eric Dany. You may not post links to commercial magic websites or engage in self-promotion. 

5. SME TALK MAGIC IS NOT FOR SELLING
   Do not post want to buy or item to sell posts in SME Talk Magic. This group is for conversations only. You may sell or buy items on our other group Surplus Magic Exchange.

6. NO DIRTY LAUNDRY AIRING ALLOWED
   If you came to blast a person, business or situation it will not be posted. If you suspect someone is not operating fairly on our group please let us know privately. "Buyer Beware" posts will be reviewed.

7. LEAVE YOUR PERSONAL AGENDAS AT THE DOOR.
   We don't allow political or religious topics to be discussed overtly on our group. We respect differences of opinion on both, but do not see our group as a place for these discussions.

8. DEATH NOTICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
   We ask that you check first to see if an announcement has already been posted. We allow announcements for the death of member of the group. Condolences can always be left on personal pages.

MEMBER EXPECTATIONS

Imagine yourself at a party.

Membership in this group comes with the expectation that you will be polite. “Think of this group as a party you are attending.”

Over the years we have used the analogy of a party to help guide us in how we moderate behavior on the group. We would like to see members interacting on our group in the same way people interact and treat each other in real life, social occasions. Manners, kindness and a modicum of tolerance. Nobody likes to be at a party where someone is being belligerent or rude. By approaching moderation in this way, we can look at how one person’s behavior is affecting others and if they are being a good guest or a disruptive one.

Members are invited guests.

We approved your request to join our party and let you in the door of our house. We want you to enjoy the party, and what it has to offer. Make friends, join in discussions and add to the overall enjoyment of others. We have trusted you to join us and to be part of the fun.

Avoid Taboo and NON-Magic Topics

Like with any party there are taboo topics that we do not wish to have people discuss at our party. These are subjects that bring a party down or don’t serve the intent of the party. Topics such as Politics, Religion or Gossip are not wanted. In addition to this, our party is not the place to come and find a market to directly make a sales pitch of your products or services. Certainly, you can discuss your knowledge, suggest a product you like or even tastefully share a trick that you created. Just don’t set up a point of purchase in the conversation.

Social Media Reactionary Syndrome

Social media has unfortunately created a culture of reduced accountability to how we treat others. It is very easy to feel the compulsion to reply and “hit the enter button”. This leads though to loose thoughtless comments and disruptive arguments. We want members on our group to participate in a way that destroys these bad habits of impulsive commenting and anti-social behavior. Ultimately, we want you to behave better here than on other Facebooks groups or website forums. If you want to behave poorly, go elsewhere. Nobody is keeping you here.

Moderator/Admin Hosts

As hosts Moderators and Admins are here to help where we can and to step in and manage our party should things get out of hand. We hope that if a moderator should send you a polite notice or request to step back that you will follow that request and let the air clear. Jumping in on a bandwagon of negative behavior is NOT a good idea.

Repercussions for Poor Behavior

We believe these expectations are not difficult to adopt and follow. We do not wish to “Police” the group but will exercise authority as needed. Moderators and Admins may perform any of the following actions to assure the enjoyment of others.

Actions Our Moderators May Take

General Polite Warning — A public or private message asking a member to consider their actions.

Mute Member —  Rude behavior may result in member being muted for 12 hours or as many as 7 days.

Freeze a Post — This can be a temporary or permanent freeze on any posts that jumps off track.

Final Warning — Sent as a private message. Please read carefully and follow instructions.

Banned / Blocked — Failing basic social expectations we will show you the door.