You are at the heart of everything we do. These guidelines exist to keep The Trusted Voice community a safe, inclusive, and valuable space for everyone.
Community is the foundation of The Trusted Voice. Everything we build, every resource we create, and every decision we make is designed to serve the people who show up and participate.
These guidelines exist to maintain a safe space where members can ask questions, seek support, and hold each other accountable. By joining The Trusted Voice community, you agree to uphold these standards and contribute to an environment where everyone can grow and succeed.
The following terms are used throughout these guidelines:
As members of The Trusted Voice community, we are accountable to each other. This means treating every interaction with care and consideration, and recognising that the way we communicate has a direct impact on the people around us.
We follow The Platinum Rule, a concept introduced by Milton J. Bennett, which goes beyond the traditional Golden Rule. Instead of treating others the way you would like to be treated, the Platinum Rule asks you to treat others the way they would like to be treated.
Golden Rule: "I like receiving DMs, so I will send them a DM."
Platinum Rule: "I like receiving DMs, but I do not know if they do. I will check if they are open to receiving DMs before sending one."
The Platinum Rule encourages empathy and awareness. Before acting, consider the other person's preferences, boundaries, and comfort level. When in doubt, ask.
Clear, respectful communication is essential to maintaining a healthy community. The following subsections outline the specific standards we hold for all interactions within TTV channels.
Do not promote your business, products, or services within TTV channels unless a member specifically asks for recommendations. The community is a space for learning and support, not self-promotion. If a member asks for a recommendation and your offering is relevant, you are welcome to share it.
Bullying is defined as offensive, intimidating, or malicious behaviour that undermines, humiliates, or injures another member. This includes behaviour that is carried out through any TTV channel, whether publicly or privately.
Gross MisconductHarassment is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic — including but not limited to age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation — that has the purpose or effect of violating a member's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.
Gross MisconductThe following behaviours, while sometimes uncomfortable, do not constitute bullying under these guidelines:
Any conduct that violates Australian law or the laws of a member's country of residence is strictly prohibited within TTV channels. This includes but is not limited to fraud, defamation, incitement to violence, and the sharing of illegal materials.
Gross MisconductSpam is defined as repeatedly posting the same or similar content across TTV channels, or sending unsolicited messages to members. This includes excessive self-promotion, chain messages, and any form of content that disrupts the normal flow of conversation.
Gross MisconductSexual content of any kind is strictly prohibited on all TTV channels. This includes but is not limited to sexually explicit images, videos, text, and links to external sexual content.
Gross MisconductAll members must comply with the community guidelines of the platforms used to host TTV channels. This includes, but is not limited to, Discord's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. Violations of platform-specific guidelines will be treated as violations of these Community Guidelines.
When a member's behaviour is flagged as gross misconduct, the following procedure will be followed to ensure a fair and thorough process.
A formal acknowledgement of the reported behaviour will be issued within 30 calendar days of the report being received. In complex cases that require additional review, this timeline may be extended to 60 calendar days.
A fact-finding investigation will be conducted to gather all relevant information regarding the reported behaviour. This may include reviewing messages, interviewing involved parties, and examining any supporting evidence.
The member who is the subject of the report will be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations. A response must be provided within 48 hours of the request being issued.
If a member is unable to respond within the 48-hour window due to exceptional circumstances — such as a medical emergency or family emergency — an extension may be granted at the discretion of TTV. Members must notify TTV of their circumstances as soon as reasonably possible.
Following the fact-finding stage, a formal investigation may be conducted. The outcome of this investigation may result in a suspension or termination of the member's access to TTV channels. In the event of termination, no refunds will be issued for any remaining membership period.
A member who has been subject to disciplinary action may submit an appeal within 14 calendar days of the decision being communicated. Appeals will be reviewed and a final decision will be issued in writing.