7 Cups Behavior Reporting Process & Tracking - Updated Version
All,
The post below outlines an updated behavior reporting process! We had originally launched this in 2016 and we are now updating it and re-emphasizing it as we move forward. Our objective to streamline the process and keep you well informed. Not many people struggle with a number of behavior points, but for people that do, we want to ensure that you can take steps to improve your behavior and be part of the community.
We are figuring out the best ways to manage unhelpful & un-supportive behaviors on 7 Cups. Once you have reviewed the entire post, please ask any questions or share your constructive thoughts.
This process is designed to provide you an opportunity to improve. We do not have any intentions to punish anyone but we do need to keep people accountable for their behavior. It is your community and how you behave, impacts it as well. Our purpose is to provide a better help & support and compassionate environment to all.
We all want to be part of a community that fosters high warmth and high expectations. It is the best way to lead a community because everyone deserves support and compassion.
Growing a plant, for example, requires a lot of effort, care, and the right treatment. Not every plant growth is similar but the basic process is somewhat the same. Suitable environment, the right proportion of soil, water, sunlight. Knowing the right conditions is significant for a seed to grow into a beautiful plant.
Similarly for a community:
If you have high warmth but low expectations, then structure or its culture is low.
If you have low warmth and high expectations, then it has a structure, but limited reliability and safety.
If you have low warmth and low expectations, then neither has a structure nor culture.
If you have high warmth and high expectations, it has structure and reliability and safety.
So here we are focused on providing both so that the community can have increased trust, support, culture, safety, and compassion.
A few points to keep in mind when reading the below:
- We believe in second chances. We know and understand no one is perfect and can improve. But, we need to understand when you have an opportunity to improve, you strive to improve and show that you improved. Value the opportunities you have.
- We believe in inclusivity. We welcome all constructive feedback. Because we are also not perfect and striving to improve. Feedback is a two-way process. Ensure to provide feedback in a compassionate, constructive, and respectful manner.
- We believe in accountability. Everyone is responsible and accountable for their actions. Because action has a reaction and impacts someone. We are in a community setup, so how you act impacts community activities. If you are supportive, the activities flow in a positive way. If you act unsupportive, the activity flow gets interrupted.
- We believe transparency is helpful. As a community member, it is your right to know what is happening with the reports and how it gets processed. So, we want to provide better transparency in our actions in this system. However, there are also natural limitations too. We will not be able to share or disclose in detail with the community at large things that are happening on an individual basis. Because a wise person said, Praise in public, criticize in private. We want to give everyone a second chance to improve and feel encouraged to improve.
The below behavior rating system has been specifically designed to meet the community's needs. We considered all inputs and tried to include all that was feasible to add. As you review this post, please remember this is a work in progress and always be updated as per the community's needs.
Please share all constructive feedback, inputs, and ideas on what is missing or what does not make sense and what can be done.
Introduction
The aim of this guide is to provide information and to help you understand how the Behavioral Points System would work.
What is the Behavioral Rating System?
It is a process we would be used to assign points based on the infractions they did in the community at a point in time. Every time, they commit a violation, they will be getting points assigned and informed through email so they know what violations they did, and what points assigned to them for the violations. So they can have the opportunity to learn from the mistakes they made and improve. But if they do not improve and they cross the threshold, they will face consequences.
This is modeled after other point systems like having a driving license in the US. If a person drives in a safe and smart manner (they are a good member), then they will receive no points. If they drive through stop signs, then they get a point. If they drive dangerously, then they get more points. If a person accrues enough points, then they are required to go to driving school. If they still do not improve then they can lose their license and no longer drive.
It is a systematic process where all reports will be included for a user.
How does it work?
- The system will be applicable to both listeners and members.
- Each behavior report or flagged forum thread will be evaluated using the below point criteria. Points are cumulative.
- Each point expires 6 months after it was earned.
- If no reports within three months from the date of action, an 80% reduction in the points. Note: One can be able to apply for a leadership role. This includes Mentor roles, teen star, group mod, peer support, and project agent roles.
- If zero reports within a month from the date of action, 40% reduction in the behavior score.
Applicability of the system:
The process will be applicable moving forward. It won't consider past reports. Except for the reports which are severe. It will be up to the Community Management Teams' decision for those reports.
How reports are filed?
Reports filed via specific behavior reports:
The incoming report will be reviewed by the concerned team. It will be reviewed for accuracy and if one of the below behaviors is identified the following actions will be taken:
The authority sends a warning message to the reported user letting them know about the report. If the user would like to provide their side of the story, they will be invited to do that.
Point(s) will be assigned if the user assumes responsibility for the action and agrees that it happened. The authority will let the user know the point has been assigned.
If the user does not accept responsibility for the behavior and the evidence that the behavior did occur is clear, point(s) will be assigned.
It is requested of all reporters that they submit relevant screenshots to prove their accusations for a user.
All points will be tallied and tracked on the community management team's backend panel. Dates will be logged to monitor the timing.
Please click here for more information on how to provide constructive feedback.
You can learn more about triangulation here
Learn more about rumors spreading here.
Learn what open communication is here.
Important Notes: �
All the behaviors identified above are common behavior identified in the specific areas. Though, if the same behavior is found in other parts of the community as well, the points and consequences will be applicable.
Zero Points Behavior. They are applicable for the first instance only. If the behavior continues, the points will be assigned according to the severity of the reported behavior.
Except for a few specific behaviors that are subjected only to listeners. All other behaviors are subject to both listeners and members of the community.
Adult Teen Listeners- In case of violations, the badge and access will be removed instantly.
Below you will find the corresponding consequences of the above behaviors.
Red Flag Offenses: �
Forum Spam - If you are repeatedly spamming the forums with inappropriate content or advertisements you or your account may be removed
Post inappropriate or graphic pictures, your account will be removed
Sexting and/or repeatedly sexting (after a given warning not to) will result in account removal
Underage or in the wrong age community (you must be 15 to be a listener & 13 to be a member)
Red Flag Consequences: Immediate removal from 7 Cups community
Protocol on Getting Support from a community leader:
If you are having a problem, you may approach a community leader for support on how to manage that situation. However, please refrain from telling them specific details. As a general rule when communicating with community leaders: we should avoid using names and specific details about a person or a given situation. For example, if you are having a conflict with another listener. You could go to the community leader and say I am struggling with a difficult situation. Could you give me some tips on how to use conflict resolution? In this example, no specific details are mentioned, but you are still able to ask for help as you work through a difficult situation.
Footnote:
The protocols are similar to earlier ones and shared from the previous update with few changes.
Updated the constructive feedback point in accordance with the new forum guideline on Sep 23, 2020 - Hope
Link here to Heather's clarification post on BPS https://www.7cups.com/forum/SiteUpdates_100/HsHangout_1970/SomeclarificationonLLReports_230570/
Guidelines with better view available in the Community Guidelines page, Click here
[edited by MistyMagic to remove scripts and add in H's post 30 Oct 2020]
Hello, I doing this can the reporting system be made easier? And can we get follow ups as to what happens to our reports? Sometimes it feels pointless as you maybe have had a member be so so abusive too you, you report and they end up back in the general chat. Is temporary blocks until issues are investigated an option for listeners safety?
It seems like there are some updates being made in general, I feel like this could really use some updating too
Problems - One needs to know where this is to find it easily. It's not on the help center or the community guidelines. the subcommunity information where other common links are shared, or the resources in this section.
- There are things that look like they should be links but are not. A few times it saw for more information go here with no explaination or link what 'here' is. "Add link" is actually in one of the points.
- It's not very user friendly in general. ctrl F doesn't work as it's an image. I assume this doesn't work wtih screen readers for the same reason that ctrl F doesn't work. The tables get cut off at odd places. The order at times doesn't make much sense.
- Some of the points aren't clear to when they will be applied. Ie. They are site wide, but are listed under a certain area so that someone can easily miss that if looking for something specific.
- They aren't all that member friendly as written. Eg. the mention of filing a L-L report if conflict resoluation isn't possible. 'or other lsitener' is referenced instead of just listener. The information under points 8-10 aren't clear for members.
- Some really good suggestions in this thread were not used. When good feedback is provided and it's fairly easy to use, please use it.
- The process that is mentioned isn't actually followed, creating confusion. there are also inconsistencies within this.
Solutions:
- Add links or documents where appropriate. Ie. Community guidelines, help center, resources/SC info such as this one and group support
- Put in apporpriate links that work
- Reorder this. I suggest starting with the community guidelines as a framework, where the general ones are at the top. Make this into a document so it's more accessible, or post in a similar manner as the community guidelines.
- Again, using the above suggestion as the community guidelines as a framework should also help make it more obvious as to when these things are applicable, such as starting with site-wide rules and then moving to the specific areas, as the community guidelines do.
- Either make this written so that's it's totally applicable to members and listeners or do as the community guidelines do, where there is one of rmembers and one for listeners (may be useful to have 2 considering the VL set which has been initiated)
- Make some changes based on some of the feedback.
- Have a clear process for how this system works and then follow through with that. For example there's mention of a gentle warning email - take a look at look and ensure these emails are being sent prior to points being applied and are gentle in their tone (and mention if an account on site will be used to send these too). Make the 8 points match up, it's combined with 6&7 in one spot and 9&10 in the other.
@7CupsCommunity @ASilentObserver @EvelyneRose
[ Based on point 3 in the above post by @AffyAvo ]
I had some time on my hands, and tried to redo the tables (except the Colors-Points-Action table) into a form where the text could be searched through, as opposed to the image format they've been posted in. It took the assistance of OCR software, and I've tried my best to keep out any errors that may have crept in.
|
Behavior Identified in Forum Posts |
Number of Points |
|
Making Generalizations
|
0 |
|
Breaking Confidentiality
|
0 |
|
Sharing Contact Information
|
0 |
|
Using inappropriate Tone
|
1 |
|
Sharing unconstructive feedback
If a forum post is not constructive nor positive then it will be deleted and a point maybe assigned. |
1 |
|
Perpetuating a debate without constructive purpose
|
1 |
|
Using Inappropriate Language
|
1 |
| Creating posts attempting to polarize or divide the community. | 1 |
|
Posting Sexual Content
|
2 |
|
Creating Duplicate Accounts
|
3 |
| Behavior Identified in Chatrooms |
Number of Points |
| Deliberately interrupting a discussion in progress. | 1 |
| Being generally unsupportive of your peers & unwelcoming to people who join the room | 1 |
| Continuing to discuss inappropriate discussion topics after moderator warning | 1 |
| Using the "lead discussion button" inappropriately | 1 |
| Engaging in a conflict, arguing, acting confrontational | 1 |
| Bullying or harassing another user | 1 |
| Flirting | 1 |
| Talking about personal problems while on your listener account after receiving at least two warnings from a moderator inviting you to head to your member account. The appropriate way to get support is to move to your member account to seek support. | 1 |
| Using racist or hate speech | 4 |
| Behavior Identified 1-1 Chats and/or Negatively Impact the Community | Number of Points |
|
Bullying:
|
1 |
| Spreading gossip | 1 |
|
Triangulating with 2 or more users
|
1 |
|
Disregarding another user's personal boundary after they have clearly stated it to you.
|
1 |
| Refusing to use conflict resolution and problem solving skills in a situation where you are playing a direct role. (learn more here/ add link). We realize that in some cases you may not able to do this. If conflict resolution is not possible, you may: file a L-L behavior report or block the | 1 |
|
other user involved. In all cases, we encourage you to do self-care and move forward from the situation. Problems arise when the following behaviors are detected:
|
|
| Flirting | 1 |
| Offsite Contact -Confirmed interaction with another community member off of 7Cups | 1 |
| Offsite Chat Group - If you are confirmed to be part of a large offsite chat group | 4 |
|
Romantic relationship with a member or other listener
|
5 |
| Sexting (Mentor/ leadership badges removed for min of 3 Months) | 7 |
| Plagiarism - Leaving your listener acct fake reviews from member or guest acct | 4 |
| Adult Teen Listeners - Who give their contact info to a teen but do not initiate contact offsite. | 3 |
| Adult Teen Listeners - Who give & initiate contact offsite with a teen | 4 |
| Number of Points | Loss of privilege or warning enacted |
| 0-2 |
|
| 3-5 |
|
| 6-7 |
|
| 8-10 |
|
//I assume that at specific points, the image contained text that was hyperlinked. As I am unaware of what the text linked to, I have not formatted this post to include the hyperlinks.
Table breaks have been introduced as present in the image.
@loyalTree3713 Thanks for doing that! Even to just read it, and ignoring the other aspects like being able to use the find feature, the text is much more clear.
@AffyAvo
I'm glad you find it helpful, and I agree!
P.S: I am realizing that the table in my post is not accessible on the 7Cups Mobile Application. It is however, visible on the website-(Desktop and Mobile Browsers)
@7CupsCommunity @ASilentObserver please see my comments where I tagged on Jan 29. This process is not being followed yet points are being applied so there's not a good source of information as to what they mean.
@AffyAvo
Tagging Leaders to see what suggestions and comments they have.
@MidnightRaven999 , @Heather225
So in this guidlines i see nothing about u can't role play Role playing is good for this site it realses strees upvote if u agree People enjoy role playing if they are doing weird things u can't just close it down for everybody what if i want to role play I am a nice gentle i like to role play i shouldn't be muted for doing something i like once i get muted i can't chat with freinds if i don't chat with freinds i get depressed and then boom I'm dead Now thats not good for the 7cups comunity Upvotes people upvotes
thank you so mucg,this is very usefuf,
A very helpful and informative post, thank you @richuyulin for sending this out!
Hi @kindLemonade, happy to help out!
@ASilentObserver some on the images in this post aren't visible anymore. Can you please replace them or possibly type it out? Though I know that the tables would possibly not work.
This has also happened in some other posts you made like the one on badges required to unlock rooms.
@7cupscommunity can you please explain the offsite chat group? This never made sense to me, and there's now a Twitter chat planned soon.
@AffyAvo
It's basically anything not sanctioned by the site, if that makes sense. I assume the Twitter group is part of a larger social media operation, whereas like getting someone's Discord to contact them would be talking to them offsite.
@EvelyneRose I guess I don't understand why there's a group chat rule when there's already a no sharing offsite rule. It would be nice for it to be better clarified right with the rules.
@AffyAvo I guess this has happened / is happening from what I have seen
@theriverissinging What though? I'm confused when this applies. We want people to refer people here.
Are they concerned about a group where everyone announces their 7cups name?
@AffyAvo
A discord chat to be precise. People here know each other elsewhere too (which is not a violation of guidelines per say). I guess it was included to keep their identities separate here from other social media or real life (in case they already know each other, not via 7 Cups) and if it's via 7 Cups, they're not supposed to do that in the first place is what the guidelines say. I agree that the point of this would be same as that of the generic offsite contact rule.
Edit: some people*
@EvelyneRose A brilliant reply! "Sanctioned", of course, can mean either "penalized" or "permitted", so this makes perfect sense (in a surreal kind of way).
In fact I completely agree with you—7 Cups can allow or disallow anything they want, and no one can predict in advance what's going to be allowed or disallowed just by reading the written rules.
I also agree with @AffyAvo that it would be nice for this to be clarified, but in all the years of discussions around offsite contact 7 Cups has always resisted clarifying it, so to clarify it now would be a fundamental policy change.
Charlie
@7Cupscommunity can we please get clarity on this. Other groups isn't a rule anywhere else, why is something in the behaviour points when there is no guidelines about it and it's not clear.
As for the discord example mentioned earlier - ok sharing a discord chat here isn't within the rules. But someone could also have a discord group and invite the people within to 7cups, a bunch join. Someone shares that contact information with users here (shouldn't be done), who end up joining too. The groups is still a separate thing, why would just being in that group be a problem?
@7CupsCommunity I was searching for information in this and noticed an addition made fairly recently. Why is there a point system for using therapist or LifeCoach in a username? Where is the rule/guideline for this?
Also, I find it a bit misleading that this post says 2020 and a new section was added for a point in 2021 and no one even bothered to put in a footnote regarding the edit when there are footnotes for other edits.