Online Merchant Network ("OMN") Discussion Board Policies (the "Policy")

Table of Contents:

• New to the Online Merchant Network (OMN)?: Here are some tips to get you started! 
• Moderation: How it works and how you can help
• Understanding Post Removals and Tips for Avoiding Posting Violations
• Board Suspensions for Repeated or Egregious Violations of the OMN Policy
• OMN Policy Introduction: Personal Responsibility
• Grounds for Post Removals: How to cope with disruptive posts
• Profanity, Vulgarity, Hate Speech, Hostility, Disputes, Threats of Violence
• Posting OMN Policy Violations: Discuss general, not specific
• Posting Contact Information or Another Individual's Email Address
• Obscene, Pornographic, or Adult Material (graphic or text)
• Site Interference, JavaScript, Active Code, Repetitive Posts
• Impersonation of OMN Staff or other OMN Users
• Encouraging others to violate the OMN Policy or User Agreement
• Advertising Items, Websites, Wanted Posts, Charitable Solicitations or Affiliate Links
• Refusing to Follow OMN and/or PayPal Staff Instruction or Direction
• Posting Email Content from Private Parties
• Posting Material that Violates the OMN User Agreement
• URLs, Item Numbers, or Websites in Titles of Discussions
• Off-Topic Posting: When allowed and when to avoid
• Discussing Deleted Posts, Board Warnings, Suspensions or Banned Users
• Signature File Guidelines
• Must be 18 Years or Older to Use the Online Merchant Network
• Media Representatives, Researchers, and Third Party representatives  
• Posting Copyrighted Items without Permission
• Board Specific Guidelines and Exceptions

New to the Online Merchant Network? Here are some tips to get you started!  

Welcome to the Online Merchant Network (OMN)! We are happy to see you, and trust that you will find the Forums and Resource Center useful in networking and growing your business, and that you will enjoy getting to know the other users who frequent them. These users are volunteers - they are simply people who like to help others, and spend their time here learning and sharing their knowledge, as well as having fun and networking.  This is a forum created by users for users.  It is not a PayPal Customer Support forum.  Please do not expect your questions to be answered by PayPal employees.   Although PayPal employees may be present from time to time, it is not possible for them to answer all customer questions.

There's a discussion for everyone. Be sure to read through the existing conversations to learn whether a discussion looks like the right place for you. Also, before posting the first time, it's important that you read the OMN Policy and User Agreement. Please remember that the OMN discussion boards are public places and can be read by anyone: keep your language clean and polite, and never post contact information about people.

Use the tools the OMN provides, and your own common sense to decide for yourself what information and advice to take to heart, and which to take with a grain of salt. Receiving a variety of opinions and guidance from the experience of others gives you options so you can make better-informed choices.

Within the OMN, a person's ranking, registration date and profile page are important elements in learning about them.  

Treat others as you would like to be treated, and they will respond well. Remember, the most profound way to change others' behavior is to model the behaviors we would like to see.

What follows are explanations about each of the OMN Policies. Reading them will help you understand the "rules of the road" for the Online Merchant Network. We are really glad you are here, and look forward to getting to know you! 

Moderation: How it works and how you can help 

Front-line enforcement on the OMN is done by OMN users who use the forums. When a member sees a violating post, they make use of the Report Abuse to a moderator under 'Options' on each post to alert the OMN Moderation Team to review it. If the moderator agrees that the post does violate OMN policy, the moderator may remove the post and send a polite email to the member who made the post, advising them of the policy. If the moderator finds that no violation exists, the post remains and no action is taken.

Reports are kept confidential, so no member ever knows who reported the post. In fact, users do not even know whether the report was made by a member or an OMN staff person.

If a violation is found, the post will be removed and the member sent an educational letter explaining the policy. If the person continues to post violations, they eventually will be given a "Board Suspension": banned from use of the boards for periods of time that vary from 7 days to 30 days to indefinite, depending on the types of violations and the number of times they have been previously warned for such behavior. Certain egregious violations or numerous violations prior to warning can result in immediate suspension or even a permanent ban from the OMN.

If the Moderation Team finds that there is no violation in the post, they will not take any action. If there's not a violation, the member never even knows that their post was reported. Each day, many posts are reported and reviewed that are found not to contain violations.

Users should only use the Report link to report actual violations of the OMN Policy or User Agreement. Abuse of this feature by reporting large numbers of posts that the Moderation Team finds are not violations, may result in loss of privileges of using the boards. However, do not fear if you occasionally report something that is not removed.

Because the OMN Moderation Team reviews each post on its own merits, they are able to make fair and impartial decisions about whether a post is in violation or not. OMN Users can help this process to be even more fair and consistent by being consistent themselves in the posts they report. For instance, if two people are both using profanity in their posts, the posts by both parties should be reported - not just the posts of one.

It is up to each member to be responsible for their own behavior, and the consequences of that behavior, regardless how others may act. When a post is removed, it is because the post was in violation - not because it was reported.

Keep in mind that because of privacy concerns, you cannot ever be fully aware of what action may or may not have been taken in regard to behavior of others, nor of history surrounding such. So you may not always know the full story. We are unable to read every post and rely on member reports to help point out matters needing attention. We cannot reveal the "behind the scenes" detail involved in enforcement, and thus are unable to share things that would likely relieve your mind during times of concern about such matters.

Enforcement actions by staff should always be only a last resort. Where communities truly behave in the way that they expect others to behave, disruptive behavior cannot and does not last. So long as a member is doing their part, and not being drawn into conflict, they are leading others toward a better OMN, by example.  

Understanding Post Removals and Tips for Avoiding Posting Violations 

When posts are deleted, the member who made the post should carefully review the OMN Policy to learn what other behaviors they should avoid. They can also review this explanation to help them have a better understanding of the "spirit of the rule" that they must follow in order to maintain their ability to use the OMN and its boards.

If you find that you have had a post removed for a violation, and another with the same violation remains, it is likely because the person making the report only saw your post to report. Please use the Report link so that the other post can be reviewed as well.

The goal in post removals and educational letters is to help people learn how to follow the Policy so that they can continue to use the OMN and the boards. Most users always follow the rules when posting, and of those who do post violations, very few ever repeat them. It is important for the users of the OMN to expect each other to follow all the rules when posting.

Sometimes users misunderstand that the rules remain the same regardless of the context of a post. You can avoid having your posts removed by being familiar with the spirit of each Board Usage Policy, trying to abide by the spirit of the rule, and also by giving thought, when writing your posts, to how a post might be viewed if it were seen out of context.

In most cases, the context of a post is not so important to any reader (even a lurker) as it may seem to a person who is involved in the conversation. You might have noticed this yourself when you are reading threads: if a poster is obviously frustrated, the reader may understand *why* s/he lets loose with some colorful language, but the reader, who isn't emotionally involved, recognizes that there's no real way for this "context" to negate the fact that cursing is a rules violation on the OMN.

Create your own context within your post, by posting complete thoughts, and restating (not necessarily quoting - because that can have its own problems) the question or post you are responding to.

So, when you are writing a post, try to think how you might read it if you were a moderator who was reviewing it. Doing so will help you avoid situations where you have a post removed.

Also, you can help each other by checking the first post of another's thread for violations before you post to it. If the first post has violations, the whole thread will have to be removed. This even makes us sad sometimes, but there's no way around it. If you can help the member start a new thread with similar, but non-violating, content, so that everyone can post to that new thread, everyone will be much happier. No more losing important information because the first post had to go.

Like everything else on the OMN, this is another place where trying to put ourselves in others' shoes, and giving the benefit of the doubt, can make all the difference in how positive our experiences are.  

Board Suspensions for Repeated or Egregious Violations of the OMN Policy 

A suspension prohibits users from posting to any OMN board (a "Suspension"). A Suspension applies to all user ids a member may own or have access to and may also apply to all users of the same household.

If you receive a Board Suspension, you may not post with any user id, regardless of whether it has the technical ability to post. Posting with any account before your Suspension is lifted may result in being permanently banned from the boards.

Suspensions may range from 1 day to an indefinite period.

Users contemplating posting in ways outside the  norms or policies must make a decision about how personally important they feel using the boards is to them, and conduct themselves accordingly, as a Suspension may result from repeated or egregious misbehavior, and violation of a Board Suspension may cause immediate and indefinite ban.

The OMN Policy Introduction: Personal Responsibility 

Using the public discussion boards and private messaging on the OMN can be informative and helpful. When users abide by the principles below, the boards are a positive and enjoyable experience for all users.

Courteous and respectful postings are expected from all participants.

Messages posted to the OMN discussion boards by users are solely the opinion and responsibility of the person posting the message.

PayPal is not responsible for messages left by OMN users.

You are responsible for your own posts.

The simple purpose of the Policy is to maintain sufficient order that all who wish to participate can do so happily. There is a saying: "My rights end where yours begin" and the OMN Policy helps us each determine at what point we are stepping beyond our freedom of expression into infringing on another's. Being respectful of differing opinions or approaches enriches us all, by bringing a lively variety to our interaction.

Good users are law-abiding citizens who understand that a willingness to follow basic rules is necessary for success in any society. Personal responsibility and self control are key components of successful participation. We must all be prepared to own our own words, and avoid words that may hurt, even if we feel justified or provoked, and even if such harm was wholly unintentional.

Everyone must also understand that each person is responsible for anything contained within a post you make, even if you are quoting another person. If the quotation contains violations, then you have also violated the OMN Policy because you included the inappropriate content in your own post through the quotation. 

Grounds for Post Removals: How to cope with disruptive posts 

Each community throughout the world has tried to find ways with which to address behavior that damages the community or individuals within it. Excessive refusal to abide by norms can endanger the existence of the entire community.

Community users can help others avoid violating the OMN Policy by refusing to engage in such behavior themselves, and refusing to communicate with or about people who violate the OMN Policy.

Where lesser disruptive behaviors occur, other users may attempt to educate a member by explaining that a behavior is unacceptable. The community also leads by example: treating others as they wish to be treated.

When  users themselves refuse to acknowledge the posts or presence of anyone who repeatedly engages in behaviors out of step with the Policy, the persons who are committing violations quickly learn that they will be shunned (ignored) if they do not conduct themselves appropriately.

Returning like for like, calling people "trolls" or "talking about" another person when faced with unacceptable behavior is a violation of norms and the community values. When users do this, they then abet the other in damaging the whole community, and are themselves as much at fault as the other person.

The acceptable consequence for any violation of norms and values, then, is some form of silencing. Refusal to acknowledge, post removal, Board Suspension and ultimately, banning, are all methods to remove inappropriate behavior and allow the community to interact in healthy ways.

The technique of ignoring the bad and responding to good also encourages and rewards appropriate behavior through positive interaction and replies. Receiving friendly responses is a highly positive reinforcement for continuing to (or starting to) make friendly posts oneself. Even in disagreement, there can, and should be, respect for other users and other opinions. 

Profanity, Vulgarity, Hate Speech, Hostility, Disputes, Threats of Violence 

The prohibition against profanity includes attempts to mask or misspell words so that they are still recognizable, i.e., attempting to circumvent the spirit of the rule while abiding by the letter of it.

"Vulgarity" includes references to bodily elimination.

"Hate Speech" includes using offensive or inciting language in reference to groups, such as nationalities, religions, creeds, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical appearance or features, or other matters of such fundamental nature. The internet generally, and the OMN specifically, provide a context within which such divisions no longer exist unless we bring them forward. It is up to us to nurture our humanity. Live and let live.

Profanity, Vulgarity, and Hate Speech are also prohibited in user ids. Please use the Report link to alert the moderation team to posters whose user ids contain violating language, and such users will banned from posting until they change to a more suitable user id.

Please be aware that you should not address posts to users whose user ids contain prohibited language, nor should you include such language in your posts regardless of where it is found, as doing so may cause your own posts to be removed (the language is violating regardless of reason for posting it). In such situations, please refer to the member by the timestamp on the post or some other, non-violating method.

"Disruptive or Hostile Comments" includes derogatory name-calling and rude behavior. Courteous posting is expected of all participants. Examples of violations include making insulting comments to or about others for any reason, aggressively challenging users for engaging in appropriate behavior such as using the Report link or for posting a contrary opinion or offering advice that one disagrees with, accusing others of being some other person, and telling users that they are not wanted on the board.

"Interpersonal Disputes" includes both parties or "sides" in any ongoing disagreement. It includes actions in which someone may claim they were "only" defending themselves. "He said/she said" is not a defense. Debate about issues, opinions or practices should be conducted without rancor and without making negative comments about the individual with whom one disagrees.

"Threats of violence" means just that. Do not joke about this, as such references are treated seriously by users and staff. There is no tolerance for threatening harm to others. Making threats of physical violence may result in immediate Board Suspension and/or ban. 

Posting OMN Policy violations: Discuss general, not specific 

Posts that violate the OMN Policy should be reported using the Report link under 'Options' on each post. This alerts the OMN Moderation Team to review the post and determine whether it should be removed.

We encourage users to discuss rules, policies, and need for enforcement in general, because such discussions play an important role in helping keep OMN useful and viable. Users of the OMN should continue to actively discuss practices or trends which they feel are inappropriate or of value to the OMN, or that they feel need to be relaxed, in order to continue to help us have your input available for the formulation of policy.

We merely ask that you not publicly point to or accuse individual users in the process.

Posting Contact Information or Another Individual's Email Address 

In the OMN, there is a balance between maintaining an honest and open environment in which users are known and have a history within the OMN and preserving an appropriate level of privacy. Certain information is available only to one's designated 'friends,' and other information is openly available to anyone.

"Contact Information" means Real Name (first and last), Address, Phone or other specifically private/sensitive information such as identification numbers. The rule is intended to protect sensitive information of types that users give to the OMN. Please note that posting other types of information about another may violate the OMN Policy and/or User Agreement.  Please respect the privacy of others.

Easily available, general information such as city or state of residence that would be visible to other users or non-identifying personal details you may have shared with others is not considered "Contact Information." If you sign any posts with your first name, other users may address you by that name without violating the rules.

It is wise to avoid posting personal details on any message boards since you may not be aware of who is reading your posts.

Please note that protection of personal contact information does not in any way allow a member to be "anonymous." Users should choose a single registration with which they do all of their interaction on the OMN. Attempting to hide or fake your true identity is also a violation of the OMN Policy and/or User Agreement. 

Obscene, Pornographic, or Adult Material (graphic or text) 

"Obscene, Pornographic, or Adult Material" includes material (graphic or text) that is obscene, pornographic or adult in nature.

In addition to photographic or text material, this rule includes comic art, cartoons and drawings, off-color jokes and links to such. Blatant double-entendre may also fall into this rule for the same reason as masked profanity (above): it is an attempt to circumvent the spirit of the rule. Suggestive topic titles violate this rule, even when created as jokes.

In other words: No Littering - Help keep the OMN clean. 

Site Interference, JavaScript, Active Code, Repetitive Posts 

This entails using JavaScript or active code, making repetitive posts, or taking actions that interfere with site operations.

This rule includes any activity that circumvents the intended use of a board, a feature, the Policy or User Agreement. Some examples include:

• Using white text to mask profanity or other violations, so that it is "hidden" until someone highlights the area.

• Interpersonal disputes carried to such a level or duration that the average member cannot enjoy the board.

• Mob behavior includes actions by several users to discourage opinions other than their own, or against another member or users.

• Using multiple user ids to appear to be different people, to circumvent OMN-imposed restrictions or rules, or to debate with oneself or support one's own argument.

• Making repetitive posts includes "spam" and attempts to disrupt a board or boards by multiple postings. When an otherwise "allowed" post is made to more than 3 boards it may be determined to be "spam" and removed. "Bump" posts may be allowed in limited quantity to preserve useful threads, but will be considered disruptive if used to further an agenda or to fill the front page of a board with threads about a single topic or user.

• Using code to change the appearance of a board or others' posts, such as deliberately stretching or elongating a board or a post, making an image or text appear outside your own post box, or causing sound to play without a deliberate action from the reader.

• Using any kind of active code other than simple HTML - certain HTML coding is also prohibited. JavaScript, CSS, Java applets, redirects, pop-ups, and cookies are some examples of items prohibited from member posts.

• Using code to mimic post headers: making a post that appears to be a post that appears to be from another user, or at another time, or otherwise creates the appearance of being "a post" when it is not.

The ultimate purpose of every OMN board is to enable users to interact with each other and, on occasion, with OMN staff. Just because something is "technically possible" or there's not a specific rule against it, does not mean it is appropriate or allowed. Anything that interferes with the use of the format, tools, or policies as OMN has intended it to appear or be used may be considered Site Interference. 

Impersonation of OMN or PayPal Staff, Moderators or other OMN Users 

This includes creating user ids that mimic those of other posters, using code to fake a PayPal logo or post headers so that it appears a post has been made by someone when it was not, as well as using numbers or letters that cause an id to appear closely similar to another.

The OMN is founded upon an environment of trust among its users. Misrepresentation of identity is an egregious offense, because it violates this trust. When a member deliberately attempts, for whatever reason (even in play), to mimic the identity of any other member, there is potential harm to the mimicked member's reputation within the OMN, as well as overall damage to the feeling that we can trust those we come in contact with to be who they say they are.

Encouraging Others to Violate the OMN Policy or User Agreement 

Users should never, even in play, suggest that others do something that is known to be a violation of the OMN Policy or User Agreement. Examples include giving others workarounds for PayPal technologies that are designed to enforce a policy, suggesting that others to register new accounts with false or different information for purposes of avoiding detection, and encouraging others to violate the OMN Policy or User Agreement, such as bragging about or giving awards for having posts removed. 

Advertising Items, Websites, Wanted Posts, Charitable Solicitations or Affiliate Links

Advertising includes promotion of others' businesses as well as your own. While it is often necessary to refer users to various things in order to provide the help they need, persistent focus on a particular service or commercial site may become advertising.

Please use care in your recommendations to avoid the appearance of advertising.

The OMN provides a Signature File tool, with which users can create a signature to display in each of their posts. A member is allowed to link to any website within the signature, provided that they adhere to the specific guidelines for use of Signature Files. Please refer to those guidelines for more detail.

Refusing to Follow OMN and/or PayPal Staff Instruction or Direction 

This rule allows for flexibility to meet OMN needs as they may arise, particularly in

relation to standards of behavior that neighborhoods may have established over time, or where new types of problems emerge in our changing environment.

A place this may come up is in situations where some behavior or activity by a member or users interferes with the ability of a board to function for its most basic purposes. It's often easy to get caught up in things and to not see how one's own behavior contributes to some ongoing problem. This allows us to request users to refrain from certain discourteous behaviors, giving them an opportunity to gain some distance and insight into the dynamics of a situation, and learn how to prevent escalations when faced with similar situations in the future.

Posting Email Content from Private Parties 

This refers to the text of emails sent to you from another individual. Do not post emails or text from emails that other people have sent you. People make posts when they want to share their words with the OMN. When people send email, we should assume that they only intend the recipient(s) to read it and should respect the other person's privacy. Traditional netiquette frowns on making email communication public. Posting emails can result in accidentally including otherwise prohibited information such as names of others.

Official OMN or PayPal email to users is generally instructional in nature and sharing such "official" information can be very valuable. Users can continue to post the text from email they themselves receive from PayPal or OMN - or, in cases where users receive email that "appears" to be from PayPal or OMN when in fact it is not. We agree that this should still be allowed, and will not enforce this rule against such use (unless the posting of such email violates other policies, such as discussion or reposting of removed posts).

It is mail from others that users should not post. If a situation arises where one feels one needs to see the original email to help, say with a problem, where one of the parties is asking advice, we'd recommend users ask the questioner to forward the email to them so they can help in solving the problem. 

Posting Material that Violates the OMN User Agreement  

All use of the OMN is hinged first on the OMN User Agreement. While the OMN Policy covers the most general types of things that are specific to forums, it is assumed that all users are aware of, and intend to follow, the provisions of the OMN User Agreement.

URLs, Item Numbers, or Websites in Titles of Discussions 

If you include an item number, web site or URL in a topic title, the topic will be removed, regardless of other content.

eBay user ids or store names that appear to be URLs, containing "com", "net", or other language that equates to a URL, may not be used in topic titles.. If used in topic titles, the topic will be removed.

In addition, while there may be times when one wants to address a topic to the attention of a specific member, there should never be embarrassment or concern caused to any member. Please be cognizant of this when creating topics. 

Off-Topic Posting: When allowed and when to avoid 

Each board exists for a certain purpose and appropriate topics may be necessary to enable the board to continue to meet the needs for which it was created.

Off-topic posting is generally allowed on most OMN boards. However, should such posting be found to prevent the ability of the board from functioning for its intended purpose, off-topic posting may be restricted to a single thread or prevented altogether.

Discussing Deleted Posts, Board Warnings, Suspended or Banned Users 

This policy prevents repetition of violations by others who, by quoting something that was inappropriate, thus commit the same violation themselves. It also helps users avoid encouraging others to violate policy. Many of the principles discussed under the "Posting auction reports or member violations" rule also apply to the discussion of removed posts, warning letters for posting infractions, or of suspended or banned users.

It is inappropriate to talk about others who are not able to post due to being suspended from the OMN. Courtesy recognizes that it is unkind to "talk behind someone's back" and this policy helps to foster this understanding.

Some examples of behavior that violates this rule are:

• Posting demands to know why one (or another member) received a warning or Board Suspension.
• Posting statements addressed to a moderator about their removal of a post or posts.
• Posting complaints about users who use the Report link.
• Using euphemisms to tell others that a post was removed or that you received a warning.
• Starting threads to encourage others to "support" a member or users who have said they have received warnings.

Users may, of course, when asked or needing help, mention that another member is now suspended banned from the boards. However, once the appropriate help is given, discussion of that aspect should then cease, and extraneous comment be avoided.

Users who wish to discuss any OMN Policy are welcome to do so, provided the discussion is kept general, and does not include specific examples. OMN staff cannot comment on actual instances of violations, but can discuss generally with you what various policies mean. 

Signature File Guidelines 

OMN provides a Signature File feature for the boards that enables a signature to appear with each of your posts. This file may contain up to 500 characters, and may contain HTML. The following guidelines are required for use. Violation of these guidelines will result in removal of all posts containing the inappropriate signature.

1. Material contained within signature files must not violate the Policy.

2. All images found in a signature may not exceed a total area of 80 pixels by 100 pixels.

3. Signatures may not contain any active code, scripts, CSS, JS, mouseovers, midi files, tracking mechanisms, cookies, or any type of code other than plain HTML used in standard ways. Code written to bypass board filters in any way will be a violation.

4. Signatures must be static. They may not blink, move, fade, or change in any way.

5. Signatures may contain no more than one (1) link.

6. Users may link to any URL with the following exceptions:

* You may only link to your own website

* You may not link to websites that are in violation of PayPal's Acceptable Use Policy

Notwithstanding the ability to link to items, the "No Advertising" clause of the OMN Policy remains applicable to posts made using signatures. Posting for the sole purpose of allowing one's signature to display will not be tolerated. Examples of this include empty posts, repetitive posts, "bumping" without adding useful content, or other types of posts that do not contribute individually to healthy interaction. In addition, blatant language or techniques, including frequent change of signatures, is prohibited and will be interpreted as Advertising.

For clarification, please note that the Signature File Guidelines apply only to the use of a signature, which is that portion of a post that would commonly be repeated in every post a member makes. The content of the body of the post continues to be covered by the other elements of the OMN Policy specifics and interpretation. Users may continue to post helping links, there is no prescribed limit to photo size or number of links within the body of a single post. Users may not advertise by including links to their items in the body of posts, etc.

Some may have slow connections or slow machines. Some may use text readers or other aids. Try to create a signature that adds something positive to your posts, and doesn't trouble others on the board you are posting to, so that all feel there is value in it that makes it worth the extra page-load time.

It's a small act of kindness to make a change that may help another.

These guidelines apply to any repeated text or image that appears in every post one makes, regardless of whether that inclusion is done manually or via the tool provided for signatures.

Only one (1) such repetitious item may be included in posts.

Examples:

An image or text within a single post, but not repeated in later posts: this is not considered a "signature."

An image or text within every post one makes: this is a "signature" and must fall into these guidelines.

Two sets of images or text that are repeated in every post: this is not allowed.

The "image size" limit includes text as well - it is intended that the entire signature be no larger than 50 X 220 pixels. If you wish to include both text and an image, they will need to fit within this size.

The shape of the signature should be horizontal, rather than vertical, following the size guidelines. Please be mindful so that others are not forced to scroll because of your signature.

Must be 18 Years or Older to Use the Online Merchant Network

Only persons aged 18 or over may post to the boards, without regard to whether an adult actually owns the registration or parental/guardian permission.

The OMN is for use by adults only. Accounts used for posting by underage persons will be indefinitely banned, without prior warning, from use of the boards. 

Media Representatives, Researchers, and Third Party Representatives 

Reporters, researchers, and third party representatives need permission prior to posting or emailing users in their official capacity.

This rule helps assure that the OMN is made aware if they are speaking to someone who is acting in a professional capacity, rather than as a fellow member.

Please note that any OMN member may post to the boards at any time in their personal status as an OMN member, regardless of whether they post in their official capacity at other times.

When posting to the OMN as official representatives, representatives of third party companies must properly identify themselves and may only respond to direct questions about their specific company in a factual manner. Advertising or promotion is not allowed. 

Posting Copyrighted Items without Permission 

Please use care to avoid posting images or text that are the property of others. If an image or text belongs to another, you should obtain their permission prior to posting. 

Board-Specific Guidelines and Exceptions 

Please note that due to the variety of discussion boards on the OMN, additional policies may be implemented in specific. At our discretion, there may be exceptions made for certain PayPal-sponsored programs or events.