Novus Media User Rules
To Inform, Engage and Empower Local Communities
At Novus Media, we strive to create an inclusive, respectful, and engaging space for all users across our digital platforms, including the websites of our various publications. These user rules are intended to foster a positive and enriching environment for everyone. By participating in our community, you agree to abide by these rules to maintain the quality of discussions and interactions.
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General User Rules
Respectful Interaction
- Be Respectful: Treat other users with courtesy and respect. Avoid offensive, abusive, or hateful language. Personal attacks, threats, harassment, and bullying will not be tolerated.
- No Discrimination: Discriminatory language or behavior on the basis of race, gender, religion, nationality, or any other personal characteristic is strictly prohibited.
Stay On Topic
- Relevant Contributions: Please ensure that your comments and posts are relevant to the topic under discussion. Off-topic remarks, repetitive comments, or deliberate attempts to derail a conversation are not allowed.
- Constructive Comments: We value constructive input that adds value to the conversation. If you disagree with a post, keep your comments factual, respectful, and on topic.
No Harmful Content
- No Illegal or Harmful Content: Do not post anything illegal, threatening, defamatory, or encouraging illegal activity. This includes content that is obscene, offensive, or incites violence.
- Avoid Misinformation: Posting false or misleading information is not permitted. We take the integrity of our platforms seriously and aim to provide a space for accurate and reliable content.
No Spam or Advertising
- No Spamming: Avoid posting repetitive comments, irrelevant links, or promotional content. Spamming other users or promoting external products/services without permission is prohibited.
- No Self-Promotion: Posts made purely for self-promotion or promoting a business are not allowed unless part of a sanctioned partnership or promotional agreement with Novus Media.
Protect Privacy
- Respect Privacy: Do not share personal information—yours or others’—such as addresses, phone numbers, or private correspondence. Protecting the privacy of all users is of paramount importance to us.
User Account Responsibility
- Maintain Your Account Security: Users are responsible for maintaining the security of their own accounts. Do not share your login details with others, and ensure you use a strong, unique password.
- Profile Integrity: Do not impersonate others or create fake profiles. Users found creating multiple accounts for deceptive or disruptive purposes will be removed from our platforms.
Moderation and Enforcement
Our moderation team monitors content across our platforms to ensure compliance with these rules. We reserve the right to take action, which may include removing content, issuing warnings, or banning users who violate these rules.
- Content Removal: Comments or posts that violate these rules may be removed without prior notice.
- User Bans: Users who repeatedly or severely breach these rules may be temporarily or permanently banned from our platforms.
- Reporting Violations: If you come across content that breaches these rules, please use the “Report” feature available next to comments or contact support@novusmedia.co.za.
Tips for Positive Engagement
- Think Before You Post: Remember that words can have a powerful impact. Consider how your comment might be perceived before posting.
- Encourage Others: Positive reinforcement can create a more welcoming environment. Acknowledge thoughtful comments, share different perspectives respectfully, and contribute to productive discussions.
Changes to User Rules
Novus Media may modify these user rules from time to time to address new challenges and improve the user experience. Any changes will be posted here, and continued use of our platforms will indicate acceptance of the updated rules.
Thank You for Being Part of the Community
We appreciate your participation and your efforts to help make our platforms informative, respectful, and enjoyable for all. Your adherence to these rules helps us maintain a healthy, thriving community.