Our community is governed by the following "rules of the road." Please consider them carefully. Of course we actively encourage free expression, and we will absolutely defend anyone's right to have unpopular views, but here's the deal: we must ask that you follow a few customary practices, so our community remains an inviting and useful place for discussion, learning and inspiration.

1. Play nice. We may not always agree with each other but we can still be respectful and civil to each other. Hot debates are one of the best things about participating in a community, but please try not to escalate to inane name calling (e.g., "You're a moron.") or silly arguments (e.g., "I know you are, but what am I?"). If things get uncomfortable, take the high road and agree to disagree.
2. Keep it pretty clean. Any content that contains sexually graphic, excessively profane, or otherwise highly offensive language will be deleted, and in serious cases you may be suspended or banned from the community.
3. Please don't be threatening. We simply do not allow any abusive, racist, violent, or hateful language or behavior. No creepy stalking please. Nor any form of predatory or attacking behavior.
4. Stay out of hot water. Any participation in, or encouragement of, any illegal activity is cause for immediate ban from the community. Such behavior may also be reported to the appropriate authorities. Remember you are legally responsible for what you publish in the Scientific American community.
5. Be original. Only publish content that was created by you, or that you have a right to publish in accordance with our Terms of Use. Please respect copyright.
6. For everyone's sake, don't sell anything here. This is not the place to solicit another version of velcro or your pet bird. No commercial advertising allowed. And while we're on this point: no spam, no chain letters, no pyramid schemes, no junk mail.
7. Never forget it's public. Don't post anything about yourself that you wouldn't want your fellow members, or wider community to know. Like, think twice before posting pics from your last T.G.I.F. Dance Party. (Know what I mean?)
8. Be who you are. Please don't pretend to be an astrophysicist or a forensics officer from Jersey. Do not misrepresent yourself. On that point, keep in mind that others may try to claim expertise or status they don't have (like legal or medical) so use discretion in following others' advice. (Oh and specifically, don't pretend to be another member of the community.)
9. Have fun. Connect with others who love science and technology like you do. Uncover cool stories and news. Vote for the best videos. Participate in lively discussion that will force you to think. Expand your limits and see another's perspective. Find your muse and stake your place in the realm of the new, new media.

Ok, that's it!

These guidelines are meant to preserve an engaging and useful community experience for everyone. We're in this together, so it's important you take these rules to heart. If you spot any content that violates our rules, or our Terms of Use, you have an opportunity to flag it as inappropriate, which will have it submitted for review by Scientific American staff. Your participation in this community is subject to the above rules and our Terms of Use; in the event of a conflict between these rules and the Terms of Use, the Terms of Use will control.

Scientific American reserves the right to remove any material that does not, in our judgment, comply with our guidelines or Terms of Use, and if we think it's appropriate, suspend or terminate a user's access to the community. But we often believe in second chances, so depending on the severity of the violation, we may first give you a warning. However, in the case of violations we consider serious, or if you continue to disregard our guidelines and terms, we can ban you from the community indefinitely.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to write us here.

Thanks for taking the time to read the rules of the road. We look forward to meeting you online,

The SciAm Team