GAINChange Membership Terms
Because we anticipate growth we see the need for specific, tangible rules and guidelines. These guidelines represent our policies, which, if broken, may result in permanent removal from the forum.

Removal is preceded by warnings via Private Message and/or email from a moderator/admin, and/or temporary suspension. This alerts the member to what they have done wrong and allows them a "second chance".

GAINChange Rules

It is important to remember that this forum is open to women from all over the world, of all ages, religions and political convictions. Use common sense, be respectful and keep our diversity in mind when you post.

These rules apply to all areas of the forum, including Private Messaging.

You must Participate!
We’re not looking for membership to just take up a username in our database. We are looking for members who wish to actively participate in our community. Participation helps to build community and is necessary in a support group environment.

Be nice!
While discussion is fine, we do not tolerate rudeness, insults or personal attacks of any kind. Purposeless attempts to bait others into debate are also not permitted. Any of these are grounds for permanent removal. Also keep in mind that other people may not get your sense of humor and could take offense to something you find harmless or didn’t intend to be taken in that way.

Ignore bothersome members
If you feel that you are being attacked, you must resist the urge to defend yourself in kind. Remember that lashing back is equally bad behavior.

Report problems
Moderators can't be everywhere at once. If you feel that you are under attack - help us help you by sending a private message to a moderator. This will bring the offending post to a moderator's attention. If you should get an offensive PM, please forward it to one of the moderators so that they can deal with it.

Resolve arguments via Private Messaging
If for any reason you should have a difference of opinion with another member; please PM the member and talk it out in private. Starting argument in public will only make matters worse. Consequently, you should not quote PMs in public.

Be forgiving of other people's mistakes
We all have bad days, so please try to be understanding. Also, new members should be helped rather than scolded if they make a mistake.

Do not take things too seriously
If you feel yourself becoming frustrated and think about taking it out on other people: take a step back. Have a break and come back when you feel confident you can handle the situation without becoming aggressive and rude.

Do not post pornographic, illegal or other objectionable material
This includes, but is not limited to, photos, videos, text, and links to outside sources. When it comes to posting before and after photos, you MUST be clothed! No nude shots. If wearing a swimsuit in your photos you must first have the photo approved by a moderator.

Watch your language
Foul language will not be tolerated. If you aren't sure about a word or phrase you would like to use, please contact a moderator before posting it. We do not appreciate "post first, apologize later" tactics.

Only one registered account is allowed per member
If you forget your username and/or password, please contact your team captain to recover it. If you are not on a team, you may contact the forum administrator.

No one under 18
Yes, we have to have an age limit. There will be no exceptions to this. If you are under 18 and grapple with your weight, please talk to a parent/guardian about your options for support.


Forum Guidelines

These guidelines are enforceable rules, but their infraction will not always result in a warning, suspension or banishment (unless the offending party repeatedly breaks these rules and/or refuses to comply).

1. Post your topics in the correct section.

2. Include as much detailed information as possible if you are asking for help.

3. No spam! What constitutes spam will be left up to the discretion of the administrators and moderators.

4. When quoting a previous post, include only the relevant portion of that post.

5. Signatures should be kept to a reasonable length. If you have a business, you may “advertise” in your signature.

6. Various areas of our site require acceptance of additional guidelines. These areas include Group Bible Study, Team Participation and Leadership.


How rules and guidelines are enforced

Site Administrators and Forum Moderators have the ability to edit, close or remove any rule-infractions. All users have the right (and duty) to report posts which they feel may be an infraction. In the case of borderline infractions, moderators and administrators will work together to arrive at a decision. If an individual breaks a rule for the first time, they will be warned. Further infractions may result in additional warning, but could also result in suspension or even removal from the forums.

The severity of the punishment depends on the graveness of the infraction as well as the individual's ability to prove that they will not repeat their offense. However, a member will not be removed without getting at least one warning first. A warning PM/email will point out the inappropriate behavior, giving the member a chance to not repeat their mistake.

Changes & Additions

The site owners reserve the right to change these and any other guidelines regarding this forum at anytime.


Questions?

When in doubt; please contact one of the moderators. Thank you!

NOTICE: Once you become a member you will have 72 hours to post. Your first post will constitute agreement to the above terms and guidelines. If you do not agree to said terms, please contact Admin to be removed from membership.

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Admin