Dear all,

Over the last few weeks we have noticed an increase in the number of argumentative and abusive messages posted between users.

The UKTV Food message boards were created as a place for you to discuss food related subjects. Due to its success and friendships created, “Off The Menu” was started as a break out area where users can enjoy talking to each other.

However, recently the “Off The Menu” forum has been used as a place for arguments and accusations against each other.

Could we ask that everyone re-reads the guidelines which you agreed to adhere to before joining the community and help us work to creating a more harmonious forum.

[link]

We have also noticed that there seems to be some confusion regarding some of the message board rules.

Just to reiterate, for personal safety reasons, it is strictly against our guidelines to permit any discussion on our boards which may involve users exchanging personal details, e.g. telephone numbers, home addresses or email addresses.

We are happy to allow users to post links to external urls or personal websites (e.g. blogs). However due to the nature of personal websites, UKTV Food cannot accept any responsibility for these sites and users post at their own risk.

We would advise all users when using other websites to follow the same safety guidelines as UKTV Food and never reveal or exchange any of your personal details.

If you do come across something you feel is in breach of our guidelines please email us at uktv@communityhelpdesk.com

Please could we ask that you assist us in returning the message boards to a friendly and enjoyable place.

Kind Regards
UKTV Food Moderators

Then I ask again for you to explain why email addresses are not allowed and blogs and sites where personal details can be exchanged are. This is something I have discussed with UKTV Food, and was told was being addressed.

The problems of late have not come from personal emails, they have come because of blogs and other sites where personal details can be exchanged.

I dunno Rustie. back on 10 Jan (just click on the username to see the full post) they said

Unfortunately if we do come across messages and/or links to other websites where users are becoming encouraged to exchange personal details, we will remove them and your permission to post further messages on the boards will be stopped.

But today they seem to contradict that saying ither websites can be linked to, but if people get hurt it's not their fault.

I'm even more confused than I was before..

Can I also ask, is it now permissable to post the link to Nicebites. This is another food site that we were banned from posting the url to as it allows people to exchange personal details if they wish.

It was posted on these messageboards that we were not allowed to post the nicebites url, but obviously not put in the rules.

But not long ago there was a moderaters post stating that no url's to other sites where personal details can be exchanged would be allowed.

An example was made of my daughters' site. However she had already taken the step of removing anyone from that site who may or may not have simply used it to exchange personal details.

A blog is somewhere to exchange personal details. So I really think you need to clarify

Please explain BLOG?!

Oops missed that last line - sorry Rustie!

Can I ask a very silly question - surely you can enjoy these other sites without giving away personal information and if you do surely people are adult enough to know their own minds? Or am I getting this wrong?

Dear all,

Thanks for your messages and just to clarify, we are happy to allow website links on the message boards, so long as the site is not intended solely for the purpose of users exchanging personal details.

Many sites have interesting information on them and may have an area where user profiles are posted. We unfortunately cannot moderate every external website and therefore, as we have stated above we recommend users follow the same safety guidelines as UKTV Food and never reveal or exchange any of your personal details.

This includes user blogs, which are not for intended for the purposes of exchanging personal information but have been created to tell users about a personal interest or past-time.

We hope this provides further clarity

Kind Regards
UKTV Food

So, contrary to your the earlier post, Nicebites is ok then?

Okay - that makes sense (I think). So the rules are more lax now than they used to be, and we can now post to any site where personal details can be exchanged, just so long as we don't say that's the sole reason for the link? I'm sure, as Rustie said, we used to be not allowed to do that.

So a link to www.heresmynameaddressandphonenumber.co.uk is out, but www.heresanicefoodsite.co.uk is in

Roopa of UKTV Food, told me on the phone to put all my complaints, feelings and expectations of this site, in an email to

uktv@communityhelpdesk.com

She says, every email recieved and every comment and complait MUST be addressed. That I have made a start and it is important that I see it through.

I have done mine.

I will do others as well I expect.

Why can't everyone just be nice to each other or am I living in cloud-cuckoo-land?????

No, course you're not Sarah, well maybe a little. Look at it this way, we are and have all been nice, well with a couple of little hiccups. No boat rocking needed again now.

Great site, great people.

Thank you! I am guilty of a dig at someone but that someone was digging big time!!!

But apart from that, I have tried to have fun and get along with people. Defended a couple of people but not nastily. Let's hope that everyone realises that these forums are for everybody but that everybody should try to get along ..... for all our sakes!

You are a true sweetheart!

No one is guilty of anything Sarah. No accusations, no jury needed. Just time to air views, and maybe stop the misunderstandings. Everyone has their say, but no one gets hurt. That is why Roopa says to email.

As I've said before, UKTVF could/should have a specific address to which messages are sent where personal e-mail details can then be exchanged. What do you think? and how could it be "policed"? Any thoughts could help us all.

I think police is the right sentiment Mrs Woof Woof