Keep this in mind when joining this forum
The forum is intended to help house rabbit owners to comminicate, share their experiences, get help when needed. It's a tool for our eddicational mission. It's also intended as friendly on-line community for rabbit owners. Part of the forum is for OREO members only. We invate you to join OREO! or help rabbits however you can.
This list was established to allow members to:
1) Meet one another and share stories about their rabbit(s) with other rabbit people. No one enjoys hearing about your rabbit's latest antics more than other bunny people.
2) Provide support to each other. Although the primary purpose of this forum is to discuss rabbits, posts are not strictly limited to rabbit topics. See the guidelines on posts below.
3) Learn about rabbit care and behaviour from one another. Your past experiences may benefit other members, and as well, you may benefit from hearing of others' past experiences.
4) Share items of interest, such as store sales, great places to shop for hay or other supplies. It's rare to find a list whose members have similar interests and live in the same region. This will give the OREO list a distinctive local feel.
5) Become involved in OREO activities. This list will make members aware of the latest group events and activities.
TOPIC GUIDELINES
Please, read carefully categories and wite your new topic in the right category. If you find a topic that already dicuss your problem, add your post to this category without making a new topic.
Moderators can move or delate posts/topic.
DISCUSSION GUIDELINES
Discussions involving pet stores, shelters/non profit organizations, veterinarians/clinics and breeders:
As we said above, our forum members probably all live in the same region, which gives the list a distinctive local feel. Because of this, there are a couple of passionate topics for which we need to establish some posting guidelines.
1) Posts discussing shelter and other non-profit rabbit organization policies (i.e.: euthanasia, housing and adoption). Many of our members are involved with shelters either as employees or volunteers, and are not allowed to discuss the inner workings of these organizations. In addition, fostering a good relationship with such organizations is crucial. Posts discussing volunteering, adoption and euthanasia in non-specific terms are acceptable. Examples of acceptable posts would include: "I find it psychologically difficult to volunteer at a shelter. How do you cope?" or "I always want to take the shelter rabbits home with me. How do I stop myself?"
2) Posts naming specific vet clinics or veterinarians. We have eterinarians who are members, which means that there may be vets on this list. It may be uncomfortable for them if we discuss their peers on this list. Rather than naming your vet on list, say 'I went to see my vet…" rather than "I went to see Dr So-and-so". Exception: It is acceptable to post a specific clinic name on the list if someone is looking for a vet in a particular town.
3) Posts that discuss intentional breeding or give names and locations specific breeders. Because many of our members personally work with animal shelters and/or rescue rabbits, the subject of intentionally breeding rabbits is not allowed on this list at any time. An example of an acceptable post involving breeders would be: "Fluffy is a purebred angora. As you know, posting specific information about breeders is not allowed on this list, so if you want more information about where I got her, please email me privately."
4) Posts that discuss conditions and policies at specific pet stores. Some of our members are pet store employees. While they may disagree with store practices, most are not able to change store policies or regulations. General posts such as "I disagree with rabbits being sold at Easter and have decided to boycott the pet store in my neighbourhood for
this reason" would be acceptable. Situations where it is appropriate to name a specific store and location would be if a member is looking for a certain product and is having difficulty locating it.
Groups closed to the public can disscuss these subjets within limits of ...?
Discussions involving Health Care Advice
Of course our members will discuss medical information on this list. Regardless of how much experience you feel that the person who is suggesting a particular medical treatment has, ALWAYS consult your veterinarian before starting your rabbit on a new treatment (including herbal medicines!) or altering a current course of treatment.
LIST EDIQUETTE
No Flames Allowed
Flames, or posts that belittle, rudely criticize, or threaten others will not be tolerated. This does not mean that you cannot voice an opposing viewpoint, but if you do so, please express your opinion without being rude, critical or threatening. Remember, we are all here because of our love for our rabbits. Be supportive.
In particular, the flaming of vets will not be tolerated under ANY circumstance on this list. While you may have had a negative personal experience with one vet clinic, another member may be happy with them. If you have experience with a particular problem, you may post on how you solved that problem, along with a suggestion that the original poster get a second opinion: 'I had a similar experience and my vet prescribed medication X. Perhaps you could call my vet clinic for further details. Email me privately for the name of my vet clinic' On the other hand, posts of the following nature would be construed as flames, and not allowed: 'You use Dr. John Doe? I wouldn't let him near my rabbit' and 'I
heard that several of Dr. Doe's rabbit patients have died recently'.
MODERATORS CAN AND WILL BAN THOSE WHO BREAK THE RULES!
Privacy
This is a public forum and it should be consider a safe place to voice an opinion. Please, do not post personal information on public forum, rather send it to the people you want using e-mail or private message. We may not be responisble for how the information will be used if you post it on the public forum. IT'S INACCEPTABLE TO POST PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE!
For private, closed groups: Any post, or portion of, from those closed groups in the forum may not be forwarded to any individual or group outside the list without the permission of the original poster.
Resolving Conflicts
It is hoped that conflicts will be minimal. If a serious personal conflict does arise, parties will be asked to work to resolve it off-list. Please do not email members privately with the intention of starting a conflict. Report any private harassment to the list moderators.
Because most conflicts are a result of misunderstanding and/or miscommunication, remember to think before you type, and choose your words carefully. Other list members cannot see your facial expression and may not know that you are only joking.
Violation of Guidelines
The moderators will send you a warning if you fail to comply with the privacy or flame policy. Subsequent offenses of this policy will cause your forum membership to be terminated.
This is a moderated forum. Moderators can move/deleate parts of the posts, whole posts or topics. Although this can sometimes be subjective, the moderators will do their best to be objective. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS PERSONALLY.
Guideline Modifications
These guidelines may be modified from time to time, depending upon the needs and dynamics of the list.
OTHER:
List motto: People don't have to share the same opinions on every subject to be friends. Agreeing to disagree can be a healthy way of looking at life.
We hope you will join!
OREO Forum Administrators
