Best Practices

Most social networks have a long list of rules of conduct. We are a small community with shared interests. We know what is appropriate and what is inappropriate. So rather a long list of do’s and don’t, here are some gentle reminders about how we can make this network work best for us.

Always remember that when you click on a members name you get what appears as a "member profile". It's their My Page. When you put a comment on their page remember the page is about them; it’s not about you. A greeting or pertinent comment is appropriate. A long introduction about you is not.

If you want to approach a person on the network the best way is by making them a "contact” or a “friend." Be sure to include a brief message about why you want to contact them, but do not be insulted if your request for “friending” is not accepted. Cutting down on the “noise” on a social network is the whole reason for “friending.” If your request is accepted, you can then send a private message to this new contact introducing yourself.

This is a social network, not intended for gratuitously soliciting business from individual members or overt promotion. It is about our shared interest in promoting and improving the wines and the environment of Spring Mountain. And it is about having fun and enjoying each other.

On Forums remember a couple of things. Always post “on-topic” replies. When someone asks a question, answer the question first. Here again the forum is not about the person posting, but about sharing their experiences, their ideas, and their knowledge. Answers and opinions are always appropriate. Self promotion isn’t appropriate unless that is the topic of the forum. If there is potentially business to be done it can be done through direct contact.

We have a section "Notes" where we can report and all celebrate our individual successes.

When we are blogging we always point out any potential conflict of interest. We always invite discussion and comments to our blogs, even if those comments are counter to our own opinions. We always treat every one as an equal and deserving of respect.