Contributor Code of Conduct
And the Rules Governing Submissions
So you want to be a contributor to From on Top of the Hoard? Awesome! There are just a few things you need to be aware of and understand before you apply.
This Code of Conduct for Contributors is a guide to help you know what you can and cannot submit. It also sets out rules for how you should behave in regards to your relationship with From on Top of the Hoard (further known as FoTotH).
First you need to know that applying to become a contributor does not automatically mean you are one. FoTotH will have to review your application and approve you as a contributor before you will be allowed to publish through them. Your application is an agreement that you understand this, as well as the fact this is not a paid position. FoTotH is a free to read publication and does not have any paid positions at this time. Likewise, contributors are volunteers.
Your Relationship with FoTotH publicly.
As a contributor you will be expected to follow a few rules while you work with FoTotH. These cover but are not limited to your role as someone who could be seen as acting on the publications behalf.
You may not discuss publicly details about any unpublished projects or discussions you may be a part of in your role as a contributor. These may not be ready for publishing or may be personal conversations that could potentially be taken out of context.
You may not post your contributions to another publication. While we do recognize your role in these submissions, FoTotH claims copyright on any articles published through its platform. You may publish your contributions on personal platforms in conjunction with the FoTotH publication.
You may not speak on behalf of FoTotH outside the scope of your own contributions. Your opinions and views must be expressed as your own and not as though you speak for the entire publication. This also means you may not respond to public disputes with the publication as though you represent the entire publication. Prepared statements will be made and disseminated.
If you part ways with FoTotH for any reason, you may not disparage the publication in any way. Likewise, FoTotH will not disparage you. It is the policy of the publication that contributor privacy be respected beyond what is necessary to protect the publication.
By contributing to FoTotH through your own words, you agree to hold harmless FoTotH and other contributors for any disputes that may arise from your articles. You agree to forfeit your right to litigation against FoTotH in the event your articles must be removed due to public backlash or for any other reason, foreseen or otherwise.
You must conduct yourself in an upstanding manner while responding to readers, conducting meetings with FoTotH staff, or while representing the publication in any manner. Behavior considered inappropriate in general polite society will not be tolerated and your rights as a contributor for FoTotH may be revoked if necessary.
You must contribute per the schedule agreed upon in order to remain a contributor. If you are unable to meet the schedule requirements, you must reach out to FoTotH staff to make different arrangements. You may be put on probation or removed as a contributor if you make no attempt to communicate and it impacts the publication.
You may stop being a contributor any time that you wish. If you wish to do so, you must inform FoTotH staff. In the future, if you wish to become a contributor again, you will be required to reapply.
What can I write about?
FoTotH is a publication that covers a wide array of topics! Everything from Fantasy, science, and food to Sports! There are a few exceptions however. Below is a list of the prohibited topics:
Absolutely no politics. This is a topic that is often quite loaded with a ton of emotion and leads to a lot of backlash. It also draws the attention of groups that we as a publication have no interest in dealing with.
No real-world religions as the main topic of the article. There are so many religions in this world and their practitioners tend to often think theirs is the right one. This can only lead to arguments of the worst kind. You can discuss fictional religions as they relate to your chosen topic.
No sexual topics beyond sexual health. Any adult content will be reviewed strenuously and may require significant edits to reach publication.
Articles concerning hate, bigotry, etc are not allowed and submitting them may result in the termination of your rights as a contributor.
While you may submit articles concerning drama within the fandoms we represent, you may not promote hate, doxxing, bandwagon/witchhunting efforts, or harm to anyone involved. You may not include ad hoc attacks, strawman arguments, or present your opinion as fact. Articles concerning this topic that are submitted with no credible sources will not be published. If your source wishes to remain anonymous, we understand, however, the information you present must be verifiable.
You may not post advertisements on your own behalf without approval from FoTotH leadership.
You may not conceal your involvement with any organization you write about, whether that be fandoms, websites, subreddits, discord servers, or otherwise. Your association must be included in a disclaimer at the end of your article.
Any other topics deemed non-publishable by FoTotH leadership.
While these are not all encompassing, we encourage you to reach out to discuss any potential topics you think might be controversial or if you have any questions.
Privacy for you and FoTotH
Your privacy as a contributor is important. And while there are certainly some expectations of you as a contributor, (i.e. Your name going on the articles you write, reader interactions etc.), outside of your role as a contributor, you should be left to your own privacy. As previously mentioned, should you ever decide to set aside your pen or keyboard and cut ties with FoTotH, the publication agrees not to slander you if that separation is messy. Any information provided regarding the separation will be kept to strictly what is necessary to explain the situation and nothing further.
You will also never be asked to write articles that are offensive to yourself or others if at all possible. We do not ask that you change your personal views, nor do we ask that you adopt ours. We must all respect one another and maintain professionalism in our dealings.
To that end, closed meetings of FoTotH for the purposes of publication, separation, or development are confidential. By applying you agree to keep them confidential and maintain the security of any information you are entrusted with. FoTotH reserves the right to pursue legal action against anyone, including current or past contributors, who intentionally slander the publication for the purposes of causing harm to FoTotH or its staff members in relation to their duties as well as those who knowingly release information that is confidential without the exclusive permission of FoTotH leadership.
This Code of Coduct is not all inclusive. If you have any questions, reach out to FoTotH leadership and they will be answered to the best of their abilities as soon as reasonably possible.
