Introduction

The Content Department governs the ecosystem of user-generated material shared within Bangwing IN, encompassing all creative and personal expressions such as art, writing, photography, music, and multimedia. This department establishes the standards for intellectual property respect, content appropriateness, creator accountability, and responsible sharing. It balances the celebration of artistic freedom with the imperative of maintaining a safe, inclusive, and organized environment for a mixed-age audience. These guidelines protect creator rights, ensure content is discoverable through proper categorization, and foster a culture where creativity of all skill levels can flourish responsibly and be recognized authentically.

Core Principles of the Content Department

1. Creator Accountability

Members are personally responsible for all content they post, including potential consequences of sharing sensitive information, copyrighted material, or inappropriate content. The server is not liable for members' individual content choices, but will enforce guidelines to protect the community.

2. Intellectual Property Respect

All content shared must either be original work, properly credited with creator permission, or fall under fair use/public domain[5][3][8]. Respecting intellectual property rights protects creators' livelihoods and maintains trust within creative communities[8][9].

3. Appropriate Content for Mixed Audiences

All content must be suitable for a community including minors (13+) and sensitive individuals. Sexual, racist, abusive, offensive, or deeply uncomfortable content—even in edgy or referential forms—is prohibited in public spaces.

4. Purposeful Content Organization

Content should be posted in appropriate channels with accurate tags to maintain server organization and help others discover relevant material. Proper categorization respects both creators (ensures visibility) and community members (helps navigation).

5. Authentic Recognition

Content reception (reactions, feedback, recognition) must be organic and authentic. Manipulating engagement metrics, begging for reactions, or creating artificial popularity undermines genuine creative appreciation.

Content Department Rules

Rule 1: Personal Responsibility for Sensitive Information

Members who post content containing sensitive personal information—including addresses, IP addresses, phone numbers, full legal names, location data, school/workplace details, selfies with identifiable backgrounds, or other identifying information—assume full responsibility for privacy and safety consequences.

Understanding the Risk:

• Once posted online, information can be screenshotted, saved, and redistributed

• Bangwing IN cannot control what happens to shared information

• Bad actors may use personal details for doxxing, stalking, or harassment

• Minors are especially vulnerable to predatory behavior

Safe Content Practices:

• Blur backgrounds showing addresses, street signs, or landmarks

• Remove EXIF data from photos (which can contain GPS coordinates)

• Avoid posting real-time location information

• Use pseudonyms rather than full legal names

• Think twice before posting identifiable selfies in public channels

Prohibited Sensitive Sharing:

• Posting others' personal information without explicit consent (doxxing)

• Sharing home addresses or precise location details

• Revealing private contact information (phone numbers, emails) publicly

• Posting school/workplace locations that identify specific institutions

Server Support:

• Staff will remove accidentally posted sensitive information upon request

• Report others' exposed personal information for protective removal

• But prevention is key—once information spreads, removal becomes difficult

Rule 2: Only Post Content You Own or Have Permission to Share

All content posted must be your original creation, or you must have explicit permission from the creator and provide proper credit. Reposting others' work without consent constitutes theft, even if credited.

Original Content:

• Art, photography, writing, music, and crafts you personally created

• Collaborative works where all contributors consented to sharing

• Original edits/remixes where base content is credited and legally used

Permitted Sharing with Credit:

• Content where creator explicitly allowed redistribution

• Public domain or Creative Commons licensed works (follow specific license terms)

• Fair use quotations or criticism (with proper attribution)

Prohibited Content Sharing:

• Reposting others' art/photos without permission, even with credit

• Claiming others' work as your own (plagiarism)

• Using AI tools trained on specific artists' styles without disclosure

• Sharing leaked, stolen, or pirated creative works

How to Get Permission:

• Contact the original creator directly

• Request explicit permission for specific use (posting in Bangwing IN)

• Honor any conditions they set (credit requirements, time limits)

• Keep permission records in case of disputes

Rule 3: Use Accurate and Relevant Tags for Content Posts

When posting in media forums or activity channels, use tags that accurately describe your content. Proper tagging maintains organization, helps others discover content, and respects channel specializations.

Tag Best Practices:

• Read available tag descriptions before selecting

• Use the most specific applicable tag (not generic "Other" when specific tags exist)

• Apply multiple tags if content fits several categories

• Don't use misleading tags to gain visibility

Tag Selection Examples:

• Digital art → #Digital (not #Sketch)

• Nature photography → #Wildlife + #Other

• Poetry → #Poem + #Sonnet+

• Fan art → #DIY/Painting + #Other

When Your Content Doesn't Fit Available Tags:

• Use "Other" tag temporarily

• Request administrators add appropriate tag via Feedback Box

• Include descriptive title to clarify content type

• Post in general gallery/discussion if truly uncategorizable

Tag Misuse Violations:

• Using unrelated tags for visibility manipulation

• Spamming multiple irrelevant tags

• Deliberately miscategorizing content to bypass restrictions

• Ignoring moderator tag corrections

Rule 4: Music Sharing Guidelines and Platform Restrictions

Members may share music-related content including playlist links, specific songs, artist profiles, albums, or music recommendations. All music links must be from well-known, recognized, legitimate music streaming platforms.

Approved Music Platforms:

• YouTube, YouTube Music

• Spotify

• SoundCloud

• Apple Music

• Amazon Music

• Deezer

• Tidal

• Wynk

• Gaana

• JioSaavan

Music Sharing Rules:

• Post music content only in designated music channels (e.g., #playlist)

• Do not ping members with music links unless they requested recommendations

• Do not spam excessive music links in short timeframes

• Provide context (genre, mood, reason for recommendation) with playlists

Prohibited Music Sharing:

• Links to piracy sites or illegal download platforms

• Suspicious/unknown music platforms that may contain malware

• Direct file uploads of copyrighted music (MP3s, etc.)

• Links to music with explicit lyrics in family-friendly channels

Rule 5: Post Content in Appropriate Channels

If your content doesn't match available activity forum channels, post it in general gallery channels or public discussion forums. Content posted in wrong channels will be removed and redirected.

Finding the Right Channel:

1. Check channel descriptions and pinned messages

2. Browse recent posts to see what's appropriate

3. Use specific channels when they exist (photography in #photography, not general)

4. Default to gallery/general channels for mixed or unclear content types

Channel Hierarchy:

• Specific Activity Channels (first choice): #art, #photography, #writer-section, #playlist

• General Gallery Channels (second choice): For content not fitting specific channels

• Public Discussion Forums (third choice): For content prompting discussion rather than showcase

Multi-Channel Posting:

• Do not post the same content across multiple channels (cross-posting spam)

• If genuinely relevant to two channels, post in the more specific one

• Link to your content in other channels if discussing it contextually

Rule 6: Request Tags Through Proper Channels

If your content fits a specific activity forum but no appropriate tag exists, use the "Other" tag and request administrators add the needed tag via proper channels.

Tag Request Process:

1. Post content with "Other" tag and descriptive title

2. Submit tag request through Feedback Box (as Suggestion)

3. Include: proposed tag name, description, why it's needed, frequency of use

4. Wait for administrative review and response

Good Tag Requests:

• Fill genuine organizational gaps (3D modeling, pottery, digital collage)

• Will be used by multiple community members regularly

• Clearly distinct from existing tags

• Align with server content focus

Poor Tag Requests:

• Hyper-specific tags with rare use cases

• Tags duplicating existing categories with minor variations

• Joke or troll tag suggestions

• Tags for content types prohibited by guidelines

Rule 7: Respectful Feedback Requests

Members may request feedback on their content, but must do so politely without forcing or pressuring others to respond. Constructive criticism should be welcomed, not demanded.

Appropriate Feedback Requests:

• "Any feedback on this piece would be appreciated!"

• "Looking for constructive criticism on my writing technique"

• Specific questions ("Does the color palette work?")

• Accepting that not everyone will have time or expertise to respond

Inappropriate Feedback Behavior:

• Repeatedly pinging members demanding feedback

• Guilt-tripping ("No one ever comments on my work...")

• Hostile responses to constructive criticism

• Demanding only positive feedback ("No negative comments!")

• Mass-mentioning people to force engagement

Giving Feedback:

• Constructive, specific, and kind

• Focus on technique, composition, and improvement

• Balance critique with recognition of strengths

• Respect if creators only want encouragement, not technical analysis

Rule 8: No Reaction Begging or Engagement Manipulation

Members may not beg for reactions, artificially inflate engagement through fake accounts, coordinate reaction trading, or manipulate content metrics. Recognition must be earned through quality and authenticity.

Organic Engagement:

• Reactions and feedback given because content resonates

• Natural discovery through browsing channels

• Word-of-mouth recommendations from genuine fans

• Earned recognition through consistent quality

Prohibited Engagement Tactics:

• "Please react!" or "Help me reach X reactions!" messages

• Using alt accounts to react to your own content

• Coordinating "reaction for reaction" exchanges

• Guilting others into engagement ("No one appreciates my work...")

• Deleting and reposting content multiple times for visibility

Why This Matters:

• Artificial engagement obscures genuinely popular content

• Creates unfair competitive advantages

• Undermines trust in community recognition systems

• Violates Discord Terms of Service regarding authentic platform use

Rule 9: Consent Required for Using Others' Content Externally

If you save or download content from Bangwing IN and want to use it on external platforms (social media, other servers, websites, portfolios), you must obtain explicit consent from the creator first. Posting in the server does not grant blanket usage rights.

Respecting Creator Rights:

• Assume all content is "All Rights Reserved" unless stated otherwise

• Ask permission before reposting anywhere external

• Honor specific conditions creators set (credit requirements, no modifications)

• Respect refusals without argument

Permission Process:

• DM the creator explaining where and how you want to use their content

• Wait for explicit "yes" before proceeding

• Provide credit exactly as requested

• Keep permission records in case of disputes

Prohibited External Use:

• Reposting to Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, etc. without permission

• Using in commercial projects or portfolios without consent

• Adding to external galleries or collections without asking

• Claiming saved content as your own on other platforms

Exception:

• Server staff may use content in official Bangwing IN promotional materials with creator credit unless members opt out

Rule 10: Collaboration Accountability

Collaborations between members are allowed and encouraged, but participants are personally responsible for their agreements, unity, and fair treatment of each other. Bangwing IN cannot mediate or resolve collaboration disputes beyond enforcing content ownership rules.

Collaboration Best Practices:

• Establish clear agreements before starting (ownership splits, credit distribution, usage rights)

• Document agreements in writing (DMs, shared documents)

• Communicate regularly throughout the project

• Agree on how to handle disputes in advance

Server Limitations:

• Staff cannot determine who "owns" collaborative work without documentation

• Cannot force collaborators to honor verbal agreements

• Cannot recover work or compensate for collaboration failures

• Will remove content if ownership is genuinely disputed until resolved privately

If Collaboration Fails:

• Attempt private resolution first

• Document all agreements and contributions

• Seek external mediation if valuable IP is involved

• Report violations of server rules (content theft, harassment) separately

• Learn for future collaborations—get clear agreements upfront

Rule 11: Prohibited Content Categories

Content that is sexual, racist, abusive, offensive, deeply uncomfortable, or unwanted is strictly prohibited. This includes edgy content, references, dog whistles, or "technically allowed" content designed to make others uncomfortable.

Content Appropriateness Standards:

Members must consider that the server includes minors (13+) and sensitive individuals before posting public content.

Prohibited Sexual Content:

• Sexually explicit imagery, writing, or descriptions

• Suggestive poses, lingerie, or revealing clothing in artistic contexts

• Sexual themes even if "tasteful" or "artistic"

• Romantic/sexual content involving minors (real or fictional)

• Fetish content regardless of explicitness level

Prohibited Hateful Content:

• Racist imagery, stereotypes, or racial slurs (including in artwork)

• Content targeting protected characteristics (religion, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation)

• Hate symbols even in historical or educational contexts without explicit staff approval

• Dehumanizing depictions of any group

Prohibited Violent/Disturbing Content:

• Graphic violence, gore, or body horror

• Content glorifying self-harm, suicide, or dangerous behaviors

• Disturbing imagery designed to shock or traumatize

• Real-world tragedy exploitation without sensitivity

Prohibited Abusive/Offensive Content:

• Content mocking disabilities, trauma, or suffering

• Targeted harassment content (callout posts, revenge content)

• Content designed to trigger or upset specific members

• Edgy humor that punches down at marginalized groups

"But It's Art!" Defense:

• Artistic merit does not override community safety standards

• Mature artistic content belongs in age-gated spaces, not public channels

• Context matters—academic discussion differs from shock value posting

Rule 12: Content Warnings and Spoiler Tags

Content containing potentially triggering themes (even if allowed), spoilers for media, or intense subject matter must include appropriate warnings and spoiler tags.

When Warnings Are Required:

• Discussions of trauma, mental health struggles, or heavy emotional topics

• Artistic depictions of mild violence, death, or distressing themes

• Spoilers for recent media releases (movies, games, books, shows)

• Flashing imagery or effects that could trigger photosensitivity

• Content involving blood, injury, or medical procedures

How to Provide Warnings:

• Use Discord spoiler tags (|| text ||) for text-based spoilers

• Mark images/videos as spoilers before posting

• Include text warning in post ("CW: mentions of anxiety and panic attacks")

• Be specific about warning content (not just "CW: heavy stuff")

Spoiler Timeframes:

• Major releases: 2 weeks minimum after wide release

• Smaller releases: 1 week after accessibility

• Classic media still requires tags if significant plot reveals

• When uncertain, use spoiler tags—better safe than sorry

Rule 13: Quality and Effort Standards

While all skill levels are welcome, content should demonstrate genuine effort and purpose[3][6]. Low-effort spam, throwaway posts, or content designed solely for metric farming undermines channels dedicated to creative sharing.

Welcome Content:

• Work in progress showing creative process

• Early-skill-level art demonstrating effort and learning

• Experimental pieces trying new techniques

• Personal projects regardless of polish level

Problematic Content:

• Rapid-fire posting of dozens of low-effort images

• AI-generated content with zero human input or curation

• Screenshots of random things with no context or purpose

• Spam posts testing if channels are monitored

• "Filler" content posted just to maintain presence

Context Matters:

• A beginner's first digital painting shows effort even if rough

• A skilled artist posting stick figures repeatedly is low-effort spam

• Quality is about intention and care, not technical perfection

Rule 14: Self-Promotion and Portfolio Sharing

Members may include watermarks, signatures, and subtle self-branding on their content. However, excessive self-promotion, treating activity channels as advertising platforms, or aggressively marketing services is prohibited.

Allowed Self-Promotion:

• Artist signatures or watermarks on artwork

• Subtle social media handles in image corners

• Mentioning in posts: "Commissions open!" with link in bio

• Sharing portfolio websites when contextually relevant

• Participating in designated self-promotion channels if they exist

Excessive Self-Promotion:

• Every post includes aggressive commission advertisements

• Posting content solely to drive traffic to external monetization

• Repeatedly mentioning prices, services, and sales in every channel

• Treating Bangwing IN as customer acquisition platform

• Minimal community engagement beyond self-promotion

Balance Approach:

• Participate authentically in community beyond sharing your content

• Let your work speak for itself with subtle promotion

• Respect designated channels for explicit promotional content

• Build relationships first, promote services second

Rule 15: Respect Content Removal and Moderation Decisions

If staff remove your content or request modifications, comply promptly and respectfully. Content moderation protects community safety and maintains standards.

Appropriate Responses to Removal:

• Ask for clarification if the violation is unclear

• Modify and repost if possible (add warnings, remove problematic elements)

• Accept the decision if content genuinely violates guidelines

• Appeal through proper channels if you believe removal was in error

Inappropriate Responses:

• Reposting removed content without modifications

• Arguing publicly about moderation decisions

• Attacking staff for enforcing content guidelines

• Claiming censorship or artistic suppression

• Threatening to leave or "cancel" the server over content standards

Appeal Process:

• Submit appeal via Submission Box with "Appeal" tag

• Explain why you believe content complies with guidelines

• Provide context that may have been missed

• Accept final decision after appeal review

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I post my own selfies in the server?

Yes, in designated channels, but understand the privacy risks. Once posted, you cannot fully control where your image goes. Consider risks before posting identifiable photos, especially if you're a minor.

Q2: What if I forgot to credit someone in my post?

Edit your post immediately to add credit, or delete and repost with proper attribution. If caught before you fix it, explain it was an oversight and correct it promptly.

Q3: Can I post AI-generated art?

Check channel-specific policies. If allowed, clearly disclose it's AI-generated. Never claim AI work as your own creation. Some channels may restrict AI content to preserve spaces for human artists.

Q4: What counts as "explicit" content that's not allowed?

Anything sexually suggestive, containing nudity, depicting sexual acts, or designed to arouse. Even "artistic" nudity is prohibited in public channels due to minor presence.

Q5: Can I post fan art of copyrighted characters?

Yes, fan art is generally allowed as transformative work. However, you cannot claim ownership of the original characters, and fan art cannot be used commercially without license.

Q6: What if someone stole my content from this server?

Report to staff via Complaint Box. Staff will remove it from Bangwing IN. For external theft, you may need to file DMCA takedowns or contact platform support directly.

Q7: Can I post content that includes copyrighted music?

For video edits with copyrighted music, it depends on platform and fair use. Generally allowed for non-commercial sharing, but cannot repost others' music videos. Link to official sources instead.

Q8: What if I want feedback but people are being mean?

Report unconstructive criticism that crosses into harassment. However, honest critique isn't "mean"—distinguish between "this composition needs work" (constructive) and "this sucks, you're terrible" (harassment).

Q9: Can I delete content after posting if I'm not happy with it?

Yes, you control your content and can delete anytime. However, others may have already seen, saved, or reacted to it, so consider carefully before posting sensitive material.

Q10: What if someone used my content externally without permission?

If from Bangwing IN, report the user to staff[11][8]. For external platforms, file complaints directly with those platforms. Consider watermarking future content for protection.

Q11: Can I post work-in-progress content?

Absolutely! WIP content is encouraged and shows creative process. No expectation of perfection—all skill levels welcome.

Q12: What if I'm not sure if my content is appropriate?

Ask staff privately before posting. Better to check than risk violation. Describe the content and your concerns for guidance.

Q13: Can I post the same content to multiple social media and here?

Yes, cross-posting your own original content across platforms is fine. Just don't spam it across multiple Bangwing IN channels.

Q14: What if I see someone consistently posting low-quality spam?

Report through Complaint Box with pattern documentation. Include examples and dates showing it's consistent behavior, not occasional posts.

Q15: Can I monetize or sell content I post here?

Yes, it's your content! You can sell, license, or monetize your original work. Watermark and protect valuable work before posting publicly.

Closing Statement

The Content Department exists to champion creativity while safeguarding the community that inspires it. By respecting intellectual property, considering audience sensitivity, organizing content thoughtfully, and engaging with authentic recognition, we cultivate an environment where artistry thrives. These guidelines are a covenant between creators and the community: a commitment that Bangwing IN will be a space where work is shared safely, credited rightfully, and celebrated genuinely. Together, we build a vibrant gallery of human expression that reflects the diverse talents and respectful spirit of our members.

For content support, violations reports, or creator assistance:

• 📥 Complaint Box (content violations, IP theft)

• 💬 Feedback Box (content policy suggestions)

• 📤 Submission Box (general support)

• 👥 Ping for help: @mod / @help

• 📧 Business Email: bangwings@zohomail.in

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Content Department Guidelines v1.0

@ Bangwings Inclusion & INDIA (BIND).org