This article has been brought to my attention.

http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/sco...8057-20598681/

It is situations like the one in the article above that led to us having such strict rules on conduct. Predominantly because its miserable to frequent a community that is negative, makes cruel or inappropriate comments and is generally unkind - we never wanted to create a monster like that and Im delighted to say that SMNET is a positive, thriving and homely place to be. But this article shows that it is damaging to ones career, as I had always suspected, to behave in such a manner on a public forum.

From my previous career I know that certain communications are admissable evidence in court, including emails and texts and now its seems what one contributes to a forum is also admissable - well at least in a disciplinary setting regarding conduct. The NMC conduct guidelines remind us to be mindful of our conduct away from work and this seems all the more pertinent now.

But how would we know whose behind the mask of the user name? surely people can behave as they like as its not facebook where you have to put your real name?!

Simple.

The technology behind SMNET and MidwiferyWorld is immense for example we can locate precisley where members log on from, so with an email address - our system does not support fake ones, and a precise location - we can quite easily identify people. On location alone its pretty easy aswell, given that the midwifery community is quite small and someone always knows someone based at X. Also we have an infractions system where people can be banned if their conduct is not in line with the site rules of conduct, meaning that their IP address is banned and they cannot create a duplicate account as we have an AE detector that flags it up and prevents it, should they try again.

So feel safe in the knowledge that should you ever encounter a troll (a trouble maker) here we can and will take swift action on those who attempt to disrupt the learning and enjoyment of others.

However, I have not yet come across any trolls here as everyone is just totally lovely and respectful of oneanother, the staff, Rob and I and we are all appreciative of the time and effort that each one of you puts in to make this place the safe learning haven that it is.

But please be vigilent, if you come across anything you are not happy with - people not playing nicely, inappropriate comments, goading etc - then please contact a member of staff and we will sort it.