Our Core Philosophy: Keep the Frequency Clear
In radio, a clear frequency allows for clear communication. We apply the same principle here. QSO LIFE is a shared resource for engineers, creators, seasoned operators, and newcomers alike. Positive and constructive interactions make the community stronger and more valuable for everyone. Think of every post and comment as a transmission—aim to make it clear, helpful, and welcoming.
Be Respectful and Courteous
Treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. Harassment, hate speech, bullying, or any form of intimidation will not be tolerated. Remember the operator on the other side is a real person.
- No Personal Attacks: Criticize ideas, not people.
- Respect Differences: Our community is global. Be mindful of different cultures, technical skill levels, and perspectives.
- Avoid "Signal Bleed": Don't derail threads. Stay on topic to keep conversations productive for everyone.
Stay Safe and Legal
Amateur radio is governed by rules and involves hands-on work with electronics. Safety and legality are paramount.
- Follow the Law: All content must comply with international and national telecommunication laws (e.g., FCC regulations in the US). Do not encourage illegal operation, such as transmitting out of band or with excessive power.
- Promote Electrical Safety: When sharing projects, especially those involving high voltage or RF, include clear safety warnings. Never post content that encourages reckless or unsafe behavior.
- Prohibited Content: Do not post, link to, or request illegal content of any kind. This is a zero-tolerance policy.
Be Your Authentic Self
Authenticity builds trust. Represent yourself honestly. Using your call sign as part of your identity here is encouraged! However, do not impersonate another person, operator, or entity. Misleading others about your identity or qualifications erodes community trust.
Content and Posting Standards
We encourage you to share your projects, ask questions, and post about your experiences. To ensure quality, please adhere to the following:
- No Spam or Overt Commercialism: This platform is for community interaction, not unsolicited advertising. Sharing a link to your personal project blog is fine; mass-marketing a commercial product is not. Designated forums for "For Sale/Swap" may have different rules.
- Keep it On-Topic: Content should be related to amateur radio, SDR, electronics, engineering, and the maker culture surrounding them.
- Avoid Harmful Misinformation: Do not knowingly post false or misleading information, especially regarding technical specifications or safety procedures. If you are unsure about something, frame it as a question.
- No NSFW or Graphic Content: This is a professional and community space. Keep all shared content, including images and links, safe for work and general audiences.
Foster a Learning Environment
One of the greatest traditions in amateur radio is "Elmering"—mentoring newcomers. We want to see that spirit thrive here.
- Ask Thoughtful Questions: If you're stuck, ask for help! Provide context so others can assist you effectively.
- Provide Constructive Answers: When you help someone, do so patiently. Explain the "why" behind the "what." A positive learning experience can inspire someone for life.
- No Gatekeeping: There's no room for "you're not a real ham if..." attitudes. We welcome everyone, regardless of license class, technical skill, or specific interests within the hobby.
Protect Privacy
Respect the privacy of others. Do not share private information (doxing), such as another user's full name, home address (QTH), phone number, or other identifying details without their explicit consent. While many call signs are publicly searchable, avoid aggregating and posting this data here.
Reporting and Enforcement
If you see something that violates these guidelines, please report it using our platform's tools. Our moderation team will review reports and take appropriate action, which may include:
- A friendly warning.
- Removal of content.
- Temporary or permanent suspension of an account.
These guidelines are a living document and may be updated as our community evolves. Thank you for being a part of QSO LIFE and helping us build the best community in amateur radio. 73!