The Rules

Cartoon man with a beard and mustache, wearing a brown suit and bow tie, speaking at a podium with a speech bubble that reads "Community Guidelines."

Our website is here to celebrate the people, places, and businesses that make our area such a special place to live, work, and visit. To keep things welcoming and neighborly, we ask everyone who posts blog entries or submits calendar events to follow these guidelines.

1. Be cordial and neighborly

  • Use a friendly, respectful tone.

  • Assume good intent and write as if you’re talking to a neighbor you’ll see at the grocery store tomorrow.

  • Disagreements are okay, but they must always be expressed calmly and constructively.

2. Show respect for people and businesses

  • No personal attacks or disparaging remarks about individuals, organizations, or businesses in our service area.

  • Do not “call out” specific people or businesses in a negative way.

  • If you’re offering feedback or criticism, keep it general and focused on ideas, not on individuals.

3. Keep it clean

  • No profanity, vulgar language, or slurs of any kind.

  • Avoid crude or offensive jokes, innuendo, or imagery.

4. Avoid sensitive and divisive topics

To keep this a welcoming space for everyone, content should not focus on:

  • Partisan politics, political campaigns, or endorsements

  • National or state-level political debates

  • Religion in a proselytizing or divisive way

  • Topics that are likely to inflame or divide our local community

If your post touches on a potentially sensitive topic (for example, a public safety or local planning issue), keep the focus on factual information and constructive solutions, not blame or controversy.

5. Keep it local and relevant

  • Blog posts and calendar events should relate to the Twain Harte Area Chamber of Commerce service area(Soulsbyville to Strawberry) or clearly benefit our local communities.

  • Calendar events should include clear basics: who, what, when, where, and (if applicable) cost and how to participate.

  • Content should align with the Chamber’s mission of supporting local businesses, organizations, and community life.

6. Be accurate and transparent

  • Double-check dates, times, locations, and contact information.

  • Don’t share rumors or unverified information.

  • If something is opinion or personal experience, it’s fine—just present it as such.

7. No spam or inappropriate promotion

  • Promotional posts and events should offer genuine value to our community (sales, classes, performances, fundraisers, etc.).

  • No scams, misleading offers, or third-party spam content.

  • Outside organizations are welcome to post only if the content is clearly relevant to our local businesses or residents.

8. Photos, images, and media

  • Only upload images or media you have the right to use.

  • No graphic, violent, or sexually explicit content.

  • Avoid using images in a way that mocks or embarrasses individuals or businesses.

9. Moderation & enforcement

To protect the spirit of cordiality and neighborliness our region is known for, the Twain Harte Area Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to:

  • Edit submissions for clarity, length, or formatting

  • Decline or remove posts and events that do not follow these guidelines

  • Limit or revoke posting privileges for repeat or serious violations

10. How to ask questions or report concerns

If you’re unsure whether your content fits these guidelines—or if you see a post or event that may not comply—please contact the Chamber at info@embracethelocal.com. We’re happy to help you adjust a post so it can stay on the site.