Version	Comments
	Jan 27, 2019	A new version has been posted with several changes throughout.
	Feb 11, 2018	Several changes including a new section entitled "Etsy Local".
	Jul 10, 2017	New rules added.
	Oct 5, 2016	A completely new version has been published.
	Jul 29, 2015	A completely new version has been published.
	Apr 8, 2015	Minor update: link renamed to "Blog and the Seller Handbook".
	Aug 23, 2014	This is the initial version that ParanoidPaul captured. It is not necessarily the first version of the document.

COMMUNITY POLICY

	Community is at the heart of all we do at Etsy. Etsy members use community spaces to inspire each other, share knowledge, discuss ideas, and build relationships. The Etsy Community spaces includeincludes the Forums, Teams,Teams and the Seller Handbook.  

	This policy is a part of our Terms of Use. By using any of Etsy’s community spaces, you’re agreeing to this policy and our Terms of Use. 

	1. Using the Etsy Community Spaces
2. Forums
3. TeamsDirect Messages
4. Teams
5. Etsy Local 

1. USING THE ETSY COMMUNITY SPACES

	A community space	The Etsy Community is a public feature of Etsy where members can interact with one another. Members who use any of the community spaces must be over 18 years old. In addition, toTo make sure that Etsy continues to be a place that’s safe and respectful, you agree to comply with the following policies in ALL community spaces: 

	 Respect other members’ privacy. Don't share private or personally identifying information in public areas of the site, and don't spam.site. 
 	 Be honest and transparent about who you are. Don't use a fake identity.
 	 Be respectful towards other members. Don't use community spaces to publicly disparage a specific member, shop, or item.
 	 Don't use community tools or spaces to interfere with another member’s business.
 	 Don’tDon't spam. This includes unsolicited or duplicate posts or links to your shop, fundraisers, surveys, social media or other promotional content. 
 	 Don't use community spaces to discuss coordinating pricing with other sellers.
 	 Don't use community spaces to harass other members. Similarly, don't post content in community spaces that may promote, support, or glorify hatred.
 	 Don't publish or post threats of violence against others or promote or encourage others to engage in violence or illegal activity.
 	 Don’tDon't engage in illegal activity or activity that infringes someone's intellectual property, or encourage others to engage in that type of activity. 
 	 Don't use community spaces to encourage others to violate Etsy's policies.

	Etsy reserves the right to take action against any account or content that violates this policy. For example, we may remove your content, temporarily or permanently suspend your community posting privileges, or close your Etsy account.  

	Continue reading below some additional policies that apply to you while using specific community spaces. 

2. FORUMS

	Forums are a public space on Etsy where you can gather with members of our communityother sellers to discuss anything you would like to talk about.your Etsy businesses.  

	By using Etsy's Forums feature,Forums, you acknowledge that: 

	 Your posts will stay on topic. Off topic posts may be removed. 
 	 Your posts in the Forums are permanent (unless they are deletedremoved by Etsy for violation of our policies).
 	 Your posts should be helpful, constructive, and encouraging when voicing dissent or criticism. Don't harass, target, insult, troll, or call out other members. 
 	 Moderators may take certain actions to keep the Forums organisedwelcoming, organised, and helpful for everyone. Such actions are not up for public discussion.
 	 Etsy reserves the right to remove any inappropriate content in the Forums at any time.
 	 You may lose your Etsy Forums and Seller Handbook posting privileges if you violate any community policies.


3. DIRECT MESSAGES

	Members may send each other direct messages using the Community's built-in messaging system. These messages are separate from Convos and can be accessed and read when you are in community spaces.  

	By using direct messages in the Etsy Community, you agree to all of the above policies. In addition, you may not send messages that are considered: 

	 Abusive, threatening, defamatory, harassing, or otherwise in violation of our Anti-Discrimination Policy.
 	 Obscene or vulgar.
 	 Unsolicited advertising or promotions.

4. TEAMS

	You can connect with other Etsy members who share similar interests through Teams.  

	By using Etsy’s Teams feature, you acknowledge that: 

	 Etsy is not responsible for or involved in a team’s membership policies, dues, finances or any other actions.
 	 Teams that do not comply with Etsy's policies may be removed, and Etsy reserves the right to remove a team for any reason.
 	 Etsy will not mediate disputes between teams and outside parties, nor disputes between teams or team members.
 	 Etsy will not monitor third-party forums or other independent team sites.
 	 Any use of the term "Etsy," other Etsy Trademarks, or similar marks must comply with Etsy’s Trademark Policy.
 	 A team may not use mature, profane, or racisthateful language or images in the team's name, bannerbanner, or logo.
 	 A team may not be used for the sole purpose of redirecting traffic to another web location. Etsy reserves the right to remove links on any profile page or team page for any reason. Unsolicited promotion or advertisement from representatives or affiliates of outside services, websites or other products is not allowed.
 	 A team must have ONE CAPTAIN and may additionally have one or more leaders. Team moderation is the responsibility of the Team Captain.
 	 Team forums are subject to this Community Policy and may not be used to demonstrate or discuss disputes with other members or with Etsy.
 	 A team may have a charter detailing membership requirements and expectations for the team. Team leadership is responsible for enforcing the team's charter. A team's charter must abide by all of Etsy's policies, including our Terms of Use and Intellectual Property Policy.
 	 If a team chooses to use a dedicated item listing tag (also called a “team tag”), it must contain the word "team." Etsy will not mediate disputes regarding use of team tags on item listings.

4.5. ETSY LOCAL

	Etsy Local connects buyers with Etsy sellers who are participating in fairs and markets in their area. Buyers can shop from sellers in person, supporting both the Etsy community and their own local economies. 

	In order for your event to qualify for Etsy Local, it must be: 

	 Held at a physical location
 	 Open to the public
 	 A limited-time engagement

	Here are some examples of events that can be promoted with Etsy Local: 

	 Craft fairs
 	 Markets
 	 Pop-up shops
 	 Special events

	The following are not eligible for Etsy Local: 

	 Online/virtual events
 	 Art galleries or studios (unless your event will take place in an art gallery or studio)
 	 Brick and mortar stores (unless your event will take place in a brick and mortar store, like Small Business Saturday)

	If you're selling in person at your event, please refer to the Sell on Etsy App Policy. 

	Last	Last updated on 04 Apr, 201822 Jan, 2019

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