Host Standards & Responsibilities

# Host Standards & Responsibilities ## What It Means to Be a Host As a circle host, you're not just a member—you're a **community leader**. You set the tone, enforce the rules, and create the culture. ## Core Responsibilities ### 1. Fair Moderation ⚖️ **What this means**: - Apply rules consistently to all members - Give warnings before removals (when safe to do so) - Explain your decisions when asked - Allow members to appeal **Examples of fair moderation**: - ✅ Remove spoiler after warning user about spoiler policy - ✅ Explain why off-topic post was removed - ✅ Give member chance to edit rule-breaking post **Examples of unfair moderation**: - ❌ Remove member for disagreeing with your book interpretation - ❌ Enforce rules only against members you don't like - ❌ Ban without explanation or chance to appeal ### 2. Member Privacy 🔒 **You must**: - Keep member information confidential - Never share private messages without consent - Respect members' reading pace - Protect discussion content **You cannot**: - Share member email addresses - Post about member behavior in other circles - Publicly shame members - Use circle for personal data harvesting ### 3. Community Safety 🛡️ **You must**: - Enforce ThinnestBook Community Guidelines - Address harassment immediately - Remove hate speech or threats - Create inclusive environment **You must report**: - Threats of violence - Illegal content - Severe harassment - Violations of platform policies ### 4. Transparent Leadership 📣 **You should**: - State your house rules clearly - Announce rule changes in advance - Be responsive to member questions - Admit and correct mistakes **You should not**: - Change rules without notice - Hide behind vague policies - Ignore member concerns - Retaliate against feedback ## Host Powers ### What You CAN Do - ✅ Set house rules for your circle - ✅ Remove posts that violate your rules - ✅ Remove members who repeatedly violate rules - ✅ Close discussions when needed - ✅ Choose books and reading pace - ✅ Promote co-hosts to help moderate - ✅ Archive or delete your circle ### What You CANNOT Do - ❌ Violate platform-wide policies - ❌ Discriminate based on protected characteristics - ❌ Harass or threaten members - ❌ Use circle for commercial purposes - ❌ Impersonate ThinnestBook staff - ❌ Access private user data ## Co-Hosts ### Promoting Co-Hosts You can promote trusted members to co-host status. **Co-hosts can**: - Help moderate posts - Remove rule-breaking content - Answer member questions - Share hosting duties **Co-hosts cannot**: - Remove the original host - Change core circle settings - Remove other co-hosts (only host can) **Best practice**: Start with one co-host. Add more as your circle grows. ### Removing Co-Hosts Only the original host can demote co-hosts. **When to remove a co-host**: - Abuse of moderation powers - Inactive for extended period - Violates host standards - Personal request to step down ## Conflict Resolution ### Member Disputes **Your role**: - Listen to both sides - Refer to house rules - Make fair decision - Explain reasoning **Don't**: - Take sides based on friendship - Ignore the issue - Make personal attacks - Ban without investigation ### When to Escalate to ThinnestBook - Threats or harassment - Hate speech - Illegal content - Member doxxing another member - Suspected ban evasion Email: support@thinnestbook.com with evidence. ## Inactive Hosts ### What happens if you go inactive? - **30 days**: Co-hosts notified - **60 days**: Members can request host transfer - **90 days**: ThinnestBook may reassign hosting or archive circle ### Going on break? Tell your circle and co-hosts: - Promote a co-host to help while you're gone - Set expectations for response time - Post in "The Lounge" about your absence ## Removing Your Circle ### Before you delete: - Consider archiving instead (members can access history) - Announce to members (they may want to save discussions) - Export any content you want to keep ### How to remove: Settings > Danger Zone > Delete Circle **This is permanent.** All discussions, history, and member connections are deleted. ## Host Violations ### Minor Violations - Inconsistent rule enforcement - Slow to respond - Unclear house rules **Consequence**: Warning + guidance ### Moderate Violations - Unfair removals - Ignoring harassment reports - Changing rules without notice **Consequence**: Formal warning + required training ### Severe Violations - Discriminatory removals - Harassment of members - Violating platform policies - Using circle for scams **Consequence**: Circle removed + possible ban ## Appeals & Complaints ### If a member complains about you: 1. We'll contact you for your side 2. Review evidence from both parties 3. Make determination 4. Inform both parties ### If you disagree with our decision: Email: support@thinnestbook.com Subject: "Appeal: Host Decision" We respond within 5 business days. ## Best Practices ### Set Clear Expectations - Write specific house rules - Post meeting schedules - Explain your moderation style - Welcome new members with guidelines ### Be Consistent - Treat all members equally - Enforce rules the same way every time - Don't play favorites - Document repeated violations ### Communicate Openly - Respond to questions within 48 hours - Explain moderation decisions - Announce changes in advance - Ask for member feedback ### Stay Active - Post regularly (at least weekly) - Moderate reported content within 24 hours - Participate in discussions - Acknowledge member contributions ### Build Community - Welcome new members - Encourage shy members to participate - Recognize member contributions - Create safe spaces for diverse opinions ## Resources for Hosts ### Help Articles - "How to Write Good House Rules" - "Handling Difficult Members" - "Growing Your Circle" - "Co-Host Best Practices" ### Host Community Join the "Host Circle" to connect with other hosts, share tips, and get support. ### Support - Email: support@thinnestbook.com - Host-specific questions: hosts@thinnestbook.com - Response time: Within 24 hours ## Updates to Standards We review host standards annually. Changes: - Announced 60 days in advance - Include training resources - Phase in gradually - Account for feedback ## Remember Hosting is a privilege, not a right. Great hosts create spaces where readers feel: - **Safe** to share opinions - **Welcome** regardless of background - **Excited** to discuss books - **Connected** to community You set the tone. Make it thoughtful, inclusive, and kind.