The Sentinel News Forum is an open publishing service where user content is posted side by side with content generated by the Sentinel News Service. Sentinel generated content is labeled Sentinel News Service. The views, opinions and claims made by users do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sentinel. The Sentinel does not substantiate statements of fact made in user content. The site is policed by the Sentinel News Service and community volunteers. Site abuse should be reported to pub@portlandsentinel.com or by calling 503-287-3880
 

Sentinel Standards & Practices: Objectionable Content

To publish on the site, the post:

Must not be libelous or slanderous (defamation is rendered in these terms for the purposes of the Sentinel's S&P)

Libel is a written falsehood; slander is one that is recorded in audio or video.

In order for something to meet the Sentinel's libel threshold, it must be: verifiably false and stated as fact, and/ or about a private citizen (Public figures or citizens who are in public bodies such as government or civic organizations have a higher threshold for libel than private citizens), contain malice or intent to harm.

CAVEAT: Right to Privacy: The right to privacy is extended to private citizens. Information that is posted about private citizens against their wishes will be found objectionable, unless the information posted in considered “newsworthy content.” Only The Sentinel may make this judgment.  When in doubt, Sentinel reserves the right to take the post down (see below).

Comments must not be sexually explicit, use explicatives
    The Sentinel generally observes Network Television decency standards circa 1980.  The seven bad words are not used. If they are used, they are @#$ out so that people understand what word was used.  There are some exceptions when it comes to artistic license or the intent of the user – such as if the explicative is necessary to make the point of the user, or if it’s just too damned funny to mess with.
    No sexually explicit material is allowed on the Sentinel site unless it is directly related to the news content (not in the purview of community users). No links to sexually explicit sites are allowed.
   
Content must not be violent
    Content cannot advocate violence to others, unless it is in obvious jest. Graphic descriptions of violence or images that depict violence for the sake of entertainment, distraction or amusement are not encouraged. 

Community Editors
    Community editors are those citizen appointed by recognized civic groups who have agreed to police the site in accord with these standards and practices.  The site is open to all.