Community Guidelines

1. Welcome to Spotz

Spotz is a community of curious explorers, passionate locals, and adventure-seekers who share a love for discovering and celebrating unique places and moments. These Community Guidelines help us maintain a positive, authentic, and inspiring environment where everyone feels welcome.

By using Spotz, you agree to follow these guidelines and contribute to making our community a great place for discovery and connection.

1.1 Who These Guidelines Apply To

These Community Guidelines apply to:

• All Spotz users (free and premium)
• Location submissions and descriptions
• Reviews, ratings, and comments
• Photos, videos, and other media
• User profiles and bios
• Direct messages and interactions
• Collections and lists
• All other content and activity on Spotz

1.2 These Guidelines Are Part of Our Terms

These Community Guidelines are incorporated into and part of our Terms of Service. Violations may result in content removal, account suspension, or permanent ban.

2. Our Core Values

Spotz is built on these fundamental values that guide our community:

3. Acceptable Behavior & Content

We encourage content and behavior that enriches our community:

3.1 Encouraged Content

• Personal Experiences: Share your genuine experiences, impressions, and stories
• Helpful Tips: Provide useful information like best times to visit, parking tips, or insider knowledge
• Beautiful Photography: Post high-quality photos that showcase the location authentically
• Honest Reviews: Write thoughtful, balanced reviews that help others make informed decisions
• Local Insights: Share knowledge about your area or places you know well
• Constructive Feedback: Offer suggestions in a respectful, helpful manner
• Cultural Context: Provide background about historical or cultural significance
• Accessibility Information: Share details about accessibility, parking, facilities

3.2 Positive Engagement

• Respond graciously to comments and questions
• Support other users' contributions with likes and saves
• Share recommendations that genuinely help others
• Acknowledge different perspectives and experiences
• Celebrate diverse discoveries and preferences
• Encourage exploration while respecting boundaries

4. Prohibited Content & Behavior

The following content and behaviors are strictly prohibited on Spotz:

4.1 Harmful Content

• Hate Speech: Content that promotes hatred, discrimination, or violence against individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics
• Harassment & Bullying: Threatening, intimidating, or targeting specific users for harm or distress
• Violence: Content that depicts, glorifies, or encourages violence or physical harm
• Self-Harm: Content promoting or glorifying self-harm, suicide, or eating disorders
• Dangerous Activities: Content encouraging illegal or highly dangerous activities without proper safety warnings

4.2 Illegal Content

• Illegal Activities: Content promoting or facilitating illegal activities, drug use, or criminal behavior
• Child Safety: Any content that endangers or exploits minors
• Terrorism: Content promoting or supporting terrorist organizations or extremist ideologies
• Human Trafficking: Content related to human trafficking or exploitation

4.3 Inappropriate Content

• Adult Content: Sexually explicit content, nudity, or pornography
• Graphic Violence: Excessively graphic or disturbing violent imagery
• Shocking Content: Content designed to shock, disgust, or disturb viewers

4.4 Deceptive Practices

• False Information: Deliberately posting inaccurate location information or misleading reviews
• Fake Accounts: Impersonating others or creating accounts for deceptive purposes
• Fake Reviews: Writing reviews for businesses you haven't visited or experiences you haven't had
• Review Manipulation: Coordinating fake positive or negative reviews
• Undisclosed Incentives: Not disclosing compensation, freebies, or business relationships when reviewing

4.5 Spam & Commercial Abuse

• Spam: Repetitive, unsolicited, or irrelevant content
• Promotional Content: Excessive advertising, marketing, or self-promotion
• Affiliate Links: Posting affiliate links or monetized content without disclosure
• Bot Activity: Using automated tools to generate content or inflate engagement
• SEO Manipulation: Posting content solely for search engine optimization

4.6 Privacy Violations

• Personal Information: Sharing others' private information without consent (addresses, phone numbers, etc.)
• Photos of People: Posting identifiable photos of individuals without their permission
• Private Locations: Sharing exact locations of private residences or sensitive sites
• Doxxing: Publishing private information with intent to harass or endanger someone

4.7 System Abuse

• Hacking: Attempting to access accounts, systems, or data without authorization
• Exploiting Bugs: Taking advantage of software bugs or vulnerabilities
• Scraping: Using bots or scrapers to collect data from Spotz
• Multiple Accounts: Creating multiple accounts to evade bans or manipulate content

5. Location Submission Guidelines

When adding new locations to Spotz, please follow these standards:

5.1 What Makes a Good Location Submission

5.2 Accuracy Requirements

• Correct Location: Ensure GPS coordinates are accurate
• Current Information: Verify hours, prices, and availability are up-to-date
• Proper Names: Use official or commonly known names
• Category: Select the most appropriate category for the location

5.3 Descriptions

• Write in your own words (no copying from other sources)
• Be descriptive but concise
• Focus on what makes the location unique or special
• Mention any important considerations (difficulty, seasonal access, fees)
• Avoid excessive promotional language

5.4 Sensitive Locations

Use caution when submitting:

• Natural Sites: Consider environmental impact of increased visitors
• Cultural Sites: Respect sacred or culturally sensitive locations
• Wildlife Areas: Prioritize animal welfare and habitat protection
• Private Property: Never share locations that require trespassing
• Endangered Sites: Consider whether publicity could cause harm

6. Reviews & Ratings Guidelines

Reviews help others make informed decisions. Here's how to write helpful, honest reviews:

6.1 Review Standards

6.2 Authenticity Requirements

• First-Hand Experience: Only review places you've actually visited
• No Incentives: Don't write reviews in exchange for compensation, discounts, or freebies (unless disclosed)
• No Self-Reviews: Business owners should not review their own establishments
• No Revenge Reviews: Don't leave negative reviews to harm competitors or retaliate
• No Duplicate Reviews: Don't post multiple reviews of the same place to inflate ratings

6.3 Disclosure Requirements

You must disclose if:

• You work for or own the business
• You have a financial relationship with the location
• You received compensation, discounts, or freebies
• You're reviewing a competitor
• You have personal relationships with the owners/staff

6.4 Rating Guidance

• 5 Stars: Exceptional - exceeded expectations in every way
• 4 Stars: Very Good - highly recommend with minor areas for improvement
• 3 Stars: Good - met expectations, solid experience
• 2 Stars: Below Average - some significant issues or disappointments
• 1 Star: Poor - major problems, would not recommend

6.5 Constructive Criticism

When providing negative feedback:

• Be specific about what didn't meet expectations
• Consider factors that may have been temporary or situational
• Avoid personal attacks or inflammatory language
• Acknowledge positive aspects as well
• Suggest improvements constructively
• Remember that business owners and staff are real people

7. Photos & Media Guidelines

Visual content brings locations to life. Follow these guidelines when sharing photos and media:

7.1 Photo Quality Standards

• Original Photos: Upload photos you personally took (not from internet or other sources)
• Clear & In Focus: Upload sharp, well-lit photos that showcase the location
• Relevant: Photos should accurately represent the location
• Appropriate: No offensive, graphic, or inappropriate imagery
• Authentic: Minimal editing - represent what people will actually see

7.2 What Not to Photograph

• People: Don't post identifiable photos of people without their consent
• Children: Never post photos of minors without parental consent
• Private Property: Don't photograph inside private residences or property
• Restricted Areas: No photos from areas where photography is prohibited
• Copyrighted Material: Don't photograph copyrighted artwork or displays without permission
• Sensitive Information: Avoid capturing license plates, addresses, or personal data

7.3 Photo Rights & Attribution

• You must own the rights to photos you upload
• Don't upload photos taken by others (even family/friends) without permission
• Don't download and repost photos from other users or websites
• If sharing with permission, provide proper attribution

7.4 Video Guidelines

If/when video features are available:

• Keep videos short and relevant (under 60 seconds preferred)
• No loud music or copyrighted audio
• Follow all photo guidelines (privacy, quality, appropriateness)
• Include captions or context when helpful

8. User Interactions & Communication

Spotz is a community built on respect and positive engagement:

8.1 Comments & Discussions

• Be Respectful: Treat others with kindness, even when disagreeing
• Stay On Topic: Keep comments relevant to the location or post
• No Arguments: Avoid getting into heated debates or personal conflicts
• Constructive: Offer helpful additions or insights
• No Spam: Don't repeatedly post the same comment or promotional content

8.2 Direct Messages

• Don't send unsolicited promotional messages
• Respect if someone doesn't want to communicate
• No harassment or unwanted contact
• Keep conversations appropriate and respectful
• Don't share others' private messages publicly

8.3 Following & Social Features

• Follow users whose content you genuinely appreciate
• Don't create follow/unfollow spam
• Respect if someone blocks or doesn't follow you back
• Don't use automation tools to mass follow/unfollow

8.4 Disagreements

When you disagree with someone:

• Stay calm and respectful
• Focus on the issue, not the person
• Agree to disagree if necessary
• Don't escalate into personal attacks
• Use the "report" feature for violations rather than engaging

9. Safety & Respect

9.1 Personal Safety

• Safety Warnings: Mention potential hazards when relevant (steep terrain, wildlife, etc.)
• Emergency Info: Share useful safety information for challenging locations
• Skill Requirements: Be honest about difficulty levels and required skills
• Seasonal Considerations: Note if locations are dangerous during certain seasons
• No Encouragement of Danger: Don't promote risky or illegal activities

9.2 Respect for Property

• Private Property: Never recommend trespassing or accessing private land without permission
• Leave No Trace: Encourage environmental responsibility
• Follow Rules: Respect posted rules, hours, and regulations
• Parking: Provide legal parking information
• Fees: Mention any required permits, fees, or reservations

9.3 Cultural & Social Respect

• Sacred Sites: Show respect for religious or culturally significant locations
• Local Customs: Encourage following local customs and dress codes
• Photography Etiquette: Note places where photography may be restricted or disrespectful
• Quiet Hours: Respect residential areas and quiet zones
• Indigenous Lands: Acknowledge and respect indigenous territories

9.4 Environmental Responsibility

• Promote Leave No Trace principles
• Encourage staying on marked trails
• Remind others not to disturb wildlife
• Note if locations are fragile or easily damaged
• Consider if sharing will cause environmental harm

10. Privacy & Personal Information

10.1 Protecting Your Privacy

• Don't share your home address or exact location
• Be cautious about sharing travel plans in real-time
• Use privacy settings to control who sees your content
• Don't share personal contact information publicly
• Be mindful of what's visible in your photos

10.2 Respecting Others' Privacy

• No Doxxing: Never share others' private information
• Photos of People: Get consent before posting identifiable photos
• Private Conversations: Don't share private messages without permission
• Home Addresses: Never share exact addresses of private residences
• Children's Privacy: Extra caution required for content involving minors

10.3 Business & Professional Information

• Respect business privacy and confidential information
• Don't share employee names in negative reviews
• Focus on the experience, not individual staff members
• Be professional when identifying yourself as a business owner

11. Intellectual Property Rights

11.1 Copyright

• Original Content: Only post content you created or have rights to use
• No Copying: Don't copy text from websites, guidebooks, or other sources
• Attribution: Properly credit sources when using information with permission
• Fair Use: Understand fair use doesn't mean you can use whatever you want

11.2 Photography & Media Rights

• Only upload photos and videos you personally took
• Don't download and repost others' photos
• Respect watermarks and attribution
• Understand that posting on Spotz grants us license to use your content (per Terms of Service)

11.3 Trademarks

• Don't use business logos without permission
• Use official business names correctly
• Don't imply endorsement or affiliation falsely

11.4 Reporting Copyright Violations

If you believe your copyrighted work has been used without permission:

• Submit a DMCA takedown notice to copyright@spotz.app
• Include required information per our Copyright Policy
• We'll investigate and take appropriate action

12. Enforcement & Consequences

12.1 How We Enforce Guidelines

We use a combination of methods to enforce these guidelines:

• Automated Detection: Systems that flag potentially problematic content
• User Reports: Community reporting of violations
• Manual Review: Human moderators reviewing flagged content
• Proactive Monitoring: Regular review of high-traffic or sensitive content

12.2 Possible Consequences

Violations may result in:

Content Actions

• Content Removal: Violating posts, reviews, or photos deleted
• Visibility Reduction: Content may be hidden or de-prioritized
• Edit Requirements: Asked to modify content to comply with guidelines

Account Actions

• Warning: Formal warning with explanation of violation
• Temporary Suspension: Account access restricted for a set period (days to weeks)
• Feature Restrictions: Loss of specific features (posting, commenting, messaging)
• Permanent Ban: Account permanently deactivated with no appeal

12.3 Severity & Progressive Discipline

We typically use progressive discipline:

• First Offense (Minor): Warning + content removal
• Second Offense (Minor): Temporary suspension (7-30 days)
• Third Offense (Minor): Extended suspension or permanent ban
• Serious Violations: Immediate permanent ban (illegal content, severe harassment, child safety issues)

12.4 Immediate Permanent Bans

These violations result in immediate permanent ban:

• Child sexual exploitation or abuse
• Terrorist content or violent extremism
• Human trafficking
• Graphic violence or gore
• Coordinated inauthentic behavior at scale
• Severe or repeated harassment
• Egregious privacy violations

12.5 Legal Compliance

• Illegal content will be reported to law enforcement
• We cooperate with lawful requests from authorities
• Court orders and legal requirements take priority

13. Reporting Violations

13.1 How to Report

If you see content or behavior that violates these guidelines:

In-App Reporting

1. Tap the three-dot menu (•••) on the post, review, or profile
2. Select "Report"
3. Choose the reason for reporting
4. Provide additional details (optional but helpful)
5. Submit the report

Email Reporting

For serious violations, email report@spotz.app with:

• Link to the violating content
• Description of the violation
• Which guideline was violated
• Any supporting evidence (screenshots, etc.)

13.2 What Happens After You Report

1. Acknowledgment: You'll receive confirmation we received your report
2. Review: Our team reviews the content within 24-48 hours
3. Decision: We determine if guidelines were violated
4. Action: Appropriate action is taken if violation confirmed
5. Notification: You're notified of the outcome (privacy limits may apply)

13.3 Reporting in Good Faith

• Reports should be genuine concerns, not personal disagreements
• Don't mass-report content you simply dislike
• Don't coordinate reporting campaigns against users
• False or malicious reporting may result in consequences

13.4 Emergency & Safety Issues

For urgent safety concerns:

• Immediate Danger: Contact local authorities (911 in US)
• Child Safety: Report to NCMEC at CyberTipline.org
• Safety Emergency: Email safety@spotz.app for 24/7 response

13.5 Privacy & Confidentiality

• Reporter identity is kept confidential
• We don't notify reported users who reported them
• Reports are handled with discretion and care

14. Appeals Process

14.1 If Your Content Was Removed

If you believe content was removed in error:

1. You'll receive notification explaining why
2. Review the notification and guidelines cited
3. If you believe it was a mistake, submit an appeal
4. Provide explanation of why content doesn't violate guidelines

14.2 If Your Account Was Suspended or Banned

To appeal an account action:

1. Email appeals@spotz.app
2. Include:
   • Your username/email
   • The action taken (suspension, ban, etc.)
   • Why you believe the action was incorrect
   • Any relevant context or evidence
3. We'll review within 3-5 business days
4. You'll receive our decision via email

14.3 Appeal Outcomes

• Upheld: Original decision stands
• Overturned: Content restored or account reinstated
• Modified: Lesser penalty applied
• Additional Action: Additional violations discovered during review

14.4 Appeal Limitations

• You can appeal each decision once
• Appeals must be submitted within 30 days
• Some serious violations (illegal content, child safety) are not eligible for appeal
• Decisions after appeal are final

14.5 No Retaliation

We don't penalize users for appealing in good faith, even if the appeal is not successful.