Community Guidelines and Standards
Essential guidelines for positive participation in the EarthWonders collecting community. Learn community standards and best practices for respectful interaction.
Respect and Courtesy
- Treat all community members with kindness and respect
- Use professional language in all communications
- Welcome newcomers and help them learn about the hobby
- Acknowledge different experience levels and perspectives
- Celebrate others' finds and achievements
Honesty and Transparency
- Provide accurate and complete descriptions of specimens
- Disclose any treatments, repairs, or modifications honestly
- Be transparent about condition, provenance, and pricing
- Admit when you don't know something rather than guessing
- Share knowledge and expertise generously with others
Platform Usage
- Keep all transactions within the EarthWonders platform
- Use the messaging system for specimen-related communications
- Follow proper procedures for buying, selling, and trading
- Respect intellectual property and posting guidelines
- Report violations or concerns to platform moderators
Harassment, bullying, or intimidation of other community members
Misleading or false descriptions of specimens or their characteristics
Spam, unsolicited promotions, or off-topic commercial content
Sharing personal information publicly or using it inappropriately
Attempting to circumvent platform safety features or policies
Engaging in fraudulent activities or misrepresenting identity
Using offensive language, hate speech, or discriminatory content
Manipulation of reviews, ratings, or community feedback systems
Educational Contributions
- Share geological knowledge and scientific information about specimens
- Provide collecting tips and locality information when appropriate
- Help others identify minerals and understand their characteristics
- Contribute to discussions about mineral care and preservation
Constructive Communication
- Ask thoughtful questions that encourage learning and discussion
- Provide helpful answers based on your knowledge and experience
- Give constructive feedback that helps improve the community
- Engage in respectful debates about geological topics and collecting practices
Community Support
- Welcome new collectors and help them get started in the hobby
- Celebrate others' finds and share in their enthusiasm
- Offer assistance with identification, valuation, or care questions
- Participate in community events and educational initiatives
Remember: We're All Here for the Same Passion
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, remember that we all share a love for geological specimens and the Earth's natural wonders. Treat others with respect, share knowledge generously, and help build a community where everyone can learn and grow together.
Related Guides
Safety guidelines and best practices for secure transactions and personal protection.
Learn how to provide excellent customer service that builds trust and strengthens the community.