Community Guidelines

Building a welcoming community together

๐Ÿค Our community is built on respect, support, and local connection. Please review these guidelines to help keep Central Alberta Markets a positive space for everyone.

1. Respect & Inclusion

Central Alberta Markets welcomes everyone in our community, regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.

We Expect:

  • Treat all community members with courtesy and respect
  • Value diverse perspectives and experiences
  • Use welcoming language and avoid discriminatory remarks
  • Give constructive feedback, not criticism
  • Welcome newcomers and help them feel included

We Do Not Tolerate:

  • Hate speech, harassment, or bullying
  • Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, orientation, or disability
  • Personal attacks or insults
  • Trolling or deliberate provocation

2. Vendor Standards

Our vendors are the heart of Central Alberta Markets. These standards ensure quality and trust within our community.

Vendor Responsibilities:

  • Accuracy: Provide accurate product descriptions, pricing, and availability
  • Quality: Offer fresh, quality products that meet expectations
  • Honesty: Be truthful about product origins and ingredients
  • Reliability: Honor your commitments to customers and the platform
  • Compliance: Maintain necessary licenses, permits, and insurance
  • Response: Respond professionally to customer inquiries

Prohibited Vendor Practices:

  • Misleading or false advertising
  • Price gouging or deceptive pricing
  • Reselling products misrepresented as local/artisan
  • Failure to honor advertised specials or availability

3. Content Guidelines

The content you share on Central Alberta Markets should be helpful, accurate, and appropriate for all audiences.

Acceptable Content:

  • Honest reviews and feedback about vendors and products
  • Helpful tips about local markets and seasonal produce
  • Event information and market updates
  • Recipe ideas and cooking inspiration
  • Photos of products (with vendor permission if applicable)

Prohibited Content:

  • Spam, advertisements, or promotional content without approval
  • Defamatory or libellous statements
  • Copyrighted material without permission
  • Inappropriate or explicit content
  • Misinformation or fake reviews
  • Personal attacks on vendors or community members

4. Privacy & Safety

Protecting your privacy and ensuring your safety is our priority.

Protect Yourself & Others:

  • Never share personal information (addresses, phone numbers) publicly
  • Report suspicious activity to administrators
  • Use the platform's messaging system rather than sharing contact info
  • Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true
  • Meet in safe, public locations for any in-person transactions

For Minors: If you are under 18, please get parental permission before participating in the community and never share personal information online.

5. Market Etiquette

These guidelines help create a positive experience at our farmers markets.

  • Be patient: Markets can be busy; allow extra time and be kind to vendors
  • Ask questions: Vendors love to share about their products
  • Bring cash: Many vendors appreciate cash options (check beforehand)
  • Bring bags: Help reduce waste by bringing reusable bags
  • Respect vendor space: Don't touch products without permission
  • Support local: Your purchases directly support Central Alberta families
  • Leave pets at home: Unless explicitly pet-friendly, please leave furry friends home

6. Enforcement & Reporting

We take community guidelines violations seriously to maintain a safe, welcoming environment.

Consequences May Include:

  • Warning: First-time minor violations receive a warning
  • Content Removal: Violating content will be removed
  • Temporary Suspension: Repeated violations may result in temporary account suspension
  • Permanent Ban: Severe or repeated violations result in permanent removal
  • Legal Action: Illegal activity will be reported to authorities

How to Report:

If you witness a violation or feel unsafe, please contact us immediately:

  • Email: centralalbertaafterdarkads@gmail.com
  • Use the "Report" button on content you believe violates guidelines

All reports are treated confidentially and investigated promptly.

Questions?

If you have questions about these guidelines or need clarification, we're here to help.

Contact: centralalbertaafterdarkads@gmail.com

These guidelines may be updated periodically to reflect community needs. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of current guidelines.

Last updated: July 2026