Rockhaq is an innovative new project in music journalism and there are a lot of different groups involved in setting it up and making it work – teachers, students, site developers, record labels and team Rockhaq. These guidelines are here to make sure all members know how to use the platform and to make sure that everybody gets the best out of the experience.
DO:
1. Check your work before uploading it
We don’t want experts, but it is good to make sure you get the basics right. Running a spell check will get rid of most errors and having someone else look over your work always helps.
The platform is a place to learn as well as compete so always check our latest tips and hints. Don’t take too long though – a deadline is a deadline!
2. Share work that you own the rights to
There’s no limit to the number of reviews, videos, interviews or photos you’d like to upload to share and get rated by community members and friends.
Make sure it is your work though and that you’re free to share it. See our user terms.
3. Respect everyone’s opinions
Everyone on the platform has something to contribute, but it may not be an opinion that you agree with.
Do remember to be respectful and tolerant of other members – even if they do like U2.
4. Positively criticise other members work
Criticism and feedback is an important part of Rockhaq as without it, nothing would ever change or improve. But it’s important to express your comments and feedback as positively as you can without getting personal and always keep in mind before posting – would I appreciate getting the same comment?
5. Link to us
You’re welcome to upload and send out links to as many pieces of your work as you like, but we’d really appreciate a link back to us on your blogs or Facebook pages so the platform can grow and offer you more. Follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.
DON’T:
1. Upload other people’s work
This means text, photos, videos – anything. It’s all set out in our user terms and the Rockhaq platform is covered by the Creative Commons 2.0 UK licence.
If you suspect somebody of breaking the rules please report it to us by selecting ‘abuse’ on our contact form.
2. Upload abusive or defamatory content
Ok, their last album may have sucked but that doesn’t mean you can make spiteful comments about your favourite band’s characters. Remember not to get personal.
Journalists are taught about defamation but we can only cover the basics in our tips. Try to keep your criticism to the music.
3. Encourage spamming or vote rigging
We don’t know many people that like spam, so everyone has to register to use the Rockhaq platform, even for basic voting rights. Keep any links you post in your work meaningful to your subject and, while it’s tempting, don’t be like Russia and the former Soviet states at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest when it comes to voting. Play fair.
4. Abuse other members
Rockhaq is a competitive platform and you might be disappointed if your work doesn’t always make the top spot.
We know this and have a hints and tips section and forthcoming members forum to help keep you motivated.
It’s just not cricket to vent your anger at other members though and abusive behaviour puts your account at risk of being deleted.
To sum up:
Be nice, stay legal and always think before you post. We know that everyone makes mistakes so in most cases we’ll warn you before we think about deleting your account.
However, if you think these guidelines are too restrictive then it’s probably best you don’t join the platform.
These guidelines are here to make sure that everyone on the platform gets the best experience they can from it.
We don’t want to tell you how to think or behave but make it clear that all members should treat each other with respect and set a standard for content posting and voting.
If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch via our Contact page.