Deletions and Terminations
Given that the Morningstar Office Discussions area is something of a "gated community" (you must be a paid subscriber to start a new Topic or post to an existing one), we'll hopefully avoid the problems that sometimes plague online bulletin boards, such as blatant advertisements, abusive language, etc.
Still, we reserve the right to delete posts without warning. While the below list is not all inclusive, we will specifically delete posts that:
Use language not permitted on the public airwaves
Use pornographic language
Use threatening language
Are deemed to be disruptive to the Morningstar Office community
Making posts such as these may result in Morningstar rescinding your posting rights.
Be Civil
We don't expect that everyone in the Morningstar Office community is going to agree on everything. Disagreement, after all, is the foundation of financial markets - for every buyer who thinks a stock is underpriced, there's a seller who thinks it's headed down the tubes. That said, please take care to post messages that disagree without conveying a disagreeable tone.
Using a condescending or nasty tone is the quickest way to inspire personal attacks, and there's no such thing as a civil personal attack. Do your best, and recognize that there probably will be misunderstandings, but if you can't disagree with an idea or investment philosophy without striking out at the person who follows it, then please don't post.
Again, if you think that a message is inappropriate, you can let us know by clicking Feedback and by including the Forum name, Topic, and post numbers. A moderator will take a look at it and take action if needed.
Be Honest
Other things that will tarnish your good name and get you in hot water:
Posting promotional material or advertisements.
Plagiarizing or impersonating someone else; or misrepresenting your affiliation with a person or entity.