Community Guidelines

Acume is dedicated to sharing research and ideas from a broad spectrum of viewpoints. Our mission is to foster a constructive environment where scholars feel free to express professional opinions, backed by evidence, while remaining respectful and tolerant of others.

These guidelines apply to all activity on Acume.

1. Principles

We welcome diversity of thought and healthy scientific debate. However, this must occur without harassment or abuse.

All users are expected to interact in good faith, uphold the integrity of research shared on the platform, and contribute to an atmosphere of trust and inclusivity.

These Community Guidelines clarify the behaviours and content that are encouraged and those that are prohibited on Acume.

Every community member is responsible for following these rules. Breaches may result in content removal or account restrictions, as set out in our Terms of Service.

2. Respectful and professional conduct

2.1 Diversity and civility

Treat others’ ideas with respect, even where there is disagreement. Debate should focus on research, evidence, and arguments, not on individuals.

Harassment, bullying, or derogatory behaviour of any kind is prohibited.

This includes slurs, insults, or hate language directed at any individual or group on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

Scientific disagreement is welcome, provided it remains polite, non-harmful, proportionate, and constructive.

2.2 Constructive interaction

Discussions should remain professional and focused on the content being shared.

Users should provide clear, relevant feedback and ask thoughtful questions.

Constructive criticism should focus on the research or argument rather than the person, be specific, and be transparent about any limitations or conflicts of interest.

Vague, dismissive, or off-topic comments are discouraged. Where possible, explain how a point could be improved using evidence or reasoning.

2.3 Language and tone

Use courteous and non-inflammatory language at all times.

Disparaging remarks, excessive profanity, intimidation, shaming, or the use of all capital letters to provoke or shout are not acceptable.

Users should be mindful that Acume is an international community with diverse cultural and disciplinary backgrounds.

2.4 Privacy and personal data

Protect the privacy of other users. Do not reveal, speculate about, or infer private or personal information without explicit consent.

Doxxing – including the sharing of personal data, even if publicly available elsewhere, for the purpose of targeting, shaming, or harassment – is not permitted.

Unwanted or unauthorised tagging, messaging, or contact that could reasonably be perceived as harassment is prohibited.

3. Research integrity and quality

3.1 Honesty and accuracy

Research and opinions must be shared honestly and in good faith.

Users must not present unverified, misleading, or fabricated claims as established fact.

Where research findings are discussed, users should clearly state relevant limitations, uncertainties, or potential biases. Transparency is considered a marker of strong scholarship.

Using deception or misrepresentation to promote a political or ideological agenda is not permitted.

3.2 Originality and citation

Users should contribute original analysis or properly attribute the ideas and work of others. If there were multiple authors working on the original paper, then add them into the co-author section.

When referencing existing research, appropriate citation and linking to the original work is required.

Plagiarism, or sharing unpublished material without permission, is prohibited.

Where figures, text, or data are reused, users must ensure they have the right to do so and provide appropriate attribution.

3.3 Lawful and ethical behaviour

Content shared on Acume must be lawful and ethically sound.

Users must not solicit, facilitate, or promote illegal activities.

Medical, legal, or similar advice should only be provided by appropriately qualified individuals and must be clearly presented as informational, not as a substitute for professional advice.

4. Prohibited content

The following content is not permitted on Acume.

4.1 Violent or harmful content

Threats, calls for violence, or praise of violent acts against any individual or group are prohibited.

Content that incites or encourages violence, whether directly or indirectly, is not allowed.

4.2 Hate speech and discrimination

Content that promotes hatred, intolerance, or prejudice against protected groups is prohibited.

This includes content that glorifies or trivialises violence, suffering, or abuse.

Scientific or pseudo-scientific claims used to dehumanise or assert the superiority or inferiority of any group are not permitted.

4.3 Harassment and bullying

Bullying behaviour of any kind is not tolerated.

This includes repeated harassment, personal attacks, stalking, or unwanted persistence intended to pressure, shame, or intimidate others.

Using Acume’s features to harass or embarrass individuals is prohibited.

4.4 Privacy violations

Publishing private or non-public personal information without consent is not allowed.

4.5 Sexual and exploitative content

Sexual content is permitted only where clearly necessary for legitimate academic or research purposes.

Content promoting sexual exploitation, non-consensual acts, or the exploitation of minors is strictly prohibited.

4.6 Illegal or unethical activities

Content facilitating illegal activities or services is not permitted.

Unqualified health or safety advice that could reasonably cause harm is prohibited.

Content that intentionally distorts, denies, or systematically misrepresents well-established historic events, empirical evidence, or factual records is not permitted. This includes coordinated or repeated false claims presented as research or scholarly debate.

Content promoting extremist ideologies or organisations is not permitted.

4.7 Spam and self-promotion

Third-party advertising, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or multi-level marketing content is not permitted on Acume.

Spam is not allowed. This includes repetitive posting, bulk interactions, automated activity, or content primarily intended to promote external products or services.

Artificial engagement designed to manipulate visibility or interaction metrics is prohibited.

Self-promotion is permitted only where it is directly relevant and adds genuine value. Relevant affiliations must be disclosed.

4.8 Intellectual property violations

Users must respect copyright and trademark rights.

Embargoed or copyrighted research must not be uploaded without permission. Where appropriate, users should link to authorised versions.

Unauthorised copying or distribution of protected material may result in content removal or account restrictions.

4.9 Coordinated and cross-platform harmful conduct

Content or behaviour that forms part of coordinated on-platform, off-platform, or cross-platform campaigns of harassment, hate speech, violence, or disinformation is not permitted.

Where relevant, off-platform behaviour may be considered when assessing an account’s use of Acume.

5. Community interaction and etiquette

5.1 Research focus

Acume is a research-focused platform. Discussions should remain relevant to scholarly, policy, or professional topics.

Personal grievances or content that primarily serves a political or ideological agenda, without a clear and substantive research basis, are out of scope.

5.2 Meaningful contributions

Users are encouraged to contribute thoughtfully and substantively.

Comments should be clear, relevant, and written to aid understanding.

Users should avoid posting comments that add no substance, such as brief acknowledgements without insight.

5.3 Constructive critique

Disagreement should be expressed through evidence and reasoning, not dismissal or insult.

Critique should aim to clarify, improve, or advance understanding.

5.4 Accountability

Users should represent themselves accurately.

False profiles, impersonation, or misrepresentation of credentials or affiliations are not permitted.

6. Social media policy

When engaging with Acume’s official social media channels, users are expected to follow the same standards of respect and professionalism set out in these guidelines.

Harassment, spam, or misuse of Acume’s social presence is not permitted

7. Use and citation of Acume content

Acume encourages the responsible sharing and citation of content. Users may cite and link to Acume material provided that:
(a) the original author is credited; and
(b) a link to the original Acume content is included.

Content must not be reproduced out of context or separated from its accompanying explanation without permission.

Unauthorised use of Acume materials may result in termination of access.

8. Linking to Acume

You may link to Acume content provided this is done fairly, legally, and without implying endorsement or affiliation.

Use of Acume branding must comply with our logo guidelines and cease if written request to do so is received.

We reserve the right to withdraw linking permission at any time.

9. Reporting violations

If you encounter content or behaviour that violates these guidelines or applicable law, please contact [email protected] and provide relevant details.

Reports are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account context, intent, and potential harm.

Violations may result in content removal, account restrictions, or suspension.

10. Conclusion

By participating on Acume, you agree to abide by these Community Guidelines.

Our aim is to maintain a kind, open, and rigorous community that supports high-quality research exchange.

If you have questions or feedback about these guidelines, please contact [email protected].