This is the agreement I propose to make with the Mentors on behalf of Experts Round Table;
MENTOR'S CHARTERThe purpose of this charter is it define the relationship between Experts Round Table (ERT) and The volunteer Mentors who make the operation of the site possible.
ERT recognizes the independence of the Mentors and is pledged to respect and support Mentors engaged in the delivery of services and content on the ERT sites.
Management of Forums/TopicsThe final authority on technical issues in all forums is the group of Mentors certified for the category. Responsibility for operational issues such as the movement of threads, splitting of threads and archiving resides with the Mentors certified for the category in consultation with the Editors and Forum Administrators.
Quality assessment, quality assurance, and determination of the appropriateness of content are the responsibility of the Mentors certified for the category in consultation with the editors.
Peer review, member evaluation, and administration of ranking below Mentor are a function of the group of Mentors certified for the category; except where there are allegations of discrimination. In any case where discrimination in alleged, the situation will be reviewed by the Governing Council.
Matters of behavior, professional conduct, and continued access to forums and/or topics are the responsibility of the Mentors except for disputes between Mentors; in which case the Site Administrator may act to bring resolution subject to review by the Governing Council.
Expressions of OpinionExperts Round Table is a teaching location. The Mentors in working toward solutions may issue opinions on code, products, processes, programs, sites, and other objects; which may in some cases not be complimentary. The expression of opinion, based on belief, supporting evidence, experience, and interpretation of fact shall not be hampered through censorship or the imposition of unreasonable filtering requirements except for:
- Profanity, Obscenity, and grossly offensive language
- Personal attacks
- Comments that expose the site to legal liability
The Governing Council shall be responsible for defining the details of what type of comments are considered unacceptable.
Copyright and Control of Work on ERT sitesBy posting on ERT sites the Mentor grants a non-exclusive license to Experts Round Table to hold, present, modify, and incorporate into larger works; all content so posted. ERT is limited to using such content on ERT sites only; plus inclusion in syndicated feeds originating from ERT sites.
In all cases where the work of a Mentor is presented in any form it will bear attribution where appropriate as to authorship. In the case of collections, derivative works or compendiums; a single list of document credits will be deemed to meet this requirement.
At no time will Experts Round Table make content created by Mentors available for a financial or other consideration without the permission of the Mentors who own the content.
Status RankingAdvisors: Advisors attain their position by appointment of the Mentors certified in the category; or by appointment from an administrator. Administrator appointments are probationary and subject to approval or rejection after 30 days by the Mentors certified for the category.
Coach: Advisors can be elevated to Coach by a majority vote of the mentors for a category.
Advisors generally do not actively engage in the discussion of problems, but may make comments to further the search for a solution upon invitation of a Mentor. The primary role for advisors is to assist members to formulate their inquiries and place them in the correct forum; Advisor is a learning position in preparation for participating in discussions.
Coaches have some participation in discussions, with limits defined by the Mentors; and handle common inquiries that do not require substantial training.
Mentor:Mentor rank may bestowed in any of the following ways:
- The member initiates a new forum and provides support for the topics opened in it.
- A member with high level credentials or experience is recruited as a Mentor by an Admin, and the appointment is approved by a majority vote of the Governing Council.
- By recommendation of the Site Administrator or three Mentors and a 2/3 majority vote by th Governing Council.
- Election by a Majority of the Mentors certified for a category
A Mentor has full voting rights and privileges only in those categories where they are certified. In all other categories they are Visiting Mentors with full discussion and participation rights, but they have no role in managing the category or its forums.
Mentor LaureateThis ranking is reserved for only those experts who have demonstrated proficiency in finding solutions for a range of programs and who have produce a significant body of content. The ranking requires nomination from 5 Mentors from at least 3 different categories. The nomination must be endorsed by the Site Admin and receive a 2/3 majority vote from the Governing Council.
KnightThis is an honorary ranking given to members for outstanding service to the community. It requires unanimous approval of the Governing Council.
Editors, Forum admins, Moderators. these are discretionary appointments by the Site Admin.
Discipline/RulesThe Mentors are subject to the same rules of conduct as other members, but with more flexibility, latitude, and limited dispensation while they are engaged in forum management functions.
A Mentor alone or in concert with other Mentors may not suspend a fellow Mentor. Forum Admins an other appointed members may not suspend a Mentor. The Site Admin has authority to suspend a Mentor for a maximum of 24 hours; subject to review by the Governing Council.
A mentor can be suspended for more than 24 hours or terminated only by a majority vote of the Governing Council.
All disputes around this charter and the site rules shall be mediated by the Governing Council who may impose a solution. ERT reserves the right to intervene or impose a settlement through the Site Administrator in any case where a financial or legal exposure is involved; and in any case where the Governing Council fails to act in a timely manner.
