Community content policy

All submitted content is released with a Creative Commons Share-Alike license. For many historical materials, we are unaware of any restrictions on  use. Contact us immediately if you are aware of any restrictions.

Any text, images, audio, or video that you submit may be published on this Web site, and all content will contain attribution to  you. In addition, all those who republish must also include your credit. This license respects your rights as owner, and also defines how you wish to contribute to scholarly research and the common good. If you do not wish to grant such a license, it is suggested that you do not submit your contribution to this site.

This site is governed by the rules of respectful civil discourse. You are fully responsible for everything that you submit. We reserve the right to reject, edit, remove, or otherwise alter community-submitted content.

Be respectful

Online communications flourish when our communities feel welcome and safe.

Do not submit content that contains abusive, vulgar, offensive, sexually-oriented, threatening or harassing language, personal attacks of any kind, or offensive terms that target specific individuals or groups. We will remove it.

Be legal

You agree that you are fully responsible for the content that you submit. You may not submit illegal material of any nature.

You may not violate, plagiarize, or infringe on the rights of third parties including copyright, trademark, trade secret, privacy, personal, publicity, or proprietary rights.

Posting content with the intention of committing or condoning an illegal act is strictly prohibited.

Be relevant

We will remove spam, content that is clearly off-topic or that involves political campaigning or lobbying.

No advertising, promotion, or solicitation of goods or services. If you know of a worthy website relevant to the discussion, please inform The Compass via the Contact Us link.

Be considerate

We may remove content that contains personal information, including home address, phone numbers, or personal e-mail addresses. This is for your own safety and that of everyone who uses this service.

Post in English only. Posts containing languages other than English may be removed. Common greetings and salutations in languages other than English may be acceptable.

No capital letters. This is Internet shorthand for raising your voice. You can make your point perfectly well in lower case so please take the caps lock off.

No impersonating. Impersonating someone is unacceptable.

Be responsible

You understand and agree that we are not responsible for submitted content. You agree to indemnify The Compass LLC against all legal fees, damages and other expenses that may be incurred as a result of your breach of these rules.