SMS Official WhatsApp Groups
Rules & Guidelines
Welcome to our official WhatsApp groups! To ensure these groups remain a convenient, focused, and valuable tool for quick information distribution without becoming overwhelming, please follow these rules and guidelines. Good etiquette helps everyone stay informed and engaged.
💬 Communication & Focus
✅ Do's (What to Do)
- Stay on Topic: Ensure your messages are relevant to the group's purpose.
- Post in Single Chunks: Send your complete message in one block of text rather than multiple short lines.
- Think Before You Post: Take a moment to consider your message before sending and avoid hasty replies.
❌ Don'ts (What to Avoid)
- Avoid Irrelevant Messages: Do not share messages or media that are off-topic.
- Spamming & Reposting: Avoid posting the same information multiple times or flooding the chat.
- One-on-One Conversations: Refrain from extended private discussions within the main group chat.
⏰ Timing & Response Management
✅ Do's (What to Do)
- Respond Only When Necessary: For a call to action (e.g., RSVP), only reply if you are participating. Assume everyone else is on board.
- Use Reactions for Gratitude: Express thanks or acknowledgement by reacting to the message (liking or hearting it).
- Wait for Answers: If a question is asked and you don't know the answer, remain silent.
- Verify Before Answering: If someone has already answered, do not repeat the information. If you have extra info, reply directly in a private message.
❌ Don'ts (What to Avoid)
- No "Noise" Replies: Avoid standalone replies like "👍," "🙏," "done," or "✔️." Use the reaction feature instead.
- "Thank You" Floods: Avoid flooding the chat with thank yous. Express detailed gratitude via private message (PM).
- "I Don't Know" Responses: Do not reply simply to say "I don't know."
- Nighttime Posting: Refrain from posting between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, except for genuine emergencies.
🤝 Professionalism & Organisation Conduct
✅ Do's (What to Do)
- Adhere to Advertising Limits: Promotion of member-owned companies is restricted. Limit posts to the 1st-3rd and 15th-17th of each month.
- Address Issues Privately: Take grievances directly to the relevant person or the PST (President, General Secretary, Treasurer) separately.
❌ Strictly prohibited
- Political/Religious Platforms: Do not argue, express heated opinions, or spread fear-mongering/fake news. Verify sources before sharing.
- Grievances or Berating: Never use the group to criticise the organisation, berate someone, or air personal grievances.
- Seek Approval for Additions: Do not add an outsider to any SMS-related group without prior approval from the PST.
- Information Sharing: Do not share any information related to our organisation outside of our official groups.
⚠️ Important: Admin Rights
- Message Moderation: Group Admins reserve the full right to delete any unwanted messages immediately.
- Group Status: Admins may change the group setting to "Admin Only" at any point in time to manage the flow of information.
🤔 Before You Post...
Ask yourself these three critical questions to ensure your message adds value:
Is this relevant & on topic?
Is it necessary for all members?
Is this a good time to post?