Standards
PEN Community Standards
PublicEthicsNow.com creates space for serious discussion about ethics, accountability, and good governance in Santa Clara. These standards maintain a constructive community while protecting your safety through our PEN Names system.
Our Community Values
Our Core Values
- Truth: We seek facts and evidence
- Civility: We disagree without attacking
- Accountability: We hold power to account
- Safety: We protect those who speak up
- Transparency: We operate openly
All PEN Community members commit to following at least the Golden Rule and to learning the skills for the other two.
The Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated
The Diamond Rule: Treat others the way they want to be treated
The Titanium Rule™: Treat others the way you treat the people you love when you’re at your best
Our Goals
What We Encourage
✓ Sharing relevant information and evidence
✓ Asking tough questions of those in power
✓ Offering constructive criticism and solutions
✓ Respectful debate on policy disagreements
✓ Supporting community members
✓ Using your PEN Name to protect yourself
✓ Sharing insider knowledge about ethics violations
✓ Documenting governance failures with facts
✗ Personal attacks or harassment
✗ Threats or intimidation
✗ Doxxing (revealing others’ private information)
✗ Spam or commercial solicitation
✗ Coordinated trolling or brigading
✗ Impersonation
✗ Deliberate misinformation
✗ Abuse of the PEN Names system
✗ Violations of The Golden, Diamond, or Titanium Rules
What We Prohibit
Reporting Suspected Violations
You may encounter articles or comments that you find offensive. Use the “objective person” test and then email Dr. Shanks with content you believe violates the standards on this page.
- Use the “Report” button on any comment
- Email drshankst@publictrustnow.com with details
- Reports are reviewed within 48 hours
- All reports are kept confidential
Dr. Tom Shanks personally reviews reported comments and makes final decisions about violations. Our enforcement process is:
First Violation: Private warning email to your registered email address
Second Violation: 30-day suspension from commenting privileges
Third Violation: Permanent ban from the PEN Community
Severe Violations: Immediate permanent ban, possible identity disclosure to authorities
Moderation Process
PEN Names Protections
Your PEN Name protects your identity. We take that seriously:
- We will never reveal your real name without your permission
- Attempting to identify other members is a severe violation
- If someone tries to doxx you, report it immediately
- We may disclose identity only if legally compelled or to prevent imminent harm
- You can request your data at any time
- You can delete your PEN Name account
- Past comments remain but become unlinked from your identity
- See our full Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Rights
Appeals Process
If you believe a moderation decision was unfair:
Email drshanks@publictrustnow.com within 7 days
Explain why you believe the decision was wrong
Dr. Shanks will review and respond within 3 business days
Final decisions rest with Dr. Shanks
Why These Standards Matter
Ethics is a set of standards for how we ought to treat ourselves, others, and the physical world around us. These are not just standards we demand of other people. They apply even more to those of us who will challenge others. If we want ethical government, we must practice ethical engagement.
These standards aren’t about limiting speech—they’re about making speech more productive and improving relationships. When people feel safe and respected, better ideas emerge.
Questions? Email drshanks@publictrustnow.com
The Titanium Rule™ coined by Dr. Tom Shanks, PublicEthicsNow