The Folk Union is a personal project run by one person. It exists to support living folk culture and the people working with it in good faith. These guidelines are here to protect that intention and to keep this a space people can engage with without fear of hostility or harassment. They are not about policing folk practice, setting rules from above, or deciding who is “doing folk properly”.
They apply to:
- This website
- Folk Union online events
- The Folk Union Instagram account
Good Faith Engagement
Discussion, disagreement and critique are very welcome when offered in good faith. In fact this is part of what the Folk Union was set up to promote. Questions and challenges are part of how this project develops. What isn’t welcome is behaviour intended to provoke, derail, intimidate or dominate conversation.
No Racism or Exclusion
Racist, nationalist, transphobic, homophobic or otherwise exclusionary comments will not be hosted. This includes dog-whistles, “just asking questions” framings, or attempts to repackage exclusionary politics as cultural concern.
No Harassment or Pile-ons
Personal attacks, repeated bad-faith questioning, or attempts to mobilise others against individuals or projects will be removed. This includes behaviour that shifts from disagreement into personal accusation.
Projects, Not People
The Folk Union is concerned with how projects interact with folk culture, not with judging individuals. Attempts to turn this space into a court for personal disputes or allegations will be moderated.
Care Over Performance
This is not a debate stage or a place to perform ideological purity. Comments made primarily to score points, attract attention or escalate conflict may be removed.
Moderation Decisions
Comments may be hidden or removed at the discretion of the Folk Union. This isn’t censorship or punishment. It’s about maintaining a space where thoughtful engagement remains possible. Decisions won’t usually be debated publicly.
If something is removed, it doesn’t mean your perspective is invalid. It means this space isn’t the right place for that particular exchange.