The GOAT PoL Ground Rules Update

We’ve taken some time to revisit and revise our Ground Rules to ensure The GOAT PoL remains a respectful, fair, and collaborative community. Every member is expected to follow these principles. Ground Rules for a polity of literature—The GOAT PoL exists only in human collaborations of writing and reading, therefore:

(1) Each person who writes and reads can enroll here using one account under their own name or a pseudonym. Do not open two or more accounts. Each person in this polity has equivalent rights, and no one should expand their claim by opening more than one account.

(2) As people engaged in collective work we rely on honesty; please always be honest and forthcoming about your actions or responses; the work you submit must be your own.

(3) The human work of writing and reading cannot be done by machines. The health and value of our polity of literature depends on each person showing up in their work fully human. Do not submit any writing made with AI—we will not publish any writing that is AI. Violation of this rule hurts the community by making it harder for us to engage with you as a human being. AI accounts will be deleted.

(4) Good human relationships are built with mutual respect: please ask and don’t demand; disagree with respect; don’t belittle or dismiss; listen and try to understand, even if you disagree.

(5) Please be patient—human work goes at a human pace; the pleasure we feel in working together only comes in its own time. We look forward to reading your work.

These ground rules are essential to maintaining our “polity of literature”—a community of readers and writers where everyone supports each other as equals. By joining The GOAT PoL, you agree to these rules. Violations can result in consequences (like losing the privilege to receive commissions, or in serious cases, removal from the community). Fortunately, our community is very positive, and as long as you uphold honesty, respect, and patience, you’ll fit right in.