Community Guidelines

1. Our Core Values

The SuddenPlate community is built on these principles:

2. Recipe Sharing Rules

2.1 Recipe Quality Standards

When sharing recipes:

• Be accurate: Provide clear ingredient measurements and cooking times
• Be complete: Include all ingredients and step-by-step instructions
• Be honest: Only share recipes you've tried or accurately attribute sources
• Be clear about allergens: Note common allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten, etc.)
• Tag dietary info: Use tags like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, keto, etc.

2.2 Food Safety

• Ensure cooking temperatures are safe (especially for meat, poultry, eggs)
• Provide proper refrigeration and storage guidance
• Warn about foods that may be unsafe for certain groups (pregnant women, children, elderly)
• Never recommend consuming raw or undercooked high-risk foods without clear warnings

2.3 Nutritional Information

Nutritional data on SuddenPlate is AI-estimated. When sharing recipes:

• Do not make medical or health claims (e.g., "cures diabetes," "guaranteed weight loss")
• Be honest about approximate values (nutrition data is estimated, not lab-tested)
• Avoid extreme diet claims or promoting disordered eating behaviors
• Respect that users have different health goals and dietary needs

3. Photo Content Standards

3.1 Acceptable Food Photos

• Photos of meals, ingredients, and finished dishes
• Photos showing cooking processes and techniques
• Photos of pantry organization and meal prep
• Photos that accurately represent the recipe

3.2 Prohibited Photo Content

• Photos unrelated to food, cooking, or meal planning
• Graphic, violent, or disturbing imagery
• Sexually explicit or suggestive content
• Photos containing personal information (addresses, phone numbers, etc.)
• Photos promoting dangerous eating behaviors or extreme diets
• Photos that mock or shame body types or eating habits
• Low-quality or blurry photos that don't represent the food

3.3 Photo Attribution

Only upload photos you took yourself or have permission to use. Do not:

• Steal photos from other users, websites, or social media
• Use professional photography without permission
• Claim someone else's work as your own

4. Respectful Interaction

4.1 Comments and Feedback

When commenting on recipes or meals:

• Be constructive: Offer helpful suggestions, not just criticism
• Be encouraging: Celebrate others' cooking achievements
• Be specific: Share what worked or didn't work for you
• Be respectful of modifications: People adapt recipes for many reasons

4.2 Cultural Sensitivity

Food is deeply connected to culture and identity. Be respectful:

• Avoid cultural appropriation or misrepresentation of traditional dishes
• Give credit when sharing recipes from specific cultures or cuisines
• Don't mock or belittle unfamiliar foods or eating customs
• Be open to learning about food traditions different from your own

4.3 Dietary Choices

Respect all dietary choices and restrictions:

• Do not shame or criticize dietary preferences (vegan, keto, omnivore, etc.)
• Understand that people have different reasons for their food choices (health, ethics, religion, allergies)
• Don't evangelize your diet as the only "correct" way to eat
• Be supportive of users managing food allergies and intolerances

5. Prohibited Content

The following content is strictly prohibited on SuddenPlate:

5.1 Harmful Content

• Hate speech, discrimination, or harassment based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics
• Threats, violence, or promotion of self-harm
• Content promoting eating disorders or extreme dieting behaviors
• Illegal activities or dangerous challenges

5.2 Spam and Commercial Activity

• Excessive self-promotion or affiliate links
• Spam, chain messages, or unsolicited marketing
• Selling products or services without authorization
• Manipulating engagement (fake likes, follow-for-follow schemes)

5.3 Misinformation

• False or misleading health claims
• Dangerous food safety misinformation
• Fake nutritional data intended to deceive
• Impersonating health professionals or organizations

6. Copyright and Attribution

6.1 Respecting Copyright

Recipes themselves are generally not copyrightable, but specific written expressions and photos are:

• Don't copy recipe text word-for-word from cookbooks, blogs, or other sources
• Paraphrase instructions in your own words
• Never copy photos from other sources without permission
• Respect trademarks (don't claim a recipe is the "official" version of a branded product)

6.2 Giving Credit

When sharing recipes inspired by others:

• Credit the original source (e.g., "Adapted from Grandma's recipe," "Inspired by Chef XYZ")
• Link to original sources when possible
• Use phrases like "inspired by" or "adapted from" for modified recipes
• Don't claim traditional or well-known recipes as your original creation

7. Reporting Violations

How to Report

• Use the "Report" button on recipes, photos, or comments
• Email community@suddenplate.com with details
• Provide context: what guideline was violated and why it's concerning

What Happens Next

Our moderation team reviews all reports:

• Reports are reviewed within 24-48 hours
• Violating content may be removed
• Repeat offenders may face account restrictions
• You'll receive confirmation that your report was received

8. Enforcement Actions

Violations of these guidelines may result in:

Appeals

If you believe enforcement action was taken in error:

• Email appeals@suddenplate.com within 14 days
• Provide your username and a clear explanation
• Appeals are reviewed by a different team member
• You'll receive a response within 7 business days