← The Kept Gate

House Rules

This room exists because the conversation that used to happen at shop parties and convention bar tabs doesn't have a home anymore. These rules exist to keep it that way.

What stays inside stays inside

No screenshots. No copy-pasting. No "my friend in this forum said..." No forwarding messages. No sharing content with anyone who isn't a current member. Not on Instagram, not in a group chat, not in a podcast, not anywhere.

This is the one rule that will get you removed immediately, no warning, no refund. If the room doesn't feel safe, the room doesn't work.

Real names, real work

Your account is tied to your name and your shop. No anonymous handles. No burner accounts. No sock puppets. If you wouldn't say it with your name on it, don't say it.

No clients, no press, no spectators

Don't share your login. Don't let someone read over your shoulder. Don't invite your partner, your tattoo collector friend, or your favorite journalist. The door is closed for a reason.

Disagree like an adult

This is a room full of people who do the same job differently. Disagreement is expected. Personal attacks are not. Argue about technique, pricing, standards, whatever—but attack the idea, not the person.

If you can't tell the difference, this room isn't for you.

No selling

Don't pitch your course, your supply line, your merch, or your app in the main categories. The Suppliers category exists for trade discussion. If someone asks for a recommendation, share it. If nobody asked, don't.

No recruiting

Don't DM members to poach them for your shop, your brand, or your project without their invitation. Job postings go in Business. Cold outreach gets you flagged.

Show up

This isn't a badge to collect. If you haven't posted or logged in for six months, your membership may be reviewed. The room only works if the people in it are actually in it.

How disputes work

If something goes sideways, flag it. The Stewards group reviews flags. Stewards are working tattoo artists, not moderators from the internet. Their call is final.

Don't litigate disputes in public threads. Don't recruit allies. Don't start campaigns. Flag it, move on, let the Stewards handle it.

What gets you removed

Sharing forum content outside the gate. Harassment. Doxxing. Repeated personal attacks. Selling or spamming. Sharing login credentials. Extended inactivity. Being someone who makes the room worse.

Removal is permanent. There is no appeals process. There is no refund.

One more thing

The gate is kept because someone sweeps the floor. If you see something that needs sweeping, flag it. Don't walk past it.