House rules

How the Square keeps its manners

Effective September 26, 2026

A town square works when people treat it like one: you’ll see these folks at the grocery store. These rules apply to everything on the Square, from the calendar to the comment on a question.

1. Real names, real neighbors

Post under your own name. Everyone on the Square lives in or near the town, or runs a business there.

2. Every post is read first

Nothing goes up until the square keeper has read it, usually within the hour. If we decline something, we’ll tell you why when we can.

3. Talk about issues, not people

• No naming, shaming or calling out neighbors.
• Don’t share anyone’s personal information: addresses, license plates, phone numbers, or photos of people without permission.
• Disagree about ideas, kindly. No insults, harassment or hate of any kind.

4. Safety news: official notices only

The Square publishes safety news from the people who issue it: police, fire, the weather service, schools, utilities, and the city and county. We don’t publish “suspicious person” posts, neighbor-reported crime, or doorbell-camera clips. That’s how neighborhood sites turn fearful, and it isn’t fair to the people they describe.

• If something is happening right now and someone may be in danger, call 911.
• For anything else, contact the police non-emergency line.
• Lost and found pets are always welcome.

5. Civic topics yes, campaigns no

Local issues, public meetings, road projects and school board agendas are welcome. Campaign ads, endorsements and election posts for or against candidates are not.

6. Buying, selling and swapping

• Neighbors only. Businesses use their free storefronts instead.
• Not allowed: weapons, alcohol, tobacco or vapes, drugs, recalled items, or anything illegal. Rehoming a pet for free is fine; selling animals isn’t.
• Meet in public, in daylight, and pay in person.

7. Kids

The Square is for adults. Parents are welcome to post for their teens (babysitting, lawn mowing, first jobs), and messages go to the parent. Don’t post photos of other people’s children.

8. Businesses

One free storefront per real local business. Specials and deals must be real and honored. No fake reviews, no spam, no posting as a neighbor to promote your own business.

9. When the rules are broken

We’ll decline the post and let you know. People who break the rules repeatedly lose the ability to post.

These rules will grow with the Square. Founding neighbors will help shape them. Tell us what you think.