Call Out Posts
What to do and what not to do.
Call out posts are a source of debate in the RPC, and while debates could go on continually about their use and necessity, this is meant to be a simple guide to what a credible call out post is for, how it should be written, and what should be done by others when they see one. Consider this a guide from people who’ve both received and written call out posts in the past.
WHAT IS A CALL OUT POST FOR?
As a last resort when communicating with involved parties fails. Only as a last resort.
This applies to all the following examples used in this post; a lot of the fall out and emotional trauma associated with call out culture here on Tumblr could honestly be avoided if a civil conversation had occurred first.
Informing others of dangerous behavior: Call out posts are important when they’re used properly.Dangerous behavior can include:
busive behavior
instances of doxxing
nsfw content featuring minors
Informing others of dishonest behavior: Call out posts can be used to bring attention to dishonest behavior as well. For example:
when one lies about their age and are a minor (though their exact age should not be listed; instead, explaining simply that they are a minor should suffice)
blatant copying occurs-- this is a bit more difficult to post about seeing as a lot of blogs are for canon characters and headcanons between them can be drawn upon easily without any intention of copying. In this case, screencaps that convey the plagiarism of intellectual property should be a requirement
HOW SHOULD A CALL OUT POST BE WRITTEN?
Do not write a call out post when in a negative headspace.
Always back up statements with facts/sources/screencaps.
Consider ALL possible consequences of making the call out post.
Proofread, then have someone else proofread.
Share with reliable blogs.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IF ONE SEES A CALL OUT POST?
Verify sources.
Verify the blog that reblogged it onto your dashboard.
Consider the consequences of liking and/or reblogging the post.
DO CALL OUT POSTS HAVE CONSEQUENCES?
We live in an internet age. It's important to consider what one says and does on the internet carefully. Defamation of character occurs when libel by a perpetrator is presented repeatedly. When instances of libel are numerous enough, a lawsuit for defamation of character can occur. With this in mind, avoiding false information in call out posts is understandably important.