At NetGalley, we are committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all users of our platform. This includes NetGalley members (readers), clients (publishers, authors, etc.), and administrators (staff). We expect all NetGalley users to abide by this Anti-Harassment & Hate Speech Policy in all activities that engage with other NetGalley users, including on ancillary digital platforms such as social media or review platforms, and any in-person social gatherings, such as at conferences or other events.
This policy is intended to create a framework within which we understand how to engage with one another, and outline what will happen in cases where the policy is not followed.
First, let’s clarify what we mean by “harassment” and “hate speech”:
Harassment is any form of behavior that is harmful or abusive. It may be threatening, demeaning, humiliating, or intimidating to another person, and may take many forms: written, visual, verbal, and/or physical. Harassment may also be defamatory or libelous.
Hate speech is any kind of communication in speech, writing or behavior, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are, in other words, based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, color, descent, gender or other identity factor. (Adopted from the United Nations definition of hate speech from its “Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech.”)
NetGalley further clarifies this definition to apply to the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality. We recognize this list is not all encompassing.
As a NetGalley user, you agree to:
- Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
- Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, harassing, or threatening behavior and speech.
- Be mindful of your surroundings (online and in–person) and of your fellow participants.
- Alert NetGalley administrators if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of the Anti-Harassment & Hate Speech Policy.
Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:
- Using hate speech in any communication with another NetGalley user.
- Uploading a book to NetGalley that contains hate speech.
- Harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, religion, disability, age, appearance, or other personal characteristics.
- Posting reviews that harass the author or publisher, or include hate speech.
- Doxxing someone because of a review they wrote.
- Impersonating any person or entity or falsely stating or otherwise misrepresenting your affiliation with a person or entity.
- Deliberately intimidating, stalking, or following.
- Unwelcome and uninvited attention or contact.
- Physical assault (including unwelcome touch or groping).
- Real or implied threat of physical harm.
- Real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm.
- Real or implied offer of work in exchange for sexual favors.
IF YOU ARE BEING HARASSED, NOTICE THAT SOMEONE ELSE IS BEING HARASSED, SEE THAT A NETGALLEY USER HAS USED HATE SPEECH, OR HAVE ANY OTHER CONCERNS, PLEASE CONTACT NETGALLEY IMMEDIATELY.
Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable behavior from any NetGalley user will not be tolerated. If a NetGalley user engages in unacceptable behavior, NetGalley may take any action it deems appropriate, including deactivation of that user’s NetGalley account and barring the user from future use of the NetGalley platform. Egregious violations may result in legal action.
Please note: This Anti-Harassment & Hate Speech Policy is in addition to the NetGalley Terms of Use.