Hypnotising.org is a free, volunteer-run site, created and maintained for the fun and enjoyment of those interested in hypnosis. The site depends on the cooperation and good will of all of its members and relies on those members to create a safe, supportive environment for everyone.  However, given that not everyone has the same understanding of that responsibility, and given issues that have arisen in the past, it is important to clarify standards regarding the site and relations between and among the members, as follows: 

REAL HYPNOSIS VS. ROLE PLAY

Rules for this site are based on the assumption of actual hypnosis (not role-play), and the responsibilities involved on each side in such a situation.

If a member is interested solely in role-play, it is expected that his hypnosis partners are aware of this, either through conversation or through a note in the subject’s profile. Habitual deception of a hypnotist is considered contrary to good faith.

INFORMED CONSENT 

All fantasies aside, the relationship between a hypnotist and a subject must be based upon informed consent. 

This means that, in regards to any interaction on or through this site: 

    1. A hypnotist's right to hypnotize a subject depends on the subject's informed consent.

     2. Stealth hypnosis is unacceptable, i.e. hypnotizing someone without his knowledge or consent.  However, a hypnotist may hypnotize without consent at the time of trance if the hypnotist knows the subject, has hypnotized the subject with consent in the past, and knows that the subject is agreeable to a surprise trance. 

    3. Consent must not be abused. Consent given for one purpose must not be exploited for something different. The hypnotist must in particular not take the subject further in the direction of dependence or control than the parameters of such consent as has been given.  This is especially true if a hypnotist suggests behavior modification or an exclusive relationship.  These topics should be discussed outside of trance in all cases.

     4.  A subject under the age of 18 is not permitted on the site and is by definition, for purposes of this site, incapable of giving consent. 

     5. Special care must be given to younger, vulnerable and/or inexperienced subjects.  The hypnotist has an obligation to consider whether a particular subject is capable of giving mature and informed consent, and whether any consent that appears to be given is genuinely mature and informed.  A hypnotist must take special care to be certain that such subject not be taken beyond the scope of his or her consent. Conversely, if a subject is aware of any personal circumstances which makes them particularly vulnerable, such as a medication, illness or situation, it is incumbent upon the subject to inform the hypnotist. 

    6. Stripping a subject of his dignity in public is unacceptable, unless there is informed consent for such conduct, i.e., the subject wishes to be humiliated publicly. In addition, such behavior is only permissible in the main room if it does not make any of the other members uncomfortable. If requested to take it into a side room, those involved are expected to comply.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT 

    1. It is unacceptable to cause or threaten mental distress as a lever of power. 

    2. The main chat room is open to all, and should not be monopolized by a hypnotist and his or her subjects.  Consequently, there shall be no text-based inductions (which by their nature are in front of everyone's eyes) in the main room.  However, audio and/or video trance is permissible, since users may opt to not listen or watch.  Note: When someone is hypnotized in the main room and can only respond by typing, this is considered a gray zone, and is only permissible if it does not interfere with conversation in the room or make any of the other members uncomfortable. If requested to take it into a side room, those involved are expected to comply.

    3. No one may show genitals on the video in the main room or post photos with genitals on the main site.  A hypnotist causing a subject to show genitals on video in the main room will be held primarily responsible for violation of this rule. 

    4. Use of triggers in public chat is strongly discouraged. However, a hypnotist may type brief triggers for his customary subjects only if those triggers are well-safetied against use by others, if they are unique enough to be unlikely to affect other subjects present, and if the result does not conflict with any of the site rules. Firing triggers randomly at persons whom the hypnotist does not know, or to a group including such persons, or to the public room at large, is unacceptable. Whispers and audio are the encouraged method of triggering.

5. Profiles are considered a form of public communication, and are therefore subject to the above standards of conduct.

 VIOLATIONS OF STANDARDS

1. Any admin who witnesses behavior he considers in violation of these standards may immediately suspend a member or members for seven days.  

2. Any member who witnesses a minor violation is encouraged to politely point it out to those involved through a whisper or IM. Any member who witnesses a major violation by any other member may report such violation to any admin.  (Members can copy the chat window by double clicking.)  The admins will investigate the violation to the best of their ability. Once a problem is reported, it is expected that those reporting the problem and those aware of the report will leave resolution in the hands of the admins.

3. After investigation and review, the admins may end the suspension, issue a warning, continue the suspension, or permanently ban any member.