Regarding Opening a Chat Club or a "Celeb" Club:
In show specific forums, "Celeb" Clubs are referred to as ATs (or Appreciation Threads). So if someone decides to open up a thread specifically for an actor or a pairing, it will have to be labelled as an AT, not CC.
Chat Clubs in forums are created for the purpose of having discussions that are NOT related to the show or any of the cast members working within. For example, discussions pertaining to members' personal lives, events occurring around the globe (like COVID), festival celebrations etc can take place here. CCs will NOT hold discussions related to the episodes, a ship or a cast member as there are already threads created for that purpose. For example, the EDT and this AU DT.
Regarding ShiVI AU DT:
Because this thread was created with the intention of being centered around Shiva and Raavi, discussions related only to them will be entertained. Kanwar and Alice topics are given leeway because they are the actors who play them. Discussing other characters of the show is not appropriate for this DT, and should be taking place in the EDT instead.
However, if the topic of discussion has ShiVi as the central focus and points are being connected to other characters then that should be fine. But if in doubt, then take it to the EDT just to be safe.
Regarding Language:
Regardless of what the thread is, India-Forums has a strict policy when it comes to using foul language on the site. Foul language can be as explicit as the term "asshole" or it can be creative like "a filthy housefly". Criticism of characters isn't being discouraged here. What is being discouraged is actively name-calling and bashing characters in a degrading manner. If someone has a problem with characters' actions, then point that out but in a civilized and respectful way.
Regarding Off Screen Incidents:
The discussion of off screen events between cast members is generally discouraged as a large portion of it ends up being mere speculation. Without solid evidence to prove the point that is being made, stated comments will come off as spreading rumours and lies, and/or intentionally defaming actors. This is also against IF's rules and will land a person in trouble.
Regarding Social Media:
Discussions of what happens on other social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram are not allowed as it's transferring toxicity from one place to another. It becomes difficult for Moderators to tackle the issue as the matter at hand did not originate on India-Forums.
Take the following scenario for example:
Two fans get into an argument on Twitter over their favorite actors. Very heated words are exchanged and their animosity for each other has become profound. They bring all that negativity to India-Forums and continue their spat, making the atmosphere worse for everyone else. Now, let's say Julie had started the fight on Twitter but Sam continued it on India-Forums. While there is potential for both to get into trouble, the chances of Sam getting a more severe punishment is high as she's the one who began the fight on India-Forums, not Julie.
Final Note:
My personal qualms with India-Forums's level of censorship are largely centred around literature. That is one realm where I strongly believe there should be no restrictions at all. But when it comes to discussions, there needs to be a set of rules and guidelines that everyone must follow otherwise things will get out of hand. The Pandya Store forum is still fairly tame and it doesn't have a lot of negativity as compared to other forums.
If someone got offended by something that was said, then that isn't something that one change. We can't control what and how people react to. What I would have preferred is for the offended individuals to either open up a dialogue about what they found offensive or approach the member personally via PM so that they can relay their issue to them. However, bypassing these steps and reporting the member directly is also within their right and it can't be taken away from them. So I guess there's that. š¤·š½āāļø
There is no need for people to panic over the warning note. Just be a little more mindful about what they write and how they write.
Peace. āš½