Community Guidelines
Building a supportive, inclusive DIY music community together
Our Values
DIY Shows is built on the principles that have always made DIY music culture special: mutual support, inclusivity, authenticity, and community over profit. These guidelines help us maintain a space where everyone can thrive.
Core Principles
- • Mutual Support: We're here to help each other succeed
- • Inclusivity: All people are welcome in our community
- • Authenticity: Be genuine in your interactions and listings
- • Respect: Treat others as you'd want to be treated
- • Community First: Prioritize collective benefit over individual gain
For Artists
Profile Guidelines
- • Use accurate information about your music, location, and availability
- • Include working links to your music (Bandcamp, Spotify, etc.)
- • Upload quality photos that represent your act
- • Write honest descriptions of your sound and live performance
- • Keep your tour status and contact information up to date
Tour Requests & Booking
- • Be realistic about your draw and experience level
- • Respond promptly to venue inquiries and bids
- • Honor your commitments - don't ghost venues
- • Be flexible and understanding with DIY spaces
- • Promote shows appropriately and help with turnout
Remember
DIY venues often operate on tight budgets and volunteer labor. Be patient, communicative, and appreciative of the work they do to support independent music.
For Venues
Venue Listings
- • Provide accurate capacity, equipment, and facility information
- • Be clear about your booking policies and requirements
- • Include working contact information
- • Upload photos that accurately represent your space
- • Specify what types of music and events you host
Working with Artists
- • Respond to inquiries in a timely manner
- • Be transparent about payment, door splits, and expectations
- • Provide clear load-in information and technical details
- • Support the artists you book with promotion and hospitality
- • Honor your agreements and communicate any changes promptly
Safety First
Ensure your venue meets basic safety requirements and create an environment where all attendees feel welcome and secure.
Community Standards
Prohibited Content & Behavior
- • Harassment, discrimination, or hate speech of any kind
- • Spam, fake listings, or misleading information
- • Commercial promotion unrelated to DIY music
- • Sharing personal information without consent
- • Attempting to circumvent platform safety features
Inclusive Spaces
DIY Shows is committed to supporting venues and artists that create inclusive, safe spaces for all people regardless of:
- • Race, ethnicity, or national origin
- • Gender identity or expression
- • Sexual orientation
- • Religion or beliefs
- • Disability or accessibility needs
- • Age (within legal requirements)
- • Economic background
Best Practices
Communication
- • Be clear and professional in all interactions
- • Respond to messages within 48 hours when possible
- • Ask questions if something isn't clear
- • Keep records of important agreements
Collaboration
- • Work together to make shows successful
- • Share resources and knowledge with others
- • Support other artists and venues in your scene
- • Give constructive feedback when appropriate
Reporting & Enforcement
If you encounter behavior that violates these guidelines, please report it. We take all reports seriously and will investigate promptly.
How to Report
Use the feedback widget on any page or contact us directly. Include:
- • Description of the issue
- • Links to relevant profiles or content
- • Any screenshots or evidence
- • Your contact information (kept confidential)
Building Community Together
These guidelines aren't just rules - they're a reflection of the values that make DIY music culture special. By following them, you're helping create a space where independent music can thrive.
Have suggestions for improving these guidelines? We'd love to hear from you. This is a community project, and your input helps make it better for everyone.