Community Guidelines
How we cook together, online.
Brass Tacks is a home for cooks of all levels to learn, share, and grow. This community exists to help you master the essentials without the clutter, and these guidelines are here to protect that space.
We want everyone to feel safe asking any question, from how to salt water to how to braise the perfect short rib. By hanging out here or posting your latest win, you’re agreeing to look out for each other and follow these simple rules.
Our Core Values
These simple principles keep our kitchen a place where everyone can grow, no matter where they are in their cooking journey.
Kindness First
We treat every member with warmth. Remember there's a real person behind every comment, usually just trying their best to get dinner on the table.
Stay Curious
There are a million ways to fry an egg. Be open to different techniques and backgrounds; that's how we all find our new favorite flavors.
Honest Sharing
Share your kitchen wins and your soggy bottoms. Being real about where we struggle helps everyone learn faster and feel less alone.
Generous Spirit
If you have a tip that makes a task easier, pass it on. This community thrives when we pull each other up and share the wealth of knowledge.
Please do:
- Ask questions, even if they feel basic—we all started somewhere.
- Share your culinary wins, no matter how small they seem.
- Offer constructive, kind feedback when someone asks for it.
- Stay on topic so people can find the recipes and tips they need.
- Share helpful tips or ingredient swaps that worked for you.
- Be patient with others who are still learning the ropes.
Please don’t:
- Never use hate speech, slurs, or any form of harassment.
- Don't post spam or self-promotion without checking with Micah first.
- Avoid giving unsafe cooking advice or ignoring food safety.
- Don't be a kitchen snob—everyone's background and skill level is valid.
- Avoid overly aggressive criticism of someone's personal taste.
- Don't share private information about other members.
How We Moderate
We want this to be a space where you feel comfortable sharing both your kitchen triumphs and those 'oops' moments. To keep things helpful and safe for every home cook, we review posts to ensure they align with our guidelines. If something feels a bit off or goes against our core values, we may remove it to maintain the community's positive spirit.
We always aim to be fair and start by assuming everyone has good intentions. However, serious or repeated issues—like harassment or unsafe advice—will lead to removal from the group. Our priority will always be the safety and well-being of our members so that learning remains the focus.
We're all human, and mistakes can happen on both sides. If you ever feel like a moderation decision was handled unfairly or you’d like some clarity, please reach out. We’re here to listen and keep our community growing together.
If Something Feels Off
We rely on our members to speak up if they see behavior that breaks these guidelines. If you notice something that feels unkind, unsafe, or just doesn't sit right, please let us know. Your eyes and ears help keep this kitchen a welcoming place for everyone.
You can report issues simply by reaching out to Micah directly via email. We take every report seriously, and we handle these conversations with as much privacy as possible. We’re here to listen and help resolve things fairly.
Have a concern? Reach out to Micah at hello@brasstacksrecipes.com
Community FAQ
We know that clear expectations make for a better cooking experience. Here are some of the most common questions about how our community works.
Can I share my own recipes or blog?
We love seeing what you're creating. You're welcome to share your own work if it directly adds value to a conversation, but please skip the purely promotional posts. We want the focus to remain on learning and helping each other out.
What happens if I break a guideline?
We usually start with a friendly reminder or a quick message to clarify our expectations. For repeat issues or serious violations, we may have to remove posts or, in rare cases, ask a member to leave to keep the space safe for everyone else.
Can I give critical feedback on someone’s dish?
Absolutely, as long as it's constructive and kind. Instead of 'that looks dry,' try 'next time, you might try pulling it five minutes earlier for a juicer result.' We're all here to improve, and honest, gentle feedback is how we do it.
Are there age limits for this community?
Cooking is for everyone, but for safety reasons, we ask that members be at least 13 years old to post. Younger cooks are encouraged to explore the recipes and learn alongside a parent or guardian.
Can brands or sponsors post here?
We keep the community space dedicated to home cooks. Brands or sponsors aren't permitted to post promotional content directly in the feed. This ensures the advice you get is honest and driven by experience, not a sales pitch.