1. Definitions

Short stature applies to any person who is significantly below the average height - specifically, the shortest 5% - for a person of that age and sex. The term may refer to children or adolescents who are significantly below the average height of their peers.

Restricted growth is a common factor in over 100 conditions, most of which can be split into two groups: Proportionate Short Stature (PSS) and Disproportionate Short Stature (DSS).

PSS is a generalised lack of growth throughout the body, with the length of the trunk and limbs remaining in normal proportion with one another.

DSS is part of a large and varied group of disorders, usually linked to a disturbance in the growth of bones and cartilage caused by a genetic deficit. Some, but not all, of the bones are shortened. Adults living with DSS are usually between 107cm (3ft in) and 137cm (4ft 6in) in height.

Dwarfism is defined by the LPA (Little People of America) as a medical or genetic condition that usually results in an adult height of 4'10" or shorter, among both men and women, although in some cases a person with a dwarfing condition may be slightly taller than that.

Midget is the term used for a proportionate dwarf. However, the term is considered offensive by most people of short stature. The term dates back to 1865, the height of the "freak show" era, and was generally applied only to short-stature persons who were displayed for public amusement, which is why it is considered so unacceptable today.

Such terms as dwarf, little person, LP, and person of short stature are all acceptable, but most people would rather be referred to by their name than by a label.

2. What is the forum about?

The forum is for the discussion of topics of interest to short people trying to live in a tall world. In order to make the forum as accessible as possible, no membership is required. There is also no height restriction imposed on those who post! However, the forum is moderated, so you will (hopefully) find most of the postings to be on-topic and polite. A certain amount of off-topic postings are permitted to help encourage an on-line community spirit. However, if a thread is in danger of dominating the forum, it may be blocked.

3. What kinds of postings will be deleted?

The main kinds of postings which will be deleted are:

1) Flames. These are messages meant to personally insult or attack a member of the forum, or to make unsupported allegations about them.

2) Trolls. A troll is a posting which is intended only to provoke angry responses from other members of the forum.

3) Spam. Spam includes off-topic advertising material and excessive postings of on-topic advertising material.

4) Personal attacks (speaks for itself).

5) Any thread that has been locked or deleted and started up under a different heading.

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