Principles and Frameworks

Foundation Why MESO-Rx Allows Open Reporting of Source Complaints and Misconduct

Transparency, Process Integrity, and Accountability Without Adjudication Purpose and Structural Context MESO-Rx operates as a harm reduction discussion forum. It does not curate, endorse, certify, approve, or promote sources. It does not function as a marketplace. Its role is to provide a structured environment in which claims, responses, and historical patterns can be openly examined. In underground markets where formal consumer protections are absent, transparency functions as a primary risk-reduction mechanism. There is no regulator, no chargeback mechanism, and no formal dispute forum. The ability to document transactions, describe negative experiences, and observe how disputes unfold over time is central to community-based risk...

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Foundation Why MESO-Rx Is Not a Source Board

Harm Reduction and Source Accountability Without Endorsement Purpose and Scope of MESO-Rx MESO-Rx exists to reduce harm in unregulated, high-risk markets through exposure, transparency, and accountability. It is not a source board, a marketplace, a referral service, or an endorsement platform. This distinction is not rhetorical or cosmetic. It is structural, intentional, and foundational to how the forum operates. Because this distinction is frequently misunderstood, the sections that follow are organized to explain not only what MESO-Rx does, but why it rejects certain models that are common elsewhere. Each section addresses a specific failure mode that causes forums to drift away from harm reduction and toward source curation...

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Explainer Steroid Underground Access: What New Members Need to Know

How Many Posts Do I Need to Access the Steroid Underground Subforum? This is one of the most common questions new members ask, and it is also one of the most misunderstood. An important clarification up front: all members have read only access to the Steroid Underground subforum. Threads and discussions are visible to everyone. Restrictions apply only to posting privileges, reaction privileges, and direct messaging privileges within the Steroid Underground. There is no fixed number of posts that automatically unlocks posting access to the Steroid Underground. Posting access is earned through the quality of participation and time on the forum, not by chasing a post count. Below is a clear explanation of how posting and participation...

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Explainer Before You Ask for a Source: Read This First

A notice to new members regarding source-related discussion and private messages If you are new to MESO-Rx, it is understandable to want a direct answer to questions such as “Can someone recommend a good source?” or “What is the best source at the moment?” Most members asking these questions are acting in good faith and are trying to reduce risk, avoid scams, and avoid harmful products or practices. However, initiating source-related discussion immediately upon joining often increases risk instead of reducing it. New Members and accounts that are still new are the most frequently targeted by dishonest sources, source-adjacent members, and coordinated promotional accounts. When a member’s first activity focuses on sourcing, it signals...

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Explainer Why MESO-Rx Accepts Sponsorship Without Endorsing Sources

How Sponsorship Is Constrained on MESO-Rx MESO-Rx accepts limited sponsorship to support the operation of the forum. Because sponsorship introduces structural risks that can undermine harm reduction if left unmanaged, it is deliberately constrained. These constraints exist so members can evaluate MESO-Rx by observable outcomes rather than assurances. MESO-Rx does not deny that sponsorship affects visibility. It acknowledges that it does and defines strict limits on what that influence is allowed to do. Sponsorship on MESO-Rx is treated as a liability to be managed, not a benefit to be leveraged. --- Sponsorship, Visibility, and Honest Disclosure MESO-Rx recognizes that paid sponsorship influences visibility. Banner advertising...

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FAQs How to Participate Constructively

FAQ: How to Participate Constructively What does “constructive participation” mean? Does reading really matter? Where can New Members post? What does a good question look like? What kinds of questions are discouraged? Why does MESO-Rx discourage spoon-feeding? What counts as a useful reply? Can beginners contribute even if they are new? Why can’t New Members post in the Steroid Underground yet? How do posting privileges unlock? Can I earn access faster by posting more? What are high-value contributions to harm reduction? What should I do if I am unsure whether a post is allowed? What is the simplest advice for new members?

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Explainer What to Do After Your Introduction: How to Earn Full Posting Access

Posting Privileges and New Member Access Thanks for posting your introduction. That’s the most important first step, and you’re already on the right path. How posting privileges work 24 out of 25 subforums are open for posting and available to all members. The Steroid Underground is read-only for New Members. New Members must earn posting privileges before they may post in the Steroid Underground subforum. Posting privileges are earned through normal, constructive participation across the forum. What constructive participation looks like Spend time reading existing threads, especially pinned and long-running discussions. Use the search function and review multiple threads before asking questions. When asking a question, briefly...

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FAQs Earning Posting Privileges in Steroid Underground Subforum

How many posts do I need to access the Steroid Underground subforum? Is there a specific post count requirement? What actually determines access to the Steroid Underground? What counts as constructive participation? Why does time and consistency matter? How does posting behavior and rule compliance affect access? Is a New Member Introduction required? Why does MESO-Rx not use a fixed number of posts? Can access be granted without waiting? Can I get access to report a serious source issue? How do I request access to report a bad experience with a source or a scam? Does becoming a MESO-Rx Supporter provide immediate access? How do I upgrade my account to a MESO-Rx Supporter with full access? What does not help me...

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FAQs New Member Introductions

New Member Introductions FAQ: What to Post and Why It Matters Why does MESO-Rx require new members to post an introduction? Is this just a formality or a rule for its own sake? What does an introduction actually do for me? Why is skipping the introduction considered poor etiquette? What makes a “good” introduction? How long does my introduction need to be? What information should I include? What information should I NOT include? Can I ask questions or talk about sources in my introduction? Where do I post my introduction? What happens after I post my introduction? What happens if I skip the introduction and post elsewhere? What is the overall purpose of this requirement?

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Explainer Start Here: Why We Ask New Members to Introduce Themselves

Why New Members Are Required to Post an Introduction Posting a short introduction in the New Member Introductions subforum is the first step for all new members on MESO-Rx. This requirement is not a formality and it is not meant to create barriers. It exists to protect members, support harm reduction, and maintain the integrity of the community. MESO-Rx is an open discussion forum that deals with high-risk topics where misinformation, scams, and covert promotion are common. Because of this, the forum must be able to distinguish real participants from throwaway accounts, automated spam, coordinated promotional activity, and source-adjacent accounts attempting to blend in. Requiring an introduction is one of the simplest and most...

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FAQs Reporting Suspected Alternate Accounts

FAQ: Reporting Suspected Alternate Accounts on MESO-Rx What is an alternate account? Why are alternate accounts a problem on MESO-Rx? What kinds of behavior should I watch for? Who typically uses alternate accounts? When should I report something? Do I need proof before reporting? What if I report someone and I am wrong? Are reports confidential? Will the reported member know I reported them? What happens after I submit a report? Is reporting the same as accusing someone? Why is reporting important for harm reduction? How do I report a suspected alternate account?

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Explainer Suspect an Alternate Account? Here’s What to Do

Help Keep MESO-Rx Honest: Reporting Suspected Alternate Accounts MESO-Rx relies on open discussion, transparency, and real member experiences to support harm reduction. That system only works when each account represents a real, independent person participating in good faith. Occasionally, individuals, most often sources or source-adjacent actors, attempt to manipulate discussion by operating undisclosed alternate accounts. These accounts may pose as regular members to promote products, defend a source, discredit competitors, or create the illusion of support. Community awareness is one of the most effective tools for preventing this behavior. If You Suspect an Alternate Account, Please Report It If something feels off...

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FAQs New Members and Source Questions

Frequently Asked Questions: Source Questions and New Members Why can’t I ask for a source right away? I’m just trying to stay safe. Why does that make me a target? Why doesn’t MESO-Rx just tell people which sources are safe? Why is source information unreliable early on? Where are source discussions allowed? Why do I have to earn access? What about private messages? Can sources message me? What if I still get a private message offering help or a source? What should I do instead of asking for a source? Is there ever an exception? What happens if I ignore these rules? What is MESO-Rx’s overall goal with these rules?

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FAQs Red Box Highlighting

Red Box Highlighting FAQ What is a red box highlight? Does a red box mean a source did something wrong? Why is this post highlighted? How do I get my source complaint or warning more visibility? Do I have to try to resolve the issue privately first? Why wasn’t my post highlighted? Can vendors ask me to take my post down or move it to private messages? Are red box highlights removed once an issue is resolved? Does MESO-Rx investigate or resolve these issues?

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Explainer Why Some Source Complaints Are Highlighted and How to Report Issues Properly

MESO-Rx uses red box highlights as a targeted harm-reduction tool. Highlights are applied sparingly to bring visibility to real, first-hand customer issues arising from off-forum transactions between members and vendors, which may pose risk to others, particularly in underground markets where normal consumer protections do not exist. A red box highlight is not a punishment, accusation, or finding of wrongdoing. It is an early-visibility mechanism, not a verdict. Most posts are not highlighted. When a Post Can Be Highlighted A post may receive a red box highlight only when all of the following conditions are met: First-hand customer involvement You personally placed the order or paid for the service. A specific transaction is...

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Explainer Staying On Topic in Source Threads

Public Notice on Source Thread Integrity and Harm Reduction MESO-Rx maintains source threads for a specific purpose: harm reduction through transparency, accountability, and clear access to relevant information. These threads exist so members can review documented experiences, laboratory testing, unresolved issues, and source responses without interference or distortion. Off-topic discussion that overwhelms or dilutes source threads undermines this purpose. When relevant information is pushed back by dozens or hundreds of posts, it becomes difficult for members to assess risks, identify patterns, or make informed decisions. There are more than twenty other subforums available for general discussion, social interaction, and unrelated...

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Explainer Sources Using Alternate Accounts for Self-Promotion

Public Notice: Prohibited Use of Alternate Accounts for Self-Promotion MESO-Rx has identified and will continue to act against sources or vendors who create or use alternate accounts to pose as regular members for the purpose of secretly promoting their own products or services. This behavior is deceptive and directly undermines the forum’s harm-reduction mission. It distorts community feedback, misleads members, and creates false confidence in products or sources that have not earned trust through transparency and accountability. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to: Posting praise or positive reviews of one’s own products under a separate account Defending or dismissing complaints about a source using...

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Explainer Customers Are Not Advertising: Why Coordinated Posting Is Not Allowed

Recent activity involving multiple newly created accounts upgrading memberships within a short period of time in order to post questions, praise, or discussion tied to a promotion has raised concerns about coordinated promotional behavior. MESO-Rx does not prohibit criticism, complaints, or open discussion. Members are encouraged to report problems, share negative experiences, and hold sources publicly accountable. Honest feedback, including negative feedback, is essential to harm reduction. However, there are clear limits on how promotion may occur. Sources are not permitted to use member or upgraded member accounts as a hidden way to advertise or increase visibility. When a source pushes or organizes customers to post praise or...

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Explainer I Want to Write a Source Review. How Can I Do This?

Why MESO-Rx Requires Full Disclosure for Compensated Source Reviews The MESO-Rx Forum is built on the foundation of harm reduction, transparency, and community trust. Unlike source forums, which often prioritize commercial interests and favoritism, MESO-Rx champions an open and unbiased environment that places the community’s safety and education first. To uphold these values, the forum has strict policies requiring full disclosure when Members receive any type of compensation for writing a source review. These rules ensure that reviews remain credible, objective, and beneficial for the community, rather than serving personal or commercial interests. The Importance of Full Disclosure When a Member writes a source review in exchange...

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Explainer Why Targeted Harassment and Trolling Are Prohibited

What is considered harassment or targeted trolling? Harassment and targeted trolling occur when a member repeatedly follows another user around the forum to provoke, mock, or discredit them. This includes: Posting sarcastic or insulting replies to everything they post. Attempting to bait them into arguments. Making personal remarks or name-calling. Starting threads or inserting off-topic comments intended to ridicule or undermine them. Coordinating with others to discredit or discourage participation from specific members. This pattern of behavior, even if disguised as “criticism” or “concern”, becomes harassment when it is repetitive, personal, and disruptive. Why does this violate MESO-Rx community standards? MESO-Rx exists to...

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FAQs I need to report serious problems with a source or raise complaints about vendor misconduct

At MESO-Rx, protecting members from bad actors is a top priority. We understand that new members may occasionally need to report serious problems with a source or raise complaints about vendor misconduct before they’ve earned full posting privileges in the Steroid Underground. To support harm reduction, temporary access can be granted under the following conditions: Duration: A one-week upgrade will be provided. Purpose: This access is strictly for posting grievances, complaints, or warnings about a source so that other members are informed. Restrictions: Temporary access may not be used to promote sources, post positive reviews, or seek financial or product-based compensation from a source. After Expiration: Once the one-week period...

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Explainer Participation Rules for Sources and Source Representatives Who Market Outside MESO-Rx

Participation Rules for Sources and Source Representatives Who Market Outside MESO-Rx Question: Can a source or source representative participate as a regular member on MESO-Rx if they do not market on MESO, but do market on other websites or forums? Answer: No. Whether directly or indirectly involved in marketing, any individual who operates as a source or source representative is subject to participation restrictions on MESO-Rx — even if their marketing or promotional activity occurs entirely outside of MESO. Policy Clarification: The purpose of MESO-Rx’s source policy is to preserve transparency, fairness, and harm reduction. This policy applies to anyone with a commercial interest in the sale or distribution of...

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FAQs How are "Harm Reduction Forums" different from "Source Forums"?

Distinguishing Between "Source Forums" and "Harm Reduction Forums" In the online anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) community, forums often serve as hubs for information sharing, advice, and product discussions. However, not all forums are created equal. It is critical to distinguish between "source forums" and "harm reduction forums" to understand their purposes, strengths, and shortcomings. A source forum primarily operates as a marketplace for AAS suppliers. These platforms focus on promoting certain suppliers while marginalizing others. The "good" or popular sources are celebrated, while "bad" or unpopular sources are ostracized or excluded. In a source forum, moderators or administrators often exert top-down control over which...

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Explainer Why Do Sources Have User Accounts with Restricted Permissions?

Transparency, Source Restrictions, and Harm Reduction in the MESO Forum MESO-Rx rigidly adheres to its founding principles of harm reduction, with equal application of its rules and guidelines to every participant regardless of popularity, influence, or status. This approach sets MESO-Rx apart from typical 'source forums' by ensuring a fair and unbiased environment where commercial interests and favoritism do not interfere with the forum's core mission. MESO-Rx operates on principle first and foremost. The MESO-Rx Forum has long been a cornerstone of education and harm reduction in the online communities of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). To uphold these principles, the forum requires complete...

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Explainer Political discussion belongs in the "Political Discourse" subforum...

Political discussion belongs in the "Political Discourse" subforum unless it is directly relevant to anabolic steroids and performance-enhancing drugs e.g. new AAS legislation, anti-doping laws, etc. Political discussion includes, but is not limited to, off-topic political rants, as well as partisan attacks based on Member political orientation. Members who repeatedly disregard this guidance could be prohibited from participating in certain threads subject to the discretion of the Administration. https://thinksteroids.com/community/forums/political-discourse.16/

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FAQs Vendors: Read This Before Posting on MESO-Rx

A Message to New Members Who Intend to Act as Sources or Vendors If you are joining MESO-Rx as a source, vendor, or with the intent to profit from the community now or at any point in the future, it is important to understand how this forum operates before you participate. MESO-Rx is a harm-reduction and education forum. It is not a source board, and it is not structured to quietly accommodate commercial activity under regular member accounts. Commercial participation is permitted, but it is strictly regulated, highly visible, and intentionally separated from general community participation. When you join MESO-Rx, you must make an honest determination about your intent. Either you are here to participate as a regular member, focused...

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