These are not rules, exactly, but practices that have proved effective over the years.

1. Meetups will have a topic, and readings, chosen by the presenter. The purpose of the meetup is to collectively make sense of the topic through a process of discussion.
2. Topics should be chosen from the field of philosophy broadly considered, and the presenter's role is to describe and clarify rather than advocate.
3. The presentation itself should take about 20 minutes, and always less than 30 minutes.
4. During the presentation, other participants should withhold comments and questions, except for brief requests for clarification.
5. It is not expected that participants have expertise about the topic beyond what is contained in the reading. The meetup is for everyone.
6. The presenter is not expected to provide copies of the readings.

   About the discussion:

7. We should attempt to stick to the topic of the presentation, rather than posing unrelated issues.
8. Everyone's comments are welcome, with the following proviso: There is an expectation that participants have done the reading. People who have not done the reading are very welcome to attend, but reticence is suggested during the discussion.
9. No individual or subgroup should hog the discussion.
10. Basic civility: no interuptions, for example.
11. The moderator should intervene when necessary to keep us on track in the above respects.