Rules

Alec · Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2007 4:44 pm Post subject: Rules

The Great Sixteen:

1.) All members are to be treated with respect and dignity.

Don't diss someone because of their opinions. Try to be civilized about this, and if they say something that offends you, don't post a impassioned response detailing the 101 reasons you'll never respect them again. Take some time to cool off, and then respond in a cool headed manner.

2.) No adult links.

These kinds of links will get you banned permanently.

3.) Try not to go off topic.

I'm as much for casual conversations as the next guy, but that's why we have the Pub of Madness. Don't go off topic anywhere else. If it segues into a new, relevant topic, fine. But if you switch the topic to why Simon Belmont is a moldy pizza in the Top Floor board, then that's breaking the rules.

4.) Do not come here with the intent of causing trouble or starting some sort of forum war.

If this happens and you're responsible, you WILL BE BANNED PERMANENTLY, WITH NO OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO EXPLAIN YOURSELF. And don't think I won't find out eventually. I will.

5.) No Illegal Activity

Do not post rom links, or mention/ask where to find roms. Also, do not discuss or post plans of carrying out illegal activities, this includes pirating techniques and posting warez.

6.) No Spam.

Spam is posting pointless messages just for the sake of posting. This includes replies like "LOL" and "Yeah". Please post only when you have something new to contribute to a topic. A new post in a topic is not always a cue for you to post again. If you have nothing to say, don’t post.

7.) Your language needs to be understandable.

That means Internet lingo, rap words, slang, and leet speak must all be used in moderation. Most people don't want to have to decipher this:

"0|-| /\/\ /-\ /\/! T|-|/-\T |5 50 (00|_! T|-|/-\T T0T/-\|_ |_Y R0X!"

If it's in a posting game, we might be willing to disregard it depending on the nature of the game. Anywhere else, no. I'm fine with expressions like "PWNED" and "LOL", but don't go overboard with it. Treat them as a foreign language (read next rule).
Grammar and punctuation is also key. Nobody wants to decipher SPEED RACER all over again. Please police your grammar. Nobody wants this:

"Heyi think weshouldgoandget somenewmembers alsoa cokewouldbequitenice."

And don't assume that just because you understand it others can too. Bess and I tire of attempted understandings.

8.) Concerning foreign languages

A line or two is okay, but please return to English during that same post. Nobody wants to have to run to BabelFish or whatnot to figure out what you're saying.

9.) Be mindful of spoilers.

If you're going to discuss spoilers, have the courtesy to put up a warning first. If you make a habit of not doing this, expect to be warned.

10.) Avatar size MUST be under 300x300 pixels.

Unless you want to get banned. If they're any larger than 300x300, it makes posts harder to read.

11.) Advertising.

You may advertise your site if you wish, but coming here with the sole intent of doing that is really frowned upon. If it is a political, religious, pornographic, or crude site, then it will not be allowed here, and it may result in an instant ban depending on the site and circumstances. Do not go overboard with topics and plugs for your site. Also, no money making schemes, please. If advertising gets out of hand, it will be relegated to signatures only.

12.) Banning.

The Moderators and I reserve the right of banning offenders from the boards, temporarily or permanently, without warning. You may be warned, or you may not, at our discretion. But realize that the reasons behind a banning involve violating the rules. They have nothing to do with what I may think of an individual.

Bannings and lesser disciplinary actions should not be discussed on the boards. Those are matters best left to private messages or e-mail between the poster and myself. If you're not sure why someone was banned, do not make a topic or post in a topic asking why. If you're that concerned, pm the question to me. Seriously, let's keep unnecessary drama at an absolute minimum, okay?

13.) Account Deletions

If you join this forum, and do not make any post within the first two weeks of having registered, your account stands the chance of being deleted. I see no reason for anyone to register at this forum and not at all contribute to it. Having accounts that are not going to be used only bogs down our database. I can't promise whether or not an account like that will be deleted. It's kind of on an 'if we feel like it' basis. However, if you have an account like that, don't be surprised if it gets obliterated.

14.) WHAT HAPPENS ON THE LAIR STAYS ON THE LAIR.

I will clarify this, so you know how far you may go before it becomes a rule breaking infraction. Taking a topic from Fireplace, Pub of Madness, or one of the main boards? That's okay. Taking one from a hidden board? Not okay. The hidden boards are hidden for one of two reasons: Reason 1, That board is available as a privilige for certain members; reason 2, the board is hidden because it contains content that I have deemed it unsafe for the general public to see due to possible "corruption of innocent minds". (whatever that is...)

15.) If you have a beef with someone on another forum, don't speak of it on the boards.

This is something for Private Messaging ONLY. I figure, even if I told you not to, you'd do it anyway, so this rule exists to allow it, but on a regulated basis. Keep it between you and one of your friends.

16.) Multiple accounts ARE allowed.

I can't see why you'd NEED them, but they are allowed, so long as it's done cleverly and humanely and I can't figure out who you are without resorting to the IP Address trick. Again, I can't see why you'd need them, but I certainly can understand the appeal, having done it myself. If you feel that another account may help you in some way, be it exploring other perspectives or something, I won't stop you from making them. What ISN'T allowed is sockpuppets. Sockpuppets are alternate accounts created solely to back up your side of the arguement and make you feel more powerful. If you're going to create another digital self here, that additional you had better disagree with the first on a few issues. If I spot a sockpuppet, it and the original account will be deleted. No exceptions. BTW, even if I spot an extra account for some users, as long as it's not a sockpuppet or being used to harm others or their reputations, and being used to enrich everybody's experience here, you're in the safe zone.

If you are banned, I will send you an e-mail to notify you of when your ban is lifted.

Finally, I'll reiterate this point:

"But realize that the reasons behind a banning involve violating the rules. They have nothing to do with what I may think of an individual."

These are actually quite simple rules to follow, and once you're here and active for a few days, you won't even realize you're following them.

Now that that ugly issue is cleared up, let's get to posting.
_________________
Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the one's who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it..Friends are like balloons: once you let them go, you can't get them back.