Forum Rules

Subject: Forum Rules Thu Sep 04, 2008 3:23 pm

Warnings: A warning may be given to you if break the rules we set. You will be informed through the private messaging system, and will be told why you have received the warning. You do have the right to appeal against a warning, if you feel it has been unfairly given to you and it may be reversed, but if staff agree that the warning was handed out with good reason, we ask that you cease persisting and accept your warning.

Three warnings may result in a temporary ban. When deciding on a ban time, the staff member will take into account the amount of time between the warnings (for example, less time between the warnings may result in a longer ban time) and severity (for example, warnings that come from arguing or flame wars would result in a longer ban time than something less heinous, like spamming).

Onto the rules!

1a. Do not spam. Like many forums, spam posts are unwelcome and if you do it often, even after being told not to, you may find yourself on the black-list. If you are unsure as to whether or not your post is spam, refer back to the opening post and see if your post contributes to the topic in some way. If there are many spam posts in one thread, it may be closed and a private message must be sent to a staff member to request it’s reopening.
1b. If you find a topic of interest or have a new idea when reading a thread that does not really relate to the current thread, you're encouraged to make a new thread about it in order to refrain from derailing the already existing thread. This will organize the forum more and allow other members to keep on topic.

2. Double-posting and beyond that isn't tolerated. If you accidentally post the same thing, you can delete it without consequences. If you realize you have something else to say once you‘ve posted, you can also edit your post. If you ignore this feature, a mod or admin may merge your posts for you. Double posting more than once, despite being warned not to, may result in you being placed on the black-list. If you still continue, you may receive a warning.

3. Do not fight. You are allowed to argue your opinion in a civilized manner, this means no personal insults and no bashing other’s opinions, no matter how much you disagree with it. If you do break this rule, you will either be placed on the black list or receive an immediate warning, depending on how bad your post was. Your post(s) may also be edited. If a debate is getting too heated, a staff member may tell you to cool it down, if this warning is not followed, you will be put onto the black-list. Insulting private messages are also not allowed. If you receive one, you can forward it to a member of staff and they will deal with it.

4. No sexual content beyond hugging and kissing. Do remember that this is a PG website and that younger members can see your posts. Girls wearing bikinis are fine, as long as it covers up what needs to be covered. This rules includes: graphics, posts, photographs, videos, fiction, links to pornographic websites and drawings. If your post is overly perverted, you will be black-listed and if it’s really sexual, to a vulgar level, you would receive a warning. Your post(s) will, of course, be edited.

5. No illegal activity is allowed. Please refrain from talking about illegal activities and do not post links to websites that offer downloadable videos, music or anything else that you would normally have to pay money for. If you post a thread asking for such a website, the thread will be closed and you will be black-listed. If you do so again, you would get a warning.

6. Swearing is allowed to a point. If staff see you swearing more often than what would be deemed acceptable, you could be put on the black-list. It is also asked that, if you are going to swear, do not bold/brighten/increase the size of the words. It doesn’t make you look good and it doesn’t make the site look good.

7. Don’t do the staff’s jobs for them. Private message them with a problem you have with a thread, don't post in it to just show that you can be a mod and have the topic bumped up while doing so and add to your post count. We do encourage members to try to keep the forum clean, but don't be a part of the problem in the process. If the staff decide you're a good member qualifying for a mod, they will decide whether or not you‘re fit for the job. This doesn't mean to harass them by asking them to sort out threads that are dead. Threads that are active and need to be closed are the ones to look for.

8a. Look for threads that have already been made before you create your own. If they have, please post in them, this helps to prevent clutter and will stop repeat threads from being made. Although, if the thread in question hasn’t been posted in for a long while, make sure that your post is valid and actually contributes to the forum. If you wish to bump a thread -which wasn't created by you - that you were the last poster in, you may bump the thread. Once the thread has gained more attention, you will also be expected to delete your post and edit anything new into your previous post. Alternatively, you could simply delete your last post and repost it, which will act as a bump. Don't overdo it, though, or there will be consequences.
8b. Bumping is allowed. You cannot be the author of the thread, though. If the other members don't post in your thread, then obviously it doesn't warrant posting in and you are expected to accept that. The only exception to this is if the thread that you have authored and want to bump is in the creativity corner or arts/graphics section and you would like more CnC. If this is the case, then you must wait at least 12 hours after the last post. You will then be expected to delete your post once the thread has gained more attention. Do not overdo it, though as you may be added to the black-list for excessive thread-bumping.

9. No excessive blood/gore. Some blood is okay, any body parts flying or anything like that will be removed. Excessive blood/gore in a signature/graphic/avatar/drawing/story/video may result in you being added to the black-list and, if you take too long to remove it upon request of a staff member, it will be removed by them.

10a. Two graphics/pictures per signature. The limit on them is 500x500 pixels in total. Any bigger and you will have your signature removed by a mod/admin, and a note will be left to explain why it is gone.
10b. One gif (moving image) per signature, due to complaints about computers freezing and slower loading times. The limit is now 500kb per signature for file size.

11. Do not advertise. You cannot advertise another forum/site in a thread or post, though signatures are fine. If you break this rule, your post will be edited and your thread closed, you may also end up on the black-list. Continuing will result in a warning. You are allowed to show off a video on youtube or give links to sources of information, though.

12. Creating another account isn’t allowed. Please stick with the one you have as, if you create a new one, it will simple be banned and your normal account will be banned for 7 days. If you want a name change, you can request one as long as you meet the requirements. If you have forgotten your password, contact an administrator and they will be able to change it for you. If you are banned and you create another account in order to bypass your ban, the new account will be banned and your ban-time for your original account will be increased, so we advise you simply ride out your ban.

13. The last thing we ask from you is respect. We don't mean a moderator demanding respect from a member because they're at a higher rank, and that goes for all levels, we mean that we must all treat each other equally. You can dislike something or someone with reasons, and you can post it in a civilized manner, if you wish. Offensive comments are unacceptable and worthy of warnings, so please refrain.

Regards:

Rikusorakairiown