Kaix
09-23-2006, 12:40 PM
Why do we need these rules?
With so many users already in the community, we have to specifically explain each aspect of common sense and acceptable behavior; if we miss one point, people will claim that it was not covered in the rules and therefore they shouldn't be punished for it. However, the rules can be summarized in one sentence: "Think before you post, and do not clutter the forum."
After an initial warning, a second offense will result in a temporary ban of any length; after that is a permanent ban. If your infraction didn't warrant a warning, your post will be "Deleted", or moved to a read-only forum where unacceptable posts are stored and we reserve the right to ban anyone at any time for anything without initial warning.
General Conduct
Browse before posting! Each forum pretty much makes it clear from its name and description what is acceptable in there and what is not. As you get accustomed to reading a forum, you will know better how to respond and interact with the rest of the members. Be sure you have the appropriate forum before posting.
Do NOT post porn or any "questionable" material; if you would be uncomfortable viewing it at work, do not post it here. Do NOT post or LINK any illegal material. Additionally, please check to see if your post is a duplicate of a previous post by searching or viewing the recent topics. you will be banned.
Before you post: Before posting, please ask yourself the following question: "Am I making a post which contributes to the conversation, or is funny, informative, or interesting on any level?" Or, "Am I asking a sensible question, for which I've first made a reasonable effort to find an answer myself?" If you can answer "yes" to either of these, then please post. If you cannot, then refrain from posting.
Before you reply: Before replying, please ask yourself the following question: "Does my reply offer any significant advice or help contribute to the conversation in any fashion?" If you can answer "yes" to this, then please reply. If you cannot, then refrain from replying.
Posting Rules
Low Content Posts: Please do not make posts containing no content (ie, "first post," "hello," any catchphrase, or something else completely void of meaning). These just litter up the forums and with so many registered users, we need to eliminate these as much as possible. If you do not like a thread, then just ignore it and move on; replies consisting solely of trolling fall into this category. Do not quote the previous post above you unless necessary! This only reduces readability, as you can simple reference the poster or quote a small portion.
Marked up Posts: Do not post huge blocks of code or massive chunks of data. Do not post anything that will stretch the window so people cannot read the thread without difficulty.
DO NOT post about drug abuse, drugs or alcohol abuse unless you are asking for help. No off the cuff posts about drugs or alcohol are allowed, it is disruptive and may cause problems for those who don't share in these things. There are minors on this forum.
Please be polite when posting your messages (no flaming). Please also note that there may be newbies here, so please be extra understanding and tolerant (we were all newbies once, right ). It is also common courtesy to reply when your question has been answered, to say whether it worked or not, or just to say thanks.
Please do not post SPAM/unrelated posts. Do not post SPAM or anything unrelated to this board/forum, including divisive political or religious discussions. Repeatedly posting promotional material/advertising will be considered SPAM as well. All spam/unrelated posts will be deleted!!
Please try to keep your posts on topic, that is to make sure new posts are posted in the right forum, and replies are about the same topic as the main topic of the thread. Please don't post just to increase your post count, as a high post count doesn't always equate to expertise. This rule is mainly in relation to people coming in to an existing thread and taking it off in another direction (eg. by asking a totally new question or hijacking the thread for their own purpose). Thread starters can and sometimes need to change the topic (although it may be in their best interest to start a new thread, just so that more people can see it). Some friendly banter is totally acceptable, and in fact, it is helpful in making this forum a friendlier place.
When typing your messages, please do not type in capital letters. READING POSTS WRITTEN ENTIRELY IN CAPITAL LETTERS CAN BE ANNOYING, and seems to mean you are shouting!!
Forum Disruption: Don't disrupts with the forums or any user on the forums. If you post a malicious link (any URL with spyware or code designed to annoy people) you will be banned.
Stay On Topic: Use an appropriate subject for your post. This helps people find your thread and makes the forums more user friendly. Do not post "No Text" posts or use a subject line such as "HELP!!!!!!!", or your post will be trashed.
Contained Conflict: Keep all flamewars and other arguments out of these forums. Insulting posts and responses are grounds for removal of all involved.
Do not try to cleverly circumvent some rule listed here. These rules are general guidelines and are very flexible.
Image / File Rules
Keep all images work-safe. If you feel the need to post any pornographic or disgusting images, do it in some other web forum. Do not post any such images or you will be banned. As a general rule, ask yourself "would my mother and boss be comfortable viewing this image?" when posting here.
No warez. No warez, no cracks, no CD keys, serials, no illegal programs that are used to either crack software or perform any malicious activity. No viruses, worms, trojans, et cetera.
Your signature/avatar. Keep in mind that everybody on the forums has to see your sig file every time you post. Your avatar should not be animated to the point of annoyance. Violating these will result in loss of avatar/signature privileges.
NOTE: Administrators/Moderators reserve the right to remove any questionable posts, material, racial slurs, or anything else that is unbecoming this board without notice. We also reserve the right to ban someone for posting the above mentioned things.
With so many users already in the community, we have to specifically explain each aspect of common sense and acceptable behavior; if we miss one point, people will claim that it was not covered in the rules and therefore they shouldn't be punished for it. However, the rules can be summarized in one sentence: "Think before you post, and do not clutter the forum."
After an initial warning, a second offense will result in a temporary ban of any length; after that is a permanent ban. If your infraction didn't warrant a warning, your post will be "Deleted", or moved to a read-only forum where unacceptable posts are stored and we reserve the right to ban anyone at any time for anything without initial warning.
General Conduct
Browse before posting! Each forum pretty much makes it clear from its name and description what is acceptable in there and what is not. As you get accustomed to reading a forum, you will know better how to respond and interact with the rest of the members. Be sure you have the appropriate forum before posting.
Do NOT post porn or any "questionable" material; if you would be uncomfortable viewing it at work, do not post it here. Do NOT post or LINK any illegal material. Additionally, please check to see if your post is a duplicate of a previous post by searching or viewing the recent topics. you will be banned.
Before you post: Before posting, please ask yourself the following question: "Am I making a post which contributes to the conversation, or is funny, informative, or interesting on any level?" Or, "Am I asking a sensible question, for which I've first made a reasonable effort to find an answer myself?" If you can answer "yes" to either of these, then please post. If you cannot, then refrain from posting.
Before you reply: Before replying, please ask yourself the following question: "Does my reply offer any significant advice or help contribute to the conversation in any fashion?" If you can answer "yes" to this, then please reply. If you cannot, then refrain from replying.
Posting Rules
Low Content Posts: Please do not make posts containing no content (ie, "first post," "hello," any catchphrase, or something else completely void of meaning). These just litter up the forums and with so many registered users, we need to eliminate these as much as possible. If you do not like a thread, then just ignore it and move on; replies consisting solely of trolling fall into this category. Do not quote the previous post above you unless necessary! This only reduces readability, as you can simple reference the poster or quote a small portion.
Marked up Posts: Do not post huge blocks of code or massive chunks of data. Do not post anything that will stretch the window so people cannot read the thread without difficulty.
DO NOT post about drug abuse, drugs or alcohol abuse unless you are asking for help. No off the cuff posts about drugs or alcohol are allowed, it is disruptive and may cause problems for those who don't share in these things. There are minors on this forum.
Please be polite when posting your messages (no flaming). Please also note that there may be newbies here, so please be extra understanding and tolerant (we were all newbies once, right ). It is also common courtesy to reply when your question has been answered, to say whether it worked or not, or just to say thanks.
Please do not post SPAM/unrelated posts. Do not post SPAM or anything unrelated to this board/forum, including divisive political or religious discussions. Repeatedly posting promotional material/advertising will be considered SPAM as well. All spam/unrelated posts will be deleted!!
Please try to keep your posts on topic, that is to make sure new posts are posted in the right forum, and replies are about the same topic as the main topic of the thread. Please don't post just to increase your post count, as a high post count doesn't always equate to expertise. This rule is mainly in relation to people coming in to an existing thread and taking it off in another direction (eg. by asking a totally new question or hijacking the thread for their own purpose). Thread starters can and sometimes need to change the topic (although it may be in their best interest to start a new thread, just so that more people can see it). Some friendly banter is totally acceptable, and in fact, it is helpful in making this forum a friendlier place.
When typing your messages, please do not type in capital letters. READING POSTS WRITTEN ENTIRELY IN CAPITAL LETTERS CAN BE ANNOYING, and seems to mean you are shouting!!
Forum Disruption: Don't disrupts with the forums or any user on the forums. If you post a malicious link (any URL with spyware or code designed to annoy people) you will be banned.
Stay On Topic: Use an appropriate subject for your post. This helps people find your thread and makes the forums more user friendly. Do not post "No Text" posts or use a subject line such as "HELP!!!!!!!", or your post will be trashed.
Contained Conflict: Keep all flamewars and other arguments out of these forums. Insulting posts and responses are grounds for removal of all involved.
Do not try to cleverly circumvent some rule listed here. These rules are general guidelines and are very flexible.
Image / File Rules
Keep all images work-safe. If you feel the need to post any pornographic or disgusting images, do it in some other web forum. Do not post any such images or you will be banned. As a general rule, ask yourself "would my mother and boss be comfortable viewing this image?" when posting here.
No warez. No warez, no cracks, no CD keys, serials, no illegal programs that are used to either crack software or perform any malicious activity. No viruses, worms, trojans, et cetera.
Your signature/avatar. Keep in mind that everybody on the forums has to see your sig file every time you post. Your avatar should not be animated to the point of annoyance. Violating these will result in loss of avatar/signature privileges.
NOTE: Administrators/Moderators reserve the right to remove any questionable posts, material, racial slurs, or anything else that is unbecoming this board without notice. We also reserve the right to ban someone for posting the above mentioned things.