So you many of you may noticed that from time to time there's confusion in what is and isn't acceptable in the forums. The board rules in effect right now don't really hit on certain points.
While at first this more or less worked as more people come in conflicting interpretations on certain points may derail threads and cause arguments. The only other forum that I frequent is Bungie.net and they're nutshell and follow up makes the most sense. So here's a copy paste and one or two other things that I feel like should be added to the "rules of the forum" thread.
Add ons in my opinion should be as followed:
English (not perfect English mind you) should be the primary language of the forums, this is mainly because the father site of the forums is written in English and the majority of the users' first language is English. If a person doesn't speak English a friendly notice should be sent to them. This shouldn't be held against the user. Threads that require other languages (the ASCII thread, an RP thread that has a character speaking a different language) can overlooked look this for obvious reasons.
Mods should operate through PMs instead of publicly, the issue with this is that when issuing warnings publicly it makes the offender a target for people to chime in. It also makes an awkward situation where the offender may be caught in a trap to defend themselves (even if the person in question deserved the warning)
And a reiteration, keep your posts on topic in the thread at hand. It's annoying when a thread becomes derailed or an argument because of one off topic post. If you're unsure your post belongs in the thread ask a mod. Worst comes to worst, simply create a new thread.
Please keep this discussion civil (no flaming, mocking [underlying or outright]) and on topic.
Welcome to the BPD forums! I just wanted to get a couple quick things out of the way so everyone can have a good time here:
Please be respectful of other people and don't harass, insult, flame, or otherwise attack another person. If you disagree with something that someone else has said, respond to them intelligently and maturely. If you have a problem with another forum member (I.E. believe they are insulting or harassing you, etc) please contact me or one of the mods via PM.
I would like the forums to be safe for reading at work or by a younger (18 and under) audience. Therefor, please try to keep discussions over a pg 13 rating to a minimum. If you have to discuss them, please put a "NSFW" in the title of your thread as a warning for those who do not wish to view such topics. I don't want to censor you, but keep in mind that some people don't want to read about certain things... expecially when their boss might come peaking over their shoulder.
Do not create threads advertising items or services for sale. Links in signatures to outside websites with such information is fine, but do not clutter the forums with "Plz buy my thing" threads.
I don't want to be a forum nazi, and I know you guys don't want that either! So just be nice and respectful to everyone else around you, and I won't have to drop no ban hammer on nobody. Wink
-Liz
While at first this more or less worked as more people come in conflicting interpretations on certain points may derail threads and cause arguments. The only other forum that I frequent is Bungie.net and they're nutshell and follow up makes the most sense. So here's a copy paste and one or two other things that I feel like should be added to the "rules of the forum" thread.
Play nice, don't be a jerk.
- Use common sense. This is a video game developer's (in our case web comic) website. Keep your posts on-topic and "safe for work". The further you stray the more you'll tempt a ban.
- Respect your fellow members, or at least tolerate them publicly. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated, even if they probably deserve it.
- "Spam" is prohibited.
- Do not post about any illegal substances or activities.
- Do not post false information or mislead other forum-goers. Yes, even if it is funny.
- Do not post spoilers or even pretend spoilers without clearly marking them.
- Do not bypass the profanity filter. (in our case use profanities constantly) (Helpful Link)
- New threads should encourage a discussion among the community; please be mindful of that when you create threads.
Add ons in my opinion should be as followed:
English (not perfect English mind you) should be the primary language of the forums, this is mainly because the father site of the forums is written in English and the majority of the users' first language is English. If a person doesn't speak English a friendly notice should be sent to them. This shouldn't be held against the user. Threads that require other languages (the ASCII thread, an RP thread that has a character speaking a different language) can overlooked look this for obvious reasons.
Mods should operate through PMs instead of publicly, the issue with this is that when issuing warnings publicly it makes the offender a target for people to chime in. It also makes an awkward situation where the offender may be caught in a trap to defend themselves (even if the person in question deserved the warning)
And a reiteration, keep your posts on topic in the thread at hand. It's annoying when a thread becomes derailed or an argument because of one off topic post. If you're unsure your post belongs in the thread ask a mod. Worst comes to worst, simply create a new thread.
Please keep this discussion civil (no flaming, mocking [underlying or outright]) and on topic.