EVERY USER, including moderators, is bound to these rules, with no exceptions (other than an administrative pardon).
- Spam is forbidden - Spam is advertising, posts without any content, posts designed to derail a topic, posts that detract from the topic rather than contribute.
- Flaming is forbidden - While disagreement can't be forbidden, flaming can be. No degrading posts, inflamitory remarks, racist comments, or anything of the sort. If you wouldn't say it to your mother, don't say it here either.
- Multiple accounts are forbidden - Misrepresenting yourself by using more than one account is wrong, and I will keep track of IP addresses to enforce this. If you and someone else use the same computer or internet connection, and both want accounts, then that's fine. But, let me know before hand, so I don't flag you.
- Hacking is forbidden - Both into/on the site, and other users. I will report this to your ISP, and they might raise your rates, or even kill your connection, so don't do it.
- Use correct grammar and spelling - Nothing is more irritating than sum1 who tipes lik ths becuz there 2 lazi two typ proprly soz.
- Porn and other adult content is forbidden - Self explanitory. In certain artistic contexts, nudity is ok. However, I ask that you please not embed the picture directly in the post. Please link it, and tag it NSFW (which means 'not safe for work').
- Double posting, while not forbidden, should be done with caution (see amendment 1)
- Necroposting is forbidden, except in very specific situations (see amendment 3)
And, most importantly:
- Leave the policing to the police! - There is a "Report Post" button for a reason, and you're allowed to use it. Don't try to enforce the rules unless you're in some sort of position of power. Otherwise, it'll quickly degrade into a senseless spam-fest.
Failure to abide by these rules will result in you being fed to this guy, and that's never pleasant:
Alternatively, you might get a warning, a short ban, or a perma-ban, depending on the severity and quantity of your offenses.
Amendment 1 - Double Posting (non-canon) - September 24, 2007There have been a few concerns recently about double posting. Mainly, it's about when is it okay or not okay to double post.
You'll note that in the main rule body, which has not chanced since day one, there are no rules about double posting. This is because it is, by itself, not an offense. However, repeatedly double-posting without purpose is considered spam, which
is in the rules.
If it's an art thread, for example, you can double-post until the end of time for all I care, as long as you're adding to the thread. However, this is bad:
I have this new somethingsomething I want all of you to see! Link
Why hasn't anyone said anything yet?
So, basically, use your judgment when deciding to post or not to post.
Edit (Oct 26/08): Clarifying example
Amendment 2 - Rick Rolling - February 4, 2008Rick rolling, defined as disguising a link to a specific Youtube video as something wholly different, is forbidden. It is both childish and irritating. Mock Rick Rolling, linking to something else irritating or harmful in a similar manner, is also forbidden. That is the law, and it will be upheld.
Amendment 3 - Necroposting - October 26, 2008There has been some confusion over whether or not necroposting (reviving a dead thread) is okay. Here are my guidelines.
First of all, a dead thread is defined as one which has not been posted in for a long time. The forum software has a feature to warn users if they're about to post in an old thread. Currently, the definition of old is "30 days", but I am going to extend that definition.
After 30 days, a thread is "stale", and will show the warning. However, it's not dead yet, and if you do have something else to add, then reviving the thread is fine. After 60 days (two months) with no posts, the thread should be considered dead, and reviving it will be subject to the following rules:
- If the thread is not a discussion thread (that is, it's a "I need help" thread, or a "showcase" thread), and it's yours, it's okay.
- If the thread is a comic discussion thread (for Tale of the Cave), then it's okay, since you cannot start a new thread. However, treat it as though it's a new thread.
- If the thread is a sticky, go for it.
- Otherwise, it's not okay. Make a new thread.
If you don't know whether or not reviving a given thread is okay, then err on the side of caution, and make a new thread.
