| Rules and Guidelines |
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| I've taken the decision to set up some basic rules and guidelines for this board, which are as follows: SPAMMING AND BUMPING This is a basic rule - no spam is allowed. Spam is pointless posts such as "that is cool" or "Hello". This is an obvious type of post count inflation, therefore such spam will be deleted and the spammer informed. If such offences continue, a moderation queue shall be enforced on the spammer (all posts by him/her must be reviewed by a moderator before being added). A good rule of thumb is that if your post contains less than three words, it's probably spam, unless you're actually helping someone (e.g. if someone asked for a link to a certain page, you could respond with "It's <a href='http://'>here</a>"). Spamming also includes bumping (e.g. if your topic isn't getting the required attention, making a post that says "BUMP" or anything to that effect). Only post if you have something to add to the conversation. BACKSEAT MODERATING "Backseat moderating" is considered to be spamming. This is posting a message such as "This should be closed" or "Don't spam". Of course, you may point members in the right direction in your post e.g. if an imaginary member called GazzaK were to post asking for the correct algebraic notation for castling, and another imaginary member called Vlad_Kramnik was to call them stupid, you could post:
However, this would be considered backseat moderating:
FLAMING Attacks against other members cannot be tolerated and will be removed. Repeat offenders could be subject to severe punishment. This is taken especially seriously in the case of racial, gender etc. discrimination; no group should be made to tolerate such insults. SWEARING Please don't swear at other members, as it doesn't create a pleasant atmosphere. Also, don't start topics just to swear or cuss about a person/group/law etc. as, unlike a more controlled debate, these accomplish nothing and aren't pleasant for anyone to read. Swear words will be blocked as *censored*. Please don't attempt to dodge the word filter e.g. using numbers or asterisks to represent letters, as this will only get you into more trouble. The only exception to this is if you censor at least half of the letters in the word you're using. ADULT CONTENT Adult content, such as (but not limited to) porn or hentai, is a strict no-no that will result in punishment. DOUBLE-POSTING Double-posting is allowed if: 1) Your last post in the topic is 12 hours ago or more. -OR- 2) You reach the maximum number of characters/images and need to post more. Otherwise, please use the EDIT button. These rules are in place so as not to encourage spam. ADVERTISING AND TOPIC HIJACKING See <a href="http://s6.invisionfree.com/ChessResources_Forum/index.php?showtopic=415">this</a> topic. IMAGES You may post images in posts, however make sure that the total size of the images does not exceed 120KB and the size af any single image does not exceed 60KB. Any images that fail to comply will be converted into links. AVATARS/SIGNATURES The combined filesize of your avatar and any signature images must not exceed 120kb, and no single images may exceed 60KB, avatars that fail to comply will be removed, and sig images that fail to comply will be converted into links. Images must also be no wider than 500 pixels. Your entire signature (images and text) must also extend no further than 225 pixels down the screen. And text size must be no greater than size 7 in BB Code. SPELLING/GRAMMAR We can't force everyone to have perfect spelling or grammar; however, we do expect a decent standard of English. If you're unsure about how to spell a particular word, you can always use a spell checker. We can tolerate "Ive never been to a foriegn country so i wont say anything", but "i nevr bin 2 forin contry so i wont say nuffin" is going a bit far, as this forces others to spend a couple of minutes decoding what you've said. Moreover, this isn't a chatroom, where you may need to be quick; on a forum, you have more time to make sure your posts are of an adequate grammatical quality. CODES AND FOREIGN LANGUAGES If you want to use foreign words or codes such as 1337-speak in your posts, then please do so in moderation, and make sure that other users are able to understand what you are saying (for example, by providing a translation underneath or in spoiler tags). However, please don't do this excessively, as it can be annoying for other users. It can be found in the full BBCode list, which can be found in the 'add reply' screen. NAME CHANGES If you wish for your name to be changed, please PM me, or post in [url="http://s6.invisionfree.com/ChessResources_Forum/index.php?showtopic=4"]this[/url] topic. It's best not to e-mail me, as I will usually take longer to respond to e-mails. There are, however, limits to how much you're allowed to change your name, so as not to confuse others with changes:
If your request does not follow these rules, your name will not be changed unless there is a pressing need for it, and you must wait another 2 or 3 months as appropriate from that time for your next name change. HAVING FUN This is strongly recommended. PUNISHMENTS Hopefully, we won't have to go as far as to punish people, but if necessary, the punishments that can be given are, in order of severity: Verbal warning - You are simply told by a mod/admin not to repeat the offence. Editing/deletion of post(s)/signature - Content that does not comply will be removed. Post count reduction - Your post count will be lowered. Moderation queue - All posts must be approved by a mod/admin before appearing. Removal of priveleges - Certain priveleges may be removed e.g. PM, profile, ability to use certain forums etc. Suspension - Your account will be disabled for a set period of time. Demotion - Removal of 'Golden' title or staff position. Banning - Your account will be disabled permanently. |
