Forum Rules

quote Forum Rule #1

Creating New Threads

The way this forum is structured, there is most likely already a thread created which is suitable to hold most discussions. However, if you feel a topic could spark some good quality discussion it may warrant its own thread. Do not be scared to start a new thread as long as you put your own opinions in the first post. Do not post a link to an article and just "thoughts".

quote Forum Rule #2

Forum Competition Threads

If you wish to participate in an ongoing forum competition then remember that it is polite to ask the member who controls the competition whether you can join first. That member is often easy to identify as they usually have the first post in that thread. If you wish to start a new competition please run it past a forum moderator before creating a thread. If you wish to carry on a competition which has previously been created but ended, please contact the original competition creator for permission, as well as informing a moderator.

quote Forum Rule #3

Posting in txt/sms style

Please refrain from posting as if you're sending a text message to one of your friends. You have a keyboard of which has every letter/number of which you may require, therefore use it. Any post of which contain txt/sms language will be edited accordingly and the originator of the post will receive a PM warning them not to do so again. Repeated warnings result in a ban.

Obviously Internet abbreviations such as "LOL", "ROFL", "LMAO", "IMO" and "IIRC" are not subjecte to this rule.

quote Forum Rule #4

Memberating

The act of 'memberating' is when a member acts in a way that suggests they have some control or power over the forum which other members do not. This doesn't specifically refer to when member pretends to be a moderator, but more when a member acts in a way that undermines the authority of a moderator. Memberating can range from asking or suggesting for a thread to be closed, to trying to tell people what to do.

On the other hand, there are examples of helpful behaviour that are encouraged. When a new thread is created and a similar one already exists, you may provide a link to that thread and inform the member that his thread already exists. If you see a post or thread which breaches one or more of the forum or site-wide rules, please use the report feature but do not reply to posts which are spam or flaming members as this only makes the situation worse. Your intentions may be to ultimately help the forum moderator, but all you're doing is doubling the amount of spam that needs to be dealt with. A spam thread with no replies can be dealt with relatively quickly, but a page full of replies telling the member how much of a n00b they are can take a long time to sort out!

quote Forum Rule #5

Quality Of Posts

When you have written a post, please take the time to read what you have just typed. It is always best to click on the "Spelling" button before submitting the post, as this will provide you with a preview of your post along with highlighting any spelling errors that you have made. Please refrain from constantly posting "one-liners" as these usually add very little to the discussion and are sometimes considered as spam. Elaborate as much as you can to give other members a better indication of what you are trying to say. If your post does not add anything to the discussion, or is just repeating a point already made, then re-consider posting at all. Repeated pointless posts, including "one-liners", could result in a warning and possibly a ban.

quote Forum Rule #6

Petty Arguments

If you are debating something, don't get petty. If you resort to personal insults you just make yourself look stupid and will get in trouble. Keep things civilized and everyone will enjoy the discussions a lot more. Do not "pick on" certain members who you have a history with. Anyone found doing this will be warned via PM. Do not slag people off for spelling mistakes as this is just petty and brings any sort of good discussion to a halt.

quote Forum Rule #7

Spamming, Flaming, & Advertising

If you see someone spamming the forum, then simply report the post but leave it in view to avoid people asking "what did the post say" for the next 3 or 4 posts. If the post is of an offensive nature, then obviously when you report it, take the post out of view to keep it out of view of the young members browsing the forum. Advertising other forums and websites is not allowed, and all posts of this nature should be reported and taken out of view.

Finally, all reported posts should not be replied to. Replying to the post will only keep them going and will turn a small problem into a big one. The moderator(s) will deal with the reported post, and take the required action with originator of the post.