Rules and Regulations of the RDF HQ COMMUNICATIONS CENTER. Updated 27 July, 2005.
I. TERMS
RDF HQ Communications Center: Collection of Forums hosted by the RDF HQ.
Forum: Message area where threads can be posted and divided by different topics.
Thread: A string of posts relating to one another.
Post: Individual message left by a user.
Administrator/Admin: Individuals with control over the RDF HQ Communications Center. They have rights of, but not limited to, IP Ban, Email Ban, User Ban and all rights a Moderator has.
Moderator/Mod: Moderators are individuals who have the rights of edit, move, close and re-open over selected forums or the entire RDF HQ Communications Center. Moderators are assigned by the Administrators.
Edit/Editing: Administrators, Moderators and post authors can use the edit function to edit a post.
Move: Administrators and Moderators may move a thread or post to the correct forum if it is determined it is off-topic.
Close: Administrators and Moderators may close, or lock, a thread or post to prevent it from continuing. NOTE: A thread may be lock because it has become super long. People with dial-up connections have a hard time with the super long threads. Check the reason why a thread was locked up. If it is because it was long you CAN continue the thread in a new thread!
NEW Deletion: On rare instances it is necessary to delete a thread. This is typical of threads that devolve into "flame wars" (see definition below). Once a thread goes beyond a certain size, it becomes difficult to edit out flames or off-topic discussions, and if emotions are running too high, it is best to remove the points of contention, instead of leave them in view to start further exchanges.
If a thread is closed or deleted due to such problems, if there was an original, on-topic, discussion not based on attacks against others, the original posters are invited to open a new thread, reposting and summarizing the relevant material, and attempt to start the discussion again in a peaceful manner.
Deliberately reposting the flames, after being told not to, is grounds for the most stern disiplinary actions.
Re-Open: Admins and Moderators may un-close, or un-lock, a post or thread so it can be continued.
Flame: 1. n. A hostile, often unprovoked, message directed at a participant of an internet discussion forum. The content of the message typically disparages the intelligence, sanity, behavior, knowledge, character, or ancestry of the recipient. 2. v. The act of sending a hostile message on the internet. 3. adj. Having the character of a flame, as in, flame war. See A Netizen's Guide to Flame Warriors for an interesting view on flames. NEW ADDITION: 4. Any such attack made on a moderator or Administrator via Private message is considered to have the ramifications as if sent publicly on the discussion forum, and will be produced publicly, as needed, to show justification for disciplinary actions against the sender.
II. RULES
(1)Use common sense. By using this you will likely never break a rule. If you think it is stupid to do, it probably is. If in doubt ask one of the Administrators or Moderators.
(2)Before posting check and see if it has been posted recently. If the question you have has been asked a thread below dont start a new one, read that one first. If you have still more questions then post a new thread or ask it in the older one. Dont get carried away; if it is not a recent post by all means ask. No one will jump on you just because someone asked the question six months ago.
UPDATED(3)Keep the language relatively clean and civil. When we started this discussion board, it was on the heels of several TV airings and video releases of the Robotech series, when it was possible that we might have a measurable amount of pre-teen members. After 7 years, most of our population are considered to be adults, or nearly so, so language of an adult nature is normal (think hard PG-13, soft R, movie rating). Just keep it relevant to the subject at hand.
The Administrators and Moderators reserve the right to go off on a user that ignores repeated requests to stop other rules violations (especially if the rules violations are the user slandering, defaming or otherwise flaming other members), and any language that gets used by said authorities directed at the offender are not covered directly by this rule, though they are expected to apologize to all members not directly targeted for their launguage via the Comments forum, or in the actual thread (if still extant), after they calm down. Whether an apology is merited toward the target of the "cussing out" will vary from instance to instance.
(4)Dont attack someone just for the sake of it. Debating is fine; simple attacks are not. Just be aware of the sarcasm as well. We all understand that things may get heated so a little sarcasm may be warranted but dont let it get out of control.
Clarification(5)If a Moderator or Administrator asks you to something, or to stop doing something, do as they ask. If you think they are wrong contact that Administrator or Moderator by email. DONT fight it out in a thread. If you think a Moderator or Administrator is out of bounds contact another Moderator or Administrator and give them your side of the story. If they do not agree with your viewpoint, that's the end of the discussion - DO NOT bring it back up in a new or different, attacking the Moderator or Administrator - doing so is pretty much a deliberate act of account suicide. If you can, however, ask the other Administrators/Moderators to arrange a time to bring it up in a chat, where both sides can discuss it in real time, with the others acting as ARBITRATORS (meaning, their decision, if the two sides cannot find common ground, is FINAL).
(6)A Moderator or Administrator will not abuse their postion on the board. Moderators and Administrators should refrain from editing, locking, removing, or other admin functions within threads they are engaged. If you have a problem with a Moderator or Administrator contact another Moderator or Administrator and let them know.
(7)This MB will not be used for the purpose of selling, receiving, promoting, acquiring or just about anything to do with illegal items. This includes pirate copies of anime or music.
III. REGULATIONS
(A)If a Moderator or Administrator edits a post they will mark it with brackets so everyone can see the edit, or if a subject or other entire line has to be removed, it will be explained at the top of the modified post. For example, "Hey you're a [edit] idiot!" You will see what word or words was edited. Also the bottom of the post will automatically note who edited the post
(B)Try to stay on-topic in the topic areas. There will be no "iron clad" rules about being on-topic but it is a courtesy. We have tried to make enough topic areas to cover as much as possible but there may be a need for a new topic. If so contact one of the Administrators and let them know. Also, if you are looking for a topic area for your own let a Administrator know. We are willing to set-up special topic areas, moderated by you, for special needs. Want a topic to run an on-line RPG? Let us know. We can create one and put you in charge as a Moderator.
(C)Violations of the rules and or regulations may result in a warning, a locked thread, removal of the offending material or other suitable action.
(D)Repeated or gross violations of the rules and regulations of this board may get you banned, temporarily or forever.
I. TERMS
RDF HQ Communications Center: Collection of Forums hosted by the RDF HQ.
Forum: Message area where threads can be posted and divided by different topics.
Thread: A string of posts relating to one another.
Post: Individual message left by a user.
Administrator/Admin: Individuals with control over the RDF HQ Communications Center. They have rights of, but not limited to, IP Ban, Email Ban, User Ban and all rights a Moderator has.
Moderator/Mod: Moderators are individuals who have the rights of edit, move, close and re-open over selected forums or the entire RDF HQ Communications Center. Moderators are assigned by the Administrators.
Edit/Editing: Administrators, Moderators and post authors can use the edit function to edit a post.
Move: Administrators and Moderators may move a thread or post to the correct forum if it is determined it is off-topic.
Close: Administrators and Moderators may close, or lock, a thread or post to prevent it from continuing. NOTE: A thread may be lock because it has become super long. People with dial-up connections have a hard time with the super long threads. Check the reason why a thread was locked up. If it is because it was long you CAN continue the thread in a new thread!
NEW Deletion: On rare instances it is necessary to delete a thread. This is typical of threads that devolve into "flame wars" (see definition below). Once a thread goes beyond a certain size, it becomes difficult to edit out flames or off-topic discussions, and if emotions are running too high, it is best to remove the points of contention, instead of leave them in view to start further exchanges.
If a thread is closed or deleted due to such problems, if there was an original, on-topic, discussion not based on attacks against others, the original posters are invited to open a new thread, reposting and summarizing the relevant material, and attempt to start the discussion again in a peaceful manner.
Deliberately reposting the flames, after being told not to, is grounds for the most stern disiplinary actions.
Re-Open: Admins and Moderators may un-close, or un-lock, a post or thread so it can be continued.
Flame: 1. n. A hostile, often unprovoked, message directed at a participant of an internet discussion forum. The content of the message typically disparages the intelligence, sanity, behavior, knowledge, character, or ancestry of the recipient. 2. v. The act of sending a hostile message on the internet. 3. adj. Having the character of a flame, as in, flame war. See A Netizen's Guide to Flame Warriors for an interesting view on flames. NEW ADDITION: 4. Any such attack made on a moderator or Administrator via Private message is considered to have the ramifications as if sent publicly on the discussion forum, and will be produced publicly, as needed, to show justification for disciplinary actions against the sender.
II. RULES
(1)Use common sense. By using this you will likely never break a rule. If you think it is stupid to do, it probably is. If in doubt ask one of the Administrators or Moderators.
(2)Before posting check and see if it has been posted recently. If the question you have has been asked a thread below dont start a new one, read that one first. If you have still more questions then post a new thread or ask it in the older one. Dont get carried away; if it is not a recent post by all means ask. No one will jump on you just because someone asked the question six months ago.
UPDATED(3)Keep the language relatively clean and civil. When we started this discussion board, it was on the heels of several TV airings and video releases of the Robotech series, when it was possible that we might have a measurable amount of pre-teen members. After 7 years, most of our population are considered to be adults, or nearly so, so language of an adult nature is normal (think hard PG-13, soft R, movie rating). Just keep it relevant to the subject at hand.
The Administrators and Moderators reserve the right to go off on a user that ignores repeated requests to stop other rules violations (especially if the rules violations are the user slandering, defaming or otherwise flaming other members), and any language that gets used by said authorities directed at the offender are not covered directly by this rule, though they are expected to apologize to all members not directly targeted for their launguage via the Comments forum, or in the actual thread (if still extant), after they calm down. Whether an apology is merited toward the target of the "cussing out" will vary from instance to instance.
(4)Dont attack someone just for the sake of it. Debating is fine; simple attacks are not. Just be aware of the sarcasm as well. We all understand that things may get heated so a little sarcasm may be warranted but dont let it get out of control.
Clarification(5)If a Moderator or Administrator asks you to something, or to stop doing something, do as they ask. If you think they are wrong contact that Administrator or Moderator by email. DONT fight it out in a thread. If you think a Moderator or Administrator is out of bounds contact another Moderator or Administrator and give them your side of the story. If they do not agree with your viewpoint, that's the end of the discussion - DO NOT bring it back up in a new or different, attacking the Moderator or Administrator - doing so is pretty much a deliberate act of account suicide. If you can, however, ask the other Administrators/Moderators to arrange a time to bring it up in a chat, where both sides can discuss it in real time, with the others acting as ARBITRATORS (meaning, their decision, if the two sides cannot find common ground, is FINAL).
(6)A Moderator or Administrator will not abuse their postion on the board. Moderators and Administrators should refrain from editing, locking, removing, or other admin functions within threads they are engaged. If you have a problem with a Moderator or Administrator contact another Moderator or Administrator and let them know.
(7)This MB will not be used for the purpose of selling, receiving, promoting, acquiring or just about anything to do with illegal items. This includes pirate copies of anime or music.
III. REGULATIONS
(A)If a Moderator or Administrator edits a post they will mark it with brackets so everyone can see the edit, or if a subject or other entire line has to be removed, it will be explained at the top of the modified post. For example, "Hey you're a [edit] idiot!" You will see what word or words was edited. Also the bottom of the post will automatically note who edited the post
(B)Try to stay on-topic in the topic areas. There will be no "iron clad" rules about being on-topic but it is a courtesy. We have tried to make enough topic areas to cover as much as possible but there may be a need for a new topic. If so contact one of the Administrators and let them know. Also, if you are looking for a topic area for your own let a Administrator know. We are willing to set-up special topic areas, moderated by you, for special needs. Want a topic to run an on-line RPG? Let us know. We can create one and put you in charge as a Moderator.
(C)Violations of the rules and or regulations may result in a warning, a locked thread, removal of the offending material or other suitable action.
(D)Repeated or gross violations of the rules and regulations of this board may get you banned, temporarily or forever.
