FAQ discussion: Rules

[Erk]

We need a FAQ for the forum. Let's use this thread to write it. If you wanna edit something just post a new version and I will try putting it back in here. No credit to authors promised, but you get the knowledge that you helped create one of the foundations for the site.

This FAQ is for rules, so it is a touchy subject. I think we should avoid having too many lawerly-written rules, just try to deal with major topics.

Here is what I see as possible areas. Note that this is not a list of things we need to ban, necessarily, but a list of things we need to decide our rules about:
-piracy/illegal activities
-plageurism
-inappropriate content (very fussy issue)
----> I wonder if we can get a thread tag that lets users force other users to agree to view the content, an "are you over 18?" question kinda thing...
-flaming/trolling/assholery (hopefully not a big deal once we get self-moderation in place)
-spam (as above)
-user vendettas (big deal once user moderation is in place)
-misbehaviour in chat
-duplicate accounts
-duplicate topics
-multiple posting
-calling erk a poopyhead
-feedback-less feedback posts ("omg nice!<end>")
-advertising other sites
-non-english posting

more?

[Ronove]

I think all of that is quite fine. How about not being able to accept critique as well? That should be a given, but some people just want: OMG IT'S SO GOOOD, and get pissy when someone presents an opposing view. I hope that wasn't mentioned yet. :< But overall, it does sound nice.

[Trickster]

Well if they don't want to accept critique they can just delete the post in their topic =P not a big deal. If they want to chase away everyone its not our problem haha.

I'll try to think of something to add =)

[HawkZombie]

I say there be a rule for NOT calling Erk a poopyhead at least once a day.

[ccoa]

What about rules on bumping or necroposting?

[Erk]

I kinda liked the rule of not posting unless you have something to add to the topic (including necroposting to ask the creator if the topic is still active). As well, I for one don't think double posting should be a problem either as long as more is added to the topic.

I did see a mod that closes topics after X amount of time. Given that topic creators can reopen their topics that might not be a bad mod to use. Once user control of topics is enforced anyway.

[HawkZombie]

So, the way you worded it: Necroposting alright if you have a legitamte question on the topic, providing the topic isn't closed of course?

And I think that Auto Close Mod might be nice, given that we are going to go towards a self-modding type of community.

[psgels]

Well, this indeed eliminates the problem of necroposting, so if we could get the mod installed, then I'd say go for it.

Now that I've been thinking about it... do we allow users to move their topics from one forum to another?

[Mr_Smit]

Babelfishing.
Can be very annoying, that bad grammar used in there.

[Lunarea]

I'm not exactly sure what we've decided on the topic, but perhaps a rule about not making resource request threads?

Or rather, a rule that threads whose main topic is to fish for resources aren't allowed.

I'm not sure how to word it yet, nor if we've decided a trading post/classifieds area to direct such things to. But if we do want to avoid becoming a resource forum, there should be something in the rules that discourages people from using it as such.

[Reives]

I concur. Speaking of which, were there any news on the possibility of a resource-trade board?

[HawkZombie]

Well, this indeed eliminates the problem of necroposting, so if we could get the mod installed, then I'd say go for it.

Now that I've been thinking about it... do we allow users to move their topics from one forum to another?

I still think that, if possible, that we offer a selection to have links for a single thread posted in one area, appear in others.

Like, you post in the main forum area, which you feel best represents your topic. However, it might also fit well in another, so you pick a secondary forum area. We only allow two to prevent abuse; Main and secondary, where one is the main post, and the other is simply a redirect to the original.

This would eliminate the need for a lot of possible moving of topics (which would, I assume, leave a redirect in the forum area is was originally posted in anyway)

[Kojo]

One thing I think is that we should try to keep a minimum of respect for each other. Even if we don't like one another doesn't mean we have to be jerks about it.

I was linked here, didn't read the dates, and noticed how ironic it is that I necroposted... On an anti-necropost topic. I hate myself, and I feel like a dorkweed.

[HawkZombie]

LOL, doesn't really matter so much here, so long as your bring something worthwhile to the table. Your suggestion is a good one, and I don't see this as a violation of the necroposting guidelines.