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Post by Silvanon on Nov 6, 2005 20:14:11 GMT -5
Hi all!
It was suggested to me that we make a post and sticky it that talks about the "unwritten" rules of our community. Basically stuff about how the community runs, and what ettiquette people ought to follow, and so forth. I think it's an excellent idea (probably something I should of thought of and done a long time ago ^^; ). So, I wanted to get people's input: What are our ettiquette rules?
Also, I think I most definately ought to have the actually supposedly written rules posted, so I'm including those here.
That said, there are two categories: 1. Rules, where if you break them you'll be officially punished, and 2. Ettiquette, stuff you should do to get along with people.
Here's what I've come up with so far:
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RULES:
* No profanity in posts.
* No excessive violence in posts (graphic gore, etc).
* No adult content in posts.
* No flaming, bashing, or otherwise disrupting the peace and community harmony. Critizism is allowed, but not to the point of flaming or pure/unprovoked personal attack. Violators will be warned, and if the behavior continues, may have their posts deleted. As an ultimate result, violators will be banned.
* Disputes between individuals should be limited as much as possible to PM's/IM's/email, and should be kept as much as possible between the principle parties only. Disputing parties who feel they need a third party modirator may present their grievances to the board moderator, Silvanon, in private format (PM/IM/email).
ETTIQUETTE:
* Cyberpet agency owners:
- Do your best to fulfill on promises critters.
- Don't change the rules on cyberpet adopters mid-adoption. If you must change the rules, do your best to let your adopters know about the change well in advance.
- Don't take commission money and then not fulfill. If you are unable to complete the original commission, either work out something different with the commissioner, or else return the commission money.
* Cyberpet adopters:
- Read the rules of adoption and make sure you understand them before you adopt.
- Before adopting, take time to get to know the adoption. Learn how the adoption procedure works for that agency. Learn how much time you can expect it to take for you to get your critter. Learn what's expected for posting the critter/rollplaying the critter/etc.
- Do your best to fulfill on posting the critters you have received, and otherwise complying with the rules as they were posted and understood at the time of your adopting. If you have something come up that prevents you from compling with the rules, let the agency owner know right away.
- Don't expect to be an exception to the rules.
- Don't expect to be an exception to the norms (i.e. how one gets a critter, how long it takes to receive a promised critter, etc.). Don't pester cyberpet agency owners about adopting their critters/when they're going to get you the critter you won/etc. unless circumstances are clearly beyond the norms.
* Be understanding of people. They have Real Lives which will often take priority over their cyber lives.
* Ask once, and then remember the answer you got.
* Don't whine excessively. The community is neither your babysitter nor your nursemaid.
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So, what do you guys think of those? Anything you feel ought to be changed? Anything you feel ought to be added? Anything that ought to be taken out?
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Post by Saturnalia on Nov 6, 2005 22:06:22 GMT -5
I think what you've got looks good  And I agree, that it's probably a good idea to have it posted up. Back when I played EQ, we had to do something similar in my guild; there were huge issues with begging people for items and such, so we put up a rule about begging, and we got strict in dealing with anyone that did so excessively. It was definitely for the better; setting the guidelines shows a clear view of what's acceptable, and what isn't, right off the bat. Anyone who decides that they don't apply can deal with resulting consequences and whatnot, and it saves the hassle of "well, no one SAID not to!" arguments and such. It's sort of a shame to have to state 'unspoken' rules, but sometimes, it's a good thing to do so /end babble! |
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Post by Sith Lord FP on Nov 6, 2005 22:09:21 GMT -5
Those are pretty good ^_^ if i think of something different then what you have, ill let you know ^^:
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Post by Aylura on Nov 6, 2005 23:43:03 GMT -5
Looks nice, even though the entire idea of having to post such things makes me twitch.
One thing, mostly to adopters:
Agency owners are not require to draw/hand out any creature.* Agency owners retain the copywrite and absolute ownership over their creations and make take that creature back at any time, should they so choose. Agency owners have the right to deny adoption to any person for any reason they see fit and to request certain protocol for adopting (A page/text/RPing/link back/etc).
*-except for commissions.
Also, it's generally proper etiquette for the agency owner to have some valid reason to do any of the above, but as the 'creature' is their own work, time, and imagination, they really can say what they wish about it. I'm not saying agency owners should go about gallivanting their power over adopters. >.>;
You also might want to make a note on the "things that can't be in posts" relating to posts that link to such things. (Warnings about profanity, adult content, etc. on a site that's been linked. IE: "Take a look at my art gallery! But be aware that some of the images there are not for younger audiences.")
I'm also a stick-in-the-mud about stuff, so that all could be too harsh/or up to the individual. I know that's the code I live by, anyway.
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Post by Dawby on Nov 6, 2005 23:49:53 GMT -5
*shrugs*
They all seem like no-brainers to me, but I guess having them clearly and publicly stated isn't a bad idea.
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Post by Leafy on Nov 7, 2005 0:51:02 GMT -5
lol, at least I can boast that I'm the cause for the word censor XD;; Though it saddens me that grbutt doesn't happen anymore n_n Oh, and another one for the penalty list, NO IMAGE THEFT. If it ain't yours, don't take it!
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Post by AirRaiser on Nov 7, 2005 5:52:50 GMT -5
Yupadottle sounds good to me ^-^ on a side note
Leafy: OMG THE CUTENESS!
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Post by sera on Nov 7, 2005 7:45:21 GMT -5
Under Rules:
* No flaming, bashing, or otherwise disrupting the peace and community harmony. Critizism is allowed, but not to the point of flaming or pure/unprovoked personal attack. Violators will be warned, and if the behavior continues, may have their posts deleted. As an ultimate result, violators will be banned.
Criticism. ^^
Under Cyberpet Adopters:
- Before adopting, take time to get to know the adoption. Learn how the adoption procedure works for that agency. Learn how much time you can expect it to take for you to get your critter. Learn what's expected for posting the critter/rollplaying the critter/etc.
Roleplaying. ^^
Other than the two typos it looks good. I also just did a quick skim. ^^ *snugs* I'm a big fan of having rules and stuff posted. . . especially as a newbit I was always freaking that I would do something wrong. *Sends Lumi apologetic glances*
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Post by Lumi on Nov 7, 2005 10:31:51 GMT -5
Looks good, I had to sleep on it to think of something else that should be known to all, but there are always a few who haven't found out yet.
*lol* *pats the Sera* You weren't that bad...or if you were, I don't remember anyways. XD
For Both Owners and adopters:
Ask Permission to use someone elses's art first when making something for yourself or a friend(banners, icons, backgrounds, and whatnot). Then remember to give the Artist credit, using names, emails, and linkbacks where posted. This goes for all types of graphics.
For Adopters:
Do not comment on other people's forms and or ideas during draws. If someone has made a mistake that you want to help correct send a PM to that person(only remember some agency owners require that forms not be edited after being posted, especially if it had to do with the rules).
In General(for draws and conversations):
Try not to hijack threads and take them off topic.
Roleplaying needs it's own section I think.
Proper spelling and Grammar is greatly appresiated and preferred in all posts. Exceptions would be if the character you are rping is uneducated or has an accent(or both). Do not Double post, there is a preview option to check for spelling errors before porting and a modify button for anything you see afterwards.
Do Not Powerplay. This means do not take over the actions of other people's characters without permission. Some rps where the rpers are comfortable and trust each other do allow for some powerplaying, however for the most part keep to your own charcters. Also don't God-mod with your characters, this means if your character is in a fight it Cannot avoid blows and injuries from the opponent outside of it's natural abilities. It cannot always win, or suddenly develop super-powers, or knowledge of how to beat the other.
Do not Jump into every roleplay thread you can find. Keep it down to two or three, and remember some people have plans for their roleplays that probably doesn't include you and yours, so make sure it is an Open rp before trying to join in.
Do not get upset, or have a hissy fit if no one joins your rp. People are not obligated to join if they don't wish to. Just be patient someone might in a day or so. After that you can try again by starting another one with something different.
Did I miss anything?
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Post by Azrani on Nov 7, 2005 15:02:10 GMT -5
I think you should add something about image theft, uploading images to your own server, and not redistributing images. They're pretty basic rules, but there still are some newbies/adopters that disobey them.
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Post by Silvanon on Nov 8, 2005 9:35:38 GMT -5
Okay, here's the revised list, what do you all think?
________________________________
RULES:
* No profanity in posts. No linking to sites with excessive profanity without giving warning in the post.
* No excessive violence in posts (graphic gore, etc). No linking to sites with excessive violence without warning in the post.
* No adult content in posts. No linking to sites with adult content without a warning in the post. No linking at all to sites with pornographic content.
* No flaming, bashing, or otherwise disrupting the peace and community harmony. Criticism is allowed, but not to the point of flaming or pure/unprovoked personal attack. Violators will be warned, and if the behavior continues, may have their posts deleted. As an ultimate result, violators will be banned.
* Disputes between individuals should be limited as much as possible to PM's/IM's/email, and should be kept as much as possible between the principle parties only. Disputing parties who feel they need a third party moderator may present their grievances to the board moderator, Silvanon, in private format (PM/IM/email).
* No image theft. If you didn’t make the image, then you must have permission to use it in the way you are using it. Permission to post the image does not include permission to modify the image or redistribute the image. These permissions must be granted separately. Furthermore, images clearly based on another artist’s work may only be used after obtaining permission from that artist. This is not just board rules, but is also according to US Copyright Laws, and applies to all types of images, not just cyberpets. Violators will be given one warning, and then will be banned. Violators who are banned for this offense will also be reported to their web host as being in violation of copyright laws, and will likely have their website accounts banned as well.
* When you use someone’s image, always give credit to the artist, and provide a link back to the artist’s site. Linking to an artist’s email is acceptable if no site URL can be found.
* No bandwidth theft or hot-linking (pulling an image off someone else’s server). Upload all images you use to your own server. The only exception is when the artist specifically gives you permission to link to the image on their server. (Silvanon’s Nixphe are an example where express permission is given to hot-link. These types of agencies are extremely rare.)
ETTIQUETTE:
* Be understanding of people. They have Real Lives which will often take priority over their cyber lives.
* Ask once, and then remember the answer you got.
* Don't whine excessively. The community is neither your babysitter nor your nursemaid.
* Try not to hijack threads and take them off topic.
* Cyberpet agency owners:
- Do your best to fulfill on promises critters.
- State the rules for your adoptions up front. Also, state the rules for draws and contests up front.
- Don't change the rules on cyberpet adopters mid-adoption. If you must change the rules, do your best to let your adopters know about the change well in advance.
- Don’t declare abandoned/take back/etc. cyberpets you’ve adopted out without good cause. Good cause is generally considered to be acts that violate your posted rules of adoption.
- Don't take commission money and then not fulfill. If you are unable to complete the original commission, either work out something different with the commissioner, or else return the commission money.
* Cyberpet adopters:
- Read the rules of adoption and make sure you understand them before you adopt.
- Before adopting, take time to get to know the adoption. Learn how the adoption procedure works for that agency. Learn how much time you can expect it to take for you to get your critter. Learn what's expected for posting the critter/roleplaying the critter/etc.
- Do your best to fulfill on posting the critters you have received, and otherwise complying with the rules as they were posted and understood at the time of your adopting. If you have something come up that prevents you from complying with the rules, let the agency owner know right away.
- Don't expect to be an exception to the rules.
- Don't expect to be an exception to the norms (i.e. how one gets a critter, how long it takes to receive a promised critter, etc.). Don't pester cyberpet agency owners about adopting their critters/when they're going to get you the critter you won/etc. unless circumstances are clearly beyond the norms.
- Understand that agency owners are in no way required to give you anything with free adoptions. They have the right to deny adoption to any person for any reason they see fit and to request certain protocol for adopting (A page/text/RPing/link back/etc). They only time you are owed anything is if they have accepted payment from you in form of actual money or trade. Agency owners have the right to reject any commission or trade, up until they accept payment. (Please note that forcing a payment on them is not the same as them accepting a payment.)
- Understand that agency owners retain full copyrights to their work. You cannot use or modify their critters in any way not authorized by the artist. The artist has the right to declare abandoned and take back any critter at any time, unless the critter is commissioned and as part of the commission contract the critter is decided to be not abandon-able.
- Do not comment on other people's forms and or ideas during draws. If someone has made a mistake that you want to help correct send a PM to that person (remember some agency owners require that forms not be edited after being posted, especially if it had to do with the rules).
* Roleplay:
- Proper spelling and grammar are greatly appreciated and preferred in all posts. Exceptions would be if the character you are RPing is uneducated, has an accent, or both.
- Do not double post, there is a preview option to check for spelling errors before posting and a modify button for anything you see afterwards.
- Do not powerplay. This means do not take over the actions of other people's characters without permission. Some RPs where the RPers are comfortable and trust each other do allow for some powerplaying, however for the most part keep to your own characters.
- Don't make your characters invincible or give them above-natural powers. For example, if your character is in a fight it cannot avoid blows and injuries from the opponent outside of it's natural abilities. It cannot always win, or suddenly develop super-powers, or knowledge of how to beat the other.
- Do not jump into every roleplay thread you can find. Keep it down to two or three, and remember some people have plans for their roleplays that probably doesn't include you and yours, so make sure it is an Open RP before trying to join in.
- Do not get upset, whine, or have a hissy fit if no one joins your RP. People are not obligated to join if they don't wish to. Just be patient, someone might in a day or so. After that you can try again by starting another one with something different.
** If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask!
____________________________
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Post by Lumi on Nov 8, 2005 9:54:06 GMT -5
*Applauds* Whooha!! I think it looks great! ^_^
hmm I forgot to make Grammar, into grammar. XD I tend to use caps to emphasize words instead of italics. ^^
*dances about* I think this makes everything very clear. This should help all the newbits and help us olbies keep from pulling our hair out. XD
hmm...I guess it could finish with, Any further questions about the rules and how things work please ask.
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Post by Silvanon on Nov 8, 2005 10:23:06 GMT -5
^_^ Okay, I've edited to fix/add what you mentioned, Lumi.
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Post by Lumi on Nov 8, 2005 10:31:30 GMT -5
All righty! ^_^ I think it's ready for it's sticky post.  *glomphugs the Silv* <3333 Thank-you so much. |
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sera still not logged
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Post by sera still not logged on Nov 8, 2005 16:59:05 GMT -5
oh, yah. . . . :/ you may want to add that you have the write to change, update, etc at any time with or without warning and that it is the user's responsibility to stay up to date on the rules and etiquette.
does that make sense? it's the legal jargon. . . hehe ^^
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And I agree, that it's probably a good idea to have it posted up. 
