Forum Rules

I will populate this post with ideas.

Forum Rules
(definite rules)
# Do not intentionally bring a thread off-topic.
# No flaming (insulting, slanderous, racist, sexist, or discriminating comments. Constructive criticism is good.)
# Scan the forums to see if your question has already been answered before posting.
# Restricted Topics:
- Piracy/Warez
- Porn
- Advertising/spamming an unrelated website

Forum Etiquette (general posting guidelines)
# Do not make new threads if one already exists.
# Do not post useless comments. (lol, very funny, one word posts)
# Do not write in all caps.
# Use correct grammar and spelling
# Do not double post

New Forum Category Ideas. Discuss.
# Just for fun (for "count to a hundred" or "write a story" threads)

Punishment
# Warnings
# Deletion of thread/post
# Banned Account

I think a specific rule targetting obvious spam topics would be good. Topics like "What Are You Listening To" regarding music are borderline but are still acceptable. Other topics like "Count To A Thousand" are not and should be removed.

The rule regarding NSFW stuff should specify what types of content count as NSFW since...some people may interpret it differently and then complain that they didn't know when they break the rule.

Discussion of warez/piracy should be against the rules. Either linking to or requesting info on how to illegally obtaining copyrighted material should be a pretty major offense.

I think rule #4 should be expanded regarding profanity/racism. Overall "flaming" (antagonistic, slanderous, racist, or sexist comments) should not be tolerated

Since a lot of the discussion here may revolve around Machinima and other creative endeavors, there should definitely be a rule against people ripping material and claiming it as their own.

Overall there is a sort of forum etiquette that should be followed. Clearly there are people who aren't aware of it but hopefully this rule list will help those people. :-)

Looks good to me so far and I agree with the piracy thing as I've discussed before. Allowing people to advertise, or promote piracy could not only end up with that person in trouble, but the website that allows it as well. Plain and simple it's not allowed on 99%of video game sites, and it shouldn't be allowed here either. Using a private server for making videos is one thing, using it for bragging about how you solo'd Illidan? Yeah might as well blatently admit you're stealing.

Great ideas so far; I've added them to the list.

@Crizzle
There is a fine line between "What are you listening to?" and "Count to a thousand" threads. In the end, it's up to the poster to decide whether his thread idea is useless or not. I suggest a Spam category. These threads would still exist for people who want them, but not in a location where people want serious discussions.

I don't think prohibiting content stealing should be a written-down rule. Everyone knows it's wrong to steal content and will point it out. I want more opinions on this rule, please discuss.

Would forum etiquette be things like correct spelling and grammar? We can't just delete everything with poor spelling so we'll need a way to enforce this. Perhaps forum etiquette could be a different set of rules that should be followed, but not required.

I like Xfire's rule on their forums.

Plain and simple.

It's Illegal, dont' discuss it.

End of discussion they ban people who bring it up.

Feel free to link to other forums' rules as reference too. It might give us some more ideas.

Steam Forums Rules: http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=651173

@Mastrmind: Regarding the whole etiquette thing I think that it would fall into the whole having proper spelling/grammar. There isn't a good way to enforce this; however, with these rules coming into effect I think it'll only take a while for posting in general to improve and then a standard will hopefully be set. If a new member comes in and sTarts makin postz liek dis then other members will look down on them and hopefully that will be enough of an incentive for them to improve their posting habits. I'm not saying that new members should be immediately scolded for their quality of posts but a polite reminder is usually enough.

Link to Xfire's rule, I've linked it before and was laughed at for following rules, but here it is.

http://www.xfire.com/xf/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=136628

You guys know more about the users than I do. Can you invite more users who you think will contribute to this discussion? Thanks a lot, the posts have been great so far.