Because of the growth of this forum, and the amount of active members, we will be using this thread to remind members of the rules of this forum as a group. No member will be named individually in this thread. The purpose of this is to address situation where a number of members are breaking the rules, or the rules have become too relaxed.


So here is the first one:

After an investigation by administration and a number of complaints by members we will begin enforcing the spamming rule here at TCG a little better. Spamming not only includes threads and posts with no purpose and advertising (we us mods have done a good job fixing), this includes a number of posts that are either off topic, short statements, statements that there is no reason for the post being there, repeated posts of a similar nature by the same member,and posts just designed to bump a topic (us as mods have not done a good job at this). This will be addressed on a case by case basis.

This is not to say, that after several hours, you cannot bump your own topic to get more members to look at it, but do not do it every hour. Also don't just write "bump", at least write "No one responded to this, I would like someone to".

We have decided to address this in a thread as opposed to addressing individual memebers, as everyone here can be accussed of doing this (even me). Please address any questions or comments below, especially if you need clarifiction.

Thank you,
the TCG staff

THE ABOVE DOES NOT APPLY TO THE "FUN GAMES" FORUMS OR THE VIP MAM!!! Sorry!

Hello everyone! I just wanted to post a little something explaining how to "report a post" to the admins/mods. Please read this very carefully, because to get speedy results you'll need to know what to do.

On each thread there is a little button that says "report this post" or something like that. Please do NOT use this button. This will not bring the matter to our attention quickly enough.

If you notice that someone is breaking the rules or if there is a disagreement or problem that you would like settled, please send a PM to one of the admins or the mods. It is probably best to send one to someone who is currently logged in and online, because they can get back to you the fastest. If no admin/mod is on the board, just chose someone you feel comfortable with or someone you saw log in recently. Or send it to all of us.

To make a long story short, do not click the "report this post" button and PM the admins/mods instead.

Addendum, do not send us pm about how you were ripped off on Orbit, that is not something we can help you with.

*** Special Annoucement ***

There is now a new rule regarding name changes. If you wish to change your username, you must ask the administration to change it for you. A thread for Name Changes will be available. We offer this service twice a year, during January and June. Consider it a perk of being a long time member of the board.

PM's

Private Messages at this site are just that Private. The rules of the forum do not nessecarily apply to PM's. We have had issues though with PM's.

PM's are not to be used to threaten, harrass, or insult other members. If this occurs, please inform a mod and send a copy of the PM to the mod. Anyone doign this will recieve standard TCG disciplinary procedure.

You may use the PM to advertise you websites under one condition. 1 PM only. Do not send multiple PM's to the same members. And is the member tells you they are not interested leave them alone.

As a reminder, profanity is not allowed in this forum. While the word blocker blocks common profanity, it does not always. Anyone using profanity will be immediately warned, if no suspended or banned.

Also, changing a word around is also against the rules. Let me use and example. Suppose the word GLASS is profanity. Writing it like this:

G L A S S
Gl*ss
Gl@$$
etc.

is also against the rules.

An acceptable way to "post profanity" is like the following:

I burned my (EDIT).

Now that being said, if you just start doing this generally, that is not kosher. If you post like this to flame, that is even worse. There are some thread (Song Lyrics, Stories, RPG) where this is much more appropriate.

It will be left up to the mods to judge what is appropriate or not.

Also remember this a g-rated site and talk about sex, drugs, and alcohol is not permitted.

What exactly counts as adveritising?

Not really. It depends on the context. If you just make a post that say "Oh (EDIT)", and it's only purpose is to offend, shock, or be stupid, then no. If for example your are posting a song or a quote, that is different. Everyone use your head, it is all in context.

If something happens that in inappropriate, but censored, we will probably remove it and send you a PM.

Advertising. Spam posts about a site.

What if someone wants to know where they can find help with something such as photoshop? Would posting a Photoshop hint site count as advertising if they specifically asked for it?

Advertising:

Do:

-If you need an art program here's a free one that can do the job.

-Here's an article about the newest political scam and it's effects on the populace(this is mainly for the Debate Forum of course).

-Here's a link to a wicked cZone.

Don't:

-Please Please Please go to my forum. It rocks! If you go there and sign up I'll make you a mod. Did I mention my forum rules? It does!

-This is my personal site dedicated to how awesome I am and (insert something that they obviously copied from these forums). Check it out...now! Do it!

-Want to get a free million Orbit points? Then click this link and follow the easy instructions.

____________________________________________________________________

Basically, in a nutshell, advertising from members is when you are promoting either your own site/forums or you're attempting to scam someone. Also advertising is posting about pretty much any other forum that's not our own here. Posting useful information, or things that contribute to the betterment of these forums is acceptable. Also keep in mind that posting sites that violate the rules of this forum is also unacceptable because it could lead younge rmembers to images, ideas, or other such material that is not appropriate for them to view.

Here's a simple rule to follow: When in doubt....PM it to a Mod/Admin 1st. ;)

does anyone read the rules

Sometimes clarifications of rules are in order and we're happy to answer those kinds of questions...other times, I think you may be onto something since I wonder about some people myself. :rolleyes:

i got an idea for you guys like when some one is promoting something in a post you should have like a blocker where the cant so you wont have to worn them

The problem with such a blocker is that you have to think of every single concievable variable that could be used for something like that. When it comes to advertising I can think of no way to pull this off that would not prevent good posts from being made. There are already certain filters in place for these forums and once, during the now infamous Pirate Day, the filter was adjusted to take into consideration and replace all manner of words.

The process you propose can be used to an extent....but it cannot be used to the point in which you are suggesting. :bagged:

or if you get a new member you can IM them the rules.

Yes.

Blockers: Let me use the glass example.

Glass is profane, so the blocker will block it, but it will not block some strange combos.

gl*ss
G L A S S
gl@$$
g-l-a-s-s
glassgrabber
etc.

and yes, this thread is to focus on certain rules, that we feel have become an issue, so everyone is on that same page.

Here's a new rule for you folks!

To all who are new! Please do not spam things that or out of topic. Like in a topic about Pop Culture, do go posting stupid and pointless things like:

The above quote is from a real member. I am just using this as an example of spamming. If you keep on spamming it will result in a warning and then a suspension of posting abilties. Do not make another account just to post, the new account will be suspended and warned. And your orginal will be warned and may be suspended.

It hard to say in a topic. I think once a topic go off topic as long as it got back to the topic it's cool!

I am not judging you oplasma but I am just saying that everyone is guilty of going off topic. I know both of us have. Right mister aruba! ;)

I agree with Unknown on this one. I'm not trying to question your ruling in any way or form Oplasma, but I'm am saying that thereare some things that are acceptable to an extent, and some things that aren't. And I just don't think it's right to bring down the hammer when it doesn't need to be brought down. :D

I will say you guys have a point, as longest we are concient to come back to topic quickly or have somebody to remind us andhave a nice attitude about it is cool.

I said to new members. Their has been a few new members that's been spamming since day one of their membership.

Yeah but new member don't know the board and they are trying to fit in. It will take a while for them to learn. I think when should stop call new member spammer right off the bat. Just tell them about the rule or post the link to the rule topic so they can understand.

Well unky there are other legendary members as well that don't like spamming and they have a point too, I think as oply is okay to tell them about the rules and so they can get the Idea of how this board works, your reports are also welcome if you see somebody going crazy spamming.
We do it because is part of a rule and for the legendary member's sake.

:P

Nah I am not saying that. I just think it werid foor a newbie to get shout out by other member cause they don't know the rules. I am thinking of newbie that just made the mistake once. I know there are some that over do it. Oh ok I misunderstand oplasma! :o Ok never mind! (00

Also to new members, please try not to reply to really old topics. It just buries the new ones.

Hey I was talking yesterday with a member (I will keep his/her name unrevealed) and was asking me more detailed info about the rules, I just thought that was great and I would like to tell you that if you have questions about how the rules are applied or interpreted, you can always ask mods about that.
Remember there are always reasons why some actions are taken and is not bad to have a clear understanding, in some opportunities warnings are also the adding of a chain of rule breaking acts.... don't forget that you also need to apply some logic too whos, whys & wheres.
And a very important thing, please don't do these rule's questioninng while you are being warned in a confrontation manner to the mods; don't wait until the last minute to ask, you know there are always mods here that can assist you in thit area.

:P

To new members: please do not repost delted topics.
______________________________
Another thing, certain members recently have "lashed" out against us, why you joined I do not know, but if you hate us then why stay? To the other members do not curse out these "certain members" you in turn, will get warned and a light suspension if need be.
______________________________
Remember not to advertise on this site, it is not tolerable, well you can put something in your sig but not make a topic for advertisin, but that's another day for another topic.




Why this topic was closed is beyond me...................

I tell you why, that is always closed because the topic is granted only to bump something to remember, that is not a topic meant for opinions or flodding posts.

I think it's about time that a decent amount of people(newbies and some vets alike) took a few minutes out of their hectic schedule to reread this thread. There are a few things that have been discussed in this thread that will save certain members(whom I will not name publically) alot of future troubles.

There has been a recent increase in profanity, sex/drugs references, flame posts, and posts that attack of insult other members. I'm going to grant some of you the benefit of the doubt and pretend that, for some unknown reason, you did not possess the mental abilities to click the Message Board Rules and Regulations. Well, this is your one chance to do that and read this thread for clarifications and such on those rules. If you find you have any questions after the required reading then please PM me and ask your questions. The Mods are here to make sure you understand the rules because it makes our jobs easier and prevents you from getting into all kinds of trouble. Trust me, I would rather have people understand the rules and have a good time than have to go through and fix 50+ posts a day, PM people, Warn them, and (in some cases) ban them. The 1st option is just better for all of us.

So do yourself a favor. Take a few minutes and Read because...

Class Dismissed. :angel:

REMINDER ABOUT PROMOTING YOUR OWN SITES VIA PM:
we ask that you only PM each member once. if they do not respond, it means they are not interested. sending additional PMs is againstthe rules and will result in disciplinary action. the actual rules are as follows:

Note that the one PM we allow you is actually pushing it already.

This is a little clarification on languange and it's use here. Profanity in any form is not tolerated. This includes diguised profanity. I will use my famous example:

Glass is now profanity. All these forms of it are unacceptable:

GlAss
Gl*ss
Glazz
GLa$$
Etc.

Also, censoring your self is unacceptable, you still are alluding to cursing. Even if it is for a contest, comic/animation you post, it is still unacceptable.

Addtionally, racial slurs, slurs vs. someones sexuality, or sex, are also not acceptable. There are some words, that people use in everday conversation that we do not want to see here. I will another example: The N-Word.

This word is a racial slur, always has been, always will. It is also a very hurtful word. We understand this word is used by all races, sometimes in everyday language, and the meaning is "supposedly" twisted to mean something other than a swear, still not acceptable.

Thanks.

What about G**** or Gl***

we'd rather you didn't. if you are quoting a song lyric or a poem, please just use [edit].

There should be no reason to use 'glass.' there are usually acceptable substitutes, 'shard' or 'bottle' for example.

I under stand all this but have any of you heard the way kids talk now and days? Its worse then I ever talk. I bet its hard for you to come accross a album that didnt have a cuss word in it.

very difficult. the mods, however, are in agreement that we decide what is appropriate here at TCG, not MTV.

Umm yeah I know that. :rolleyes:

if we let MTV make the rules we'd have to run ads for clearisol every 3-5 minutes.