Official Board/Wiki Rules and Newbie Guide
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Contents |
Board Rules
SPAM
I'm sure we're all familiar with SPAM flooding our email inbox. Well unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be limited to just that. It also has been, and still is, a problem on Internet message boards. What is SPAM? Senseless Pointless Annoying Messages is the definition for the acronym that I've heard most often, and that itself should make it quite clear what makes it a problem. In short, SPAM is not tolerated. However, for one reason or another, there is often confusion over what SPAM exactly is, so here are a few guidelines for anyone not entirely sure of just where the line is drawn on what is considered "just another opinion" and what is considered senseless, pointless and annoying.
Relevancy
If you're posting in someone else's thread, try to keep your comments as relevant as you can to the original subject. In the case of certain tangents that generate especially interesting discussions, exceptions are made, but generally posting off-topic remarks is frowned upon. This idea of keeping things on-topic also pertains to creating threads of your own, as well. For example, when posting in the Music section, all threads posted should pertain to music in some way; when posting in the Film section, they should pertain to cinema, actors, hollywood, or something along those lines; and so on. (Note: If you're unsure of what a section is meant for, go to the index page and check the section descriptions, which are located under their respective section heading.) To summarize, going off-topic isn't really a big deal, and you'll be given a fair amount of leniency if it becomes a problem, but just try to avoid it as much as possible.
Length
When posting, unless you feel that in a particular case saying "less is more," try to avoid posting ridiculously short messages, be they in reply to someone else and especially when you are creating a thread of your own. Again, sometimes circumstances may not call for very much to need to be said in a message, but generally this is a wise policy. This also isn't considered a major offense, and staff members will give you ample warning if they feel that it's becoming a problem.
Emoticons
Emoticons . . . what can I say? They're the plague of humanity and the Internet. So, please, don't punctuate every other sentence with a parade of smiley faces, frowning faces, or whatever faces you're particularly partial to. We just don't like it. Emoticons are most assuredly senseless, pointless, and most definitely annoying. So, if you want others to know how you're feeling, why not try using a better form of expression -- English! Something else to add: Out of all of the forms of SPAM, this seems to be the most obnoxious to the majority of the staff members here, so unless you're trying to get banned from the board, it will be extremely important to pay attention to this guideline.
Double-posting
Double-posting is when, in the same thread of discussion, a user makes two or more consecutive (one after the other) posts. This just isn't permitted. There's an edit feature on this board for a reason. Use it. For those unsure on how to edit posts: On all posts that you have made, in the upper-right corner of the post, in the same area where the "Quote" button is located for other people's posts, you will notice a button labeled "Edit." Clicking this button will take you to a screen very much like the one you normally see when making a new post, only here you will see that all content you already entered into the post is already entered. All you have to do is simply make additions and modifications as are necessary in the same way you would if making a new post. Then, once you have clicked "Submit," it will make the changes and will do so without creating a second post. Also, creating a topic on an issue that's already being discussed (or has been discussed recently) is also considered a form of double-posting. While double-posting isn't considered a major offense, repeatedly doing so will result first in a warning (though this is NOT required) and then in a ban.
Timing
Replying to a thread on OutlawStar.net automatically causes that thread to immediately be "bumped" to the top of the forum in which it resides. While this is a useful feature in making it obvious when a reply is posted in a thread so that it's not missed, this has also led to certain problems in regards to especially old threads (ones not posted in for at least 3 months) that are suddenly brought back to the top of a forum page due to a single short remark made by someone who often doesn't realize this to be a problem. That said, we tend to be hostile to anyone who brings up an old thread without any reason why. If you feel you absolutely must respond to an old thread, please at least make it a thorough response; we don't want to see one-liners. Repeatedly responding to old threads will be considered a form of SPAM and will result in a warning (though it is not required in this case) and then being banned entirely from the message board.
Behavior
This subject has been one of far too much confusion, and it is this subject that is most in need of clarification. With that said, here's an attempt to clarify a few points.
Humor
It's too bad that a section must be made regarding this, but a great deal of misunderstandings and arguments have started in the past over what were originally intended simply to be humorous, so it unfortunately has to be clarified. So alright, if you make an insult towards someone, but in a way that is intended as a joke, and most importantly, in a way that the OTHER PERSON will find amusing, then there's no problem. Just keep in mind, though, that simply because you find it funny does NOT mean that the other person will. The best way to distinguish between these two points is simply to use good judgment. Though this quality may be something that's in short supply these days, all posters (this includes staff members) are expected to distinguish between what's funny and what's just cruel. A good rule-of-thumb is to consider the audience and to not make jokes that you already know will not go over well.
Disputation
Arguments are an expected part of human interaction. In fact, the more interesting discussions are often ones that will involve at least a little bit of disagreement between people. Then with the preceding in mind, it should seem quite obvious that not only are arguments tolerated on OutlawStar.net, they are encouraged! The only thing we ask is, when a disagreement occurs, all points and counterpoints be respectful of the other person's (or people's) perspective, no matter how "stupid" you may find the perspective to be. Basically, just try to avoid resorting to name-calling. Not only is it a quick way to find yourself in trouble with the staff, it's also a sign of a fallacy in logic and reasoning and thus probably not the best way to convince anyone of anything (except that you're wrong).
Language
We all have to use language to communicate, and it is primarily through written language that people express themselves on the Internet. As you can see, the preferred language here is English, in all of its confusing and complicated rules, thus it is in English that we expect to see things posted. Although that in of itself hasn't been a problem here, it's the ways that the language is presented that has been a source of trouble. The big problem areas are as follows.
Coherency
We don't expect you to have impeccable grammar and a complete mastery of the English language, since a large majority of people around the world don't speak their native languages the way they should. We're lenient with common contractions and even capitalization, though we expect you the poster to have reasonably good grammar. The biggest problem that we have is the use of "AIMSpeak" which shortens words to single or a few letters and numbers, like how "you" and "see" become "u" and "c." Now, in a situation where things must be typed quickly, this means of expressing oneself is understandable, but here, where there really are no time contraints, it is expected that proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar be used. So, please use the entire word when posting. Additionally, the use of "l33t" or "leet," which uses numbers, punctuation symbols, and the like in place of letters, is also frowned upon. Though some leniency may be given, take note that poor coherency in one's post IS grounds for banning.
Profanity
All languages seem to have their selection of "curse words" and English is definitely no exception. Profanity is often used to express how bad you may be feeling or how bad something or someone else is, and there's no doubt that anyone here has not used one of them at some point. So, in order to allow the poster the freedom to express themselves (and to write fanfiction with no interference), there is no censorship on Outlawstar.net. However, please refrain from overusing profanity, like having it make up the majority of your posts for no actual reason. Rants and venting are an exception to this in a way, since we all need to let off some steam every now and then because of things in our lives that annoy us to our limits of tolerance. However, there are more descriptive ways of complaining than using profanity, so the rule of using them on occasion still applies. The use of profanity isn't considered a major offense (unless it violates the rules for Behavior), and ample warning will be given if it is found to be a problem.
Font
The traditional font on this board is Veranda/Arial at 12 point in black and, although it does look plain, it's the easiest on the eyes when reading posts. Though this is the font's specifications by default, if a poster so chooses the size, color, and style of the font can be changed (for help on doing this, consult the following: style, color/size). However, it is recommended that discretion be employed before manipulating the font. In certain cases, changing the font can allow a poster to better express a message by providing emphasis on certain key points (for example, this set of rules is written in such a way). However, overuse of this is considered extremely offensive by the staff and it will be punished accordingly, usually first with a warning, and then if the warning is ignored, a ban. Take note: The use of ALL CAPS also must abide by these standards.
Administrative
The following is information relevant to issues relating directly to the staff of Outlawstar.net.
Criticisms
The staff here at OutlawStar.net makes it their business to maintain order and to make sure that rules are followed. Nonetheless, in the end, we're all just people, too, so mistakes of some kind may occasionally happen. Furthermore, the staff may not necessarily notice every problem that occurs on the message board. Because of this, if a poster feels that a mistake has been made, or notices a major problem occurring on the board (technical concerns are addressed in Project Lazy Cat: 'The Suggestion Box'), then that poster is encouraged to voice his or her concerns regarding that problem in the Moderator Help Desk.
Appeals
- You are expected to first attempt to resolve the issue with the moderator or administrator that made the action or decision that you find unfair;
- You may next appeal to another administrator (except AKosygin);
- You may next appeal to Laughing Hyena (provided an appeal was not made in one of the previous appeals) at monowarai_haiena@yahoo.com;
- Your final appeal rests upon the decision of AKosygin, whose decision is FINAL. However, if you are banned and are unable to contact any administrator, you may directly contact AKosygin at admin@outlawstar.net. (Please note, jumping directly to AKosygin for an appeal will result in your last appeal.)
Contacting
Spamming Moderator or Admin Message boxes or e-mail is grounds for immediate banning without appeals. Send messages only once, and have your e-mail client request for a "Return Receipt" if you want to be sure we recieved it.
Miscellaneous
This section addresses some final issues that have no specific category, but are important to take note of nonetheless.
Images
The maximum image attributes are 30 Kilobytes in size, 550 pixels wide and 350 pixels tall (for assistance on how to post up images, click here). However, it is also important to note that posting numerous images in a single post, even if they adhere to the preceding guideline, is also a problem (with the exception of posting images in reviews, as that is often a good way to make a review more interesting). Finally, though this should be obvious, posting images of pornographic material (or even links to pornographic material), is NOT IN ANY WAY PERMITTED. Posting content of this sort will result in an IMMEDIATE BAN.
Age
Some of the content discussed on Outlawstar.net may not be suitable for a younger age-group; thus, those 13 years-old or younger are not permitted here. However, being that it's not possible to prove someone's age, being banned from the board will NOT hinge around speculations about someone's age. Instead, bans will adhere to the aforementioned rules that have been set forth. So, this isn't as much of a rule as it is a guideline, meant to give some idea to posters who come here what they can expect content-wise. That said, if you are 13 or younger, you are advised to use discretion before using the Outlawstar.net message board.
Newbie Guide
User Reputation
Next to each user's post count there are little boxes that you can hover your mouse over to find out a poster's reputation. The higher the reputation, the more the user's posts are LIKELY (not always true) to have some weight and is true. While a user whom have a low reputation, is probably full of crap. WARNING: The reputation system is used as a GUIDE and is by no means a "be all, end all" indicator of the quality or the truthfulness of the post or the information provided by the poster.
You can also find out in the user's profile how their reputation is.
Giving user reputation
If you find a post particularly informative or useful or even accurate, you can "approve" of a user's post and raise their reputation. And if you find a user is generally full of "crap" or is plain lying, then you can "disapprove" of the user's post and affect his/her reputation.
Remember, give out reputation FAIRLY because other users can do the same to you!
You give out reputation by clicking on the pair of scales at the top right corner of the appropriate post.
Reporting trouble makers or offensive posts
If you find someone whom are violating the rules, spamming, or just causing trouble, you can report the post to an admin or moderator by using the "Report" function, it is the exclaimation mark at the top right corner of the post (or the "Report" link).
Please ONLY report ONCE PER INCIDENT, and Please ONLY click the report button on the PROBLEM post, and please provide a detail reason why you think this post is a problem. A mod or admin will attend to it as soon as possible.
Abuse of privileges and reporting
Dont' be dumb and abuse the reputation system by randomly or unfairly giving someone lots of positive or negative reputation, especially when it is undeserving to the user. Those found to be abusing the reputation system will be warned on the first offense, then their reputation reduced to a low number on the second offense, then banned on the third and last offense.
Please do not abuse the reporting function, we treat it as seriously as someone abusing a 911 calling system. We immediately ban without warning those whom maliciously abuse the reporting system.
User Groups and Membership
There are some parts of the forums you can see are there, but you can not access or can not post. These areas require membership. While membership is free, we have to make sure (usually very simple, just answer a question) you qualify for membership. (Example: The Y forum is for guys, so we have to make sure you are a "guy".) To apply for membership for a public group, just go to your User Control Panel (UserCP) and near the bottom on the left there is a link for "Group Memberships" where you can click there and see groups that you can join. Some require permission from a group leader, some do not.
You can leave a group at any time, but joining some require checks.
