Post by Darkwave Das Ich on Nov 15, 2006 11:18:56 GMT -5
Most of the below applies to the entire site; both RPG and not. Some are specifically for the RPG, some are specifically for the other boards---when this happens, it will be noted.
Basic forum rules are the rules in which you are closely expected to follow. They are rules that anyone with common sense already knows; thus, we hold them to a higher regard.
Rules
SPAM
SPAM or spamming (the use of spam) is a very general term here. It is the most common rule on message boards broken, though.
Everyone has their own definition of spam...including us, but we tend to go with the literal meaning of SPAM: Stupid Pointless Annoying Message. For forum purposes, though, we also include any post less than five words, any repeated posts, and any completely off-topic post as SPAM.
Some people SPAM on purpose. They are immediately recognizable. They say the same word/sentence over-and-over in the same post, make multiple SPAM posts, and various other things. They are the ones who simply want attention and to annoy. Since we care nothing for them, they will be given an immediate ban.
SPAM can be done over emails and IMs..not simply posts and PMs. Be aware that we cannot do anything about the off-site SPAM. It becomes your problem off-site.
Punishment: More than likely, you will just get a warning for your first or second time. It shouldn't go beyond a warning.
Flaming
Like SPAM, this is a very general term for forums. I define it as simply being an absolute jerk in excess. A flamer will sit there and completely verbally attack someone over a disagreement. You get the idea.
Flaming can be done over emails and IMs..not simply posts and PMs. Be aware that we cannot do anything about the off-site flames. It becomes your problem off-site.
You need to understand the difference between flaming and what happens in the RPG. Out of character, serious attacks are the flames. Some guy being a jerk to you in character is not flaming, and is acceptable.
Punishment: Warning. If it continues, then temporary ban. After that, complete ban.
Guide
Spelling & Grammar
We expect you to have most/all words in your posts correct. Of course the occasional slip up is okay, but Proboards has given you the Spell Check feature for a reason. Google Toolbar also has a Spell Check feature, if you have that.
As for grammar, it isn't as important as spelling. As long as you have a capitol in the beginning of the sentence and the right mark at the end, we don't care much.
IM-ese. IM-ese is what people call the Instant Messenger and general Internet-lazy language. For those of you who use it, don't. I know this may come as a shock, but....YOU LOOK LIKE IDIOTS. Personally, I don't bother reading such posts. If you are a slow typist, that is understandable, but it isn't an excuse...just take your time with your posts to type everything out.
With correct spelling and grammar, you will gain more respect, and people will be less likely to skim over your posts.
Typing posts up in Word and then copying and pasting it into your post is always a good idea.
Post length
Post length is an iffy subject. As long as you have a point, and is more than twenty words (in RP), it doesn't matter how long your post is. BUT! If you want to be seen as intelligent and whatever, and you want to improve your RPing skills, then you should post longer posts.
There has to be a point in your post. I don't care how long your post is...as long as it has a point, it is fine. "John runs into a wall." It is short, yes, but has a point. If you say, "John sighs randomly," then you are not progressing the story at all, so it is pointless. Remember, the P in SPAM stands for Pointless.
This is where it gets tricky; I have seen people over the years post ten paragraph posts...sure it looks nice, and sure you look smart, but no one is [seriously] going to read all that, so then the point is lost. They may skim your post, but then why bother with a long post in the first place?
Newb/noob
A newb/noob is someone who is new to something, and is ignorant of it. They don't know the rules, don't know how to RP like the pros, etc.
Chances are that newbs/noobs will be given little attention and someone may even be slightly mean to them, but it is more of a rights of passage thing, which no one has control over. Think of it as joining a new school---no one knows you, so they don't pay much attention, and there will be some people that give you crap. But, as you grow with them, you gain respect, and everything is fine in the world.
Blood and Gore
Obviously for RPG only.
There is blood. You chop off someone's head, they'll bleed. Fountains of blood is probably the limit. There shouldn't be anyone pulling out organs and such.
Romance
Obviously for RPG only.
You want romance? Sure, why not. But, keep it PG or maybe PG-13 rated. No 'touching' or anything sexual. Think of something you'd see in a Disney movie, like Cinderella or Snow White (or whatever classic Disney movie involving romance). You get the idea.
IT IS A GAME
This is probably the most important part of the guide, and will obviously be for the RPG.
This is a game.
Know your limit. Don't become addicted to the point where you're failing classes in school.
If you get killed, don't take it personally. An acquantance of mine on another forum was killed in the RPG, and then went off and comitted suicide in real life! If you don't see my point, then you shouldn't be playing.
It is a game. Play it to have fun and further your creative writing skills and to meet others.
© All Rights Reserved by Merrick on "Tears Of The Fallen"
Basic forum rules are the rules in which you are closely expected to follow. They are rules that anyone with common sense already knows; thus, we hold them to a higher regard.
Rules
SPAM
SPAM or spamming (the use of spam) is a very general term here. It is the most common rule on message boards broken, though.
Everyone has their own definition of spam...including us, but we tend to go with the literal meaning of SPAM: Stupid Pointless Annoying Message. For forum purposes, though, we also include any post less than five words, any repeated posts, and any completely off-topic post as SPAM.
Some people SPAM on purpose. They are immediately recognizable. They say the same word/sentence over-and-over in the same post, make multiple SPAM posts, and various other things. They are the ones who simply want attention and to annoy. Since we care nothing for them, they will be given an immediate ban.
SPAM can be done over emails and IMs..not simply posts and PMs. Be aware that we cannot do anything about the off-site SPAM. It becomes your problem off-site.
Punishment: More than likely, you will just get a warning for your first or second time. It shouldn't go beyond a warning.
Flaming
Like SPAM, this is a very general term for forums. I define it as simply being an absolute jerk in excess. A flamer will sit there and completely verbally attack someone over a disagreement. You get the idea.
Flaming can be done over emails and IMs..not simply posts and PMs. Be aware that we cannot do anything about the off-site flames. It becomes your problem off-site.
You need to understand the difference between flaming and what happens in the RPG. Out of character, serious attacks are the flames. Some guy being a jerk to you in character is not flaming, and is acceptable.
Punishment: Warning. If it continues, then temporary ban. After that, complete ban.
Guide
Spelling & Grammar
We expect you to have most/all words in your posts correct. Of course the occasional slip up is okay, but Proboards has given you the Spell Check feature for a reason. Google Toolbar also has a Spell Check feature, if you have that.
As for grammar, it isn't as important as spelling. As long as you have a capitol in the beginning of the sentence and the right mark at the end, we don't care much.
IM-ese. IM-ese is what people call the Instant Messenger and general Internet-lazy language. For those of you who use it, don't. I know this may come as a shock, but....YOU LOOK LIKE IDIOTS. Personally, I don't bother reading such posts. If you are a slow typist, that is understandable, but it isn't an excuse...just take your time with your posts to type everything out.
With correct spelling and grammar, you will gain more respect, and people will be less likely to skim over your posts.
Typing posts up in Word and then copying and pasting it into your post is always a good idea.
Post length
Post length is an iffy subject. As long as you have a point, and is more than twenty words (in RP), it doesn't matter how long your post is. BUT! If you want to be seen as intelligent and whatever, and you want to improve your RPing skills, then you should post longer posts.
There has to be a point in your post. I don't care how long your post is...as long as it has a point, it is fine. "John runs into a wall." It is short, yes, but has a point. If you say, "John sighs randomly," then you are not progressing the story at all, so it is pointless. Remember, the P in SPAM stands for Pointless.
This is where it gets tricky; I have seen people over the years post ten paragraph posts...sure it looks nice, and sure you look smart, but no one is [seriously] going to read all that, so then the point is lost. They may skim your post, but then why bother with a long post in the first place?
Newb/noob
A newb/noob is someone who is new to something, and is ignorant of it. They don't know the rules, don't know how to RP like the pros, etc.
Chances are that newbs/noobs will be given little attention and someone may even be slightly mean to them, but it is more of a rights of passage thing, which no one has control over. Think of it as joining a new school---no one knows you, so they don't pay much attention, and there will be some people that give you crap. But, as you grow with them, you gain respect, and everything is fine in the world.
Blood and Gore
Obviously for RPG only.
There is blood. You chop off someone's head, they'll bleed. Fountains of blood is probably the limit. There shouldn't be anyone pulling out organs and such.
Romance
Obviously for RPG only.
You want romance? Sure, why not. But, keep it PG or maybe PG-13 rated. No 'touching' or anything sexual. Think of something you'd see in a Disney movie, like Cinderella or Snow White (or whatever classic Disney movie involving romance). You get the idea.
IT IS A GAME
This is probably the most important part of the guide, and will obviously be for the RPG.
This is a game.
Know your limit. Don't become addicted to the point where you're failing classes in school.
If you get killed, don't take it personally. An acquantance of mine on another forum was killed in the RPG, and then went off and comitted suicide in real life! If you don't see my point, then you shouldn't be playing.
It is a game. Play it to have fun and further your creative writing skills and to meet others.
© All Rights Reserved by Merrick on "Tears Of The Fallen"