Rule Amendments
Sat Jul 03, 2004 1:27 pm
I know Jackal went through these before, but I'd like to go through them again calmly and with everyone's input for amendments and changes. I'd also like to explain my position on them, why they were enforced in the first place and offer my own suggestions for changes to see if we're all on the same wavelength.
(Please note that I'm not bothering with formatting - the originals have bold in places)
The reason: It's more organised. It's easier to find posts if they're divided into various subjects (Announcements, Requests, etc). It also means popular secions won't dominate other posts eg the Announcements won't crowd the Console Issues.
Enforcement: This is barely a rule violation, it's easy enough to move posts. I feel that we should all encourage each other to post in the correct section to make it easier for each other.
The reason: Again, if this were allowed, there would be no point in having forum organisation.
Enforcement: Not a big deal, just a gentle reminder from anyone who happens upon the thread. A moderator will move the thread ASAP.
The reason: Well, flame wars throw a discussion off course. They don't contribute to the discussion and if they dominate a topic, it makes it difficult for the people who are interested in discussing it to do so.
Enforcement: Here is where a lot of people feel we are too strict. Rather than locking or deleting posts, we could simply remind posters of the rules regarding flaming and request that everyone stays on topic. Repeated flaming despite warnings would lead to post deletion (with a notice from the moderator). If the entire thread gets out of hand and is simply a flame, then locking would be appropriate.
The reason: Flame wars have already been explained. Nitpicking grammar and spelling can sometimes lead to flames, but more importantly they don't add anything to the discussion. Because moderators are not online 24/7, we don't always catch things right away. If we see a thread with problems, we'll handle it.
Off-topic posts are self-explanatory; they don't really help a discussion. And commenting on moderation as it occurs just undermines what we're trying to do; steer the conversation back on-topic.
Enforcement: OK, we have some problems here. If there's a flame war, I think it's fair for the moderators to ask posters to get back on topic. Continued poor behaviour must be dealt with in a way that will allow everyone else to continue with the discussion. Ditto for off-topic posts.
Grammar/Spelling Nitpicks - Not as big a deal, not a huge rule violation, I agree that we should be less nitpicky ourselves about this one.
Posting to request action - No moderation needed really, common sense says that 10 posts asking a mod to take action are just as effective as one. This item could easily be wiped from the rules.
Commenting on moderation - this causes confusion. It sends the message that moderating cannot be questioned and you must simply obey us. That isn't the intention. Please understand that following moderators around posting snide remarks after moderator posts doesn't really help, and is just undermining what we're trying to do. If you have concerns with the moderating, bring up the issue here in NLSC Issues. Let's discuss it in a civil manner. This is a rule that needs to be reworded or removed.
The reason: It's the moderator's responsibility to warn people for doing the wrong thing.
Enforcement: This rule could also be reworded or removed altogether. Basically, I'd like to see forum vets remind new posters of the rules and help them out with where posts should go, etc. But if it gets the point where a poster needs to be warned, that's a mod's job. I guess this is one of those "doesn't really need to be said" rules.
The reason: Well, we all get annoyed when a two year old post is bumped up for no good reason. Also, when you make a new post, bumping it up with a post that says "bump" every hour is equally annoying. I feel that it's fair enough to ask people not to do this.
Enforcement: I'm sure most members won't mind voicing displeasure at a topic that's been bumped up unnecessarily, though flaming isn't appropriate. I think a reminder of the rule and a polite request should be in order.
The reason: Kind of repetitive, basically asking everyone to treat each other as they would like to be treated. Profanity...well, that's hard to moderate, though if it's being used in a flammatory way, it causes problems.
Enforcement: Use of profanity: for the most part, fine. If all you ever post is profanity though, that's obviously not good. Since it's basically flaming, it would be dealt with the way described above.
The reason: Some more specific examples of flaming and disturbing the peace.
Enforcement: I think that threads that are made solely to cause problems should be locked or deleted. There's no need for them, they're just there to cause problems. The rest of that rule is basically the flaming rule; please don't.
The reason: Another nitpicky rule, but one to encourage people to make a positive contribution to discussions.
Enforcement: I think we all need to discuss what should be considered spam and what is acceptable before we can decide on how we should all handle this.
The reason: There's no real need for multiple accounts, especially since you can change your name at your leisure.
Enforcement: Additional accounts will be deleted.
The reason: Legal issues, mainly, and the fact that this is not an adult site. If you want to share that stuff...do so privately.
Enforcement: If someone signs up simply to post adult links, they will be banned or deleted. Obviously, they're not here for the same reasons everyone else is. If it's an existing member, I think a warning rather than immediate banning or deletion is more appropriate.
The reason: This is out of respect to EA Sports, and also to avoid any legal issues. The NLSC was not formed to support piracy.
Enforcement: A reminder of the rules, with the post being locked. Alternatively, the post could be deleted and a reminder of the rules sent privately.
As above.
The reason: Left over from the time someone decided to claim to be Michael Jackson, annoying everyone. Also from the time people would sign up and claim to be other posters to get them into trouble or generally cause problems.
Enforcement: We could probably drop this one. It's basically covered by the spamming rule. A general rule in regards to anyone signing up just to be an idiot might be more appropriate. It depends whether you want a "village idiot" kind of poster in the forum. If it gets out of hand, then it can disrupt discussions.
The reason: We could probably drop the profanity rule, if we're going to allow it on the board. But again, anything in excess is a little much. Attacking other members with your signature or avatar is also unacceptable. That's just going to lead to flames. Adult content has already been explained. Advertisements in signatures...well, we need to cover that one.
Enforcement: I think messaging the poster and politely requesting that they change their avatar or signature is appropriate, but again, I must stress that I'm open to ideas for all of these rules.
The reason: Restrictions allow for quicker loading times, which are kinder on dialup users.
Enforcement: Enforced by forum settings. Suggestions for change? Reasons for change? I would prefer not to increase the size, but let's discuss that.
The reason: Restrictions allow for quicker loading times, which are kinder on dialup users. Having a second limit allows for some latitude...but as has been pointed out, that's kind of silly.
Enforcement: Currently enforced by moderators, messaging posters about their signatures. A more acceptable limit should be discussed.
The reason: Again, loading times. Latitude given if the images are small, say a couple of portraits side by side.
Enforcement: Private message from moderator. Again, we really need to discuss if this rule suits everyone.
The reason: Self-explanatory, really.
Enforcement: I feel this is fair, but if you feel otherwise, please say so.
The reason: The rules are in place for a reason; to ensure that everyone can post in the forum without being harrassed and thereby get the most enjoyment out of it. Refusal to comply with the rules shouldn't go unpunished - otherwise, why have rules?
Enforcement: More warnings would allow people more time to change their attitude and resolve their differences. At the same time, we should be able to step in and handle a situation that is out of control.
The reason: Huge public scenes or following a moderator around with snide comments is very immature.
Enforcement: I think perhaps this needs to be reworded. Moderating issues should be discussed in NLSC Issues, though I think it's only fair to insist that we do so in a civil manner.
Most of the reasons for getting warnings are self-explanatory and can be amended based on the rules that I've quoted above. However, this one is of great importance:
The word "insubordination" has clearly projected the wrong image.
The reason: If the forum is to have rules in place and moderators to uphold the rules, posters must be prepared to follow the rules and accept that the moderators are trying to keep the peace. If a moderator is deemed to have acted unfairly, by all means bring up the issue. However, "Fuck you! I'm not going to stop flaming!" is not an appropriate appeal.
Enforcement: Clearly, we need to reserve punishments for people who are really causing problems. However, we don't want to let everyone get away with murder, either. If a poster refuses to follow the rules and keeps flaming, posting off-topic and causing a nuisance, I think a moderator should have the right to step in. We really need to discuss this area of the rules, too.
In Summary...
I agree that it is best if we work together to amend the forum rules and moderator procedure, but I must stress the following:
I think that's about it. Please let me know what you think of my preliminary suggestions, and please suggest your own. I want your opinion on the rules so that they can be amended in a way that is fair to everyone, posters and moderators alike.
(Please note that I'm not bothering with formatting - the originals have bold in places)
Post topics in the correct section of the forum. Although we will generally move topics that are posted in the wrong place, please try to post your topic in the correct forum.
The reason: It's more organised. It's easier to find posts if they're divided into various subjects (Announcements, Requests, etc). It also means popular secions won't dominate other posts eg the Announcements won't crowd the Console Issues.
Enforcement: This is barely a rule violation, it's easy enough to move posts. I feel that we should all encourage each other to post in the correct section to make it easier for each other.
Similarly, do not make an off-topic post in a more popular forum. For example, do not post a question regarding NBA Live 2000 in one of the NBA Live 2003 forums simply because it is a more popular section. Likewise, keep discussions regarding the console versions in the Console Issues forum (where applicable).
The reason: Again, if this were allowed, there would be no point in having forum organisation.
Enforcement: Not a big deal, just a gentle reminder from anyone who happens upon the thread. A moderator will move the thread ASAP.
Stay on topic. Don't throw a thread off-topic, especially by attacking another forum member. Discussions that lead to other topics related to the original topic are fine, but ruining a discussion with off-topic posts is not.
The reason: Well, flame wars throw a discussion off course. They don't contribute to the discussion and if they dominate a topic, it makes it difficult for the people who are interested in discussing it to do so.
Enforcement: Here is where a lot of people feel we are too strict. Rather than locking or deleting posts, we could simply remind posters of the rules regarding flaming and request that everyone stays on topic. Repeated flaming despite warnings would lead to post deletion (with a notice from the moderator). If the entire thread gets out of hand and is simply a flame, then locking would be appropriate.
Make a positive contribution. Don't post pointlessly. In particular, do not:
Attack other members and/or start a flame war
Post only to make fun of other members' grammar or spelling
Post only to request action from a moderator. If a topic requires locking, moving or deletion, it will be taken care of ASAP.
Throw a discussion off-topic
Comment on moderating or forum rules. Any issues with moderating or the forum rules should be taken up privately with the moderators and admins.
The reason: Flame wars have already been explained. Nitpicking grammar and spelling can sometimes lead to flames, but more importantly they don't add anything to the discussion. Because moderators are not online 24/7, we don't always catch things right away. If we see a thread with problems, we'll handle it.
Off-topic posts are self-explanatory; they don't really help a discussion. And commenting on moderation as it occurs just undermines what we're trying to do; steer the conversation back on-topic.Enforcement: OK, we have some problems here. If there's a flame war, I think it's fair for the moderators to ask posters to get back on topic. Continued poor behaviour must be dealt with in a way that will allow everyone else to continue with the discussion. Ditto for off-topic posts.
Grammar/Spelling Nitpicks - Not as big a deal, not a huge rule violation, I agree that we should be less nitpicky ourselves about this one.
Posting to request action - No moderation needed really, common sense says that 10 posts asking a mod to take action are just as effective as one. This item could easily be wiped from the rules.
Commenting on moderation - this causes confusion. It sends the message that moderating cannot be questioned and you must simply obey us. That isn't the intention. Please understand that following moderators around posting snide remarks after moderator posts doesn't really help, and is just undermining what we're trying to do. If you have concerns with the moderating, bring up the issue here in NLSC Issues. Let's discuss it in a civil manner. This is a rule that needs to be reworded or removed.
Leave moderating to the moderators. If you see an issue that needs resolving, PM a moderator. Do not take it upon yourself to criticise or punish others for rulebreaking.
The reason: It's the moderator's responsibility to warn people for doing the wrong thing.
Enforcement: This rule could also be reworded or removed altogether. Basically, I'd like to see forum vets remind new posters of the rules and help them out with where posts should go, etc. But if it gets the point where a poster needs to be warned, that's a mod's job. I guess this is one of those "doesn't really need to be said" rules.
Whenever possible, edit your last post rather than making two posts in a row. You may double post if you are replying to more than post or are bumping an old topic Please use good judgement when bumping up old topics, though. Do not bump up a post more than once a week.
The reason: Well, we all get annoyed when a two year old post is bumped up for no good reason. Also, when you make a new post, bumping it up with a post that says "bump" every hour is equally annoying. I feel that it's fair enough to ask people not to do this.
Enforcement: I'm sure most members won't mind voicing displeasure at a topic that's been bumped up unnecessarily, though flaming isn't appropriate. I think a reminder of the rule and a polite request should be in order.
Show common decency. Do not swear at, insult or attack fellow forum members. We tend to tolerate profanity as long as isn't directed at anyone. Overuse of profanity is not encouraged however, so think twice before you swear.
The reason: Kind of repetitive, basically asking everyone to treat each other as they would like to be treated. Profanity...well, that's hard to moderate, though if it's being used in a flammatory way, it causes problems.
Enforcement: Use of profanity: for the most part, fine. If all you ever post is profanity though, that's obviously not good. Since it's basically flaming, it would be dealt with the way described above.
Show respect for your fellow posters. Do not use ethnic or religious slurs, or post unflattering comments about a poster's country. Do not threaten or bully anyone on the boards. Do not start flame wars or create topics for the sole purpose of flaming/attacking forum members.
The reason: Some more specific examples of flaming and disturbing the peace.
Enforcement: I think that threads that are made solely to cause problems should be locked or deleted. There's no need for them, they're just there to cause problems. The rest of that rule is basically the flaming rule; please don't.
Do not spam. Please ensure that your post is relevant to the discussion and does not throw the thread off-topic. Please also try to avoid making one or two word posts, or posting using only emoticons. In addition to making on-topic posts that contribute to the discussion, do not post the same message in multiple forums. Whenever possible, bump up an announcement thread rather than creating a brand new one regarding the same announcement.
The reason: Another nitpicky rule, but one to encourage people to make a positive contribution to discussions.
Enforcement: I think we all need to discuss what should be considered spam and what is acceptable before we can decide on how we should all handle this.
A few other "Do Nots":
DO NOT register more than one account in the forum. If you want a different username, the forum has been configured to allow members to change their usernames at their leisure. If you have forgotten your password, please get in touch with us at forum@nba-live.com so that a new password can be assigned.
The reason: There's no real need for multiple accounts, especially since you can change your name at your leisure.
Enforcement: Additional accounts will be deleted.
DO NOT post any adult links or images.
The reason: Legal issues, mainly, and the fact that this is not an adult site. If you want to share that stuff...do so privately.
Enforcement: If someone signs up simply to post adult links, they will be banned or deleted. Obviously, they're not here for the same reasons everyone else is. If it's an existing member, I think a warning rather than immediate banning or deletion is more appropriate.
DO NOT post any information or questions about NBA Live cracks, links to NBA Live cracks or illegal NBA Live downloads.
The reason: This is out of respect to EA Sports, and also to avoid any legal issues. The NLSC was not formed to support piracy.
Enforcement: A reminder of the rules, with the post being locked. Alternatively, the post could be deleted and a reminder of the rules sent privately.
DO NOT post any information or questions about illegal software downloads.
As above.
DO NOT impersonate celebrities or other posters.
The reason: Left over from the time someone decided to claim to be Michael Jackson, annoying everyone. Also from the time people would sign up and claim to be other posters to get them into trouble or generally cause problems.
Enforcement: We could probably drop this one. It's basically covered by the spamming rule. A general rule in regards to anyone signing up just to be an idiot might be more appropriate. It depends whether you want a "village idiot" kind of poster in the forum. If it gets out of hand, then it can disrupt discussions.
Avatars and signatures must comply with the forum rules, though there are some additional restrictions:
DO NOT use profanity in your signature.
DO NOT demean, attack or make fun of fellow members, moderators or board admins.
DO NOT display adult images or link to adult sites.
DO NOT use your signature to advertise.
The reason: We could probably drop the profanity rule, if we're going to allow it on the board. But again, anything in excess is a little much. Attacking other members with your signature or avatar is also unacceptable. That's just going to lead to flames. Adult content has already been explained. Advertisements in signatures...well, we need to cover that one.
Enforcement: I think messaging the poster and politely requesting that they change their avatar or signature is appropriate, but again, I must stress that I'm open to ideas for all of these rules.
Avatars are restricted to 90 pixels high by 90 pixels wide. Avatars cannot be greater than 30 Kilobytes in size. These restrictions are automatically enforced by the forum.
The reason: Restrictions allow for quicker loading times, which are kinder on dialup users.
Enforcement: Enforced by forum settings. Suggestions for change? Reasons for change? I would prefer not to increase the size, but let's discuss that.
Images in signatures should be no more than 500 pixels wide by 250 pixels high. Some latitude will be allowed if an image is slightly taller or wider. An absolute limit of 600 pixels wide by 300 pixels high will be enforced by the moderators.
The reason: Restrictions allow for quicker loading times, which are kinder on dialup users. Having a second limit allows for some latitude...but as has been pointed out, that's kind of silly.
Enforcement: Currently enforced by moderators, messaging posters about their signatures. A more acceptable limit should be discussed.
You are limited to one image in your signature. Also, do not use animated GIFs in your signature, as they increase loading time for other members.
The reason: Again, loading times. Latitude given if the images are small, say a couple of portraits side by side.
Enforcement: Private message from moderator. Again, we really need to discuss if this rule suits everyone.
The removal of signatures that are against the forum rules will be requested by moderators and admins. Refusal to remove the offending signature will result in its removal by an admin. Restoring the signature is grounds for further punishment.
The reason: Self-explanatory, really.
Enforcement: I feel this is fair, but if you feel otherwise, please say so.
Show the appropriate respect for moderators and admins. Failure to heed warnings regarding violations of the forum rules will be considered insubordination and is grounds for further punishment. Remember, moderators and admins are only human. We do miss things from time to time, we are not perfect. If a situation calls for some moderation and no action has been taken, please contact a moderator or admin. We will see to the situation ASAP.
The reason: The rules are in place for a reason; to ensure that everyone can post in the forum without being harrassed and thereby get the most enjoyment out of it. Refusal to comply with the rules shouldn't go unpunished - otherwise, why have rules?
Enforcement: More warnings would allow people more time to change their attitude and resolve their differences. At the same time, we should be able to step in and handle a situation that is out of control.
Do not attack moderators and admins. Moderators and admins are members of the forum too, and as such are protected by the same rules as everyone else. If you have a problem with the moderation of the forum, please take it up with a moderator or admin privately.
The reason: Huge public scenes or following a moderator around with snide comments is very immature.
Enforcement: I think perhaps this needs to be reworded. Moderating issues should be discussed in NLSC Issues, though I think it's only fair to insist that we do so in a civil manner.
Most of the reasons for getting warnings are self-explanatory and can be amended based on the rules that I've quoted above. However, this one is of great importance:
Insubordination. You have ignored the warnings of a moderator or admin. You will be given a sterner warning. Continued insubordination may lead to your account being temporarily deactivated or removed.
The word "insubordination" has clearly projected the wrong image.
The reason: If the forum is to have rules in place and moderators to uphold the rules, posters must be prepared to follow the rules and accept that the moderators are trying to keep the peace. If a moderator is deemed to have acted unfairly, by all means bring up the issue. However, "Fuck you! I'm not going to stop flaming!" is not an appropriate appeal.
Enforcement: Clearly, we need to reserve punishments for people who are really causing problems. However, we don't want to let everyone get away with murder, either. If a poster refuses to follow the rules and keeps flaming, posting off-topic and causing a nuisance, I think a moderator should have the right to step in. We really need to discuss this area of the rules, too.
In Summary...
I agree that it is best if we work together to amend the forum rules and moderator procedure, but I must stress the following:
- The forum will still have rules
- The rules exist to ensure a certain level of civility
- The moderators need to be able to step in and control situations that get out of hand
- There are some cases that will call for severe punishment
I think that's about it. Please let me know what you think of my preliminary suggestions, and please suggest your own. I want your opinion on the rules so that they can be amended in a way that is fair to everyone, posters and moderators alike.
Sat Jul 03, 2004 2:04 pm
OK, I'll put some input in:
Some things go hand in hand. Like if a lakers thread ends up being a finals thread, or if a shaq thread become a kobe/shaq thread, or if old dream team thread ends up being a malone/tim duncan thread.. i see no problem if there is no real fighting and the debate isnt bickering.
enforcement: i only think a locked thread is when its obvious nothing will be gained from it... locking it shouldnt happen before anything happens..
The flame wars is selfexplanitory..
The spelling or grammer.. i can sort of see a point if a poster continues to post ebonic style (think to pavenium). I understand some people have problems with english, but some posters DoE tIpEe IKe Dis AlL tHa TyMe. Its annoying.
Posting to request action... I think if its used in the right way, like "can you please sticky this wishlist thread" isnt bad.. could be down with pm's tho.. but like i said in a previous thread, working privately with mods only works when both parties are civil and respectful to each other..
Moderators need to be proffesional, and i know they dont get paid or recieve any added bonuses, but they are in a privledged position. They have to realise they are somewhat of rolemodels at the forums, and need to show leadership. If they cant take constructive critisism, either publicly or privately, then thats not good.
I'm only talking about one mod here btw
Yohance is a good mod imo..
well normal posters cant punish another member anyway.. i think critisism can be a good thing, but only if its constructive
That is just spamming. Users know what spamming is... the more that its embraced, the worse it becomes. its not going to be stoped completely, becuase at one point, everyone has spammed. But if its not encouraged, or even just ignored (the poster), they will get the message sooner or later
This is just common decency tho. Once again, with a certain mod, if he doesnt show common decency, how is that going to look for the people he is supposed to be setting an example for?
This again is basic common decency. I think, if a poster cant display this kind of respect towards other posters, then fuck him. Ban him, delete him. He isnt an asset to the community imo
I think spam is a bad thing if thats all that is used. But people have to be accountable for what they type. If they want to be respected, then put some thought into what your saying. If all your going to say is one or two words in every post, then be prepared for people to not respect you. if it gets too out of hand, then warnings and suspensions may be neccesary in extreme cases.
I have no problem with this.. its a good rule
the rest of the do nots are common sense.
Like I've said before, this will only work if both parties are civil and respectful to each other
Stay on topic. Don't throw a thread off-topic, especially by attacking another forum member. Discussions that lead to other topics related to the original topic are fine, but ruining a discussion with off-topic posts is not.
Some things go hand in hand. Like if a lakers thread ends up being a finals thread, or if a shaq thread become a kobe/shaq thread, or if old dream team thread ends up being a malone/tim duncan thread.. i see no problem if there is no real fighting and the debate isnt bickering.
enforcement: i only think a locked thread is when its obvious nothing will be gained from it... locking it shouldnt happen before anything happens..
Make a positive contribution. Don't post pointlessly. In particular, do not:
Attack other members and/or start a flame war
Post only to make fun of other members' grammar or spelling
Post only to request action from a moderator. If a topic requires locking, moving or deletion, it will be taken care of ASAP.
Throw a discussion off-topic
Comment on moderating or forum rules. Any issues with moderating or the forum rules should be taken up privately with the moderators and admins.
The flame wars is selfexplanitory..
The spelling or grammer.. i can sort of see a point if a poster continues to post ebonic style (think to pavenium). I understand some people have problems with english, but some posters DoE tIpEe IKe Dis AlL tHa TyMe. Its annoying.
Posting to request action... I think if its used in the right way, like "can you please sticky this wishlist thread" isnt bad.. could be down with pm's tho.. but like i said in a previous thread, working privately with mods only works when both parties are civil and respectful to each other..
Moderators need to be proffesional, and i know they dont get paid or recieve any added bonuses, but they are in a privledged position. They have to realise they are somewhat of rolemodels at the forums, and need to show leadership. If they cant take constructive critisism, either publicly or privately, then thats not good.
I'm only talking about one mod here btw
Yohance is a good mod imo..Leave moderating to the moderators. If you see an issue that needs resolving, PM a moderator. Do not take it upon yourself to criticise or punish others for rulebreaking.
well normal posters cant punish another member anyway.. i think critisism can be a good thing, but only if its constructive
Whenever possible, edit your last post rather than making two posts in a row. You may double post if you are replying to more than post or are bumping an old topic Please use good judgement when bumping up old topics, though. Do not bump up a post more than once a week.
That is just spamming. Users know what spamming is... the more that its embraced, the worse it becomes. its not going to be stoped completely, becuase at one point, everyone has spammed. But if its not encouraged, or even just ignored (the poster), they will get the message sooner or later
Show common decency. Do not swear at, insult or attack fellow forum members. We tend to tolerate profanity as long as isn't directed at anyone. Overuse of profanity is not encouraged however, so think twice before you swear.
This is just common decency tho. Once again, with a certain mod, if he doesnt show common decency, how is that going to look for the people he is supposed to be setting an example for?
Show respect for your fellow posters. Do not use ethnic or religious slurs, or post unflattering comments about a poster's country. Do not threaten or bully anyone on the boards. Do not start flame wars or create topics for the sole purpose of flaming/attacking forum members.
This again is basic common decency. I think, if a poster cant display this kind of respect towards other posters, then fuck him. Ban him, delete him. He isnt an asset to the community imo
Do not spam. Please ensure that your post is relevant to the discussion and does not throw the thread off-topic. Please also try to avoid making one or two word posts, or posting using only emoticons. In addition to making on-topic posts that contribute to the discussion, do not post the same message in multiple forums. Whenever possible, bump up an announcement thread rather than creating a brand new one regarding the same announcement.
I think spam is a bad thing if thats all that is used. But people have to be accountable for what they type. If they want to be respected, then put some thought into what your saying. If all your going to say is one or two words in every post, then be prepared for people to not respect you. if it gets too out of hand, then warnings and suspensions may be neccesary in extreme cases.
A few other "Do Nots":
DO NOT register more than one account in the forum. If you want a different username, the forum has been configured to allow members to change their usernames at their leisure. If you have forgotten your password, please get in touch with us at forum@nba-live.com so that a new password can be assigned.
I have no problem with this.. its a good rule
the rest of the do nots are common sense.
Do not attack moderators and admins. Moderators and admins are members of the forum too, and as such are protected by the same rules as everyone else. If you have a problem with the moderation of the forum, please take it up with a moderator or admin privately.
Like I've said before, this will only work if both parties are civil and respectful to each other
Sat Jul 03, 2004 6:22 pm
Enforcement: Here is where a lot of people feel we are too strict. Rather than locking or deleting posts, we could simply remind posters of the rules regarding flaming and request that everyone stays on topic. Repeated flaming despite warnings would lead to post deletion (with a notice from the moderator). If the entire thread gets out of hand and is simply a flame, then locking would be appropriate.
One thing that always confused me was that if a flame war was bothering everyone so much, instead of locking the topic why not just delete the flaming posts? This is a good idea, however, when you say "we could simply remind posters of the rules regarding flaming and request that everyone stays on topic" does that mean we're going to get "Ok stop flaming, get back on topic" and then the inevitable post lock? I hope not, but we'll see.
Cant really see a problem with any of the other rules, I'd like a bit more leniency when it comes to flame wars but then again you know what I'm like
. This is a great step in the right direction for the NLSC, all credit to Andrew for actually noticing the problem and trying to get it sorted out
Sun Jul 04, 2004 3:13 pm
That's the procedure that I agree we should change - you're absolutely right, posters should be given the chance to get back on topic. I definitely agree that less unnecessary locking of threads is something to strive for.