Forum Rules Amendments are official

[Andrew]

Even though a majority of people voted in favour of the first proposal, the suggestion was made that to have more consise rules. I feel that there should be a more lengthy explanation of the rules to explain exceptions, the reasons behind rules and to assist both moderators and posters when appeals are made.

These new rules contain both a concise list of the basic forum rules, followed by the longer explanations.

Once again, I must stress that it's difficult to know what to change unless you tell me, so if you vote "No", please tell me what exactly you dislike about these proposed rules.

NLSC Forum Rules

Welcome to the NBA Live Series Center Forum!

The mission of this Forum is to provide a platform to talk about the NBA Live Series and to form a community amongst NBA Live users. You may discuss each NBA Live title, ask for technical help, announce new sites, leagues and patches and discuss ideas about upcoming NBA Live titles.

There are also some general forums for discussions regarding the real National Basketball Association, sports other than basketball, other video games and other general topics.

There are some rules that need to be followed in order to be a good forum citizen and ensure that we maintain a positive, friendly atmosphere here in the NLSC Forum. Please take the time to read these rules, as frequent rule violations will lead to your account be deactivated or removed.

General Posting Rules

There are a few general rules to observe when posting in the NLSC Forum.

• Post topics in the appropriate section of the forum; please post a topic only in the appropriate forum.
• Do not flame other members. This includes (but is not limited to):
  
  • Insulting criticisms or remarks
  • Profanity directed towards another forum member
  • Racial/ethnic slurs
  • Using your signature/avatar to insult others
  Also, do not start topics simply to flame or "call out" another member of the forum. Do not use the Private Messaging system to flame or bypass any of the forum rules.
• Do not post hate speech
• Do not request/discuss illegal downloads (including but not limited to NBA Live CD Keys and No CD cracks)
• Do not post adult images or link to adult content
• Be civil and offer constructive criticism when a forum member announces a new patch or website. Please refrain from insulting comments; help out new patchers by providing useful feedback.
• Heed requests and warnings from moderators and administrators when rules have been broken. We reserve the right to ban or delete members who continually cause problems in the Forum.
• Do not spam the board with advertisements. Try to avoid making one or two word posts in discussions. Use common sense when bumping up a topic.
• Use the Search feature before asking a question and/or check the stickied help and FAQ topics.
• Signature images should be limited to 500 pixels wide by 250 pixels high. Slight latitude will be given (eg 505 wide by 251 high), but no image should be more than 10 pixels wider or 10 pixels higher than the preferred maximum size.
• Avatars are restricted to 90 pixels wide by 90 pixels high, and no larger than 30 kb. These limits are automatically enforced by the forum.
• Above all, have fun and be civil and respectful towards your fellow forum members. Heated discussions are fine, but simply trading personal attacks and insults is not. Treat others as you would like to be treated, show the appropriate respect for Forum leaders and don't forget, you have the right to appeal a decision if you feel you were treated unfairly.

The Rules Explained

Below is a more lengthy explanation of the Forum rules and the action that will be taken when they are broken.

Post topics in the correct area

The Forum is divided into several categories for NBA Live topics. This allows easier searching and prevents certain topics from dominating others, such as patch announcements. We ask that you always try to post a topic in the correct section of the forum. Should you accidently post a topic in the wrong section or are unsure of where a topic belongs, a moderator will move it to the appropriate section.

Please don't post topics about older NBA Lives in the sections dedicated to newer titles in the series. We understand that the older sections don't get as much as attention, but this does disrupt the organisation of topics that we are trying to maintain. Unfortunately, interest in the older titles in the NBA Live series declines as the new games are released.

Breaking this rule will not result in severe action being taken, although if you make a habit of posting in the wrong section the moderators may actively encourage you to try and post in the correct section. For the most part, we will simply move the posts and if need be, post a brief explanation as to why a topic belongs in a particular section of the forum.

Flaming (And why it is unacceptable)

Flaming should not be confused with intense discussion. In-depth discussions are to be expected, especially in the general forums, but flaming is not to be encouraged.

Flaming may be defined as "making insulting criticisms or remarks, as on a computer network, to incite anger". Put simply, flaming involves making personal attacks and directing insults towards other forum members. Such behaviour is unproductive and disruptive to discussion. Flaming will not be tolerated in the NLSC Forum, and will be dealt with by the moderators.

If members involve themselves in flaming, a moderator will ask them to cease and request that they get back on-topic. Should flames start dominating a discussion, the offending posts will be deleted and a firm request to remain on-topic will be posted. Should a flame war break out and the discussion cannot be salvaged, a topic may be locked. If the topic itself is responsible for the flame war, it will be locked and posters will be discouraged from continuing it in a new thread.

Members who make a habit of flaming and causing trouble may be subject to harsher penalties, such as suspension or banning. These measures will only be used in extreme circumstances and when a member is frequently causing trouble while making little or no positive contribution to discussions or the atmosphere of the forum. Please note that we take the liberty to permanently terminate a member's account if they are disturbing the overall atmosphere of the Forum.

Please don't spam

Not every post that you make need be a thought-provoking essay, but we encourage you to post on-topic and avoid making one and two word posts as much as possible. In most cases, if you are taking part in a discussion in the general forums and provide little or no constructive contribution to the discussion, other forum members will either ignore you or request that you post on-topic. However, if it is getting to the point where you are disrupting good discussions, a moderator may politely request that you put a little more thought into your posts.

Please try to avoid going completely off-topic. Sometimes discussions take twists and turns as other points and issues are raised. This is absolutely fine, but please use good judgement.

Also, please avoid bumping up a topic too quickly. It is customary to bump up an urgent or interest topic with a post that simply says "Bump", but please don't do this every hour or every day. We also ask that you use good judgement when resurrecting a topic that hasn't been active for a while. In most cases a gentle reminder will be issued, but as always if it becomes a problem a moderator might be forced to post a polite but firm request to adhere to the rules.

Make constructive comments; behave in a civil manner

The main aim of these rules is to ensure that everyone may post here without feeling harrassed, so that everyone may get the most enjoyment possible out of the Forum.

When commenting on an idea or a newly released patch, please try to be as constructive as possible. If you do not like a patch or see problems that should be fixed, please use constructive criticism and avoid using rude or hurtful remarks. We would like to encourage new patchers to try their hand at making updates, and making fun of other's work does not make for a friendly, helpful atmosphere.

If you have suggestions or complaints regarding the forum, feel free to raise them privately with an NLSC Team Member/Moderator/Admin, or use the NLSC Issues section of the forum. We ask that you approach the matter in a mature, civil manner. Bombarding us with insults and personal attacks is not an appropriate method of appeal or providing us with feedback. We are very much open to feedback, but we would much rather discuss issues in a polite and civil manner.

Follow the moderators' instructions and warnings

The moderators will try to keep order by preventing flame wars and enforcing the rules to the best of their ability. If you have been involved in a flame war or have broken one of the forum rules, we ask that you comply with the requests and heed the warnings of moderators.

Failure to cease behaviour that is in violation of the rules may be met with action such as account suspension, deletion or banning. These are extreme measures that will only be used if a member refuses to show respect for forum leaders and adhere to the rules.

Remember that you do have right of appeal and if you feel that you are being treated unfairly by a moderator, you may speak to them privately to explain your position or raise the issue in NLSC Issues. If you do wish to appeal privately or publically, we again ask that you behave in a civil manner.

Profanity

Profanity is tolerated on the forum, but we ask that you try not use it in excess or unnecessarily. If you direct profanity towards other members, it will be treated as flaming and you will be asked to cease such behaviour.

Do not use racial or ethnic slurs/make fun of nationality

Racism will not be tolerated. While we cannot stop you from holding certain personal racial viewpoints, we ask that you keep these in check when posting on the forums. This kind of behaviour will be considered flaming, and will be dealt with accordingly.

Do not use the forum to post hate speech

We do not want to promote any kind of hate speech or hate propaganda. Again, you are entitled to your own beliefs, but please show common decency when posting in the forums.

Do not post adult links or images

To avoid legal issues and offending members of the forum who may object to such content, we ask that you do not post adult links or images in the forum. Offending posts will be deleted and warnings will be issued. Members who sign up only to distribute adult content will be banned immediately, as they clearly have no interest in participating in the forum.

Do not post/request information or links regarding illegal NBA Live downloads

Out of respect to EA Sports and to avoid legal issues, we do not promote the use of illegal NBA Live downloads such as No CD cracks. We also do not condone the distribution of CD Keys. Topics that request this content will be locked, and a reminder of the rules will be posted. We also ask that you do not discuss other illegal software downloads.

Do not post only to attack another member/incite a flame

This will be considered disturbing the peace, as there is nothing constructive about publically attacking a fellow forum member or attempting to start a flame war. These topics will be locked and warnings will be issued. Frequent troublemakers will be dealt with more severely.

Do not use the Private Messaging system to attack other members

It is much more difficult to moderate private messages as we cannot monitor the contents. Therefore, we must rely on members reporting abuse via private messaging. This will be treated as flaming and warnings will be issued. Continued use of the private messaging system to flame other members will result in private messaging being disabled for the offender's account.

Do not sign up for more than one account

As you may freely change your username, there is no need to register more than one account. Members who sign up for more than one account will have their additional accounts deleted, and will be reminded of this rule.

Do not use your avatar/signature to break the rules

If your avatar and/or signature contains content that violates the forum rules (such as flaming), you will be asked to remove your avatar and/or signature. Refusal to do so will result in the deletion of your avatar and/or signature. Restoring the offending avatar and/or signature will result in harsher measures.

Do not post only negative/derogatory comments

While feedback is welcomed and may certainly have a negative opinion about certain topics, we ask that you make an effort to contribute to the forum. Criticism is welcome, but please do not just post "I hate this forum" or "All of the topics are boring". Suggest what we can do to make this forum better or start a discussion on a topic that interests you. Negative feedback is useful, but flames and insults are not. In order to fix something, we need to know what is wrong and why you are unhappy.

Try not to post a topic that has already been answered several times, or has a dedicated "sticky" thread

Whenever possible, please search for an old topic before asking for a help on a patching issue, bump up old topics to ask for help, or use the provided sticky thread dedicated to an issue. Although we aim to be a helpful community, posting the same answers and guides over and over again does get tiresome. Please make use of the Search feature. If a fellow forum member has the time, they might point you in the direction of an older thread.

Avoid advertising in the forum

Please do not post advertisements all over the forum. If you would like to let everyone know about a new patch that you have created or a new site that you have opened, please use the appropriate Announcements section. You may link to your website in your signature to encourage more traffic. Please refrain from advertising products that are for sale and completely unrelated to NBA Live.

Observe limits on avatar/signature size

Avatars are limited to 90 pixels wide by 90 pixels high, and may only be 30 kb in size. The forum software automatically enforces these restrictions.

Please use common decency when placing images in your signature. We ask that images be no larger than 500 pixels wide by 250 pixels high. Slight latitude will be given (eg 505 wide by 251 high), but no image should be more than 10 pixels wider or 10 pixels higher than the preferred maximum size.

Please consider 56K users. Please only use one image in your signature. If you wish to use an animated .gif in your signature, please ensure that it is no larger than 15 kb.

A final note

Even though moderators and admins will do their best to uphold the rules and treat everybody equally and fairly, please remember that we are only human and do make mistakes. Also remember that frequently breaking the rules and causing trouble will attract our attention, and we will be inclined to watch you more carefully. Above all, remember that you have the right to appeal and raise issues, providing you do so in a polite and civil manner.

That's about it! Thanks for reading, and enjoy your time here at the NLSC Forum!

Moderator Procedure

As a moderator, you have a responsibility to ensure that the forum rules are followed and that any disturbances are taken care of. Here are the rules and procedures for moderating the NLSC Forum (members may also use these as a reference when making appeals):

Follow the forum rules

Set a good example by adhering to the rules that are trying to uphold.

Be fair and avoid bias

It may be difficult to put all bias aside when dealing with members that you are familiar with, but remember that everyone is entitled to make mistakes and receive a second chance.

Use words before actions

Locking topics and punishing members should be a last resort. Encourage members to follow the rules and delete offending posts if necessary. Always try to salvage a discussion rather than putting an end to it.

Do not edit posts

Delete offending posts if necessary, but never change what a member has posted.

Don't forget you're a member of the forum

Even though you have the responsibility of enforcing rules, don't forget to have fun with the forum and involve yourself with discussions. Follow the rules and set a good example, but by all means argue points in a discussion and post opinions on a topic.

The following is a guide for dealing with various forum situations.

Member has posted in the incorrect section

Move the post to the appropriate section. In most cases, it is probably a good idea to post a brief explanation of why the post was moved and/or a reminder of this rule. This is not a serious rule violation, so anything more than a friendly reminder is unnecessary.

Member has posted a topic similar to an existing thread

If a question has already been answered, politely request that the member use the Search function or if you have the time, provide a link to another thread where the question has been answered. Sometimes it may be necessary to delete superfluous topics.

An avatar/signature violates forum rules

Contact the member, explain the violation and politely request that they change their avatar/signature. Allow the member time to make the appropriate change(s). If a member continues to post without changing the offending avatar/signature, continue to request that they adhere to the rules. If the issue cannot be resolved, please inform the forum administrator.

Member is spamming

Encourage members to make a more thoughtful contribution to discussions. Explain that completely off-topic posts can ruin otherwise interesting discussions and irritate other forum members.

Member is sending abusive private messages

Refer the member to the forum administrator so that a warning may be issued and appropriate action may be taken.

Member has posted content banned by the rules

Lock the thread, and post a polite reminder about banned content. If a member continues to post banned content, further warnings should be issued. Should the problem escalate, further action against the member may be in order.

Member has been involved in a flame war

When a member flames, encourage them to get back on-topic and if necessary, delete the offending posts.

Note: For multiple flames, it's easier to use the "Split Topic" feature to break the offending posts away from the main thread to a temporary topic, and then delete them.

It is better to allow the discussion to continue while putting a stop to the flame. Locking a thread should be a last resort if the discussion cannot be salvaged, or the topic itself is the cause of the flame. If the thread needs to be locked, provide an explanation.

If a member continues to cause trouble and refuses to adhere to the forum rules, it may be appropriate to suggest further action be taken.

Member has displayed disrespect for the forum leaders/forum rules

Explain the rules and the reason for enforcing them, and encourage them to explain their position on issues of conflict. Troublemakers may have to be reported to the admin if they are frequently causing problems in the forum.

A final note

Although you have the responsibility to uphold the rules, allow members the freedom to make mistakes and above all, to have fun in an environment that encourages posting and discussion of interesting topics. Remember to have fun yourself, and enforce the rules in a civil, fair manner, leaving harsher action as a last resort.

Last edited by Andrew on Sat Jul 31, 2004 6:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[*]Signature images should be limited to 500 pixels wide by 250 pixels high. Slight latitude will be given (eg 505 wide by 251 high), but no image should be more than 10 pixels wider or 10 pixels higher than the preferred maximum size.

Andrew, either you mention that the sig can't be bigger than 500x250, or you mention that it can't be bigger than 510x260. It complicates the rules for nothing. I'd go for 500x250, no more.

By the way, I suggest you add a rule about users that have in a signature images + text (like that Chinese guy who has in his sig his whole config, which took almost 10 lines and the whole screen). The total of image + text shouldn't be higher than 300 pixels. To measure it, the moderator have to take a screenshot of the sig and check in Photoshop.


Apart from that I'm all ok with the rules, so I vote yes

I like the way this one is written, the short version for folks that want a short version of the rules and a long version for folks that actually want to read it.

You can use hypertext, if possible, to allow people to click on various rules for the deeper explanation.

or you could just scroll down, if possible, for the deeper explanations

I agree with it 100%

Looks fine to me. Never had a problem anyway.

I like the way this one is written, the short version for folks that want a short version of the rules and a long version for folks that actually want to read it.

Agreed.

Andrew, either you mention that the sig can't be bigger than 500x250, or you mention that it can't be bigger than 510x260. It complicates the rules for nothing. I'd go for 500x250, no more.

Good point. But the thing is, many people would probably feel that we're being too particular if we complain about an image that is 501x252.

I still want to install the signature control mod once I've made sure I know exactly what I'm doing (it's not quite as straightforward as the other forum modifications).

A rule governing the lines of text in addition to the image (I believe that can actually be restricted by the signature mod) would probably be in order. Maybe a "common sense" or "common decency" rule could apply?

Any ideas about this or anything else in the rules, please let me know.

I like it, for the same reasons as Jackal. I voted yes.

Andrew, either you mention that the sig can't be bigger than 500x250, or you mention that it can't be bigger than 510x260. It complicates the rules for nothing. I'd go for 500x250, no more.

Good point. But the thing is, many people would probably feel that we're being too particular if we complain about an image that is 501x252.

I still want to install the signature control mod once I've made sure I know exactly what I'm doing (it's not quite as straightforward as the other forum modifications).

A rule governing the lines of text in addition to the image (I believe that can actually be restricted by the signature mod) would probably be in order. Maybe a "common sense" or "common decency" rule could apply?

Any ideas about this or anything else in the rules, please let me know.

I think that mods don't need to complain for a 501x252 image, but it shouldn't be mentionned in the rules, as it may increase disorder. The signature control mod will be a great feature for sure like the mod that will allow users to turn off sigs

And for the "common sense" I don't like it as there's nothing more subjective. As pixels may not be easy to size for users, we could write that 3 lines in font size "small" are allowed along with the signature.

just my 2 cents, i'm pretty nit-picking here

It's OK, I know signatures can be a problem. I just want to make it clear in the rules how much of an exception we're willing to grant. Perhaps the rule could simply be 500 x 250 maximum, with exceptions made if the image is only slighter larger? Signatures that are far too large are usually obvious. Installing that signature control mod should help out with that.

By the way, I see one vote for "No", but that person doesn't seem to have posted. Once again, if you don't tell me what you don't like, you can't really complain when I don't make the changes you desire. If you choose not to voice your opinion, is isn't fair to claim that your opinion was ignored.

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Last edited by hmm on Thu Jun 04, 2009 5:51 am, edited 1 time in total.

I voted no, just so the other person who voted 'no' didnt feel like such an individual.

..

Last edited by hmm on Thu Jun 04, 2009 5:49 am, edited 1 time in total.

I'm just a nice guy. You know that Homer

Seeing as though a majority of people like these new rules, a majority voted in favour of the first proposal and the people that dislike the new rules do not seem interested in posting their own suggestions or even what they dislike about the rules, I think these will become the official rules.

Any objections, please speak now. Remember, if you choose not to voice your opinion, you can't complain that I didn't listen to you.

The rules have officially been amended, owing to a majority of votes in favour of both proposals.

General Forum Rules
Moderator Procedure

Just nitpicking Andrew, but when you have time for nba-live.com I'd really appreciate (and I think that some other users would too) that you add the mod that allows users to disable the viewing of signatures, like the option available on .org message board

Here's the link for that mod

Thanks a lot Andrew

I think I've already downloaded that mod, it's just a matter of installing it properly. Thanks for the reminder though.