There are two classifications of forums: Public and Private. Public forums are defined as any forum visible to members who are not logged in. From this point on, General Mayhem will be considered a private forum (and will actually move to such in the next iteration of the boards).
Private forums will have little to no moderation. They will be subject to the 'Major Rules (TM)' outlined below. Public forums, on the otherhand, will be heavily moderated. They are subject to the 'Minor Rules (TM)' and the 'Major Rules (TM)'.
-- MAJOR RULES --
1. Profanity: Profanity (inclusive of racial/ethnic/etc slurs) will be filtered heavily via phpBB's built in word filter. This can be disabled on an individual basis in your profile. If you need help figuring out where it is, PM me and I'll help you out.
2. Warez/Illegal pornography: This should be common sense. Do not post links to any warez/pirated software or kiddie porn/bestiality/etc.
3. Anything that violates the AUP: This is my server, so there's no AUP beyond what is defined elsewhere in these rules.
4. Excessive flaming: Intentionally insulting in an excessive and destructive manner. This will be mostly left up to the moderators for each individual private forum; in the case of general mayhem it will be left up to the moderators at large.
-- MINOR RULES --
1. NSFW material: If you post it, it must be clearly labeled and linked, not embedded. NSFW material is defined as follows:fark.com wrote:* Nudity, partial nudity, or adult content: Naked people just aren't safe for work. Exposed breasts, nipples (including ones visible through material), weeners and beavers, and asses aren't allowable. It doesn't have to be complete nudity for it to be out of place at the office - a good example reference point is the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. It's not nudity, but most workplaces would frown on looking at it on company time - so anything you see in there shouldn't be posted here. A more general reference point would be to think about what you wouldn't want your boss to find in your browser cache. Dildos, vibrators, butt plugs, Ben-Wa balls, * sleeves, inflatable dolls, RealDolls(tm), and any other sex toys or devices used to penetrate or be penetrated are definitely not acceptable.
* Graphic content: Images that would make many people feel ill such as cadavers, autopsies, surgeries, vomiting, severed limbs, alarming deformities, roadkill, and bodily functions such as urine and *. Images in full, or in part of, or resembling Goatse man, Tubgirl, or anything equally as disgusting will be deleted and you account will be deleted. Images containing child pornography will be reported to your ISP and local/federal law enforcement agencies. The use of images depicting well-known tragedies such as 9/11 is not forbidden, but usually frowned upon. Images which depict people actually dying (falling to their death, engulfed in flame, being blown up) should not be used.
* If you're posting an image, and you're not quite sure whether it falls under the "safe" category or not, then link it with a very clear warning that it may not be safe. That way people can make their own decision whether they should chance it or not, and you'll be spared the ire of your fellow Belegarthians.
2. Flames: Flames are defined thusly:wikipedia.com wrote:Flaming is the hostile and insulting interaction between Internet users.
This will be left to the discretion of moderators; we don't need this on our public face.
3. Illegal activities: Posts advocating illegal activities are disallowed; illegal drug usage, underage drinking, etc.
4. Malicious Websites: Intentionally posting links to content that has a malicious intent; e.g. redirects, popups, etc.