Site Rules

[Dean Winchester]

-Site Rules and General Guidelines-

Upon joining this site, you have agreed to follow the general guidelines established by the forum staff. If you have any doubts concerning the rules, please refer to either a moderator or to an administrator.

Thou shalt "Reply To My Thread" If the O' Great One commands.

• Multiple Accounts:

Please be aware that we do not allow members to have more than one account. If you create a second/duplicate account for no valid reason it will be banned along with a large possibility that your main account will be suspended. Please note that we do have a thread in the Help Desk where you can request a username change. Please do NOT make new accounts just for the sake of changing your name.

• Post Length & Content

At FFF, we discourage short posts lacking in elaboration or a clear reference to the original topic (this includes posts that only say "I agree" and/or "You're right - I feel this way, too!" - you'll always be able to elaborate). Posts generally under one sentence will be asked to be expanded upon if necessary and moderators have the right to mod edit or delete the posts if it is completely off-topic or extremely too short. We do, however, speak to you about the problem beforehand, so you have a chance to improve on your posts for the next time. Additionally, posts irrelevant to the original topic ("off-topic") may be deleted on sight by a moderator but, again, we will speak to you about this beforehand.

We realise that not every post requires you to write an essay but, really, it's not difficult to "put more effort into your posts".

In addittion, it should be noted that Official Moderation messages such as those who state a change made to the thread, a move, and any other action concerning the edition and/or moderation of either a thread or post are not to be included as punishable for this rule.

• Do no ask to be on staff:

Whilst we understand that a lot of people would like to be on staff, you must realize that places on the team are limited and occur rarely as we do not want to be overstaffed. Begging to be a staff member will only decrease the chances you have of getting on it, as the staff will discuss between themselves who are possible candidates for certain sections. The administrators make the final decision. This also includes asking for moderator privileges ("powers") in order to gain (whether it is partial or absolute) control over an specific (or interested) area. Again, whilst we understand and appreciate your concern, we would like to reiterate that we do not consider prudent for a member to ask for privileges on any of the areas or features of the site. We do notice when members are active, as well as their positive and negative actions. If we see that a member can be a potential member of this STAFF, we will surely bring the topic to discussion. Again, we are not blind and we can read just perfectly

• Illegal Content:

As members of staff do not wish to be taken to court we have strict guidelines that illegal content is not allowed. This means things like discussions on emulators, torrents, warez, music/film downloading and posting links to places which can illegally obtain software, music, videos etc. Anyone seen doing this will be warned with further consequences if it continues after that.

• NO Pornography:

We would like to stress that if anything can be deemed to be as pornography the person who posts it will be instantly banned. There will be no infractions or suspensions; it will just be a straight out ban, much more if it is something as vile as child pornography. This is due to child pornography being such a sickening illegal offense and could have many people on the site in trouble with the police, alongside the site being shut down entirely.

• Double Posting:

Double posting is definitely not encouraged and frowned upon on this site, but in some cases it is not a big problem especially if the member is posting a few days later after his/her previous post with new information about the subject. Posting "bump" or "why won't anyone post" is prohibited and unnecessary. Please understand that some threads might take a few days before others post their replies.

• Cross-posting:

Cross-posting is when members post the same information (word for word) throughout the forum multiple times. This is not allowed, and you will be given a warning via PM, and further consequences will be issued if it still continues.

• Existing Threads:

Please check and see if there are any existing threads about a topic that interests you before you start creating any threads; it may have already been created by another user. Multiple threads will be merged or closed (directing you to the original thread) by moderators, so please make good use of the "Search this thread" feature to prevent this.

• Copyright Infringement/Plagiarism:

Basically do not post something which does not belongs to you. This includes copying posts from others and reposting them in other areas, claiming a piece of media (signatures, banners, music, art, et cetera) and/ or ideas as if it were your own and/or without giving prior credit to the rightful owner. You can, use other people's work as reference as long as you do not duplicate it exactly as it is written. We do know that ideas are not always original and that most pieces of literature/art/media were based on previous projects but please, but please refrain from duplicating other's work without prior consent from the author. If you are caught doing this, you will receive an infraction and a suspension might be or not issued depending on the level of infringement to this rule.

• SPAM:

Posting spam (Stupid Pointless Annoying Messages) is warn-able unless the forum you are posting (example: the Spam Area) states otherwise. Posting spam outside areas in which it is permissible will inquire in a warning upon first action. If you (as user) insist on continuing with such activities, an infraction will be issued and your case will be submitted to be revised by both the forum Administration and the Staff.

Spamming smileys to the point that it may lag a user's computer and crash their connection if the load is that severe is prohibited in any forum, spam section or not. If you are caught doing this, your post will be immediately deleted on the spot, and a warning will be issued by a staff member via PM. Repeated offense will result in an infraction. There is no need to post multiple of smileys all at once. This same rule applies in the Shoutbox.

• Flaming/Trolling:

You are expected to treat members here as you would like to be treated, therefore the actions concluding in "flaming" another member (whether part of staff or not) is strictly forbidden. By flaming we define it as insulting and/or provoking another member taking it to a personal level. We are aware though, that sometimes flaming could be taken as a joke between members, but you must also understand that each mind works differently and not everyone is willing to admit being insulted. If you are insulting/bashing/critiquing a member, and the member asks you to stop, and if and only if you insist on continuing with such actions, then the case will be taken to staff and you will receive an infraction upon infringing the rules of "flaming". Remember that there's a very thin line between flaming and joking, so try to learn when to stop when you are asked. On another aspect, if we see that you are flaming a member and the member does not retaliate (concluding that the affected member wants to avoid a greater issue) you will be asked to stop immediately or else you will receive a warning.

• Advertising:

Advertising outside the designated area is not allowed. If you are caught advertising via forum posting or shoutbox you will receive a warning and some of your privileges could be removed. If you are caught doing Mass Private Messaging Advertising, you will receive an instant infraction and your account will be suspended immediately. If you wish to advertise (your forum for example), please do it in the area created for advertising. Outside of this area, advertising will be considered a warn-able/ban-able offense and it will ultimately lead to either warning, an infraction or even a suspension. This rule is also extended to advertising in your signature. If such is found, your advertisement will be removed from your signature immediately and a warning/suspension (and even a ban) will be handed to those who break this rule.

• Signatures and avatars:

The maximum combined height for signature space will now be 500 pixels. So you may put in two signatures, providing that their maximum height is 200 pixels each. It also leaves you enough room to add in quotes, sig bars and such if you wish, just as long as everything stays within 500 pixels. Or, you may add in a 3rd signature instead, providing that the maximum height is less than 100 pixels, so it still totals out to be 500 pixels in any case. The size for avatars is still 100x100 pixels, although depending on your usergroup, you may upgrade to 150x150 pixels.

If you are found to have passed the limit, the staff will ask you to edit the signature to its appropriate size. The staff also has the right to change the size of the signature if he/she deems it absolutely necessary (for instance, a member not logging in for days therefore unable to make the appropriate changes as soon as possible) or if there are any inappropriate contents involved.

• Racism/Sexism/Prejudice:

If ANY sort of racist, sexist or prejudice remarks (skin colour, beliefs, gender etc) are spotted within FFF either by a member of staff or reported by another member, action will be taken even if the person suspected of making them only did it in a joking manner. They are serious matters and can cause an extreme amount of offense to the person who the comments are aimed at or if a member stumbles across them as they are extremely disrespectful/offensive and will NOT be tolerated.

"Discrimination/Racism against someone because of their skin colour, nationality or background has no place on FFF or in any society and is unacceptable in any walk of life. My advice to all members and everyone else is never to get involved with racist comments or actions. It is negative and vile, and everyone here at FFF is committed to stamping it out in every form. One Community."
- Final Fantasy Forums Staff

• Respect:

Please respect all members who have joined FFF, some will have never joined a forum before so be patient with them as everything is new to them and they could be highly intimated and therefore offended easily or they might just generally take a while to settle in so encourage them to get involved posting as their information may be a lot more valuable than what people expect. If you wish to express a concern about a new member then please contact a member of staff via PM straight away with quotes/evidential proof if necessary, DO NOT take things into your own hand, older members, you should know better than to demoralize and start arguments with new members old and new so please just contact a member of staff and you will save yourself from getting into trouble.

As for new members, please respect older members, if you feel that more experienced or older members are trying to demean or intending to cause you offense then please contact a member staff ASAP as we do not wish to have to separate an argument. Therefore, let the staff members deal with them.

Furthermore, members and staff are human and when posting new information on FF titles or any other games we are very susceptible to mistakes so please do not get offended and if you wish to correct them, please do so in an orderly and polite manner. There will be a day where you are almost certain to post false information about something so show respect if the wrong information is posted and you will be shown respect in return.

• Pseudo/God Modding:

Pseudo modding to an extent can be allowed as long as it goes no further than a member asking a fellow member politely to stay on topic as long as they themselves remain on topic whilst doing so. However, telling members; not to post in specific places, what they can and can’t do, etc is strictly forbidden anyone caught doing so will be warned and if continued further action will be taken. If you wish to raise an issue on how a member is posting then please use the report button on their posts , and if seen doing it in the SB please contact a member of staff via PM. We reiterate, use the Report Option it exists for a reason.

• Etiquette Posting:

Whilst we are by no means grammar Nazis, and very rarely this is punishable but please try to post in a way members will be able to understand what you’re saying as people can get upset easily if they can’t read ones post because of “1337/Txt Spk” as not everyone can understand abbreviations. However, if you insist on using abbreviations, please only do 1 or 2 in a post maximum, we do not want to say whole posts of “1337” and if you do chances are your post will be deleted.

• Respecting ‘Real’ Names/Gender/Privacy/Harassment:

Whilst we understand it is common then many people on FFF are respectively called by their REAL name, we would like to stress that if a member does not have their real name on their profile OR does not wish to give you it, please do not harass that member about it otherwise they become uncomfortable and you will be warned. The same apply to gender. If they do not wish to disclose their gender, they will let you know so please respect that and do not harass them for it. Furthermore, should you happen to find out their real name or a nickname, please ask them for permission from them for you to use it as it respecting their wishes, and certain members may not like their name and/or nickname shouted around the forums as it could easily make them feel uncomfortable. Also, due to privacy of members and especially our younger members, asking for phone numbers, house addresses, bank details or any other personal information with the intent to cause harm or harassment is prohibited; if anyone seen harassing anyone for this sort of information will be warned and/or infracted. Again, due to our respect and our safety issues towards other members please DO NOT post personal information such as names, addresses, surnames, marital status, and/or any type of information that could be deemed as private by the affected user. Any personal details other than the ones disclosed –names, surnames, et cetera- that are posted will be deleted on sight. Furthermore, if anyone else is caught posting personal information about someone without consent will be receive an infraction and a suspension could be issued if the infractor insists on continuing with such behavior.

• Usernames:

Anyone with inappropriate usernames will be changed and also depending on the seriousness of the name which could include; racist/sexist/prejudice/pornographic remarks etc, could deem whether you receive a warning/infraction/suspension or banned from the site entirely.

• Foreign Character Usernames:

Whilst we understand many people want original and creative usernames, we must ask not to use foreign characters (Japanese, Asian etc.) This is not because we disagree or have a prejudice against them, it’s for the simple reason that:
*A) The server/forum often hits difficulties with recognizing foreign characters and therefore links to a profile that is NOT yours, and…
B) A lot of members do not have language packs/Japanese/Foreign fonts installed on their computers which means your name will appear as ‘boxes’ instead of character.
We would again like to firmly stress though that this is not for any major reason, and we’d rather not do it…however, for the benefit of other members, yourself and the forum/server we must enforce this rule.

* 2/3/2011 More info - Along the same lines, please do not use special characters in a malicious way:

I.E. - Duplicating someone's account
- As stated above, causing mismatched user profiles to occur

• Posting Suggestive Material:

It is unacceptable the posting/distribution of media that could be considered as either offensive to the viewer or incurring in suggestive themes. Staff reserves the right to remove any material they deem too suggestive/offensive to members. This includes signatures and avatars.

• Handling Complaints:

Complaining is allowed to a certain extent. If you feel uncomfortable with the functions of some of the features in this site, then you are allowed to publicly post them. However, if the complaint is somehow directed to a specific member, you are to take it to a staff member. Complaints about members should never be done publicly since it could lead to serious issues and conflicts of interest. Also, if the complaint is concerning a staff member, you are prohibited to take this complaint to another member of staff; instead you are encouraged to submit a PM to one of the Administrators. If your complaint is related to an Administrator, then you should submit your complaint to another Administrator or to the Site Owner. Threads created for the sole purpose of complaining about X or Y member will be immediately closed and infractions will be issued to the thread creator. If the thread creator insists on continuing with such actions, an infraction or a suspension will be issued without prior warning or exceptions. In addition, posts made for similar purposes will be included as an infringement of this rule.

• Provoking Members:

Instigating members to respond or behave in a way that could be considered as insulting is discouraged. If said provocation results in a the affected member breaking any of the above rules, both the instigator and the involved member(s) will be warned and further actions will be taken if the matter continues after being asked to cease. The forum administration and staff reserves the right to warn/infract those in violation of these rules or attempting to get others to violate these rules. Staff may also warn those who may be attempting to cause unrest in the forums or instigate fights with others.

• Posting Flashing Images:

We ask that you please not post any bright, vivid, rapidly flashing images that may harm the members here. We do have sufferers of epilepsy and seizures, and we'd rather not have to worry about our members not being able to browse the forums in case of those images being in posts and them not being aware. Any images posted like this will be removed, and you will be given a verbal warning. If the offense is repeated then you will be infracted for not following rules.

• Autoplay/Loop Videos:

Please do not post any autoplay / loop videos. This can lead to several issues for members and may instantly crash anyone's computer if the load is that severe. If you are caught doing it, the staff will instantly delete the post or videos without warning and you will be asked not to do it again via PM. Failure to comply to this rule after a verbal warning will eventually lead to an infraction.

• Tag Clouds / User Tagging:

When tagging, do not use it in a way that would cause any problems with members. Tags will be expected to follow the same general rules as the forums, depending on in which sub-forum they appear. Tags in post count sections will be on-topic and relevant. Tags that can be seen as trolling or flaming will be deleted immediately. Take note that staff can see which user posted which tag, so users will be held responsible for what they tag. Further action will be taken if you fail to comply with any warnings given (remember, this only applies if you actually break a rule). If you are user tagging someone, please don't do it every single time you mention a user. The feature exist if there's actually a valid reason you want someone's attention to that post/thread. Do not make the mistake of tagging members in an insulting manner.

• Social Groups

Members are able to create and manage their own social groups, but with that, comes responsibility. Please do not create groups for the sole intention of insulting any members, thinking that the private feature can't hurt those who cannot see it. Treat it as you would any forum; rules still apply and it will still be moderated. You are allowed to create 5 Social Groups in total. Staff has the right to delete any groups that we deem is not appropriate, so keep the topic and discussion clean.

[4/15/2011]
Social groups now have the ability to set their groups to private with the following option: "Users must join to view the content" . If we notice personal attacks or flaming going on in private. Our first action is to warn. After the first warning Staff have the right to delete the group as well as infract the parties responsible.

• User Tagging/Mentions Restrictions
  

Mention, Tag, and Quote restrictions have been enabled. You can change the settings in your User CP > User Tagging > Settings. If you only want to be alerted from users in your friends list, you now have the option to do so.

On that same token, spamming of mentions in the Spam section or any other section in the forums is not allowed. It is quite intrusive especially if there was no valid reason for you to call members' attention in the first place. Members and staff find this highly annoying and unnecessary. Use the mention system if you have a reason for doing so, but if you are caught spamming this feature, you will receive a warning and/or infraction.

Disclaimer: Concerning Rule/Guideline Edits:

We (as staff) hold the right to amend any of the rules previously stated above, as well as adding or removing anything from the guidelines. This however, shall be done and will only be done if and only if the staff in general agrees to such amendments, additions and/or removals.