Site Rules

[FFF System]

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 an administrator.


On that note, we follow an infraction system set in place and proper protocol that the staff members follow. Each offense amounts to certain infraction points, and depending on the accumulative points that a member gains due to infringement of rules, automatic suspension may come into play. So please read the rules carefully and conduct yourself properly around the forums.

• 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 do NOT make new accounts just for the sake of changing your name.

• 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 result in a warning/infraction/suspension or banned from the site entirely.

• Do not 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. We will hire (through Application Center) if we are need of staff members. Asking to be on staff will only decrease the chances you 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 a 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.

• Advertising:

Advertising outside the designated area is not allowed. If you are caught advertising via forum posting or shoutbox you will receive a warning. 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. 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 will be issued.



GUIDE TO POSTING

• 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 next time. Additionally, posts irrelevant to the original topic ("off-topic") may either be deleted on sight by a moderator, or a reminder / general warning may be issued to keep it back on track.

In addition, 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.

• SPAM:

Posting spam is warnable unless the forum you are posting (example: the Spam Area) states otherwise. Posting spam outside the spam section will result in a warning. If you insist on continuing with such activities, an infraction might be issued, depending on the moderator’s discretion.

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.

• Double Posting:

Double posting is definitely not encouraged, 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 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.

• Etiquette Posting:

Whilst we are by no means grammar Nazis, please try to post in a way that members will be able to understand what you’re saying as people can get confused / irritated easily if they can’t read one’s post because of “1337/Txt Spk”.

• 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.



OFFENSES

• Flaming

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 you insist on continuing with such actions), then the case will be taken to staff and you will receive an infraction. 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 an infraction will be issued.

• Trolling / Provoking Members:

Instigating members to respond or behave in a way that could be considered as insulting is discouraged. If said provocation results in 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 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.

• 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.

• 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. If you refuse to comply, you may be given a warning / infraction.

• Racism/Sexism/Prejudice:

If any sort of racist, sexist or prejudice remarks (skin colour, beliefs, gender etc) are spotted within FFF either, action will be taken even if the person suspected of making them only did it in a joking manner. You will be asked to stop, and if you persist, an infraction will be issued. They are serious matters and can cause an extreme amount of offense to our members.

"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. Our advice to all members and everyone else is never 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

• Respecting Privacy / Personal Information / Harassment:

Due to privacy of members and especially our younger members, asking for phone numbers, home addresses, bank details or any other personal information with the intent to cause harm or harassment is prohibited. If anyone is seen harassing anyone for this sort of information (things that should not be revealed in public), it will be considered a special case and a suspension or permanent ban can ensue, without warning.

Furthermore, due to our respect and our safety issues towards other members, DO NOT post personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, and/or any type of information that could be deemed as private by the affected user. This is a heavy case, and any personal details that are posted without the consent of the affected user, will be deleted on sight. There will be no warnings given - you will be permanently banned. There is no valid reason to compromise someone’s safety.

• Copyright Infringement/Plagiarism:

Do not post something which does not belongs to you and claim it as your own. 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 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.

• Respect and Courtesy

Poor manners and attitudes bring about negativity to the community. Please remain respectful and courteous to all the members, especially the newbies. Any unwelcoming and rude behavior will result in a warning and / or infraction. It is highly advised that we encourage them to get involved in the community.

Everyone here will always disagree with something or someone. While you have every right to express your opinion and certainly allowed to debate, please do so in a civil and professional manner. Degrading members and their opinions / ideas, is not allowed here. You will be asked to tone it down, and a warning / infraction may be issued. If you wish to express a concern about a member, then please contact a member of staff via PM with quotes/evidential proof if necessary. Do not take things into your own hands, as it will only extend the issue, and might even get you in trouble. Let the staff handle it.

Furthermore, all members posting new information on FF titles or any other games are very susceptible to mistakes. If you wish to correct them, please do so in an orderly and polite manner.

• Pseudo/God Modding:

Pseudo modding is not a serious issue and to an extent, can be allowed if the member is only trying to be helpful by posting information that may be of interest to someone who is not familiar with the site and rules. Just be polite about it and there will be no issue.

• 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 as long as you do so in a mature manner.

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 issues and conflict 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 warning / infractions will be issued to the thread creator. If the thread creator insists on continuing with such actions, more infractions will be issued without prior warning or exceptions. In addition, posts made for similar purposes will be included as an infringement of this rule.



SITE FEATURES & FUNCTIONS

• Signatures and avatars:

The maximum combined height for signature space is 400 pixels. So you may put in two signatures, providing that their maximum height is 200 pixels each. Or, one signature with a few extra space for lines and anything miscellaneous, so long as it stays within 400 pixels.

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.

• Posting Flashing Images:

We ask that you please not post any bright, vivid, rapidly flashing images that may possibly harm the members here (due to epilepsy and seizures). Any images posted like this will be removed, and if you continue posting it, you will be given a verbal warning / infraction.

• 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.

Social groups 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, you will be warned. 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.

• Reporting a User:

If you must report a user, please do so properly, as all reports will be treated seriously - jokes or not. Give an adequate reason why you are reporting the user, and if we notice that you are abusing the report function (by either reporting in a joking manner or reporting someone who is clearly not doing anything wrong), you will be warned or given an infraction.

• Shoutbox Regulations:

The shoutbox should always be stress-free and any negativity from the members will lead a staff member to handle the situation. Be aware that the ignore / silence / SB ban can take place if necessary, so please ensure that you are using the SB properly and remain cordial / friendly with other members at all times. Otherwise, parties involved in any issues can be given a warning / infraction, along with a temporary ban from the SB. If you have a problem with a member and can’t get along with him / her, we advise that you use the Ignore feature.

[4/20/2013] Big text - Please do not use big text in the SB. There is no need for this as it disrupts the SB or any conversation held by others. If caught, the staff will ask you not to do it, and warnings / custom infraction may ensue.

Read the Shoutbox Rules in Site News & Updates for more information.

• Blogs

Please note that the Site Rules still apply to the community blogs. We do want to cut down on the spam, for reasons that when a post or comment is reported, we want to avoid reading spam in the process. Essentially, the blogs are not to be treated like the Spam section, so please make proper use of the feature. If we see that it's becoming a problem, we will let you know. Be responsible for the content on your blog and ensure that it remains clean and appropriate.

• vBQuiz
  

Please keep the quizzes clean and appropriate. It still follows the Site Rules. When leaving comments, be courteous. Once again, it's not a spam section, although leaving quick comments such as "Interesting stuff" or "Good quiz" is fine. Just no blatant spam where people are going off-topic as one would expect in the spam section. If we see that members cannot be held responsible for the feature, we will disable it.

• vBCMS Comments
  

[4/20/2013] The front site (homepage) still follows the Site Rules. Please make sure all comments are appropriate. Otherwise, it may be deleted.



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.

[Site Rules Revised as of 4/24/12]