The Stand Still, Stay Silent Fan-Forum

About the Site => Website Help and Rules => Topic started by: Eich on September 01, 2014, 01:54:58 PM

Title: Forum Rules
Post by: Eich on September 01, 2014, 01:54:58 PM
General
These first couple are pretty situational, and are not as strict as some of the other rules, but can result in warnings if abused.
These next few rules will result in warnings or temporary bans on the first offense, but can warrant immediate, permanent bans, depending on how severe the offense is.

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Warning System
A punishment lasts 10 days from when the last warning was issued. If a user receives one warning, then another two days later, the punishment lasts 10 days from the 2nd warning. After 10 days the user's privileges return to normal.

Warnings are cumulative. If a user goes back to normal and has had one warning in the past, but breaks the rules again, they would go straight to the second level. If they have had the second level in the past and break the rules they would go straight to the third level. If they come back from a post ban and continue to break the rules, they will be banned from the forum.

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Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Nimphy on September 01, 2014, 05:13:42 PM
You forgot 'no swearing or cursing', I think. At least, not above what would generally be considered a PG-13 level of profanity.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Eich on September 01, 2014, 05:36:10 PM
You forgot 'no swearing or cursing', I think. At least, not above what would generally be considered a PG-13 level of profanity.
Good idea.  I already put up a censor, but we certainly don't want page long sets of asterisks.  And I kept two milder swear words, because I don't think anyone really gets offended by them much (that ultimatum will almost certainly prove false and bite me in the butt, but whatever).
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: SlewedQuasar890 on September 03, 2014, 03:00:55 AM
Awesome set of rules. Simple and to the point, but I don't think their will be much of a problem with this fan base
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Pessi on September 03, 2014, 03:57:14 AM
No swearing and cursing even in languages the censor doesn't recognise, I guess? ;) We have such a bunch of good strong swear words in Finnish...
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Fimbulvarg on September 03, 2014, 06:47:36 AM
A no spam rule is probably obvious even if it isn't there, but should probably be added just for clarity. That means things like double posting, single-word posts or tag-posting by multiple users in regular threads in order to inflate their post counter.


I suspect the no-swearing part is going to be hard for Finns and Norwegians for cultural reasons.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Eich on September 03, 2014, 04:29:26 PM
No swearing and cursing even in languages the censor doesn't recognise, I guess? ;) We have such a bunch of good strong swear words in Finnish...
I've considered enlisting some help for censoring out some different languages' swears.  I made sure to make the site's character map have all the relevant letters, so multilingual swearing is definitely possible, and would probably slip by me...

A no spam rule is probably obvious even if it isn't there, but should probably be added just for clarity. That means things like double posting, single-word posts or tag-posting by multiple users in regular threads in order to inflate their post counter.


I suspect the no-swearing part is going to be hard for Finns and Norwegians for cultural reasons.
Could've sworn I had a no spam rule... Thanks for the heads up, adding that now.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Sunflower on September 09, 2014, 04:23:30 PM
I apologize in advance if this is the wrong thread for this question, but:

What do the colored squares at the left of each post indicate?  They're on the 3rd line, below the poster's name and rank, but above the icon.  (I'd insert a screenshot but, um, I couldn't figure out how to insert a graphic...)

It seems like all Newbies have one yellow square, the one Jr. Member has 2 yellow squares, Eich has 5 red squares, and Noako as Administrator has blue ones.  Are they automatically assigned by rank/role?

I'm just curious.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: noako on September 09, 2014, 04:34:17 PM
I apologize in advance if this is the wrong thread for this question, but:

What do the colored squares at the left of each post indicate?  They're on the 3rd line, below the poster's name and rank, but above the icon.  (I'd insert a screenshot but, um, I couldn't figure out how to insert a graphic...)

It seems like all Newbies have one yellow square, the one Jr. Member has 2 yellow squares, Eich has 5 red squares, and Noako as Administrator has blue ones.  Are they automatically assigned by rank/role?

I'm just curious.


I guess it's the ranking? Eich is the big boss here, I'm the "second in command" (oh man lol).. I'd guess yellow is the normal user, only with the difference that the more you post, the more blocks you get. And moderators and admin get automatically all the blocks.
So it's red > blue > yellow.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Eich on September 09, 2014, 04:51:08 PM
Pretty much.  Regular users can rank up with high post counts, so the more posts you have, the more yellow squares you get.  Mine and Noako's are red and blue so they stand out more.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Sunflower on September 09, 2014, 07:32:19 PM
Thanks for the explanation!

BTW, I notice you and Nimphy now have the title "Safe-Zone Citizen."  So do those SSSS-specific titles that we discussed exhaustively apply now?  Can we start aspiring to be "Ruler of a Deserted Airport" and so forth??
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Eich on September 09, 2014, 07:39:08 PM
Yep.  Just set those in place.  Kept Newbie because it still applies really well, then Citizen, Scout, Ranger, and Ruler of a Derelict Airport.  I wanted the ranks to ascend in order of danger in the world of the comic, so I'm thinking maybe a wandering ranger on his/her own would have a more dangerous time than someone with an airport for defense...  Decisions, decisions.  Also considering adding a "Veteran" rank at a high post count.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Sunflower on September 09, 2014, 09:03:24 PM
Yep.  Just set those in place.  Kept Newbie because it still applies really well, then Citizen, Scout, Ranger, and Ruler of a Derelict Airport.  I wanted the ranks to ascend in order of danger in the world of the comic, so I'm thinking maybe a wandering ranger on his/her own would have a more dangerous time than someone with an airport for defense...  Decisions, decisions.  Also considering adding a "Veteran" rank at a high post count.

Nifty!  Well, I doubt I'll ever reach the status of "Ruler of a Derelict Airport."  (Or by then, all the good ones will have been claimed, and I'll have to settle for somewhere like Sacramento.)  But like St. Paul, I can look forward to proudly being "a citizen of no mean city." 
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: JoB on September 10, 2014, 07:02:17 AM
But like St. Paul, I can look forward to proudly being "a citizen of no mean city."
Which, to keep the post-apoc SSSS vibe, will probably have changed to "no man city". ;)
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Sunflower on September 13, 2014, 03:38:42 PM
Do we have protocol on moving good stuff from the comic's daily discussion pages to here in the forum, if we weren't the authors?

It seems to go without saying that all fan poetry gets safely archived in the Poetry folder by its energetic curators.  (At some point, we may want an index or sub-folders to find poems by page, topic, or author; there are so many and a lot are so good.)  What about other things?

I've been moving factual discussions that looked preservation-worthy into relevant threads, e.g. "Survivor communities" or "Rash monsters."  I've always credited the original author in my forum post, e.g. "Trollsbane commented..." but I haven't linked to the author's Disqus ID or forum profile.  Sometimes I remember to ask (or at least notify) the author on the Disqus page first.... aaaand sometimes I don't.  (So far, nobody's objected.)

Should I wait for a poster's OK before I move his/her posting over here? 
Is it enough to credit the original poster's name, or should I try to link to the actual ID/profile?
Are there any other potential pitfalls to be aware of?  For example, might the original author get offended that his/her content "counts" towards my forum post numbers?  (As if I cared that I'm only 19 18 posts away from the title of "Safe-Zone Citizen"...)
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Eich on September 13, 2014, 09:07:37 PM
Asking first is a pretty good policy, I think.  If someone changes their mind, all they have to do is say so, here or in the comments, and as long as I or the person who posted it in here find out about it, we can remove the post without any hassle. 
A good format would probably just be putting it in BBCode quotes and listing the commenter's name, like:
[ quote=Name] [/quote ]

But feel free to use whatever format you want, as long as credit's given where it's due.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Fimbulvarg on September 24, 2014, 05:41:40 PM
At what post levels do the various ranks kick in?  I know 100 = Safe-Zone Citizen ;D and we'll probably swear in a few more Citizens any day now.  But our two highest posters have already hit 200 posts.  When do they get promoted to "Scout," "Ranger," and so forth?
...Just curious.

He posted this scheme in the "improvements" discussion, page 2:


     Rank 1: 0-99 posts
     Rank 2: 100-249 posts
     Rank 3: 250-499 posts
     Rank 4: 500- 999 posts
     Rank 5: 1000+ posts


AFAIK rank 3 is scout, 4 is ranger and 5 ruler of derelict airport.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Eich on September 24, 2014, 05:45:56 PM
At what post levels do the various ranks kick in?  I know 100 = Safe-Zone Citizen ;D and we'll probably swear in a few more Citizens any day now.  But our two highest posters have already hit 200 posts.  When do they get promoted to "Scout," "Ranger," and so forth?
...Just curious.
He posted this scheme in the "improvements" discussion, page 2:

AFAIK rank 3 is scout, 4 is ranger and 5 ruler of derelict airport.
Heh, yeah, sorry.  The discussion for ranks got kind of scattered early on.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Sunflower on September 24, 2014, 06:53:11 PM
   
Quote
  Rank 1: 0-99 posts
     Rank 2: 100-249 posts
     Rank 3: 250-499 posts
     Rank 4: 500-999 posts
     Rank 5: 1000+ posts


Super, thanks!

Fimbulvarg, you and Nimphy are on track to become our first Scouts (with our fearless Administrator right behind).  Send us back some reports of whatever wonders you see over the next range of hills, OK?   ;)
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Nimphy on September 25, 2014, 11:17:45 AM
   
Super, thanks!

Fimbulvarg, you and Nimphy are on track to become our first Scouts (with our fearless Administrator right behind).  Send us back some reports of whatever wonders you see over the next range of hills, OK?   ;)

R-really? OMG, I'm about to become a scout!!1!

Okay, I already am a scout. Girl Scouts count, right? Right?
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Fimbulvarg on September 25, 2014, 11:56:08 AM
   
Super, thanks!

Fimbulvarg, you and Nimphy are on track to become our first Scouts (with our fearless Administrator right behind).  Send us back some reports of whatever wonders you see over the next range of hills, OK?   ;)

Ah, you are right. Let's hope we'll be the epic  (http://orojackson.com/attachments/slide-jpg.987/)kind of scouts and not the plain  (http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110416122426/pixar/images/9/96/Russell1.png)kind.

On that note I still think we could consider some special ranks for administrators and moderators. Not much purpose to it, but still.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Nimphy on September 25, 2014, 02:15:35 PM
Ah, you are right. Let's hope we'll be the epic  (http://orojackson.com/attachments/slide-jpg.987/)kind of scouts and not the plain  (http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110416122426/pixar/images/9/96/Russell1.png)kind.

On that note I still think we could consider some special ranks for administrators and moderators. Not much purpose to it, but still.

((Hey, IRL I am a plain kind of scout and it's very cool, okay?))

But yes, I totally vote for the epic kind if scouts. I want to learn how to use maneuver gear :D
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Eich on September 25, 2014, 05:42:46 PM
Aw, don't smack talk Russell. 

I haven't put up different names for mods and admins yet for the sake of any new folks.  We've been around for a while though, so I might do that soon.  I think I'll stick with Thor; just like the sound of it. ;D  A buddy of mine who admins another forum I use named himself "Ultimate Galactic President Superstar McAwesomeville," and has a signature that says, "I AM THE LAW."  He's a fun person.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Fimbulvarg on September 25, 2014, 05:47:59 PM
Aw, don't smack talk Russell. 

I haven't put up different names for mods and admins yet for the sake of any new folks.  We've been around for a while though, so I might do that soon.  I think I'll stick with Thor; just like the sound of it. ;D  A buddy of mine who admins another forum I use named himself "Ultimate Galactic President Superstar McAwesomeville," and has a signature that says, "I AM THE LAW."  He's a fun person.

I think your friend and I like the same movie (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itmNiTwHOsM#t=0m18s).

Also I've never even watched UP.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Eich on September 25, 2014, 06:16:09 PM
I think your friend and I like the same movie (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itmNiTwHOsM#t=0m18s).

Also I've never even watched UP.
The ultimate in camp. 
Never bothered with Dredd.  The reboot looked aaaaawwwful.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: kjeks on May 29, 2015, 08:57:40 AM
Since this one would be a future rule I thought it worth to reply for it here:

At another forum that I used to admin we had to make a rule about non-posters for those very reasons UFOO9000 listed. You have a month to make ten posts in the forum, if you don't rack them up you get a reminder via PM. You'll then get another month hang time during which you can still make those ten posts or however many are missing before the nick gets removed as an abandoned one. That forum is larger than this one which needs to be taken into consideration, but maybe something similar would work here?

I would second this suggestion.

Also while the forum will grow older and older there should be an inactivity rule about nicks being deleted after 3 years latest. Maybe after 2 years already but I guess there might be reasons, job circumstances, childbirth whatever that prevent people to post for a while. But it should be made an official rule so everybody knows what is going to happen.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Amity on May 29, 2015, 10:34:08 AM
What happens to your posts when you get deleted?
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Emil on May 29, 2015, 10:41:51 AM
What happens to your posts when you get deleted?

On most forums your posts will remain unless stated otherwise during deletion. If your posts aren't deleted with you, I guess they'll show up as posted by a guest user.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Sunflower on June 07, 2015, 05:14:23 AM
On most forums your posts will remain unless stated otherwise during deletion. If your posts aren't deleted with you, I guess they'll show up as posted by a guest user.

We've never had to delete a user (yet).  But we have had one or two delete their own accounts.

Result:  Posts remain, under the former user's name, but you can't click through to the now-deleted user profile.
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: kjeks on October 07, 2015, 03:03:08 PM
Please be so kind and notify us about strange post via the "Report" button. Please do not respond to that kind of posts. We are able to work quicker that way and people it will not go to top of other topics for each new reply.

Thank you :)

Also:
We have updated some rules, especially since there have been many questions from artists lately. Also we put them into a more readable shape.
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: kjeks on October 29, 2015, 04:20:21 PM
Dear Forum members:
Since this Forum was founded in Sept. 2014, its topics have grown well beyond discussing SSSS and ARTD.  By and large, this is a good thing; we encourage the spirit of fellowship and Minnions' wide range of interests.

But we can't be all things to all people, and there are some topics and activities that by their nature trigger strong feelings or are divisive.  We reserve the right to moderate, lock, or even remove threads if we feel they are becoming problematic.  After all, there are many other venues online to discuss or advocate controversial topics.

With that said, here are our proposed guidelines for what is and isn't appropriate for the Forum.  (You already know not to engage in discrimination, bigotry, or hate speech and to treat all other Forum members with respect.)  We're giving Forum members the chance to weigh in on these rules before we make them official.

* No political advocacy.  We realize it's hard to avoid all mention of political positions one way or the other (and we've tolerated that in the past), but we won't allow out-and-out politicking.

For example, it would be OK to say that last weekend you were at a Rand Paul 2016 rally (a mere neutral mention of an activity), or even share a funny/interesting but nonpolitical photo you took there.  A brief mention that you plan to vote for him, and why, would be *tolerable.*  A long screed in his favor, or a fundraising link, would be right out.

This covers not only electoral politics but advocacy for various causes -- environmental or pro-development, pro- or anti-immigration, etc.

* The same thing for religion.  You can discuss religions, beliefs, and traditions (including your own) in a neutral, objective way -- and in fact, we already have a lot of that on the Forum.  But please, no advocacy or evangelism.

* Prayer requests and other religious *practice*, we are allowing temporarily (as a subset of the Comfort Corner), with the understanding that this thread will make clear that it is open to people of all religious backgrounds.  If it becomes divisive, we reserve the right to moderate it.

* If a post or topic makes you uncomfortable, we encourage you to bring your concerns directly (but politely) to the poster.  Often, people don't realize that others may have different feelings on a topic (or, say, the amount of PDA or blood shown in art); if they find out someone objects, they are generally willing to remove the questionable post or discuss a mutually acceptable solution.
HOWEVER, if you've tried that approach and it didn't work, or you don't want to approach the poster directly, please feel free to reach out to any skald, moderator, or admin via PM, or reported post, and we will work to resolve the situation.

* If you have questions/disagreements with something a mod, skald, or admin has asked you to do, please either discuss it directly with that person, or if you feel uncomfortable approaching them, you can approach Kjeks, Sunflower, or Feartheviolas.

We hope you'll see these rules not as censorship, but guidelines to help encourage good fellowship and civil discourse among the Forum at large.  The rest of the Internet is often a free-fire zone; we'd like to avoid that here.

Now the moderation team is curious to hear your thoughts on these guidelines :)
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: Laufey on October 29, 2015, 04:41:29 PM
I quite like these new rules, it's important to keep a forum as neutral around the "red button"-topics as possible to avoid unnecessary drama and keep the place welcoming for everyone, besides just in general knowing where the mod team draws the lines is helpful for the users. Plus I'm glad that even though no forum can be everything for everyone, this one still allows a lot, as long as things stay in the threads most suited for them. :)
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: Yuuago on October 29, 2015, 04:43:48 PM
It sounds reasonable to me; draws lines while still allowing flexibility and being open. I don't see any issues here.
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: Fimbulvarg on October 29, 2015, 04:56:25 PM
* No political advocacy.  We realize it's hard to avoid all mention of political positions one way or the other (and we've tolerated that in the past), but we won't allow out-and-out politicking.

For example, it would be OK to say that last weekend you were at a Rand Paul 2016 rally (a mere neutral mention of an activity), or even share a funny/interesting but nonpolitical photo you took there.  A brief mention that you plan to vote for him, and why, would be *tolerable.*  A long screed in his favor, or a fundraising link, would be right out.

Would you consider it within the bounds of the new rules if I went on a page long rant about how much I despise Donald Trump 2016? If not, maybe the term "political advocacy" is not what you're looking for.
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: urbicande on October 29, 2015, 05:26:21 PM
Spoiler: show

Dear Forum members:
Since this Forum was founded in Sept. 2014, its topics have grown well beyond discussing SSSS and ARTD.  By and large, this is a good thing; we encourage the spirit of fellowship and Minnions' wide range of interests.

But we can't be all things to all people, and there are some topics and activities that by their nature trigger strong feelings or are divisive.  We reserve the right to moderate, lock, or even remove threads if we feel they are becoming problematic.  After all, there are many other venues online to discuss or advocate controversial topics.

With that said, here are our proposed guidelines for what is and isn't appropriate for the Forum.  (You already know not to engage in discrimination, bigotry, or hate speech and to treat all other Forum members with respect.)  We're giving Forum members the chance to weigh in on these rules before we make them official.

* No political advocacy.  We realize it's hard to avoid all mention of political positions one way or the other (and we've tolerated that in the past), but we won't allow out-and-out politicking.

For example, it would be OK to say that last weekend you were at a Rand Paul 2016 rally (a mere neutral mention of an activity), or even share a funny/interesting but nonpolitical photo you took there.  A brief mention that you plan to vote for him, and why, would be *tolerable.*  A long screed in his favor, or a fundraising link, would be right out.

This covers not only electoral politics but advocacy for various causes -- environmental or pro-development, pro- or anti-immigration, etc.

* The same thing for religion.  You can discuss religions, beliefs, and traditions (including your own) in a neutral, objective way -- and in fact, we already have a lot of that on the Forum.  But please, no advocacy or evangelism.

* Prayer requests and other religious *practice*, we are allowing temporarily (as a subset of the Comfort Corner), with the understanding that this thread will make clear that it is open to people of all religious backgrounds.  If it becomes divisive, we reserve the right to moderate it.

* If a post or topic makes you uncomfortable, we encourage you to bring your concerns directly (but politely) to the poster.  Often, people don't realize that others may have different feelings on a topic (or, say, the amount of PDA or blood shown in art); if they find out someone objects, they are generally willing to remove the questionable post or discuss a mutually acceptable solution.
HOWEVER, if you've tried that approach and it didn't work, or you don't want to approach the poster directly, please feel free to reach out to any skald, moderator, or admin via PM and we will work to resolve the situation.

* If you have questions/disagreements with something a mod, skald, or admin has asked you to do, please either discuss it directly with that person, or if you feel uncomfortable approaching them, you can approach Kjeks, Sunflower, or Feartheviolas.

We hope you'll see these rules not as censorship, but guidelines to help encourage good fellowship and civil discourse among the Forum at large.  The rest of the Internet is often a free-fire zone; we'd like to avoid that here.

Now the moderation team is curious to hear your thoughts on these guidelines :)

I wonder if it might not be worthwhile allowing some more freewheeling discussion on a sub-board.  I don't think I'd frequent it myself, but I can see a place for allowing discussion.

I'm also a little hazy about some of the rules here.  Say, for example, someone is discussing the weather conditions in SSSS and it's pointed out (for example) that a harsh winter in Denmark is unlikely because of changes in the climate.  That's controversial in some quarters, but it's relevant to the Y90 world of SSSS.  How would something like that be handled under these rules>
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: Aki on October 29, 2015, 05:27:27 PM
I like these guidelines, they sound like a good solid base to go on.

What would be the stance on non-political advocacy? (Like a link for a NGO fundraising for e.g. donations for wildlife protection?) Is this was you meant with "advocacy for various causes"?
(Not that I plan on doing that but just so things are clear...)
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: Fimbulvarg on October 29, 2015, 05:36:09 PM
Say, for example, someone is discussing the weather conditions in SSSS and it's pointed out (for example) that a harsh winter in Denmark is unlikely because of changes in the climate.  That's controversial in some quarters, but it's relevant to the Y90 world of SSSS.

That's an empirical discussion, not a value-based one.
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: urbicande on October 29, 2015, 05:38:17 PM
That's an empirical discussion, not a value-based one.

You'd think so, until you have a lot of friends who turn out to be of a certain US political bent.
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: Sunflower on October 29, 2015, 05:48:59 PM
Would you consider it within the bounds of the new rules if I went on a page long rant about how much I despise Donald Trump 2016? If not, maybe the term "political advocacy" is not what you're looking for.

I'm speaking just for myself here (without having conferred with the rest of the mods/admins), but:  No. We probably could have been clearer that "advocacy" = opposing as well as promoting people/causes/etc.

I like these guidelines, they sound like a good solid base to go on.

What would be the stance on non-political advocacy? (Like a link for a NGO fundraising for e.g. donations for wildlife protection?) Is this was you meant with "advocacy for various causes"?

Yeah, frankly, even something as benign as that, I think we want to avoid.  Because there could be something controversial about the charity's methods or allies.

We *might* consider something directly relevant to SSSS, e.g. if someone posted in News of the Outside World a news story that a charity is raising money to fix up historic buildings in Copenhagen, or rebuild an authentic 19th-C. Icelandic tuna boat, or the like.  But even there, we want to be very cautious.

I wonder if it might not be worthwhile allowing some more freewheeling discussion on a sub-board.  I don't think I'd frequent it myself, but I can see a place for allowing discussion.

I'm also a little hazy about some of the rules here.  Say, for example, someone is discussing the weather conditions in SSSS and it's pointed out (for example) that a harsh winter in Denmark is unlikely because of changes in the climate.  That's controversial in some quarters, but it's relevant to the Y90 world of SSSS.  How would something like that be handled under these rules?

Re: free-wheeling discussion, you aren't the first person to propose that.  At the time, very early in the Forum's history, the admin team was basically Eich (and me, pre-Skald role, throwing some unsolicited opinions his way) -- and we didn't yet have the extensive history setting an example of how we treat one another. 
The feeling then was that Eich didn't have time to police a potentially controversial thread.  Moreover, I felt, then as now, that the whole rest of the Internet is available for free-wheeling discussion on all subjects; we already allow a fairly broad range of topics relevant to our fandom.

That's not to say that couldn't ever happen, just saying why I personally think it would be more trouble than it's worth.

I do think climate change (f.ex.) could be discussed where it's relevant, in exactly the kind of example you bring up.  (In fact, it has.)   (https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=49)However, if a potentially controversial topic like that crops up, we mods/admins will be watching the discussion *closely* to make sure it remains cordial.  We don't want  the tone to degenerate, as it sometimes did in the "Ethnic Diversity in SSSS" thread. 
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: Cancvas on October 29, 2015, 05:56:59 PM
There was some discussion on this in chat, so here is my half cent:
I read it as: "You may have opinions and you may express those (politely), but you may not push them to others, wanted/agreed or not."
I'd be somewhat worried on some phrasings, if it were not this community. I have a lot of confidence in admins and their moderation, because it hasn't spilt all over the place, and also community here is suprisingly good natured and tolerant, meaning I haven't seen anyone being "pushed".

-C

Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: viola on October 29, 2015, 06:02:49 PM
I like these guidelines, they sound like a good solid base to go on.

What would be the stance on non-political advocacy? (Like a link for a NGO fundraising for e.g. donations for wildlife protection?) Is this was you meant with "advocacy for various causes"?
(Not that I plan on doing that but just so things are clear...)

We already have a rule in place that covers this:
Quote
Don't solicit or advertise.  That means don't post links to a site you, or anyone affiliated with you through work, makes money off of, or your company's site, without sufficient cause, and don't advertise for your faith or try to convert anyone.  I'll allow links to crowdfunding sites like Indiegogo and Kickstarter, as well as any smaller, donation-based sites or pages.

I wonder if it might not be worthwhile allowing some more freewheeling discussion on a sub-board.  I don't think I'd frequent it myself, but I can see a place for allowing discussion.

I'm also a little hazy about some of the rules here.  Say, for example, someone is discussing the weather conditions in SSSS and it's pointed out (for example) that a harsh winter in Denmark is unlikely because of changes in the climate.  That's controversial in some quarters, but it's relevant to the Y90 world of SSSS.  How would something like that be handled under these rules>
Re: free-wheeling discussion, you aren't the first person to propose that.  At the time, very early in the Forum's history, the admin team was basically Eich (and me, pre-Skald role, throwing some unsolicited opinions his way) -- and we didn't yet have the extensive history setting an example of how we treat one another. 
The feeling then was that Eich didn't have time to police a potentially controversial thread.  Moreover, I felt, then as now, that the whole rest of the Internet is available for free-wheeling discussion on all subjects; we already allow a fairly broad range of topics relevant to our fandom.

That's not to say that couldn't ever happen, just saying why I personally think it would be more trouble than it's worth.

I do think climate change (f.ex.) could be discussed where it's relevant, in exactly the kind of example you bring up.  (In fact, it has.)  However, if a potentially controversial topic like that crops up, we mods/admins will be watching the discussion *closely* to make sure it remains cordial.  We don't want  the tone to degenerate, as it sometimes did in the "Ethnic Diversity in SSSS" thread. 

Urbi: I would say this kind of climate discussion is fine, especially since it's speculation. If people get nasty about it or start forcing other people who disagree to believe it then it would be unreasonable and there would probably be an intervention.

As for the sub board idea, like Sunny said, there are many other places on the internet where one can go to discuss these things. I would recommend that to anyone who wants to go beyond what we have here. It's the same as, for example, the policy for art containing sex. It is fine for forum members to create this sort of content, but we ask that it be shared elsewhere and not posted on the forum.
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: Fimbulvarg on October 29, 2015, 06:09:20 PM
you may not push them to others, wanted/agreed or not."
forcing other people who disagree to believe it

What exactly constitutes "forcing someone to believe smt"? I don't think I've ever seen an argument involving actual coercion rather than stating opposing views.
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: Cancvas on October 29, 2015, 06:19:26 PM
That's the point where you start to have really hurt feelings,"peas up the nose" or flame war or all together. Agreeing to disagree and then dropping the issue is really hard for some.

-C
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: kjeks on October 30, 2015, 01:49:53 AM
What exactly constitutes "forcing someone to believe smt"? I don't think I've ever seen an argument involving actual coercion rather than stating opposing views.

So let's take Günther Öttinger for example:
A: is of the oppinion that he does a brilliant job for the EU office he is asigned to.
B: Is opposing that view.

So far no problem
A: Insists on their opinion and brings some more or less valid arguements.
B: starts A calling a douche => border reached

Let's say B: is just bringing up some more valid arguments, but A does not let go for hours. And then bringing up things like:
I've seen that you are that type of person that like x or z. You support that. Öttinger does that, too. You would target your values not to support him.
A goes further and says: seriously you cannot support x and be in favour of Öttinger. Because if you do, you still betray yourself. A even provides you with a huge range of links that contain many websites in favour of Öttinger. Some of those even contain information about B's doubts but take them up with intelligent techniques.

Let's say B is not someone who is captured easily by methods like these. but C is. And C now jumps into discussion stating that of course A has a valid point. And how on earth could B just not see that?

We could play this example on and on but in the current version there is already three spots where discussion can explode. The problem evolves where someone targets you by using aspects of what they assume to be your personality. Not everyone has set their personal borders strong enough to react absolutely cool. And there is some topics one might never be able to act neutral but at least knows when it is time to step back. And some persons will always point at rules and say: hey, but the rule does not say that I can't do that.

"I've seen that you are that type of person that like x or z. You support that. Öttinger does that, too. You would target your values not to support him. "

With not allowing people to persuade heavily we can even point out that this could be such a way of argueing not allowed. In itself it might be rather unproblematic and most times might be stuff users can take care of themselves by saying: "hey, you are crossing a personal border here, let go. I don't like techniques calling for empathy where I don't want to feel it."

Any step further though is clearly more than just exchanging opposing views, because hurt feelings will jump in. And I'd say some of the political discussions fenris and me are pulling on chat are never fit to go on the bord here.

That has not answered your question about your wish to put up an extra long post in favour of donald trump but eh, gotta leave to work soon ;).
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: urbicande on October 30, 2015, 09:13:20 AM
So let's take Günther Öttinger for example:
A: is of the oppinion that he does a brilliant job for the EU office he is asigned to.
B: Is opposing that view.

That is, though, something that is more subjective than objective. (Although I'm not sure that matters; I've seen more flamewars over things like economics and a couple of hot-button issues that I WILL NOT mention right now, but there's been enough over what should be simple things like the age of the earth that I don't rule anything out.

But I like the idea of Wheaton's Law (http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/wheatons-law) as the guiding principle.
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: kjeks on October 30, 2015, 10:14:40 AM
That is, though, something that is more subjective than objective. (Although I'm not sure that matters; I've seen more flamewars over things like economics and a couple of hot-button issues that I WILL NOT mention right now, but there's been enough over what should be simple things like the age of the earth that I don't rule anything out.

But I like the idea of Wheaton's Law (http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/wheatons-law) as the guiding principle.

I think all in all we are doing pretty well to keep to that axiom. If it were that easy, I'd have no trouble in school ;)
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: viola on December 09, 2015, 02:57:11 PM
The forum rules regarding warnings have been clarified to define what happens to a warned user.

Warnings

1 warning = user is on watch (their actions are monitored by the mods)

2 warnings = user has post moderation (moderators have to approve user's posts before they show up on the forum)

3 warnings = post ban (user can't post anything)

A punishment lasts 10 days from when the last warning was issued. If a user receives one warning, then another two days later, the punishment lasts 10 days from the 2nd warning. After 10 days the user's privileges return to normal.

Warnings are cumulative. If a user goes back to normal and has had one warning in the past, but breaks the rules again, they would go straight to the second level. If they have had the second level in the past and break the rules they would go straight to the third level. If they come back from a post ban and continue to break the rules, they will be banned from the forum.
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: urbicande on December 09, 2015, 03:02:18 PM
Warnings are cumulative. If a user goes back to normal and has had one warning in the past, but breaks the rules again, they would go straight to the second level. If they have had the second level in the past and break the rules they would go straight to the third level. If they come back from a post ban and continue to break the rules, they will be banned from the forum.

This seems a reasonable thing to me.
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: P__ on December 09, 2015, 05:04:04 PM
This seems a reasonable thing to me.
Indeed.

uhh, single word comments are frowned upon!
/me panicks

Yes, reasonable; thanks for clarifying; this is a good method of escalation. Although I would suggest to add an expiration date (can be arbitrary and kept secret) to old warnings, so a person wouldn't get blocked if they commit one offence now but had two a year earlier
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: Laufey on March 16, 2016, 07:56:37 AM
Reminder to people who wish to gain access to the Mature Board: you must both be over 18 of age and have at least 12 posts on the forum to be accepted.
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: Gwenno on July 16, 2016, 09:39:05 PM
The forum rules have been updated to account for some recent happenings

Due to recent events we are specifically targeting hate speech as a subset of bullying and insulting behaviour. We had never thought this rule would be needed due to the kind and thoughtful nature of our community, and we hope to never have to moderate comments of that nature again. Nonetheless it became obvious that a specific rule was needed.
  • We do not tolerate hate speech of any kind (i.e. comments that attack or insult people or groups based on race, religion, culture, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation and others). Any posts thought to contain hate speech will be deleted and the poster issued a warning

Both the following rules have also been modified to account for changes since they were formed. Changes are marked in bold.
  • Don't solicit or advertise.  That means don't post links to a site you, or anyone affiliated with you through work, makes money off of, or your company's site, without sufficient cause, and don't advertise for your faith or try to convert anyone.  I'll allow links to crowdfunding sites like Indiegogo and Kickstarter, as well as any smaller, donation-based sites or pages. Art commissions may also be advertised on the relevant thread (https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=469.0).
  • Do not post pictures of, or links to, any pornographic material of any kind on the main board.  This will result in an immediate ban, no questions asked. Some NSFW artwork and fan fiction are allowed on the mature board, and rules regarding it may be found on the board itself. For information on joining please see below.
If you have any concerns or questions about these changes please let us know.
Happy forum-ing y'all!
(https://66.media.tumblr.com/ddf48cf0ebbd40092ab04cf3c58cfd8d/tumblr_o94qfvqrbY1tfp7lao1_540.png)
Title: Re: Important: Forum Rules
Post by: JoB on July 17, 2016, 07:59:32 AM
Changes are marked in bold.
(I don't know whether anyone but me has the same problem, but in my (Linux) Firefox, bold-in-quotes is indistinguishable from regular quote text. Yes, the <strong> is present in the HTML.)

(Edit: Browser specific problem, perfectly visible on my smartphone.)
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: viola on November 08, 2020, 06:28:01 PM
The forum rules have been updated, please review them. No new rules were added, but I changed some of the phrasing and organization to make them more clear. Some of the significant updates have been clarifying that thread necromancy is fine and adding the definition of hate speech as defined by the UN. I also added some information about how the political board will function.

Feel free to ask any questions here!