Forum Rules

Introduction

We like to keep things pretty simple here at the Forum, but like any community it would fail without rules and guidelines to protect all of our hard work. Rules are aggressively enforced and usually very strict. Guidelines generally are more relaxed and are intended to give you a basic idea how we would like for you to conduct yourself.

Everyone makes mistakes. We aren't going to just throw you out on your ear if you break the rules. We will give you a notice that you have broken a rule and either correct it for you or give you the chance to correct it depending on the type of violation. Chronic abuse of the rules and guidelines will result in a permanent ban. These rules are here to help ensure that everyone has a safe place to meet and share ideas.

Subject to change as needed.

Rules

* Subject lines for all posts must be PG. Please do not ask for reviews or comments in your subject. It's given that you want feedback.
* Signatures and forum handles must not contain any obscene or unsuitable material.
* No erotic material.
* Flaming will not be tolerated. This is a writing forum and critiques are expected, however, this is not a free pass to assault a member for any reason. If you don't like the writing the tell it like it is but this does not include making personal judgements of the writer nor attacking them on a personal level. Any such violations will be deleted.
* Advertising of any kind is prohibited. You are allowed to link to your site in your signature and if you have something to promote you may do so in the "Writers' Resources" forum, but only if it is writing related. Anything else will be considered spam and deleted.
* Multiple accounts are not permitted. Do not sign up for more than one account or it will be deleted. If you share your computer with a room mate or partner, please inform us or we may suspect you of having duplicate accounts.
* Duplicate posts are not allowed. Pick the most appropriate forum and post your item there. No cross posting, spamming or any kind of multiple posts will be allowed. We will delete all but one of any duplicate posts.
* You remain solely responsible for the content of your messages.
* Do not post personal real life information such as names, phone numbers, home addresses of any members.
* All work posted in the Creativity forums must be your own. If you are found to have plagiarized the work of another you will be instantly and permanently banned.

Guidelines

* Don't flood the forums with new submissions. We realize you are eager to share your writing, but please add your work at a reasonable pace.
* Signatures must be limited to 4 lines. No excessive font use (like a million colors or 4 point fonts etc). Images in signatures must not be animated or exceed 4 lines.
* Profanity is allowed within reason. "Reason" is at the staff's discretion.
* If your post is potentially offensive to others, e.g. inclusive of excessive violence or adult themes etc., please put a disclaimer before your work begins. We've created a special bbcode for you to use so your disclaimer is easily noticed: [disc]Put your disclaimer here[/disc] , which will make your disclaimer stand out. Moderators who find a work potentially offensive may add a disclaimer if you have not done so.
* Quoting is encouraged, but please don't quote 5 paragraphs and reply with one line. Quote enough material to show what you are replying to.
* Excessively short posts and one-liners are discouraged. We realize at times these are appropriate, but please use good judgement.

We will handle all complaints on a case by case basis. We strongly advise you to protect yourself and your personal/private information and avoid inappropriate situations. If you feel you have been contacted inappropriately please report it to a staff member immediately. We are a site catering to all ages and we ask that everyone behave accordingly. All complaints will be investigated and appropriate action taken. All complaints will be taken seriously. We will not tolerate false claims any more than we will tolerate inappropriate behaviour.

To handle these issues, please keep copies of any alleged complaints and forward them to a moderator or to me directly. Do not post about this publicly as these are private issues. All public posts regarding these issues will be deleted.

We reserve the right to delete comments which are deemed inappropriate. Be aware that exchanging banter/repartee laced with sexual innuendo will compromise your ability to lodge a complaint. In other words, if you and another party have engaged in suggestive flirting a no fault rule will apply. It's recommended that you refrain from such practices.

We also always advise you to keep your private information private. Do not share your email address, phone number or other private information with anyone you don't know or trust. Once you do you can't "take it back" so be careful who you share your information with. Our advice is do not share your private information!

Last, private messages are the responsibility of each member. We do not police private messages any more than we can control what is emailed. Private messages are the sole responsibility of each member. If someone is bothering you, please report it to a moderator or to myself and we'll investigate and take appropriate action.