Board Conduct and Rules - Updated 8/9/06

[Sparky]

The following are the rules in place for these boards. Rules are subject to change. Rules were last updated on 8-9-6.

General Rules

• Heed the mods and admin.
  
• Respect your fellow board members. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. Flaming (such as namecalling and defaming of one's character) is not allowed on the boards. Period.
  
• Drama is for Turner Network Television. Keep it off of the boards, and don't be a troll.
  
• Take the time to read all "sticky" threads once.
  
• No cross-posting: Do not post the same reply in multiple forums simultaneously.
  
• Do NOT post back-to-back; if you have something additional to say after posting (within ten minutes or so if there have been no further replies), use the modify feature to edit your last post. This keeps the thread organized and less cluttered (especially if you have a large signature) and it's only polite. There may be exceptions to this rule, such as posting multiple story chapters, multiple pieces of artwork, essays, or perhaps large screenshots. But definately don't post back-to-back if you're just making short comments. (It is not "back-to-back posting" if its been longer than ten or fifteen minutes.) Oh and, I do realize that when you're quoting multiple people its easiest to do them as seperate posts and therefore if you want to do it at the same time they'll end up technically as "back-to-back" posts. There's ways to put them all in a single post but its a pain so I don't blame anyone for doing them seperately and therefore "back-to-back" posting occurs. Don't sweat it in that case.
  
• In accordance with Proboards rules (and according to them this is the Law) I cannot allow members who are under 13 years of age. Guest posting has been disabled (because there's no point in not allowing people under 13 to register but allowing them to post anyways).
  
• If you see a post that is comprised of gobbledegook nonsense, DO NOT RESPOND to it, and DO NOT CLICK ON ANY OF THE LINKED TEXT. These are posts generated by spambots and will be removed by moderators as soon as they see them. Clicking on these links can infect your computer with spyware or at least redirect you to a pornographic website or somesuch. Please ignore these posts/threads and they will be dealt with. (This problem has hopefully been resolved permanently and you shouldn't even see those kinds of posts anymore.)
  

Post Content

• If you are not in the Spam section, keep your posts generally on-topic. It's really okay to have a few off-topic conversational posts, but completely changing the subject, posting random images and/or links *not* related to the thread topic, or posting garbage/nonsense will be treated as spamming and/or trolling of the board. Spam in the Spam section, that's what it's there for; and if you wish to discuss something other than the topic at hand, start a new thread either in a Foster's-related area or Way Off Topic if it is not Foster's related.
  
• In that vein, Introduction and Happy Birthday threads are not for parties. They are for greetings and salutations, preferably one per member (a little chit chat isn't a big deal). But no "parties" or roleplaying. If you wish to start a party or game thread relating to an Introduction or Happy Birthday thread, do it in the Spam section and then post a link to that thread in the relevant thread.
  
• Title threads appropriately, and if you can help it do not "piggyback" a new topic into an unrelated thread already in-progress; nor should you "hijack" a thread by changing the subject (yeah, basically the same thing). When people see the title of a thread it is up to them whether or not they wish to read and/or participate in the discussion (or read/view the fic or artwork within), so "suprising" people with an unrelated subject is not appropriate. Each and every discussion and question deserves and is entitled to its own thread - there cannot be "too many" threads. Use your own discretion however; certainly some discussions *are* related enough to share a thread.
  
• The Off-Topic board is for discussions not related to Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends. Discussions. As they say, "off-topic does not mean no topic." Is is not for chit-chat, or "I'm bored" type threads. You may do that in the Spam section.
  
• Swearing will not be tolerated on these boards. I have disabled the automatic censor, but I still need you to keep it clean. Asterisks may be used but I would STRONGLY prefer you avoid using harsh language altogether. Posts that I find offensive are subject to moderation.
  
• To expand on that: these boards are accessible to all ages. You may not hold conversations that are extremely adult in nature. I am sorry, but this is in accordance with Proboard's TOS.
  
• PLEASE try not to start subject-only threads. That means, no topic called "Madame Foster" containing the message "Everyone talk about Madame Foster." If you want people to talk about Madame Foster, launch the discussion yourself. It's not fair to ask everyone else to talk about something if you're not willing to start the discussion. Also, nothing like "Who's your favorite character?" without you actually stating who your favorite character is. If you're going to start a thread, your first post must contribute something to the conversation.
  
• On that note, if you are posting a story or artwork and wish to not receive negative feedback of any kind, say so in your first post (and its okay to do that!). Otherwise, be prepared for anything. Negative criticism will not be automatically treated as flaming if it is just that: negative criticism. Flaming is outlined above.
  
• If you want to start a thread and you're not sure if it would be allowed or where you should put it, it's okay to ask in the Customer Service Kiosk area.
  

Signatures, Avatars, and Ranks

• Obviously, keep your signature and avatar clean, mature, and G-Rated. Perhaps not-so-obviously, please do not hint at such "questionable" topics as sex (or anything that suggests sex) in any way in your sig, avatar, or personal text. I would like to include pairings in that list as well, as there are many fans who object to the pairing of any characters in the fandom, let alone specific ones. These are topics that may be discussed on the forum itself, but if someone doesn't want to read that sort of conversation, they would have the choice not to click on such a thread. People do not have a choice of not looking at your sig, avatar, or personal text. Sparky is rather tolerant, so please report offensive avatars and sigs if you see them to her in a PM. If you are notified that your avatar/sig is offending other users, you will be expected to change it/them or leave the boards.
  
• Custom avatars are allowed, and suggestions for built-in avatars are welcome on the Suggestions forum.
  
• Try to keep the board neat by limiting your signature's height (and width may not exceed 600 pixels to avoid stetching of the screen). There's no set height but excessive signatures are Frowned Upon and will probably result in your being asked to crop it down (with no disciplinary action). Animation is okay, but try to avoid anything seizure-inducing.
  
• Ranks progress depending on how many posts a user has made on the boards. 0+ = Newly Abandoned; 50+ = Settling In; 100+ = At Home; 250+ = Permanent Resident; 500+ = Foster's Legend.
  
• If you prove yourself a large enough assest to the Foster's community you may find yourself with a surprise custom rank!
  

Any and all posts that do not meet these requirements are subject to deletion/closure, with possible disciplinary action for the user responsible for the infraction.

Disciplinary Action
This is a privately-owned forum, created by a Foster's fan in no way affiliated with the show itself. Disobeying the rules as outlined above because the user did not read them or doesn't agree with them will not spare that user from disciplinary action. This forum uses a "warning level" system. If you break a rule or disrupt the boards, Sparky will issue you a certain number of "points" which can and will vary depending on the offense. Once you reach 100 points, you will be banned. If you wish to appeal your case, you may do so by emailing Sparky: sparky (at) theneitherworld.com.

Your warning level is NOT visible to other members of the board.

And yes if Sparky feels that the sitauation warrants it she reserves the right to skip the warnings and go straight to banning. It could happen. TO ALL MEMBERS please, if you are concerned about another user's actions on the board PM Sparky about it. She can be a weenie sometimes when it comes to doling out punishments. And then other times she can be a real hardnose. So keep on your toes and try to play nice.

If any user has any concerns with our rules please feel free to PM Sparky to discuss it. You may also speak to other members of Staff if you wish (Staff is listed in the forum FAQ thread). Anyone and everyone who wishes to post on these boards must abide by these rules, and similarly anyone and everyone who disagrees with these boards' rules is free to go elsewhere.

By following these rules, you will help to make these boards a safe and fun community for all. Thank you for reading!

[Sparky]

12-6: Update in Post Content list. Added a rule I thought we needed. Thanks.

[Sparky]

We've reached 50 members!! (I know it says 51 but one of them is an account I created just for testing forum features so it doesn't really count ). Therefore I have updated the rules, adding a few. Please reread all the sections really quick. I'm unlocking this thread as well in case anyone wants to post feedback here rather than just PM me, both of which are fine.

[Sparky]

Update 3-1-6: Okay so apparently it's actually against Proboards rules to allow people under 13 to register on their boards. I seriously didn't know that, I suck. If you are under 13 and you are already a member, don't like, freak out or anything. But I can't allow it from now on. If you are under 13 and visiting as a guest, as long as I am still allowing guests to post just don't register until you turn 13, okay? I've reflected this in the Forums Rules.

[Sparky]

4-6-06 - Added in the warning not to respond/click on spambot posts.

[Sparky]

Just going to post real quick - I plan to alter the rules a bit regarding warnings and taking action against rulebreakers. Right now consider it two warnings and *then* banning. Forget "suspension" since on Proboards there's no such thing - banning can either be temporary or permanent. So, permanent banning for breaking the rules three times except perhaps on a case-by-case basis. I think temporary suspension is a little pointless - either you want them off the forum or on it, you know?

Also, Proboards does have a "warning level" system in place, which I plan to use. When I figure it out.

Also ALSO, I do believe I am going to disallow guest posting altogether. What's the point in only allowing people 13 and over to register if people 12 and under can still post? So. I need to rewrite the rules a bit, here. I'll do it asap.

[Sparky]

Okay I rehauled the rules. Please reread the whole thing, there's been lots of changes minor and major.

PLEASE contact me if you have any comments or concerns on the rules, I really do want feedback if you have any.

The warning level sytem thingie is in effect as of now. It's not retroactive, even if I've already given you warnings. Just be good from now on.

[Sparky]

There is a revised rule in the "Signatures, Avatars, and Ranks" section of the rules (the first one), please read it and heed it. It pained me to put my foot down about this but I must - please everyone, watch it with your sigs and avatars (and that personal text thing you can put under your avatar). Its one thing to mention a pairing or innuendo in a thread topic *about* pairings or whatever and another to put it where everyone has to see it, every single time you post, without warning, and no way to NOT look at it. Do you understand? If you support a pairing, that's lovely, but don't flaunt it. Not everyone agrees with you. (Pairings being just one example, but a good one.) Keep it in the threads, where people have a choice whether or not to see/read about it. I also don't want any "crude humor" of any kind. 'Kay?

Oh, and I killed the profanity censor. The rule about blotting out profanity in your posts still applies, its just that the forum won't mangle perfectly good words anymore.

[Sparky]

Just a couple of updates: I added a rule about titling threads appropriately and not hijacking a thread in progress...I pointed out that back-to-back posting only applies if its been less than ten or fifteen minutes and there have NOT yet been any replies (and the thing about quoting multiple people)...and I bolded the bit about "topic only" threads reminding everyone that the first post of a thread MUST contribute to the conversation. I fully and freely admit to being anal about that; it REALLY steams me when people start a thread saying "everyone talk about blah blah here". To me that is the epitome of laziness. If you have nothing to say, let someone who DOES have something to say start the thread (even if its only a LITTLE something). You're not going to get any prizes for "most threads started", nor are you doing anyone any favors by simply starting a thread. If you have nothing to say, just chill. -_- It's not a "punishable" offense but lets just say, it ticks me off.