Super Smash Bros. Fansite Forum Rules [Must Read]

[Ghost]

~The Smash Bros. Fansite Forums Constitution~

TABLE OF CONTENTS


I. General Member Guidelines
A. No Spamming/Advertising
B. No Flaming
C. No Flame Bait
D. Mild Cursing
E. Sexual Related Speech
F. No Racism/Sexism/Gay Bashing
G. Only informative discussion of Illegal Material/Drugs is allowed
H. Profile Regulations
I. Activities outside of the Site
II. Disciplinary Measures
A. Banning Procedures
B. Probation Period Post-Ban
C. Double Jeopardy
D. Member Appeals
III. Member Satisfaction
A. Moderator Checkpoint Day
B. Reporting Threads
C. Temporary Staff
D. Applying for RP Staff
E. Applying for Site Staff
IV. RP Staff
A. RP Staff Head Responsibilities
B. Own Governing Unit
C. RP Staff Rights
V. Site Staff
A. Staff Voting
B. New Rules
C. New Boards
D. Various Responsibilities of All Staff
E. Promotion Procedures
F. Demotion Procedures
G. Admin Rights
VI. C-box Clarification
A. Perversion
B. Links
C. Forum Rules Apply


I. General Member Guidelines
A. Spam
- Spam is classified as anything that is irrelevant, unrelated, or just doesn’t make sense which is posted outside the Spam Board or on the C-box.
- Spammers will be issued 2 warnings before they receive a ban. Board Spammers will receive this warning via PM, while C-box spammers will receive the warning within the c-box.
- Advertising is classified as a constant posting of a link, or creating a thread promoting some other place. All such advertisements will be treated as spam and will be deleted sending a warning. Advertisements are acceptable in the form of a link in their profile/signature as long as the link is of acceptable nature. The simple posting of a link once or twice maximum with the intention of just showing people something cool is acceptable. When in doubt, place it in spam board or ask a moderator if that would be considered advertising or not.
B. Flaming
- Flaming can be defined as insulting other members by the use of any derogatory terms or remarks. It can also be defined as a serious argument that deviates from joking or being constructive.
- Flamers will be given 2 warnings before they receive a ban. Board Flamers will receive this warning via PM, while C-box flamers will receive the warning within the c-box.
C. Flame Bait
- Flame baiting can be defined as provoking/irritating/annoying another singular person to the point of anger and eventual flaming
- Those who flame bait will be given 2 warnings before they receive a ban (Same warning for Board and C-box as above)
- If the flame baiter succeeds in causing their victim to flame, they will receive a Level 1 ban
- Flame Bait must be proved. You cannot simply say that “Individual” was making you angry. Proof of baiting must be given. One of the following will be acceptable proof of bait 1) Mod Presence 2) Screenshots of the c-box 3) If recent, a mod may go to the c-box admin panel and view the backlog. Another member testimony may serve as additional verification but cannot be used alone.
D. Cursing
- Moderate Cursing in casual discussion is allowed throughout the forum. This includes all threads and the RPG. Examples of such acceptable words are “damn” “ass” “hell” and occasionally “shit”
- Cursing is to be used in moderation. Do not overuse any of these words within a post with the exception of Angry Rants and Fanfics. Overuse in all other areas will result in the post being modified and the individual receiving up to 2 warnings before a ban is enforced.
- If any cursing is directed ad an individual with a derogatory fashion as an insult to them will be considered flaming and the proper action of flaming will be carried out (See Section I B)
-Avoiding censors by intentionally misspelling a word IS a bannable offense.
E. Sexual Related Talk
- Sexually related words used in a casual manner with no real sexual implication are acceptable. EX: “Man I’m screwed” or “Dude, that attack was RAPE”
- Sexual comments that can be defined as innuendo with no intentional harm will be accepted in moderation. Overuse will result in the post being modified and the individual receiving up to 2 warnings before a ban is enforced.
- Sexual comments that can be defined as sexual harassment toward another member will not be tolerated. Violation of this will receive 2 warnings and a ban if the warnings are not heeded.
F. Racism, Sexism, and Gay Bashing
- Racism, Sexism or Gay Bashing of any sort directed against another guest, member, or staff member will not be tolerated. If anyone is caught attacking another for their race or sexual preference or gender will be warned once only and then banned if they continue.
- Any indirect racist (etc) comments that would offend members will result in 2 warnings before receiving a ban.
- Racial (etc) jokes will be only minimally tolerated. In a case where both/all individuals understand that it is a joke not meant for attack/offense then it will be acceptable. Overuse of such type of jokes or once someone does become offended, 2 warnings will be given before banning.
G. Illegal Content and Drugs
- ROMs, viruses, etc are forbidden in the discussion of obtaining, performing and providing distribution links.
- No talk of on the forum and c-box hooking someone up, how to make, or giving someone an illegal substance such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or any other illegal substance.
- No speaking of on the forum and c-box of how it felt being intoxicated, high, on an overdose, drunk, or any sort of feeling from an alcoholic beverage or illegal substance.
- No form of encouraging members or guests to take or drink illegal substances, alcoholic beverage, cigarette, on forum or c-box.
- General informative discussion of ROMs, viruses, hacks, drugs, alcohol, etc. is perfectly acceptable.
H. Profile Regulations.
- Signatures are not allowed to be more than 700x350 in dimensions.
- Your signature cannot include insulting or otherwise offensive words or images, including but not limited to insulting members in any fashion, racist sexist or gay bashing images, as well as sexually explicit or violent images.
- Due to the fact that not everyone has access to a high-speed internet connection, a limit of 1 animated GIF image per signature and 1 per avatar is allowed.
- If any member breaks any of these rules, they will be asked to change or remove the items in the signature. If you do not change it within 24 hours it will be changed for you.
I. Activities Outside the Forum
- All activities outside the forum such as MSN conversations, youtube, facebook, myspace or any other forms of media are not within the responsibility of the Staff even if your encounters are with other site members.
- Any action taken outside of the forum cannot be used as evidence for any type of disciplinary measure of any sort.
- If an argument is brought from elsewhere onto the forum, only the activity that occurs on the forum will be regulated or moderated. Any part of the argument prior to appearing on the forum, or after leaving the forum is not our responsibility

II: Disciplinary Measures
A. Banning Procedures
- Anyone who has received 2 warnings (1 warning in the case of direct racism) and continues their activity will be banned and their ban will be logged in the Staff Board’s Ban Thread.
- There are various ban levels. The frequency or type of offense will determine which level you will be given.
Level 0 Ban – 5 Min to 12 Hours (Applies to C-box Only)
Level 1 Ban – 24 Hours
Level 2 Ban – 1 Week
Level 3 Ban – 1 Month
Level 4 Ban – 3 Months
Level 5 Ban – 6 Months
- Any individual who has dodged the ban and is back on the forum during their time of banishment will be immediately banned on sight for the remainder of their banishment. If they return for a second time their ban will be strengthened.
- A C-box ban of level 2 or lower will not result in a forum ban. A C-box ban of level 3 or higher will result in a corresponding forum ban. A forum ban of any level will result in a corresponding c-box ban.
- In extreme cases, an individual can still receive a permanent ban for the site. This decision will be voted on by the staff. If a perma-banned individual has been spotted on the site, they will be banned on sight, no questions asked.
- A Perma-Ban can be lifted by a vote from staff.
B. Post-Ban Probation Period
- After an individual has been banned they will be placed on a probationary period equal to the length of their ban.
- If any rule is broken during the probation period, the offender will be banned once more and their ban level will be increased by 1. EX. Johnny breaks a rule and is given a Level 1 ban. The day he returns is his one day probation period. If he breaks another rule during that time period, he will be banned again and given a level 2 ban.
C. Double Jeopardy
- Once a member has served his ban and probation period, their history will be wiped clean. They cannot be given a higher level ban; it must start at Level 0/Level 1 again.
- Previous offenses that have been waived by staff, or have been paid by ban cannot be used as an argument for future bans
D. Member Appeals
- Any Member who has received a level 2 ban or higher, on either the c-box or the site has the right to an appeal if they feel the ban was unjust.
- The person who has been banned must contact one of the admins the day of or the day immediately after the banning and explain their case of how they feel they were given this ban unjustly. Evidence of foul play must be presented upon their contact with the admin.
- After the appeal has been sent, the admins will discuss the matter and make their choice to keep the ban or revoke the ban. In a case where the admins cannot agree on the outcome, a staff-wide vote will be administered.
- Any ban under Level 2 will not have the right to an appeal. They must wait out their ban.


III Member Satisfaction
A. Moderator Checkpoint Day
- On the 3rd of every month, the members will be able to voice their opinion of how well the staff is doing.
- On this day if you chose, you may send a full list of each mod with a compliment or complaint (or several) for each to Ghost. He will read all the concerns and take the mass results to the staff with a list of items we need to work on. Your words will remain anonymous
- If you chose to partake in this opportunity you must write at least one thing for each moderator mentioned as well as answer the questions. Full list of moderators and questions will be posted on the Calendar Entry of this event
B. Reporting Threads
- It is the privilege for each member to aid us in moderating the boards.
- On the right hand side of each post there is a “Report” link. This will send a link to the exact post, who posted it, who reported it, and the time it was reported to the moderators.
C. Temporary Staff
- On the 15th of each month, two members will be allowed the privilege of temporarily joining the staff, with voting beginning on the 10th.
- On the 10th-14th each member and moderator will send Angel (Or Ghost in case of her absence) their vote of whom should receive the temp mod position. The two individuals with the most points will be moderators for a month.
- You cannot be elected two months in a row. No Exceptions
D. Applying for RP Staff Position
- Anyone wishing to join the RP Staff must wait for an official announcement from a member of the RP Staff proclaiming an open position
- Upon the announcement; you should send a PM to the announcer with a detailed reason as to why you should be picked for this position.
- The RP Staff will read all of the applications received within the time limit and will make their decision.
E. Applying for Site Staff Position
- Anyone wishing to join the Staff must wait for an official announcement from a member of the Staff proclaiming an open position
- Upon the announcement; you should send a PM to the announcer with a detailed reason as to why you should be picked for this position.
- The Staff will read all of the applications received within the time limit and will make their decision.
- The Staff reserves the right to vote a new member of staff in without above process if they have found a suitable candidate during said candidate’s term as Temp Staff.


IV: RP Staff
A. RP Head Rules
- It is the responsibility of the RP Head(s) to ensure that the RP runs smoothly and that both the Main RP, Side RPs, and RP Staff areas are organized in a neat manner and therefore are held accountable if the RP becomes a disaster.
- It is the responsibility of the RP Head(s) to make sure all threads in the RP staff are brought to completion in a timely manner.
- RP Head(s) has the ability to give out jobs to the RP Staff and change them at any point.
- RP Head(s) is subject to the authority of the admins.
B. Own Governing Unit
- The RP Staff will create their own set of rules in order to oversee the RP. These rules should not be contradictory to standard rules of the site unless deemed necessary.
- The RP Staff can bring members into their midst by simple majority vote at any time and can dismiss member RP Staff in the same manner.
- The RP Staff cannot add or remove an existing site staff without the admin’s approval. This is because the admins are responsible for providing all site staff with jobs.
C. RP Staff Rights
- If an RP Staff member feels another member of RP staff are unable or unwilling to perform their duties, they should contact the RP Head(s) with their evidence and complaint. The RP Head(s) will review your complaint and take appropriate action.
- If at any time an RP Staff feels mistreated or discriminated against by the RP Head(s) the staff member should compile evidence of such mistreatment and contact one of both of the admins. The Admins will review the complaint and take appropriate action.


V. Site Staff
A. Staff Voting
- Any suggest/idea up for consideration for the staff to adopt must be placed as a poll in the Staff Area.
- All Voting polls must be set with the ability to retract the vote.
- All Staff Votes will be Majority Rules…no exceptions.
B. New Rules
- All new rules must be voted on by staff
- Once the rule has been adopted, the individual who created the thread is responsible to update the rules thread appropriately.
C. New Category/Board
- All New Categories and Main Boards must be voted upon by staff.
- Sub boards may be added without vote but must be removed if both admins/3 staff complain of it’s existence
D. Various Responsibilities of All Staff
- It is the responsibility of all staff to maintain order on the C-box, give warnings and ban when necessary
- It is the responsibility of all staff to moderate unassigned areas.
- It is the responsibility of all staff to check the Reported Threads list weekly
- It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure that signature regulations are followed
- It is the responsibility of all staff to update the Staff Ban Thread anytime a ban is given. If the thread is not updated, a warning will be issued for first offense, 2 day removal of c-box powers with c-box password changed but not posted for 2nd offense, 3 day demotion for 3rd offense
E. Promotion Procedures
- Upon the need for a new staff, the admin will post an announcement that a new staff position is open and give a deadline for applications.
- Upon receiving the applications, the admin will post a thread with all of the applications as well as a voting poll.
- Person with most votes will become staff.
F. Demotion Procedures
- If a member of staff believes that another staff member is doing an inadequate job, they can PM the admins with evidence of their negligence/poor behavior requesting demotion of said member.
- If the admins agree that the actions of the staff member warrant a demotion vote, one admin will contact the person to be demoted, and have them write up a paragraph as to why they should remain staff within the next 2 days.
- Upon receiving the paragraph from the staff member to be demoted, one admin will send out a PM to all staff with both the evidence of the accuser, and the paragraph of the defendant for all staff to vote whether or not to demote
- Staff Members will return the PM modifying the title of the pm to “Demote _____“ or “Do Not Demote ____”
- After receiving all votes, the admin will carry out the demotion if applicable and post a thread with a screenshot of the votes in their inbox. If the majority vote is to NOT demote, the PMs can be ignored.
G. Admin Rights
- The Admins have the right to give all staff members a job and can change those jobs at any point.
- The Admins have the right to take a staff vote and decide by themselves in cases where a staff-wide majority will not be easily and quickly found.
- The Admins have the right to veto any rule or suggestion upon both admin’s agreement that it should be vetoed. The Veto can be overturned by a 3/4th majority vote of the staff.

VI - C-box Clarifications
A. Perversion
- Topics of a "perverted" nature are acceptable in moderation and will be closely watched by all mods.
- Perverted discussion must end when either 2 members or 1 site moderator complains. Moderators will give 2 warnings to the collective group and after 2 warnings anyone continuing with perverted discussion will be banned.
- In the case where there is only one moderator present, or other mods are completely non-responsive after a minute or two, then that single mod has the authority to give out warnings and consequent bans.
B. Links
- Posting links to Pornographic material (any image be it photograph or drawn showing exposed "sexual body parts") is forbidden. Any posting of such material will be deleted and the individual warned only once before receiving a ban.
- Posting of Yuri and other such pictures that are intended sexual or intimate but not in the above category is acceptable in moderation. If 3 members, 2 moderators, or 1 admin begin to complain it must stop immediately. 2 Warnings will be given before a ban is received.
- In the case where there is only one moderator present, or other mods are completely non-responsive after a minute or two, then that single mod has the authority to give out warnings and consequent bans.
C. Forum Rules
- All forum rules apply to the c-box including flaming, flame baiting and spam. The consequences for breaking these rules are the same as above stated for forum rules.