Zero Tolerance Policy
Infraction System, etc.
The purpose of this post is to express a couple things that everyone should be on the same page about. The date of the last update will be reflected in the title. Members will be expected to be familiar with this post so please do take a look at it when updates are made.
As of this moment, this is just a quick post I'm throwing together to go ahead and get it out there, I will clean it up a little later - maybe clarify a little more.
Please observe the following rules/guidelines as a member here:
General Conduct: Admittedly, I'm probably a little more anal about this topic than some. I have very little tolerance for uncalled for disrespect. With that said.. read on. Please treat other members with respect. These forums were put together for Android fans to come together and help each other, collaborate and discuss in a positive way – not bash on someone because you don't like their idea, or because they don't share the same views as you. We are big into the free speech idea here. So you're free to say what you think – but do it in a constructive, positive, 'add to the conversation' kinda way – not the condescending 'I don't like what you're saying so you suck and also, are a bitch' kinda way. We encourage mature debates – discourage childish arguments.
Also while the search feature on forums is great, and hopefully will be utilized - if someone comes here and asks a question, either answer it or don't. If you're going to suggest the search feature, be polite about it. Nothing irks me more than when I go to a forum, (and use the search!), then ask a question because I want some one on one with my problem, and get a simple "Use the search." reply. Suggesting it is encouraged, but don't withhold the answer because they don't.
Please don't make pointless rude/nonconstructive replies. "This thread sucks," etc.
Also - do not take it upon yourself to play Grammar Nazi. If someone's post is literally so bad you cannot understand it, fine - ask them to rephrase. But do not nitpick and ruin threads just to show how high-n-mighty-like you can be.
Strong Language: Language is fine to a common sense degree. Say what you gotta say, how ya gotta say it, when it's in a positive or neutral tone. If someone expresses offense to terms you're using, please respect them enough to at the very least NOT respond with “get over it this is the internet blah blah” crap. It IS the internet – but it's also in a forum where you're expected to respect your fellow members. If you're in the midst of a 'friendly' debate – use extra caution when using terms that may cause you to project a certain aura that you hopefully don't desire to have.
Examples:
“Damn, that's the shit!” .....That's fine.
“Go **** yourself.” .... That's not fine. Starred out or not. On a couple levels.
Terms to NOT use: There are a few terms I ask you don't use. I'm going to have to space through them here for the purpose of this post, but otherwise they will be filtered. Do not go around them.
One being "g_ay". Don't call something g_ay. Does it bother me? No, I do the same thing, too, in private. I know it's not meant derogatory to that particular lifestyle when *I* use it (again, in private). It's just habit. Does it bother my g_ay brother, who also uses the the term in the same manner? No. But it does bother a lot of people and I'll tell ya, I've worked at a lot of forums out there and there's nothing that gives me a harder time than whether or not it's okay to call something g_ay. So this one's getting nipped in the bud. Keep that, "f_ag", and even "r_etarded" outa your posts. As well as obviously offensive things that serve no other real purpose, like "c#nt" - and racial slurs.
Creating Multiple Accounts: This is more of a clear-cut rule than the above two guidelines. Creating a second (or more) account on here will most likely get all - including your original - accounts banned. People usually do this for less than desirable purposes, which may include but aren't limited to:
-Have an alter ego to say how they really feel
-Gain numbers in arguments
-Spam
-Just plain create trouble
Links on first post (or first couple if you're being slick) to your own site: If it's a competing website, not okay. If it's say.. a blog entry you're referring to, or... you're a developer and want to link to your site when you announce an app, that's alright. Bottom line - Don't come here to pimp your site – come here to be a member. Moderators will use their best discretion to determine what should be removed and what not.
Links to your own site, in generalToss 'em in your signature, that's fine. Linking when referencing something relevant and stuff is fine too. Just be a contributing member, not a spammer.
In regards to all of this.. Moderators will handle situations at their discretion – using this thread as a starting point. If you have a problem with a member or a post here, report it. Mods will see it. If you have a problem with a moderators actions or how they handle a situation, hit up a senior mod. Still not satisfactory? Feel free to PM or email me. phases at phandroid dot com. At the bottom of the main page is a
“view forum leaders” link – with buttons in there to contact him with.
Linking to pirated/illegal software: It's a shame I actually have to touch on this. Don't do it. It will be removed and repeat offenses will result in a ban.
Do not post the following, or links to (including but not limited to): Porn, Drugs, Hate, Terrorism or anything else you imagine should be listed here. People can do what they want elsewhere, but we're not looking to provide direction to these things.
Infraction System: There is an infraction system in place to help us keep this place clean. I will edit in what it *currently* looks like in a bit - but just know it is there. So many points you will be marked as 'on probation', and so many more you will lose posting rights for some time.
Username Changes: We will take username change requests on a case-by-case basis. We may or may not allow it - depending. Up till now we have allowed all requests. However if you choose to request it - please make sure you know what you want. To have it changed a second time will take some extra convincing on your part. This is not something we particularly love to do.
Account Deletions: We periodically get requests to delete an account. This was previously not allowed. You now have the following options:
1) We can drop you into a "Disabled" usergroup that does just that - locks the account down completely. This makes it unusable. However, the beauty here is if a user changes their mind it can easily be recovered.
2) We can "delete" your account. The vbulletin delete function removes the account completely, email association, etc. However it *does* leave all your posts in tact. It grays out the username attached to the posts and changes your title to "guest". So, all your posts are still in tact for the sake of conversation flow but the account is in fact deleted. This cannot be reversed. This option will require a "are you sure?" confirmation if you have any posts at all and once you say yes - we will do it. If you wish you hadn't requested it some time in the future.. bummer.
A complete purge (as in delete your account and all posts/pms/etc) is not allowed. It will mess with the flow of conversation and we like to keep what all is put on this forum for record. However should you have a special case you need to make to me, you're welcome to. If I see reason that a full purge is in fact necessary I will run it by Rob. Side note: All posts you delete or edit in your history to work around this can and will be reverted to whichever version of edit history we choose.
Site Rules/Guidelines
