A new warning system

[Starshine 16,333]

If the content is insulting, rude, vulgar, offensive, disparaging, belittling, derogatory, disrespectful, denigratory, pejorative, defamatory or generally unaccommodating and impacting negatively on the community - regardless of its form, and regardless of the original posters intent - We will consider the content as abusive behaviour, and act accordingly.

 

Wonderful!

<that's quite some list you got there by the way>

 

If you have a list already, we'd kindly appreciate it if you took the time to file a report on each post in it (or, alternatively, submitted the entire list as a support ticket). Although we don't plan to apply the new warning system retroactively, we would really prefer to clean up every character minimum violation we can. Someone could stumble across an old post with "100char!grfafdsafdsafdsapjuip" in it and go, "ooh, so THAT'S the way to get past the minimum!" and only earn themselves a warning later on.

 

The thing is, I got bored real quick when the offending post just won't disappear until days after I reported it. So I kinda figured to wait until there's lots of them.

 

I will try to report them all when I got a free time

 

Yes, both of those situations would definitely qualify for a warning. Please report such incidents whenever you come across them. As always, reports will be kept in the strictest confidentiality.

 

Thanks for the assuring words!

[Radiance64 7,053]

Oh boy, rules! Not like I broke any before, and I'll continue to try not to, but yeah, cool, rules rule.

And as much as the character limit annoys me, I will continue to try to resist my constant urges to bypass it.

Also, that person with a million warning points thing, that just can't be possible... right?

[Finesthour 7,287]

So wait wait wait.

 

"Sexual texts in post"

 

But what if it is like.. in a joking matter?

 

Reference:

http://mlpforums.com/topic/32081-50-shades-of-mlpforums/

 

I mean, I'd be ok with not making joke threads anymore. But I don't know what is acceptable anymore ;-;

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

Few Questions.

 

If arguments about a certain subjects (not personal ones) get a bit heated to a point that we are questioning eachothers opinions (I had one of these in a Scootaloo thread not too long ago) is that considered abusive behavior?

 

If people have to resort to name-calling, taunting, use of vulgarities and other profanities on a frequent basis on any discussion, it is considered abusive behaviour since it's not only rude to the other person, but is disruptive to the entire thread. People come here to discuss things peacefully, and they should not have to put up with someone's rude stance towards a certain value or belief another member may have. No one deserves that kind of treatment. That said, just take two seconds to report those kinds of posts and move on.

 

A sad part of my previous position as a moderator was the fact that I had to clean up (and, if the case was out of any staff members' comfort zone, lock) a few threads here and there, because people couldn't control their emotions or couldn't simply manage step away from their computer and just report it when they were under fire for providing people with their opinion (unpopular or not), or the thread had a subject which pertained to volatility. Just because the other guy is attempting to frustrate you or show a genuine disrespect towards you, does not mean you should stoop down to their level and lash back at them. I would say that this would be the best times to just pack your bags and leave the thread if you feel that things will go south. As much as I like to stand up for my values, it would probably be in your best interest to not post in the middle of a frenzy.

Edited September 11, 2012 by Devin McCourty

[Lost Profile 644]

So your finaly giving out warning points... The sights order is progressing... Yet, now Im scared... Lol

 

Il do my best to not... Um... Spam my post just to get 100/200 letters in it!!!

 

As for the other rules... I will definetly follow them!

[Crispy 5,563]

So wait wait wait.

 

"Sexual texts in post"

 

But what if it is like.. in a joking matter?

 

Reference:

http://mlpforums.com...s-of-mlpforums/

 

That was the funniest thread in a good while. I hope that kind of thing can stick around.

Still waiting on that tsundrere Zoop, Finest.

[Zoop 8,384]

I'm not talking about conspicuously working it into posts of questionable relevance or the outright derailing of threads. Just as an aside when an opportunity legitimately presents itself, such as a member lamenting a cancer prognosis or a political discussion regarding the dispensation of healthcare.

If a link to such a thing makes sense and isn't simply mindless spam, I don't really see an issue under the right circumstances - it wouldn't be advertising so much as it would be a meaningful contribution to the discussion at hand. Additionally, plugging your own site via your signature/profile is perfectly acceptable.

 

In the end, if you're uncertain if a specific course of action would run foul of our advertising rules, I'd encourage you to submit a support ticket about it, seeking clarification on the matter.

 

If arguments about a certain subjects (not personal ones) get a bit heated to a point that we are questioning eachothers opinions (I had one of these in a Scootaloo thread not too long ago) is that considered abusive behavior?

Only if one of more parties starts to act like a prick. Heated arguments are fine, and inevitable - it is perfectly possible to remain respectful through them. Being a jerk and/or goading someone into losing their temper? Not kosher.

 

I haven't been in the thread for a while, but like I said. Gonna have to watch it. Skirting that line was easier when it was blurry, heh.

Feel free to submit a query regarding any image or media that you're uncertain of - we'd be happy to review it and let you know if it's acceptable, especially if it involves hawt steamy shipping stuff.

 

Also, that person with a million warning points thing, that just can't be possible... right?

Dead serious. We may have had a bit of fun with that one. ^^;

 

Reference: http://mlpforums.com...s-of-mlpforums/

That thread is terrible and you should feel bad for making it, but that's not exactly what we have in mind. I MEANT PORN TEXT STUFF OKAY? D:

 

Still waiting on that tsundrere Zoop, Finest.

Don't make me hurt you.

[Finesthour 7,287]

Oh, so I can make more lovely pictures of Zoop and his wacky shipping adventures around the forum.

 

Get ready Zoop. I'll make a form birthday gift for you.

[Crispy 5,563]

 

 

Still waiting on that tsundrere Zoop, Finest.

 

Don't make me hurt you.

 

Oh, so I can make more lovely pictures of Zoop and his wacky shipping adventures around the forum.

 

Get ready Zoop. I'll make a form birthday gift for you.

 

We can just file things like this under "reasons I will never leave this forum as long as it is on the internet."

[Bronium 512]

Images that contain strongly implied sexuality, without any actual sex acts/genitals displayed, rather than very mildly suggestive/cutesy stuff like this.

That's a very fine line thread there. I mean, honestly, that picture was one of the things I thought comes under borderline. I assume that's the most suggestive pictures can be?

 

If the content is insulting, rude, vulgar, offensive, disparaging, belittling, derogatory, disrespectful, denigratory, pejorative, defamatory or generally unaccommodating and impacting negatively on the community - regardless of its form, and regardless of the original posters intent - we will consider the content as abusive behaviour, and act accordingly.

I cannot endorse this. Sometimes, humor can be considered "abusive' by those not in the know. I for one, think that staff should only award abusive points if the "victim" feels like he/she is being abused. For example, I insult my friends (irl) constantly. And they know that I'm joking. And they insult me back. And I know that they're joking. See, people who don't know our humor might confuse us as bullying each other. But we aren't. If someone feels abused, the best person to know that would be the person being bullied. And even so, sometimes such humor can go too far, and really hurt someone. So, when someone does report someone for abusive behavior, I'd say a little talk is worth having, but if the abuse is constant, then the points can flow as freely as you like.

[Zoop 8,384]

I cannot endorse this. Sometimes, humor can be considered "abusive' by those not in the know.

Such humor, if it is to such an extent that an outside observer would not be able to readily tell that it is all intended as a joke, serves little purpose other than to make everyone else - everyone that isn't 'in the know - uncomfortable, and uncertain as to what serves as acceptable content within this community.

 

If a guest is browsing the forum, deciding if he would like to join our community sees content like that being allowed to sit around in the open, what is to stop him or her from thinking that that sort of behavior is the norm here?

 

I'm sorry, but I cannot agree - joke or no joke.

[Evilshy 5,090]

Well, it's nice to have everything standardized, but it's not really standardized if it's still all moderator discretion. Only real change I see in this is now staff of any rank can suspend/ban someone, albeit in a roundabout way :/

[Zoop 8,384]

Well, it's nice to have everything standardized, but it's not really standardized if it's still all moderator discretion. Only real change I see in this is now staff of any rank can suspend/ban someone, albeit in a roundabout way :/

*Admin discretion.

 

Slight difference, but an important one.

 

Anyhow... you wouldn't want full-on trolls to be left alone until they've managed to reach 1,000 points, would you? That's pretty much the reason why that clause exists.

[Vicke 3,189]

I like the sound of this, good job guys!

However, i do have a few questions.

 

When it comes to the character limit rule, how ''hard'' will you guys be on it?

Because I've seen cases where there is 10 characters missing. If that would happen to be the case, would that member still receive 100 points?

 

When will it take a start?

Wait, it started now? Cool ^^

Edited September 11, 2012 by Vicke

[Zoop 8,384]

Because I've seen cases where there is 10 characters missing. If that would happen to be the case, would that member still receive 100 points?

 

If posts make it through due to some sort of technical derp, we're not going to come down on people; the only people that get hit with that warning will be those that have knowingly and willingly spat on our rules by way of blatantly trying to evade an automated system we have in place to prevent certain types of behavior.

 

"CHARACTER MINIMUM CHARACTER MINIMUM" and similar filler text will be punished, yes.

 

When will it take a start?

 

About three hours ago. :3

[PonyEcho 1,610]

i can get behind this , tho i have a habit of being a backseat mod at times

 

also i have a few questions

will the points be given the moment there post is remove for the violation or will there be a warning for it and if there seen doing it again then they get the warning points?

 

what this gonna do for mod queues are they still here, because if people are gonna get suspended from the forum it seems pointless, unless its gonna still be use for minor offences that don't result in suspension?

[Azura 1,107]

Is posting links or pictures of NSFW through Private Messages fine as long as they don't report it?

 

I'm just trying to make sure I don't break any of the rules.

[ParsoOfEquestria 1,490]

does advertising include posting your own youtube videos? i mean its essentially not advertising (unless its about advertising) its just showing off something you made, right?

[Page Turner 607]

Finally! A rule change that I can fully support.

does advertising include posting your own youtube videos? i mean its essentially not advertising (unless its about advertising) its just showing off something you made, right?

 

what he said, also what about linking to FanFics that I think are relavent to the topic at hand? I do that occasionally, when a topic reminds me of a Fanfic. that's not advertising is it?

[Swoop 2,278]

will the points be given the moment there post is remove for the violation or will there be a warning for it and if there seen doing it again then they get the warning points?

We've decided to opt for a simple two-step process:

• Any content in violation of the rules is removed.
• The member is warned and the corresponding warning points are issued.

No pre-warnings, no exceptions. Everyone gets the same treatment.*

 

what this gonna do for mod queues are they still here, because if people are gonna get suspended from the forum it seems pointless, unless its gonna still be use for minor offences that don't result in suspension?

We will still be using the moderation queue as required - mainly in the interest of promptly preventing sudden influxes of spam from members, as opposed to a longer-term disciplinary measure. An FAQ entry will be added in the near future to clarify the role of the mod queue.

 

Is posting links or pictures of NSFW through Private Messages fine as long as they don't report it?

This entire site is a NSFW-free zone; we don't allow NSFW content anywhere, PMs included. That said however, unless reported to us, we will never go though anyone's personal messages, so the issue of NSFW content in PMs is one of trust more than anything else. All we can do is ask that you respect the principles of the site, and keep NSFW content away from the Forums wherever possible.

 

does advertising include posting your own youtube videos? i mean its essentially not advertising (unless its about advertising) its just showing off something you made, right?

Posting and embedding individual videos and creations is completely fine - encouraged even! Slapping up a thread with just a link to your channel and leaving it at that however, is something we'd like to avoid (besides, we have an area on your profile specifically for you to link your Youtube channel). Just remember to post the actual content and you'll be fine.

 

what he said, also what about linking to FanFics that I think are relavent to the topic at hand? I do that occasionally, when a topic reminds me of a Fanfic. that's not advertising is it?

The same goes for fanfics and other creative works - linking to or copy/pasting your work directly is the way to go. If you'd like to link to something less specific, just run it by Feld0 first so he can give you the go-ahead.

 

 

*Obvious trolls do however receive special treatment. Namely a banhammer.

[Dusty Soul 2,611]

Well, all I can really say is that I fully support this. I also thought this was already in affect, but whatever, it's a great addition.

[Evilshy 5,090]

 

 

*Admin discretion.

 

Slight difference, but an important one.

 

Anyhow... you wouldn't want full-on trolls to be left alone until they've managed to reach 1,000 points, would you? That's pretty much the reason why that clause exists.

 

Ah, I just read it wrong. Admin discretion is okay.

And honestly, I wouldn't mind trolls sticking around a little longer. I enjoy participating the noble sport of counter-trolling.

[Wubsie 1,123]

I AM SO SORRY YOU CAN DELETE MY POSTS THAT HAVE THE WORD FILLER ON IT BUT IT WAS ONLY BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MUCH ELSE TO SAY ABOUT CERTAIN THINGS

[Street Comedy 327]

TBH, as much as I disagree with the large gap between Borderline-NSFW and NSFW, this is a VERY generous warning system. Defiently much more generous than Steam Forums (10 points = ban) and it's pretty okay punishing people depending on what they did.

 

This also pretty much censors the Random Chat thread.

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

Why the godawful huge gap between borderline NSFW and the actual NSFW? I rather afraid what one mod might see as a borderline, other mod will see it as an actual NSFW one.

 

That's the beauty of the new system: the inconsistencies in handing out warnings, verbal or otherwise, will be kept at a minimum if this pans out well. Before, it was tricky to establish what was considered "NSFW" since really, anything with a bit of "sauce" to it could be considered inappropriate. Granted, there will still probably be a teeny bit of discrepancy between moderators because, I'm not going to lie - different mods have different standpoints (no matter how insignificant) which create the aforementioned inconsistency, but the idea here is so that when moderators give out warning points, it'll be done much more consistently now that there's a refined guideline.