Communishyfen Code of Honor

Communishyfen Code of Honor
These are the official rules for the Communishyfen forums. Just as a note, we have nothing in particular to do with communism. 1- Proper Behavior 1.1- Inappropriate Behavior (Flaming, Trolling, Spamming, etc.) 1.2- ROMs, Warez, MP3s, and other such materials 1.3- Plagiarism 1.4- Vulgar and Obscene Language 2- Bumping Topics and Double-Posting 2.1- Bumping Topics 2.2- Double-Posting 3- Forum Functions 3.1- Editing 3.2- Post Deletion 3.3- Polls 3.4- PMs a.k.a Personal Messages 3.5- The Report Button 4- User Profiles, Signatures, and Avatars 4.1- Profiles 4.2- Signatures 4.3- Avatars 4.4- Multiple Accounts 5- Ranking, Staff, and User Names 5.1- Member Ranks 5.2- User Names 5.3- Staff 1- Proper Behavior 1.1- Inappropriate Behavior (Trolling, Flaming, Spamming, and other such actions) Spamming: The posting of irrelevant, annoying, or repetitive messages and/or threads. This includes advertising, if not approved by an Administrator, which it rarely will be. If you have your own site you wish to promote, you may place one link, and one link only, in your signature. Spamming is generally looked down upon. Do not expect respect from any fellow Commers if you do not give them, and the forum respect in return. Furthermore, those who spam in Serious Discussion or the Announcements forums will be warned. Persistent spamming in these subfora will results in temp-bans. Trolling: The posting of content that is purposely inteded to cause angry responses. Trolls can expect to be punished by staff. Persistent trolling will result in a ban. Threads made explicitly for the purpose of eliciting anger will be deleted on sight. Flaming: The posting of malicious, vicious, or other kinds of cruel content with the intent to hurt other members. The staff does not care who started it, or who was the "victim", if you are part of a Flame War, ANY part of a flame war, you will be punished. If someone is flaming you, report it to staff immediately, and the offenders will be the only ones punished. None of these things will be tolerated in the slightest. Flaming is the most serious of all these offenses. And it is not made any less serious if directed at punished members. You WILL be punished for these actions. Also beware of the content you post. NO pornography. 1.2- ROMs, Warez, MP3s, and other such materials. Of course, it is illegal to distribute such materials. Don't do it. If you offer any of these things or request them, you will be permanently banned. This penalty is not subject to negotiation. 1.3- Plagiarism Plagiarism is the stealing of somebody else work and claiming it as your own. All accusations of plagiarism will be investigated seriously. Anybody guilty of plagiarising from an outside source will be warned to take the offending material down. Refusal to do so within 24 hours, or repeated offenses will be permanently banned. Plagiarising from a fellow Commer will result in an instant permaban, this is not negotiable. 1.4- Vulgar and Obscene Language The first amendment applies here. That being said, you are also expected to be responsible in your application of free speech and to use it as befitting a mature, law abiding poster. Try to keep the rating on these forums roughly PG/PG-13. Racial slurs will result in immediate suspension, pending banning. We cannot take away your right to free speech, only the privilege of using this forum as your platform to exercise it. 2- Bumping Topics and Double-Posting 2.1- Bumping Topics Bumping topics is merely posting in a thread to keep it active and not really contributing in anyway. This is not permitted. If a topic is over 21 days old, DO NOT post in it. If a thread is over that limit and there is something you wish to add to it, PM an Admin or Mod and request permission. If it is given, include in your post that you indeed get permission from the contacted staff member. In the case of personal art showcase threads, spriting, hack showcase, or RP threads that YOU have made, you may bump without permission. Please use common sense in this area. Exceptions to the 21 Day rule are as follows: Pinned Threads Announcements Serious Discussion Art Showcases (Fine Art and Digital) RP threads over the length of 500 posts Original Fiction threads in The Library These exceptions are there because it is common sense not to spam in these particular places. People who intentionally spam in these particular topics will be punished more severely than normal. 2.2- Double-Posting This action is defined simply: posting twice in a row with no other responses in between. Though allowed in special situations, is frowned upon at the Communishyfen. If it can be helped in any possible way, don't do it. If a member repeatably commits this act with no reason, they will be temp-banned 3- Specific Forum Functions 3.1- Editing All posts in an unlocked topic may be edited. This is done using the edit button. The existence of this function is the very reason double-posting is not allowed. Note that this could also be used when updating one’s old fanfictions, lists of sprites, etc. 3.2- Post Deletion Posters also have a delete button as well, which may be used in open threads. It is useful for removing accidental double-posts or comments you no longer feel necessary or appropriate. Only Captains and above may delete entire threads. In fact, Captains may only delete their own threads, Mods and Admins have the ability to delete any thread. 3.3- Polls Polls are topics which allow members to quickly set up questions with a fixed set of answers. Informal polls are allowed only in the Section 8 forum. 3.4- PMs, a.k.a. Private Messages A very handy feature. Allows for private discussions between members. All the normal rules apply to the PM system. Be warned that even though they are "Private" messages, Admins can view them if they believe that you are breaking the rules. 3.5- The Report Button The report button allows a member to report a post they believe to be in violation of the rules. When you click this button, you will be asked for a reason for your report. If you are purposely using the function to irritate the staff or slander another member, you will be warned to stop. If you don't stop, you will be punished. 4- User Profiles, Signatures, and Avatars 4.1- Profiles Your profile, along with your signature, avatar, and PM box, can all be manipulated under the "my controls" tab. Here you may add various types information about yourself, as long as it does not violate any of the other rules. 4.2- Signatures Your signature is text and/or images that are automatically included in your posts. You may include whatever you find pleasing in your signature, so long as it does not violate any rules. Additionally, you are limited to a max of two images in your signature, and neither may exceed 300x500. Exceptions to this rule will made very rarely, and only after consultation with an Administrator. If you use a community member's art, you must have his/her permission, and must place a credit line in your signature. Further, if you use fanart you have found on the internet and the original artist demands credit or sig removal, you have to do so for them as well. 4.3- Avatars Your avatar is allowed to be 150x150 pixels or smaller and will be displayed on the left side of every post you make. It can be changed whenever you want, unless you have lost avatar privilages by violating rules. It should be hosted off of your own website, computer, photobucket, imageshack, or another such hosting site. The signature art ownership rules apply here as well. 4.4- Multiple Accounts Multiple accounts belonging to one person are not allowed. Period. If more than one person are coming from one computer, notify and Admin. Multiple accounts will usually lead to a ban, except when there are account problems. 5: Ranking, Staff, and User Names 5.1- Member Ranks Root: This is the current Root Admin. They are the ultimate authority on the boards. The Root has all admin privileges as well as seniority over the rest of the administration. Complaints about staff can be filed to the Root through the Private Messaging System or off-board channels like e-mail or instant messaging. Do not do so over an open forum. Admin: The Administrators are the senior members of the staff. They have access to the Admin control panel as well as the ability to ban offenders. Admins have the full confidence of the forum and Root to punish those who break the rules. Admin rulings are final, and arguing with one openly will result in further punishment. Moderators: Moderators are the junior members of the staff. They have the ability to lock and re-open topics as well as administer warnings. The word of a mod in an official capacity is law, arguing with their rulings openly will result in further punishment. Veterans- These, you could say, are the honored members of The Communishyfen. They know how to handle themselves on the board and have made real contributions to the forums. Veterans may be given preference over certain matters, and their word is worth more in the eyes of the staff. Commer- A normal member. Validating: This group is for recently joined members who have yet been approved for full access by the staff. Seeing as validation usually occurs quickly, do not expect to see many people in this group. Criminal- Pretty self explanatory. These members are being punished, whether by revocation of privileges, suspension, or ban. 5.2- User Names Your username is what is displayed as your name on the forums. Anyone experienced with the internet will know not to use their real name. Make sure it is nothing that would offend other members and is neither obscene or vulgar. If an admin finds that your username is inappropriate, they will change it. The first change is a warning. The second results in demotion (unspecified amount of time). The third is a two week temp-ban. The fourth infraction results in banning. 5.3- Current Staff Root Administrator Zeth Administrators Avalon (Pendragon) Cataphrak (Caius of Xen) Global Moderators Anne Brunner Inuit Goddess Board Moderators None ATM

These are the official rules for the Communishyfen forums. Just as a note, we have nothing in particular to do with communism.

1- Proper Behavior
1.1- Inappropriate Behavior (Flaming, Trolling, Spamming, etc.)
1.2- ROMs, Warez, MP3s, and other such materials
1.3- Plagiarism
1.4- Vulgar and Obscene Language

2- Bumping Topics and Double-Posting
2.1- Bumping Topics
2.2- Double-Posting

3- Forum Functions
3.1- Editing
3.2- Post Deletion
3.3- Polls
3.4- PMs a.k.a Personal Messages
3.5- The Report Button

4- User Profiles, Signatures, and Avatars
4.1- Profiles
4.2- Signatures
4.3- Avatars
4.4- Multiple Accounts

5- Ranking, Staff, and User Names
5.1- Member Ranks
5.2- User Names
5.3- Staff

1- Proper Behavior

1.1- Inappropriate Behavior (Trolling, Flaming, Spamming, and other such actions)
Spamming: The posting of irrelevant, annoying, or repetitive messages and/or threads. This includes advertising, if not approved by an Administrator, which it rarely will be. If you have your own site you wish to promote, you may place one link, and one link only, in your signature.
Spamming is generally looked down upon. Do not expect respect from any fellow Commers if you do not give them, and the forum respect in return. Furthermore, those who spam in Serious Discussion or the Announcements forums will be warned. Persistent spamming in these subfora will results in temp-bans.

Trolling: The posting of content that is purposely inteded to cause angry responses.
Trolls can expect to be punished by staff. Persistent trolling will result in a ban. Threads made explicitly for the purpose of eliciting anger will be deleted on sight.

Flaming: The posting of malicious, vicious, or other kinds of cruel content with the intent to hurt other members.
The staff does not care who started it, or who was the "victim", if you are part of a Flame War, ANY part of a flame war, you will be punished. If someone is flaming you, report it to staff immediately, and the offenders will be the only ones punished.

None of these things will be tolerated in the slightest. Flaming is the most serious of all these offenses. And it is not made any less serious if directed at punished members. You WILL be punished for these actions. Also beware of the content you post. NO pornography.

1.2- ROMs, Warez, MP3s, and other such materials.
Of course, it is illegal to distribute such materials. Don't do it. If you offer any of these things or request them, you will be permanently banned. This penalty is not subject to negotiation.

1.3- Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the stealing of somebody else work and claiming it as your own. All accusations of plagiarism will be investigated seriously. Anybody guilty of plagiarising from an outside source will be warned to take the offending material down. Refusal to do so within 24 hours, or repeated offenses will be permanently banned. Plagiarising from a fellow Commer will result in an instant permaban, this is not negotiable.

1.4- Vulgar and Obscene Language
The first amendment applies here. That being said, you are also expected to be responsible in your application of free speech and to use it as befitting a mature, law abiding poster. Try to keep the rating on these forums roughly PG/PG-13. Racial slurs will result in immediate suspension, pending banning. We cannot take away your right to free speech, only the privilege of using this forum as your platform to exercise it.

2- Bumping Topics and Double-Posting

2.1- Bumping Topics
Bumping topics is merely posting in a thread to keep it active and not really contributing in anyway. This is not permitted. If a topic is over 21 days old, DO NOT post in it. If a thread is over that limit and there is something you wish to add to it, PM an Admin or Mod and request permission. If it is given, include in your post that you indeed get permission from the contacted staff member. In the case of personal art showcase threads, spriting, hack showcase, or RP threads that YOU have made, you may bump without permission. Please use common sense in this area.

Exceptions to the 21 Day rule are as follows:
Pinned Threads
Announcements
Serious Discussion
Art Showcases (Fine Art and Digital)
RP threads over the length of 500 posts
Original Fiction threads in The Library

These exceptions are there because it is common sense not to spam in these particular places. People who intentionally spam in these particular topics will be punished more severely than normal.

2.2- Double-Posting
This action is defined simply: posting twice in a row with no other responses in between. Though allowed in special situations, is frowned upon at the Communishyfen. If it can be helped in any possible way, don't do it. If a member repeatably commits this act with no reason, they will be temp-banned

3- Specific Forum Functions

3.1- Editing
All posts in an unlocked topic may be edited. This is done using the edit button. The existence of this function is the very reason double-posting is not allowed. Note that this could also be used when updating one’s old fanfictions, lists of sprites, etc.

3.2- Post Deletion
Posters also have a delete button as well, which may be used in open threads. It is useful for removing accidental double-posts or comments you no longer feel necessary or appropriate. Only Captains and above may delete entire threads. In fact, Captains may only delete their own threads, Mods and Admins have the ability to delete any thread.

3.3- Polls
Polls are topics which allow members to quickly set up questions with a fixed set of answers. Informal polls are allowed only in the Section 8 forum.

3.4- PMs, a.k.a. Private Messages
A very handy feature. Allows for private discussions between members. All the normal rules apply to the PM system. Be warned that even though they are "Private" messages, Admins can view them if they believe that you are breaking the rules.

3.5- The Report Button
The report button allows a member to report a post they believe to be in violation of the rules. When you click this button, you will be asked for a reason for your report. If you are purposely using the function to irritate the staff or slander another member, you will be warned to stop. If you don't stop, you will be punished.

4- User Profiles, Signatures, and Avatars

4.1- Profiles
Your profile, along with your signature, avatar, and PM box, can all be manipulated under the "my controls" tab. Here you may add various types information about yourself, as long as it does not violate any of the other rules.

4.2- Signatures
Your signature is text and/or images that are automatically included in your posts. You may include whatever you find pleasing in your signature, so long as it does not violate any rules. Additionally, you are limited to a max of two images in your signature, and neither may exceed 300x500. Exceptions to this rule will made very rarely, and only after consultation with an Administrator. If you use a community member's art, you must have his/her permission, and must place a credit line in your signature. Further, if you use fanart you have found on the internet and the original artist demands credit or sig removal, you have to do so for them as well.

4.3- Avatars
Your avatar is allowed to be 150x150 pixels or smaller and will be displayed on the left side of every post you make. It can be changed whenever you want, unless you have lost avatar privilages by violating rules. It should be hosted off of your own website, computer, photobucket, imageshack, or another such hosting site. The signature art ownership rules apply here as well.

4.4- Multiple Accounts
Multiple accounts belonging to one person are not allowed. Period. If more than one person are coming from one computer, notify and Admin. Multiple accounts will usually lead to a ban, except when there are account problems.

5: Ranking, Staff, and User Names

5.1- Member Ranks
Root: This is the current Root Admin. They are the ultimate authority on the boards. The Root has all admin privileges as well as seniority over the rest of the administration. Complaints about staff can be filed to the Root through the Private Messaging System or off-board channels like e-mail or instant messaging. Do not do so over an open forum.

Admin: The Administrators are the senior members of the staff. They have access to the Admin control panel as well as the ability to ban offenders. Admins have the full confidence of the forum and Root to punish those who break the rules. Admin rulings are final, and arguing with one openly will result in further punishment.

Moderators: Moderators are the junior members of the staff. They have the ability to lock and re-open topics as well as administer warnings. The word of a mod in an official capacity is law, arguing with their rulings openly will result in further punishment.

Veterans- These, you could say, are the honored members of The Communishyfen. They know how to handle themselves on the board and have made real contributions to the forums. Veterans may be given preference over certain matters, and their word is worth more in the eyes of the staff.

Commer- A normal member.

Validating: This group is for recently joined members who have yet been approved for full access by the staff. Seeing as validation usually occurs quickly, do not expect to see many people in this group.

Criminal- Pretty self explanatory. These members are being punished, whether by revocation of privileges, suspension, or ban.

5.2- User Names
Your username is what is displayed as your name on the forums. Anyone experienced with the internet will know not to use their real name. Make sure it is nothing that would offend other members and is neither obscene or vulgar. If an admin finds that your username is inappropriate, they will change it. The first change is a warning. The second results in demotion (unspecified amount of time). The third is a two week temp-ban. The fourth infraction results in banning.

5.3- Current Staff

Root Administrator
Zeth

Administrators
Avalon (Pendragon)
Cataphrak (Caius of Xen)

Global Moderators
Anne Brunner
Inuit Goddess

Board Moderators
None ATM

Currently Running RolePlays: