Rules which apply to every forum
Don't Be a Dick
This rule is both terribly simple to understand and terribly simple to follow. Acting like a dick on these forums, especially if you are new here, will bring no goodness your way. Acting civil and respectful will avoid 99% of the problems that anyone would ever run into on these forums.
** Don't EVER use the n-word. **
We have a high tolerance for vulgarity on these forums, but we draw the line at this most controversial of slang words. This is not open to debate. Using the n-word or variations of it on these forums will result in strict punishment.
Don't post nudity, porn, 'shock' images/videos or disturbing medical photos/videos.
Don't PM them, either. Same goes for any other explicit content, including ytmnds. This is a forum for 13+'s, and a lot of people browse from work or school (and no, we don't care if you think they 'should' do that or not. Shut up). NB: Some images may be borderline, or necessary in the context of the thread. After asking a mod about it, you may link these using the "url" rather than the "img" tags, and tag the link with "NSFW" and a short description of what you're linking to. So long as you provide fair warning, its ok. Spoilering these images is not okay. You must link to them; things in spoiler tags still load.
Don't post enormous images and gifs
Link them if the file size is over 100kb or so (again, link, not spoiler). Use the spoiler tags on H-scroll-breaking pictures, if you can't avoid using them. Give people a choice about how much they download; not everyone has an intertube as big as yours. If you must post large images in-line, label the thread "NSF56k" (which means "Not Safe For 56k"), and keep all in-line image posts below 500k.
Don't troll.
This has a working definition of "attempting to be as annoying as possible while still technically obeying the rules," and it's not the way to go about getting attention. Attempting to derail threads, posting off-topic bullshit, or flame-baiting are all verboten (except in General, where the somewhat looser "don't be a dick" standard applies). There also tends to be a thin line between being abusive and immature and simply being argumentative. Crossing it persistently will lead to a ban.
No Forum Raids
This includes other subforums here, forums elsewhere, livejournals, blogs, vent/skype channels and similar personal spaces. You will not use this space as a base from which to harass people, even if you think they really really deserve it.
No "Thread Assassination"
You don't like a particular topic? Don't post in it. You don't get to dictate the topics of conversation here, that's the mods' job.
Don't act like your opinions are sacred.
No matter what they are. We're not in the business of protecting you from being challenged.
Don't make threads like...
Hi, I'm New!!! Please give me gold and run me through BRD" - Man, we don't care. We get tons of new users every day; if they all made a thread like that, this place would be nothing but threads by new users. In general - we expect people to be mature and patient.
"Look at my site! Buy my stuff!" - Uhhh, no. Go away, sitewhore. Its totally fine to put a link in your sig if you want to show off your work, or hock some gear, though.
Redundant threads - One is enough. Look before you start something new.
Threads in which you bitch about the rules, the mods, the thread that just got locked, or your "worst forum enemy." PM us if you have a problem. Mind you, if you have a "worst forum enemy," seek mental help instead. Corollary: Don't pull this crap in established threads either. Mod decisions are to be discussed in private.
DO stick to the topic as best you can.
Don't be scared to start a new thread on a tangential issue if you want to talk about it, rather than waiting for the mods to split it off .
DO Pay attention to grammar and spelling
We're not total Nazis, but don't expect us to accommodate your wacky ideas on how the English language works. This isn't 'Nam, dammit, there are rules. Stupid crap like coloring all your posts pink is out, too. And dear god, no leetspeak without a heavy dose of irony. ;)
DO Read the topic
This can't be emphasized enough. You're not that special; if the thread is over 5 pages long or so, someone's probably already said what you want to. Check where the thread is at before you post, or things just go in circles, and the forumers get dizzy and fall over.
DO Know the rules
before berating others about them. Attempting to stifle discussion or play Mod by waving the rules around is pretty goddamn annoying, so just don't. If you think a post is seriously breaking the rules, report it. Speaking of which... Don't be afraid to Report a Questionable or Offensive Post!
DO Keep your sig below 500px by 80px
Sig heights: Max 500px wide by 80 high. That's the whole thing, mind. Keeps things nice and readable. Also, try and keep your avatar/sig total size under 50kb or so - not everyone has the kind of bandwidth one can run a small country on. You may instead have a text signature of up to 4 lines in length; you may not have text and an 80-pixel high signature.
Also, Forum avatars are limited to 150px wide by 150px high.
