Think before you post and don’t click the reply button in haste.

Basic Rules of Conduct

Keep it Clean

Refrain from swearing and name calling in the forums.

Do try to communicate what you mean and feel without using profanity. If you have the need to clear the air, try to PM the person directly but do so after thinking about what you are going to say.

If all else fails PM the moderators.

To sticky or not to sticky

Do not make a thread a sticky unless it is time sensitive.

Proper Subject lines

Be specific. Post complete and detailed subject lines. The subject line “Cancelled” is too vague. Proper subject lines could be “Practice June 24th cancelled” or “Cancelled: Car Wash March 20th”


Common Things That Will Get You Banned

Persistant Flame Wars

If a discussion degenerates into a series of personal attacks the thread will be shut down. If repeated offenses are not remedied the offender risks being permanently banned.

Posting pornographic images,etc.

Most of this is open to the public, and there are lots and lots of people to whom it is illegal to show that stuff. That means that you will be punished if you post something with the above content.

If something is borderline, LINK to it with a warning as to the content, or PM a mod before posting. If you're about to post something that could cause trouble for users browsing while at school or work, add a "NSFW" (Not Safe For Work) tag to the subject line.

Trolling

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. There tends to be a thin line between being annoying and being funny. Those who cross it--whether through a lack of familiarity with the forums or as sad, twisted, bid for attention--will be banned.

Racism

No Racism. Not even that ironic "lol nigra stole my bike" racism. No. Bad.

Common Mistakes That Will Get You in Trouble

Making a "Hi, I'm New!" thread

This forum sees a veritable tide of new users every day, and there would be no actual discussions going on if each and every one of you decided to make an introductory thread. Lurk for a while, get a feel for the place, find an active thread that interests you, and join the conversation. It would be a good idea to avoid hitting the new topic button for a few days unless you've got something staggeringly interesting to say. If you're making five new topics in your first hour YOU ARE DOING SOMETHING WRONG. It is also inadvisable to make your first post a new topic.

Beginning redundant threads

We are not a news service, but many of us check them frequently. Before you make a topic specifically to bring us a link, animation, or story, do a quick forum search for the URL and related keywords. If the only thing you're posting is the link, you might want to consider posting it in Linksville.

Plugging your personal website

This comes off rather badly if you do it too soon after joining. It is known as "site-whoring," and you will be flamed. If you want to plug your (or anyone else's) site, put a link in your sig, or wait until you are an established reg.

Starting a new thread asking why another thread was locked

PM a moderator if you really don't understand why a thread was locked. Also, do not make a thread solely for the purpose of referring to a thread that has been locked. Even if it's a joke thread, it's not funny enough to warrant it.

Failing to pay a modicum of attention to grammar and spelling

Nobody here demands epic poetry from other users, but posts that are incomprehensible will most likely be misinterpreted, ignored, or flamed.

Making alternate accounts, otherwise known as "alts"

Unless it's a terribly, terribly clever alt, expect to have it taken away. And keep in mind that if it's terribly, terribly stupid, you might be stuck with it.

Quoting the rules if you do not know them

Loudly and disruptively proclaiming a thread or post to be against the rules without being able to back up your accusation will come to no good.

Necroposting

Unless you've got something incredibly insightful to say and a genuine interest in continuing the discussion, don't bump old threads that have died a natural death.

Signing your posts

That's what sigs are for.

How To Avoid Being a Flamed/Obliterated

Lurk

Reading threads and announcements without posting will help give you an instinctive idea of what will and will not be tolerated by the forum and the mods.

Think before you post

Is this post necessary? Am I responding in anger? Do I actually have incite into this topic?