Objective Rules and Administration Rights made clear

[Sn00p]

So I was recently banned for 'spamming' the Shoutbox.
The site's definition on spamming:

You are not allowed to post continuous non-topic related content. If you are going to post, keep it related to the thread. Those caught spamming for post count or just the heck of it will be taken care of.

By the website's definition of spamming - my posts were continuous but related to games and therefore on topic: this raises the question, was the banishment fair?

This question is raised due to the lack of objectivity in rules - the rules are open to interpretation and ambiguity where the moderators effectively form their own idea of precedents in rules that can be deceptive and provide inconsistency in the rules system.

I therefore propose that a formalized set of rules are released; ones that show objectivity and statute like form rather than leaving the entirety of rule making be given to the moderators or administrators. Using a quota of rules that stay by topic, without deviation from intent to provide a clear environment, will prevent ambiguity and problematic sanctions.

It should also be made clear as to the role of administrators and moderators; again no clear definition is given. By most forum status quo standard, a moderator is one who removes content rather than imposes any level of ban. Banishments from a website, game or content are usually left to an administrator level - however this is again proven to be ambiguous.

TL;DR - Rewrite the rules to be clear.

[2dgreengiant]

Shoutbox rules clearly state:

II. Spamming

1. DO NOT shout more than 4 times in a row.

You however posted 5 then wanted to continue the rampage you were on and ignored what another moderator said for you to do.

[Sn00p]

Tell me where it is on this page: MMOwned FAQ

And rampage? I posted 5 times about how I was pissed at Steam, and he jumped in to a ban? Stop being so melodramatic.

[Xel]

Actually the Shoutbox rules are pretty clear and self-explanatory. The only requirement is that you actually bother to read them.
Let me point you to the part that has to do with your ban:

II. Spamming

1. DO NOT shout more than 4 times in a row.
2. DO NOT spam, its annoying for one message to be split into multiple lines, instead put it into a single well-thought sentence.
3. DO NOT spam /me. 4. DO NOT spam 4chan stuff like "Shoop Da Woop" or "mudkipz".

EDIT:

And rampage? I posted 5 times about how I was pissed at Steam, and he jumped in to a ban? Stop being so melodramatic.

First ban you received was for 3 hours only. Sometimes bans are necessary to make the members realize the rules exist.

[Sn00p]

Again - it's not confined within the rules quota. You're simply defending the ban and digressing from the topic; I'm stating it should just be rewritten for a clear set of rules in one place.

[2dgreengiant]

That page is irrelevant to the shoutbox as it has their own rules, see: http://www.ownedcore.com/forums/news...awx-rulez.html ([READ] Bawx rulez) a little outdated compared to the big R located in the shoutbox I admit but same thing.Being the rank you are I would have assumed a higher level of maturity as you got a small 3 hour shoutbox ban yet have blow it totally out of proportion.

also:

6. DO NOT bother complaining, just accept that you broke a rule and were punished for it. It's best to live by these rules.

[Xel]

6. DO NOT bother complaining, just accept that you broke a rule and were punished for it. It's best to live by these rules.

I'm closing this thread now, if you feel like this case is not closed yet, contact me with a private message.

EDIT: As for what comes to the issue with rules not being clear or visible enough - we'll look into it.

[KuRIoS]

It is not our fault that you have not read the shoutbawx rules.. Try going into a bank yelling "This is a robbery" See what happens. Eventho there is no one telling you not to do it when you enter the bank!

Since you obviously haven't bothered reading the bawx rules. here you go..
Rules for the Shoutbawx: Updated 19th of September

I. Hating/Flaming

1. DO NOT flame someone for breaking the rules. Instead, tell them the rule they broke and point them to the rulebook.

II. Spamming

1. DO NOT shout more than 4 times in a row.
2. DO NOT spam, its annoying for one message to be split into multiple lines, instead put it into a single well-thought sentence.
3. DO NOT spam /me. 4. DO NOT spam 4chan stuff like "Shoop Da Woop" or "mudkipz".

III. Editing

1. DO NOT edit your shout to make it look as if someone said something they didn't.
2. DO realize that you can edit a shout by double-clicking it, rather than posting a new shout.

IV. Shouting

1. DO NOT use different fontsizes, underline, hard to read colors (blue,black,etc) or anything else that would make your shout un-readable!
2. DO think before you shout.
3. DO think of other's feelings.
4. DO remember you aren't the only one in the bawx, think before you shout, use common sense.

V. Linking

1. DO NOT link to shock sites (IE: 2Girls1Cup, Meatspin, etc.)
2. DO NOT link your own OwnedCore thread, unless it can help solve a question in the bawx.
3. DO NOT link pornographic material, jailbait, loli, or anything else deemed inappropriate by a staff member (IV-Shouting, Rule 4)

VI. Other Members

1. DO NOT release personal information about other members(MMOwned Member or not).
2. DO NOT ask why another member is banned.
3. DO NOT accuse others of having scammed MMOwned members in the bawx. PM a staff member about it instead, but if there is no trade thread then don't bother.
4. DO NOT annoy any member of the staff.

VII. Discussion

1. DO NOT Rick Roll!
2. DO NOT use other languages, real or game-oriented, in the Bawx. Not everybody can understand it / wants to use your translator.
3. DO NOT let Drug discussions get out of hand.
4. DO NOT let Sexual discussions get out of hand.
5. DO NOT beg for reputation in the bawx, or say something along the lines of "I only need 10 rep for contributor rank!".

VIII. Trading/Begging

1. DO NOT Trade/Buy/Sell in the Bawx in the ShoutBawx, take it to the Trading Section/PMs/MSN.*

IX. Moderation

1. DO NOT Question actions taken by moderators (If you have any question/issues, PM a Mod / Super Mod / Admin - Don't bring it up in front of everyone).
2. DO NOT Question one's integrity as a moderator. People who become moderator have been picked carefully and are able to do their jobs properly. If you disagree contact an admin.
3. If your name is not Cyan, Green, or Red, YOU ARE NOT A MODERATOR.
4. Not everyone receives the same punishment. Each staff member and day can be different.
5. Staff have priveledges - meaning they can break the rules. Just because a staffmember breaks a rule - doesn't mean that you can do it.
6. DO NOT bother complaining, just accept that you broke a rule and were punished for it. It's best to live by these rules.

NO Braincells crap!