Let us turn over a new leaf. I offer these Five Rules of Respect.
1. A little kindness goes a long way.2. Respect the intent of the thread.
- Always be polite when you post, even if you strongly disagree with something that is said.
- Answer questions if you can. If it is a common question, direct them to our FAQ. If it is a question best answered on another forum or in an existing thread, refer them there. Otherwise, answer it yourself. No need to be unfriendly.
- If you feel that you cannot answer kindly, don't reply at all. It is better to say nothing, than to spread ill-will on this forum.
3. Be respectful of other people's work.
- Questions and debates are common here, and those asking the questions are directed here by the larger forum community and the moderators, because they know they will recieve informed, respectful opinions. Feel free to offer your opinion, but do so in a way and tone that reflects well upon the community.
4. English is a wondrous language. We encourage you to use it.
- When criticizing other people's work, be constructive.
- Offer helpful suggestions.
- Tell them what they have done right, as well as where they need to improve.
- Be polite about it. There is no need to flame people.
5. Trolls.
- Make your posts clear and understandable. For longer posts, consider writing it out in MS Word first, and running a spell check.
- Trolling and Flaming is not allowed on the site. We ask that all members show respect for each other.
- If a post blatently breaks the rules simply report it, as opposed to calling the poster a name.
- Report troll threads using the "R" (Report) button.This method really does work. Be patient.
- Do not reply with "/reported." Report the thread and move on. Anything else simply encourages the troll.
Failure to comply with these rules may result in a warning or a ban from one of the staff members.
These Five Rules of Respect are designed to make our forum the sort of place we all want it to be. It can be this way. It can a relaxing, fun place to participate, but only if we make it so. It is up to each of us to contribute to that congenial atmosphere. It is up to each of us to take that extra pause, and consider not just what we say, but how we choose to say it. Are we being respectful and polite, even in the face of those who wish to offend and anger us? Are we being examples to others here? Are we being the sort of posters that we would want to interact with? It's up to us...
-Alkhara Majere
MMOwned Staff