Forum Rules and Etiquette
This guide aims to outline the general rules and expected behavior that forum users should follow at all times. Failure to follow these rules can result in your posts being deleted or your forums account being suspended.
- Off-Topic Posts
Making a post not relevant to the topic. When making a post make sure it connects to the topic. Not only is it irrelevant to what the author of the topic is trying to talk about, but you may cause other users to start making replies to your off-topic post and cause more posts that don’t contribute to the point of the topic.
- Bumping Old Topics/Necro-Posting
Making a post on a topic that hasn’t been responded to in a long time (typically longer than two weeks) and is considered inactive. In some cases this is OK, as long as it still contributes to the topic. An example of this is if there’s a significant update to the topic which may constitute making a new post to that topic. However, it’s definitely not OK to just bump a topic with intention to bring it back into the latest feed. When making posts please ensure that you are not responding to a topic that is too old, and if so, consider if your post is significant enough to warrant bringing back the discussion.
- Double+ Posting
Posting two or more times in succession on a topic. This ultimately causes an unnecessary post. If you have multiple things to say, you can do it all in one post. If you create a post and later wish to add something, edit your original post. Keep in mind it is OK to make multiple posts on a topic as long as there is actual conversation going back and forth between other users.
- Spam
Making a post that is completely useless and has no meaning. This shouldn’t require much explanation. When posting make sure your post has substance and contributes to the topic at hand.
- Harassment
Making a post with the intention of attacking another member. The forums primarily serves as a place for civil discourse and discussing matters concerning the server. This is not a place for personal arguments, belittling or degrading users, or other disrespectful and negative encounters. In a situation where you feel like a certain user is breaking the rules, be sure to take the necessary steps in doing so–it will help get your point across in the correct manner and help the moderators handle the issue effectively.
- Post Farming
Making posts solely to obtain a high post count. There is a common misconception that having a high number of posts improves your chances of getting a staff position. This is absolutely false. The forums serves as a medium for players to engage in discussions and contribute meaningful input to the server and its players. Those seeking to make posts wherever possible to boost their post counts are disregarding the purpose of the forums and for that reason this behavior is disallowed. The forums is not meant for users to compete for the highest statistics. When making posts ensure you’re doing so thoughtfully and for the purpose of making positive contributions to the server, instead of for yourself.
- Ranting
Making a post designed to express anger and complain about a particular subject. This is different from constructive criticism. The problem with ranting is that it presents a problem intensely but makes no attempt to solve it. When asking for change, it is important to do so in a manner that is civil and respectful and in a way that makes you actually worth listening to. Ranting in a public forum does not accomplish anything. That being said, try the constructive criticism approach by giving honest feedback and suggesting changes on something you may be disappointed with.
- Like Begging
Asking or otherwise trying to get others to like your post. The like system is solely for people to use if they’ve found your post informative, helpful, comical, or otherwise worthy of a tip of appreciation. Do not ask or hint at others to like any posts you make. Keep in mind that likes are not a measure of your helpfulness or positivity in the community. To keep it simple, others like your post if they simply like it for any reason; leave it up to them.
- Mini-modding
Making a post solely to point out a mistake someone has made. This is different from posts such as “Please make a support ticket”, as you are helping the original poster meet their needs. But for example, if a player has mistakenly put a topic in the wrong category, don’t make a post just to say “Please post this in the correct category”. It distracts from the topic and is unnecessary to post. If you feel as if someone has broken a rule or a post needs to be looked at, please flag the post and allow moderators to address the issue.
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Moderators may remove posts at their own discretion, regardless of whether or not the content of the post is described here. For issues regarding removal of content, or for any issues you have concerning the forums, flag the post in question (if applicable), or directly message an appropriate staff member.
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Be respectful at all times. If you disagree with someone on a topic, disagree respectfully. When creating a post, be mindful of what you are posting and how others may interpret it. Because of the nature of the forums, your words can hold more of a longer-lasting impression on others than you may realize. For this reason, it is important to stay committed to promoting a positive atmosphere while contributing to the forums, no matter what the discussion is about.