Chat Box Rules1.
Be respectful to each other. It does not matter if you are a student or a teacher, child or adult, we all want to be treated with respect.
2.
Keep private things private. If you are having an issue with someone, please take it to a PM. We don't want to witness your disagreement. Similarly, if someone is breaking a rule, please PM a staff member instead of cluttering the chatbox with complaints.
3.
Be mindful of each others feelings. Playful teasing can be fun, but if someone asks you to stop, please stop. Continuing to do so would be bullying, and we don't like bullies.
4.
Please avoid topics that may make people uncomfortable. We don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. This includes but is not limited to religion, politics, and such similar topics. Those are conversations better had on MSN or Skype.
5.
Decency rules still apply.
6.
You may choose any color text you want for the chatbox EXCEPT RED. Red is reserved for staff members who need to make official announcements/warnings.
7.
NO GOD MODDING: Just like on the boards, you cannot control what another character does or does not do in the CB. You can aim a spell at them, for example, but you cannot 'hit' them with a spell.
8.
NO KILLING: Just don't do it. You can kill people with permission on the board. No unforgiveables are allowed in the CB. Do not test this rule.
9.
NO EXCESSIVE DRINKING, DESTRUCTION, OR OTHERWISE HARMFUL ACTS: These are up to the mods to determine. Basically though, if a mod asks you to stop, then stop. Be respectful of every member. If it is an OOC request or a mod request, it will either be in RED TEXT or have (OOC: ) with the message written so you are well aware.
10.
Please understand that for the most part, we are in character in the chat box. That is not to say that sometimes we do not deviate from that, but for the most part, it is more fun. The chat box is often a good source and stream of information regarding characters and plots that are happening on board, allowing one to quickly catch up to speed with what is going on. It is also a great way to see how your character(s) interacts with others, giving you a feel for who to post with and why.
With that being said, and I cannot stress this enough, not all characters are going to get along. Not all characters are going to see eye to eye. Not all characters are going to like each other. As it is on the board. Do not expect for everyone to get along with your character. Do not expect everyone to like them. Do not expect everyone to see eye to eye with them. And above all else, do not take it personally when those things come to pass. When IC, whatever is taking place is between the characters. Not the handlers. Which leads me to my next point.
11.
If, however, you feel like your character is getting bashed, or picked on, and it is beginning to make you feel as if it is turning personal, please, do not hold off on notifying a chat box mod by way of PM so that the issue can be addressed and resolved properly. If it is a chat box mod who is making you feel so, then please, notify one of the Founders/Admins as soon as possible. Again, by way of PM.
12.
If you are IC, then play true to your character. End of story.
13.
Please do not nag. If you have said something once or twice, the rest of the occupants have most likely gotten the message. There is no need to spam the chat box with your repeats.
14.
Patience. Please practice it. I know we are all roaring to post and develop our characters, but please try to remember that many people may have quite a few characters. This will mean that you might not always get an answering post right back. So please, do not constantly ask for one or give constant reminders. Letting someone know you posted once is generally good enough. There should be no need to do so more than that. If you asked a question, give someone time to answer. The chat box is often fast paced, and most times people are juggling it along with posting, so it may take time for someone to give you an answer.
15.
Constant fighting and arguing will not be tolerated. We understand that characters will bump heads, and that some may argue. But, there is no excuse for this to be a constant thing. Not only is it stressful, but it takes the fun out of being in the chat box. I do not care who, what, when, where, or why. If you cannot play nice on any sort of level with others, then do not be in the chat box with others. Being around simply to cause problems and arguments will not be tolerated, especially if they are the same ones over and over again. It gets redundant and frustrating.
16.
Do not ignore requests made by others. If you are speaking of something, whether IC or OOC, that is offensive to someone, and they ask you to stop, please do so. Do not ignore their request. Do not acknowledge their request and then continue to do so. Likewise, if you are doing something and someone asks you to stop, please do so. Furthermore, do not ignore when you have been corrected or told no about something. Do not continue to ask other people the same question in the hopes of receiving a different answer after someone else has already answered it. The answer will not change.
17.
Do not argue. If you have been corrected, told no about something, or anything within that frame, do not argue the point. If you feel you were treated unfairly, or have any concerns regarding what you were told or corrected about or even by who, please take it out of CB and either PM that person, or an admin.
18.
There will be NO SMUT IN THE CHAT BOX. Ever. By anyone. Do not do it. I don't care if there is no admin or mod around. That only increases the chances of you getting caught, as no one can clear your dirty deeds. I don't care if you are an admin or mod. This rule applies to EVERYONE. ANYONE caught violating this rule will lose their chat box privileges for a week. You have been warned. Do not tempt me.
19.
We are all old enough to read and understand these rules, which means we are all old enough to act with a certain level of maturity. If you have a problem with a certain character, handler, mod, admin, or even several, then send them a PM explaining your concerns or issues. In a mature way. Likewise, if someone sends you such a PM, handle your response maturely. If things cannot be resolved via this course between the people the issue exists with, at that point contact an admin and we will work with those parties to come up with the best solution for everyone involved.
These guidelines and rules can be applied both IC and OOC. They are not being suggested. We want everyone to have a fun time, after all, that is why we are all here. Now, as for repercussions should you break these rules...
Your first offense will get you a warning. Whether by admin, mod, or someone not either. If you are not either, and someone is continuously breaking the rules or not following them, even after you have warned them about it, please tell an admin or mod via PM. We will handle it from there. Do not create an argument over it. Wait for one of those in charge to handle it appropriately.
Your second offense will get you kicked from the chat box, and a secondary warning. While I hope we do not need to get to this stage, it will happen if you do not correct your behavior according to the rules and guidelines.
Your third offense will get you kicked and banned from the chat box for a time frame that will be determined based on the violation. You have been warned.
If you continue even after the third offense, then you will be banned permanently from the chat box.
Everyone deserves to be respected. As such, it is not only the admins and/or mods who can uphold these rules and guidelines. If someone who is not either tells you you are breaking a rule and asks you to stop, we expect you to heed that request and warning. Do not disregard someone simply because they do not have an @. If you do, whatever warning they gave you counts as your first offense, and you will be on your second offense when it comes to the attention of a mod or admin.
Please remember that these rules/guidelines are subject to change at any time. At which point you will be notified of such changes. If you have any questions, comments, and/or concerns regarding any of these rules/guidelines, please contact any or all of the founders. We will be most happy to address your concerns and answer your questions.
Please use the following code and post below that you have read ALL the rules, and understand them, as well as can abide by them.
- Code:
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I, [character's name], have fully read and understand the rules of this site, and agree that I can not only follow and abide them, but also that I can uphold them to the best of my ability.