Rules of the Marriland Forums! A MUST READ!

[PokeMama]

Welcome to the Marriland Forums! This post here contains all of the Rules of the Marriland Forums, and all of the members here are required to abide by them to maintain order and peace between all members, as well as ensure that everyone have a good time.

Please, take the time to familiarize yourself with these rules. They are numerically ordered for categorization purposes.

• 1. No inappropriate language or discussion!
  • This rule is very important. Unlike a lot of Forums that like to let things slide, the Marriland Forums are rated PG. The Marriland Forums are to be appropriate for children and parents, and are to be family-friendly.
    
  • Please, do understand that this rule is not in place because we want to spoil anyone's fun. This rule is in place so parents and younger children may enjoy our wonderful Forums as well.
    
  • To help prevent people from using offensive language, a censor system is active on the Forums by default. It is there to catch any words that our staff feels as inappropriate. If you do not wish to watch your tongue and are old enough to allow harsh language, you can go to the User Control Panel/Board Preferences/Edit Display Options/Enable Word Censoring/No.
    • All words considered to be offensive will automatically be replaced with a less harsh word, such as "scrub"
      
    • As effective as our censors are, inconsiderate people will of course try to get around them somehow. This constitutes as censor bypassing, and will not be tolerated. People that behave in such a manner will be moved to the 'Sandbox', meaning their posts must be approved before they'll be visible on the boards.
      
    • If a word is caught by the censors (i.e., you see "scrub' or whatever such replaced word in someone's post), it is not considered to be offensive language, and no action will be taken.
      
    • The same holds true if the word itself is completely illegible to read as an inappropriate word. For instance, if "Milk" were to be considered an inappropriate word (it's not, but for this example, it is):
      • 'scrub' is ok.
        
      • !@#$% is ok.
        
      • **** is ok.
        
      • Mi1k is NOT ok.
        
      • M**k is NOT ok.
        
      • M*** is NOT ok.
  • Not all words are considered offensive alone, but when they are used in particular context, they become offensive. And remember, even the context alone can be considered offensive if you use it in a derogatory fashion.
  • No discussion of suicide, thoughts of suicide, or behavior such as 'cutting' on the boards. This can be a very delicate matter and is not appropriate for our Forums.
• 2. No Flaming, Bashing, Pressuring, or Insulting other users or people!
  • One important rule on the Marriland Forums is respect. We at the Marriland Forums believe that respecting other users and people is very important and helps keep everyone friendly.
    
  • Posting a distasteful or inappropriate message directed at another user or another person is disrespectful and will not be tolerated. Show some courtesy, and refrain from saying anything of the sort in the first place.
    
  • Please refrain from making topics about Religion and Politics... these tend to be two subjects that can be very sensitive in nature and subject to arguments and flaming in the course of heated debates. Unfortunately we've had many problems with topics on these subjects in the past, so out of respect for the multicultural diversity we have here and everyone's right to having their own beliefs, without being insulted or harassed for them, we ask that you please not create such topics or they may be locked or removed from the boards.
    
  • Racial slurs are not acceptable at any time on our boards and may result in your account being banned at our discretion.
    
  • Be understanding of the fact that yes, someone may be wrong, or at least in your opinion, but it is not your sole responsibility to force them to believe that your way is right. Do not make people feel insignificant or like fools.
    
  • Debating is fine. Arguing can be fine as long as the argument remains civil. But going on and on about something that is clearly only irritating a particular user or group of users is definitely drawing the line.
    
  • If you have a problem with a certain member on the Forums, please, do not say it directly to their face. Don't take it up with them, and don't purposely try and antagonize them. The best course of action you can take towards someone that you just don't care for is to just ignore them and their posts.
    
  • If a user is harassing or insulting you, please contact a Moderator or Administrator about it immediately. If the insult took place over a Private Message (PM), please contact an Administrator about it, and include the URL to the Private Message! If the harassment or insult took place on another Forum, or in an instant messenger client, there is unfortunately nothing we can do, because it did not occur on the Marriland Forums and we can not prove that the harassment even took place.
    
  • Here are some good examples of what behavior is considered to be appropriate and inappropriate, as far as this topic goes:
    • "Hey, what type is Luxio?"
      "It's an Electric-type." = GOOD
      
    • "Hey, what type is Luxio?"
      "its an Electric-type, you n00b." = BAD
      
    • "What's up, guys?"
      "u are stupid" = BAD
      
    • "Where do I find ________?"
      "You can find _________ at _________." = GOOD
      
    • "Where do I find ________?"
      "u idiot how do u not no were it is!! loser" = BAD
      
    • "I'm new here!"
      "no one cares" = BAD
      
    • "I'm responding to a prexisting topic."
      "i hate u and u need to leave da forums" = BAD
      
    • "I don't want to battle."
      "c'mon chicken battle me chicken!!" = BAD
      
    • "I don't want to battle."
      "alright." = GOOD
      
    • "Respond to my private messages!" = BAD
• 3. No posting, linking to, or promoting offensive, inappropriate, or illegal activities!
  • Being a Forum where anyone is able to post freely, without prior validation, it is important to make sure that this rule is followed. No offensive, inappropriate, or illegal activities should be discussed, promoted, linked to, or encouraged on these Forums!
    
  • Examples of such behavior include:
    • Posting a link to a website that contains inappropriate language or content on the other end.
      
    • Posting an image from a website, or using an image from a website, that contains any of the following in it:
      • Distasteful amounts of Blood
        
      • Excessive Violence
        
      • Racism or Prejudice
        
      • Offensive Language
        
      • Sexual-themed images
        
      • Anything that could offend numerous people
      Basically, if you think it might be controversial, don't post it. It's not worth it.
      
    • Posting links to inappropriate sites is also against the rules. Examples of such sites would be sites that contain:
      • Offensive or inappropriate language
        
      • Inappropriate material or themes
        
      • Racism or prejudice
        
      • ROMs, Emulators, MP3s, Crackz, Warez, or other ILLEGAL material.
        
      • YouTube (or similar service) videos of U.S. Released Anime Episodes, such as episodes of Pokemon or Dragon Ball Z.
        
      • Numerous pop ups or other disruptive ads, without prior warning
        
      • Viruses, Spyware, or Malware
        
      • Products that you are trying to sell, or trying to encourage people to click links or sign up for something (advertising)
  • Posting any form of scrub, images or links, will result in a full account and IP ban, removing your ability to ever visit the Forums again. There are minors on this Forum that do not need to be exposed to such material. Your IP address will be logged and your ISP will be informed of your posting scrub material to minors, resulting in either removal of your internet connection or possibly further legal action.
    
  • All of these rules apply to your posts, signature, avatar, location, website URL, and every other part of your account and its presence on the Forums.
    
  • We at Marriland.com cannot be held responsible for the posting of offensive materials such as images or links with offensive language or content in them, as it is beyond our control. We will remove any images or links as quickly as it is brought to a Moderator or Administrator's attention, but we apologize in advance for any exposure to such material that may have occurred during the time of the incident and the time of removal.
• 4. No Spamming, Flooding, or Disruptive Posting
  • Spamming, which is the act of repeatedly posting pointless messages for the sole purpose of gaining points of post count, is not tolerated here. Please, when you post, make sure that your post is:
    • On-topic with the theme of the topic
      
    • Longer than 3 words
      
    • Not annoying
      
    • Not for the sole purpose of earning posts or points
  • This kind of behavior is not to be tolerated on any Forum of the Marriland Forums. One Forum here, Games and Other Randomness, is typically more lenient to the quality of posts.
    
  • "Bumping" posts, which usually results in short posts being made, will be covered in the next section. "Bumping" is exempt from the Spamming rules.
    
  • When responding to a topic, please try to avoid saying non-contributive responses, such as "Cool," or "Awesome." It's not really against the rules, but it is not a good example of a quality post, and continually posting those kind of messages over and over may result in a Demerit.
    
  • If you need to say something else in a post but forgot to say it, DO NOT MAKE A NEW POST ABOUT IT! Instead, use the {template:edit} button that is located at the top-right corner of your post. Doing this lets you edit your existing post to add any additional information or content to your post. Failing to do this is counted as double-posting, and is a form of spamming.
    
  • "Flooding" is the act of posting numerous new topics (instead of just replies) in any given Forum, each serving little point of purpose. Doing this is disruptive to the Forums, as it pushes down all of the legitimate topics to the next page or so. If you have numerous questions you'd like to ask or points you'd like to bring up, please do so in one topic instead of 10. There is no point to "flood" a Forum with numerous topics. If you do such a thing, you will receive a Demerit for flooding.
    
  • It's better to post in an existing topic than to create a new one! If there is a topic on the first few pages asking "Who's your favorite Pokemon?", you don't have to make a new topic asking the exact same question. But there's also no sense in bringing back a topic from 8 months ago just to post in an existing topic (see Rule #5).
    
  • Disruptive Posting can be many different things. Basically, anything that is very annoying or unnecessary in your posts, such as using an excessive amount of smilies, or using a thousand exclamation points. If your post causes people to have to scroll their page over (due to a long string of text without any spaces), that is considered Disruptive Posting. If you use a ton of smilies in your post (20+), that is also considered Disruptive Posting. Even purposely posting in l33t or StIcKy CaPs is considered disruptive, if not called for (I mean, doing that once here and there is fine, but if EVERY post you make is like that, then it is disruptive).
• 5. Revive topics only when necessary
  • This is undoubtedly one of the trickiest rules that exists, simply because so much of it is either up to interpretation or is situational. To "revive" a topic is to post in it after it has been inactive for a long period of time. When people do this, the topic that was posted in is bumped up to the top of the Forum, regardless of how old it was. Normally, that's to be expected of posts, but when people "revive" old topics that have already been answers or are no longer relevant, then it gets disruptive and annoying, because not everyone checks that dates of the recent posts.
    
  • But, not always is it inappropriate and out of line to revive topics. As a general rule, you are encouraged to avoid going back more than 3 pages, or 1 week (in Diamond / Pearl boards), or 3 weeks (in other boards). These are just guidelines to give you an idea of a respectable time span.
    
  • Here are a few examples of when it is appropriate and when it is inappropriate to revive a topic:
    • If you are the creator of the topic, you may freely revive your topic whenever you wish, because if you choose to do so, then there is clearly a reason (such as you not getting the answer you wanted, or you want more discussion on the topic. This is OK.
      
    • If the topic is talking about where to find a certain item or something from one month back, even if the question was unanswered, it is not appropriate to post and answer it. It is no longer relevant after that amount of time, and chances are, the person would have already found what they were looking for. This is NOT OK.
      
    • If the topic is talking about something generic, like what your favorite type of music is, then it is probably ok to revive it. (Look at some of the posts and see if you think it's worth it.)
      
    • If a topic is already on the first three pages, going back and reviving a similar topic is NOT OK.
  • There are undoubtedly more situations regarding reviving topics than just these, but hopefully the aforementioned will give you an idea of when it is ok and when it is a bad idea to revive topics.
• 6. Advertise only in designated areas!
  • Do not post links in an attempt to promote your site or a friend's site in any Forum other than the Advertise Your Site Forum.
    
  • Posting links to sites that contains the information or content that the topic is about is acceptable.
    
  • You may freely have a link to your site or Forum in your Signature, as well as a link in your Website URL field of your Profile.
    
  • Any links posted must be appropriate for the general audience, and must follow - for the most part - the rules of the Marriland Forums, at least as far as appropriate content is concerned.
    
  • Here are some examples of appropriate and inappropriate means of Advertising:
    • "Visit my site! http://www.marriland.com" NOT OK
      
    • "Does anyone have a site that has (information)?"
      "Yeah, I have that information on my site, here: http://www.marriland.com" OK
      
    • "Check out my Forum! http://www.marriland.com/phpbb" (in the Advertise Your Site Forum of the Marriland Forums) OK
      
    • "I need answers to (question)!"
      "http://www.google.com" OK
      
    • "Please check out my site, it has cool stuff like Marriland's!" NOT OK
• 7. Avatar and Signature size restrictions
  • In order to accommodate to the users that have slower connections, all Avatars and Signatures must be reasonable in height, width, and filesize.
    
  • For Avatars, the following restrictions are in place:
    • The maximum size for Avatars is 100x100. Anything larger than that stretches the posts and makes the viewing experience unpleasant.
      
    • The filesize for Avatars must be 40kb or less. This means no long, animated Avatars.
      
    • Avatars must follow all rules of the Marriland Forums, which include (but are not limited to): No inappropriate language, offensive, bloody, sexual, prejudice, or otherwise inappropriate content contained in the Avatar. Also, you may not use our 'Banned' image for your avatar.
      
    • Failure to comply with these restrictions will result in your Avatar being removed and a Demerit issued to you. If you continue to use rule-breaking Avatars, your ability to display Avatars may be suspended.
  • For signatures, the following restrictions are in place:
    • You have 511 characters to work with in your signature, and are limited to a 600x400 space below each of your posts. Anything larger than that size will be cut off and not shown.
      
    • You may have a maximum of 3 images in your signature, and the combined filesize of all of the images in your signature needs to be under 100kb. Anything larger only causes an obscene amount of loading time for those that have slower connections.
      
    • Each image in your signature may not be larger than 600x200 in dimensions.
      
    • Inappropriate language, remarks, or content in your Signature (either in text, images, or resulting links) is not allowed, and all signature content must comply with the Rules of the Marriland Forums.
      
    • Failure to comply by these restrictions will result in your signature being removed and a Demerit issued. If you continue to use rule-breaking signatures, your ability to display signatures may be suspended.
  • The following file formats may be used for images as Avatars, in signatures, or in posts:
    • .gif
      
    • .jpg
      
    • .png
  • Anything else must be converted to one of those formats, otherwise it will not be able to be displayed.
  • Avatars, Signature images and any images posted on our boards may NOT contain any rapidly flashing 'seizure' style designs. They can be visually irritating and actually harmful to people with epilepsy, so we don't want to chance negatively affecting anyone by having them on our boards.
• 8. This is an International Forum
  • Although Marriland.com is based in the United States of America (the USA), a lot of the visitors and members of the Forums are from all across the world, from different countries, with different holidays and languages. Because of this, not everyone will be familiar with each country's customs, traditions, and holidays. Please be mindful of this, and do not bash another country's customs and traditions just because it is different from your own country's.
    
  • English is the primary language of the Marriland Forums. If you are not able to speak English, I'm sure we will do our best to try and communicate with you, but the Forums are not going to be translated into your language just so you can read them.
    
  • If English isn't your first or primary language, but you know it, that's perfectly fine! Just try and speak the best you can! Polite members aren't going to give you a hard time for that.
    
  • Since people of the Marriland Forums are from all around the world, the timezones that they live in will vary. While it may be daytime wherever you're from, it may be the middle of the night where another user lives at!
    
  • Although you are free to use whatever means of measure you like, keep in mind that the Marriland Forums primarily uses the following systems:
    • Feet and Inches rather than Centimeters and Meters
      
    • Miles rather than Kilometers
      
    • Fahrenheit rather than Celsius
      
    • 3/12/07 is for March 12th, 2007, not December 3rd, 2007. (MM/DD/YY rather than DD/MM/YY)
  • And since Marriland.com is based in the USA, we will celebrate primarily holidays that occur in the USA. You probably won't find myself (Marriland) celebrating Canada Day or the Queen's Birthday. Not because I don't care, but because it's not relative to my country. You will see me celebrating Independence Day (July 4th) instead.
• 9. The Points and Items are for Marriland Forums stuff only! Nothing else!*EDIT* - Currently disabled -
  • This means that you are NOT allowed to offer Marriland Points, Marriland Items, Forum Accounts, or anything related for anything outside of the Marriland Forums, which includes, but is not limited to:
    • Diamond and Pearl Pokemon and/or Items
      
    • Neopoints from Neopets
      
    • Gaia Gold from GaiaOnline
      
    • RuneScape Coins from RuneScape
      
    • Points or Items on any other site
      
    • U.S. Dollars or any other real form of currency
      
    • Using Marriland Points as payment for a service of time, like as payment for Moderating a Forum you own, or even just for joining a site or clicking a link
  • However, there are some things that you may offer or request points or items for on the Marriland Forums. Here are the things that are alright, to both offer and request points or items for:
    • Custom Banners
      
    • Custom Avatars
      
    • Helping to run a topic
      
    • Help or Advice from a topic on the Marriland Forums (even if the topic itself may be asking for help on another site)
      
    • Forum-related contests (either post-based, or based on things such as submissions [avatars, art, etc.])
      
    • Wagering points or items (different from spending) against your opponent on the outcome of a competitive online game, such as Wi-Fi Battles in Diamond and Pearl or Battle Revolution, or even fights on Halo 2. Just so long as the topic is posted in the Forums about it, and both players hold true to their agreement
  • We can take no responsibility for any items or points scammed by users. Use common sense and judgment when dealing with people and their points.
    
  • Do NOT beg other users for items or points! It is very rude and inconsiderate to do! There are plenty of nice users out there that delight in donating points and items to new users or users in need, but certainly not if you pester them about it!
    
  • Lastly, all Administrators have the ability to create and remove points at their discretion. Because of this, though, they are also unable to trade with other users, and their points will remain hidden from users. Do not ask them to trade with you or give you items or points. Moderators do not have this ability, and you are free to trade or give them points (but don't beg them for points!).
• 10. Don't give out any personal information!
  • This is less of a rule and more of a safety recommendation for your own safety. Please, for your sake, avoid giving out as much personal information about yourself as possible!
    
  • Avoid using your last name, where you live (State or Country is fine, but City or Street is not), and any other sensitive information about yourself.
• 11. You are responsible for your account!
  • When you create an account, that account is for you, and no one else. If you have siblings or friends around, always be sure to log out after your visit to the Forums to make sure that they do not access your account.
    
  • If someone else gains access to your account and breaks the rules with it, you will be the one punished, because we will take punishment against the account, not the person. If your younger sister gets on and deletes all of your posts, there's nothing we can do about it. If your older brother gets on and posts inappropriate messages, your account will receive Demerits or, at worst, become permanently banned. So please, MAKE SURE YOUR ACCOUNT IS SAFE FROM OTHER PEOPLE GETTING ON IT!
    
  • Under no circumstances should you give ANYONE your password! NEVER GIVE YOUR PASSWORD TO ANYONE, NOT EVEN ADMINISTRATORS! If there is a problem with your account, we will not require your password for it.
    
  • DO NOT ENTER YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD FOR THE MARRILAND FORUMS ON ANYWHERE OTHER THAN MARRILAND.COM! If it doesn't say either http://www.marriland.com/phpbb or http://marriland.com/phpbb in your browser's URL box, it is not the Marriland Forums, and someone is trying to steal your password!
    
  • It is highly recommended, for your own account's security, that you use a different password for your account than on any other site you visit.
    
  • If you have to log on to a public or family computer, and there is a chance that other people may visit the Marriland Forums, it is advised that you log out whenever you're done on the Marriland Forums rather than staying in. Otherwise, all someone has to do is go to the Marriland Forums on that computer and they'll be able to cause trouble on your account, which could result in it getting warned or banned!
    
  • It is also highly recommended that you choose a secure password for your account! Something like "pikachu" is a HORRIBLE example of a password! But, if your password is "yJf3a9Tq", no one will ever be able to guess that, so you'll be very secure. Even something like "16PikaChu" is a big step up over just "pikachu".
• 12. HAVE FUN!!
  • Seriously. The rules put in place are meant to make sure that everyone has a good time here. We want everyone to have fun! If you follow the rules and don't let things bother you, you'll get the most enjoyment out of the Marriland Forums!

I appreciate you taking the time to read the Rules of the Marriland Forums! Please enjoy your stay, and have a great time here!