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Dakka Forum Posting Rules
Introduction
Being able to share ideas and opinions with others around the world is one of the most exciting benefits of the Internet. People you have never met from countries you may never have visited will be able to read your posts and gain insights from you opinions, and you will be able to do the same from theirs.
In order for everyone to get the most enjoyment from our forums we do ask that all who would like to post messages follow the rules and guidelines outlined below.
Rule 1: Be Polite
This seems obvious, however many folks can sometimes forget that common courtesy goes a long way to lending respect to both you and your opinions. Just because you don't see the other readers' faces doesn't mean they don't have feelings and won't be hurt by rude comments. When you read something that you find silly, rude or insulting first assume that perhaps there is more to the post than you initially thought. Re-read it keeping in mind that tone and inflection is difficult to convey in written form. It may be that the person is attempting a joke or is exaggerating on purpose. It is best to politely request clarification before accusing someone being ignorant, a liar, or worse.
If after clarification you still disagree with the person then politely outline your points. Try to avoid name-calling or even implying insults wherever possible. These tactics generally only inflame a situation and lead to what are known as "Flame Wars." Whenever a flame war starts it usually ruins a perfectly good discussion. Others will lose interest in the thread and the discussion board in general if this kind of interchange is found here.
It also should go without saying that swearing, profanity, sexual references, etc. are strictly forbidden. Remember that we have readers of all ages.
Rule 2: Stay on Topic
After reading and posting at Dakka for awhile you may feel as though you have developed friendships with some, perhaps many, of the other posters and readers. This is probably one of the most rewarding parts of participating in a discussion area. It is only natural to occasionally want to share information with your friends that is "Off Topic" (i.e. not related to the subject matter of the forum you are in).
While it may at first seem harmless to post a bit about off topic (OT) subjects, it can become a slippery slope. If others join in on OT posts then soon everybody has sent the discussion threads on so many tangents that it is difficult to follow the original topic. Further, posting off topic essentially violates Rule #1. People come to the Dakka forums looking for information related to the hobby. It is not polite to post off topic items frequently.
Rule 3: No Spam
While Spam may be a tasty meat product (yum!) on the Internet "spam" refers to invasive, unsolicited information. Posting advertisements for unrelated web pages or services is simply not acceptable. In addition, posting many repeat posts just to increase your post count or to generally be 'cute' is also inappropriate. All "spam" is a violation of Rule 2 and certainly Rule 1.
If you break the rules...
While we all have the best of intentions occasionally mistakes happen. Unfortunately there will be people who sometimes try to goad others into acting in a manner they would otherwise avoid. Many of us are very passionate about this hobby and can get on each other's nerves occasionally either by accident or on purpose. When this happens sometimes things are posted that are later regretted. This happens to the best of us, and with a quick apology you can usually repair any damage done.
In addition to the occasional loss of temper, there are a few folks out there who seem to enjoy causing trouble. They will post inappropriate information in various forums and make comments with intent to start flame wars, add spam, etc.
To keep such occurrences to a minimum Dakka Dakka has moderators who read the forums and try to keep things polite and on topic.
If posts occur that break any of the three above rules the moderators may take some or all of the following actions, often without warning:
- Posts that are in the wrong forum (e.g. modeling questions in the News and Rumors) will be moved to the correct forum. If your post just disappeared DON'T PANIC! Check the other forums to see if it was moved.
- Threads that get long because they have wandered off topic will be closed. People can still read the thread, however no new posts can be added. If you'd like to continue your ideas start a new thread with an appropriate title in the correct forum.
- Posts that contain profanity, insults, blatant attempts at baiting a flame war, racial slurs, etc. will be deleted. Repeatedly posting such comments may result in temporary or permanent suspension of posting privileges.
- Occasionally whole threads may have to be deleted if they degenerate into a situation described above.
- Spam posts (ads, attempts at attention, etc.) will be deleted on sight. Repeat offenders may receive temporary or permanent suspension of posting privileges.
- Off Topic Posts: Off Topic threads and posts should be started in the Off-Topic forum. Please try to keep threads on topic, if a thread is drifting away from the topic of the original post then start a new thread in the correct forum.
Remember that posting on this forum (or any Internet forum, for that matter) is a privilege, NOT A RIGHT. Please treat it that way. If your posts are removed due to one of the issues outlined above do not be offended or take it personally. Evaluate what you posted and think about why it might have been removed. If you have any questions as to why your post was deleted or you lost posting rights please feel free to e-mail any questions to webmaster@dakkadakka.com
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