General Warning to all OT posters.

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**Frazzled**

All righty, there's been discussion on the Mod side about a deterioration in the sub boards and that we may start enforcing the Dakka rules with proper enthusiasm. As I tend to mod this segment more, please be advised of everyone to remember Dakka Rule #1 and that this applies here as well. I've already seen at least one OT regular suspended in the last two days. I myself am going to moderate my own posts and advise others in the OT to do so as well.

**Cheese Elemental**

I wouldn't mind seeing the OT closed down for good. Plenty of other forums manage without one.

**IntoTheRain**

Cheese Elemental wrote:I wouldn't mind seeing the OT closed down for good. Plenty of other forums manage without one.

Thats not a reason to close Dakka's down..and its not like you're forced to view it.

**Drk_Oblitr8r**

It's a shame, and so close to Christmas too (It's Christmas Eve here...)

**Frazzled**

Its not being shut down. I'm putting the word out that everyone needs to dial it back and remember Dakka Rule #1. Enforcement has been lax.

**Cheese Elemental**

Well now that Frazz has delivered his message, what shall we use this thread for?

**JEB_Stuart**

Thanks for this warning. The OT has really just gone to the gakker over the past few days (really just people being absolutely horrendous to each other, and right before Christmas no less!). I was starting to think that the OT wasn't going to be worth visiting anymore if all it has become is personal attack after personal attack.

**Drk_Oblitr8r**

Sticky?

**Frazzled**

Nah, just a piece of advice that enforcement is likely to be increased soon.

Note: please report items that vilaten Dakka Rule #1. Not political/philosophical differences, but personal attacks on other posters, including if I myself do it.

**Kanluwen**

Does this mean you're going to start deputizing people--or that you're going to break out the snowballs?

**Kid_Kyoto**

When citing a rule it's traditional to remind everyone what it is.

**Drk_Oblitr8r**

I got it

Dakka's Code of Conduct wrote:
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 users' faces doesn't mean they don't have feelings and won't be hurt by rude comments or offensive images. When you see something that you find silly, rude or insulting first assume that perhaps there is more to it than you initially thought. Look at it again, keeping in mind that tone and inflection is difficult to convey in a visual format. 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 site in general if this kind of interchange becomes a common occurrence.

Please remember that posting and reading online is a visual format and as such the spelling, grammar and look of your posts is the only way others understand what you are saying. Therefore, in order to be polite, all users are expected to make an effort to use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation and should refrain from using internet shorthand or other distracting methods of writing, such as writing a post completely bolded, with capital letters, in a strange color, etc.

It also should go without saying that swearing, profanity, sexual references, etc, are strictly forbidden, including all images that are posted on or uploaded to our site. Remember that we have users of all ages and that Dakka should be a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.

**Frazzled**

It adds an air of mystery KK.

Just what is hidden behind Rule #1?

**Tacobake**

dude what.

Oh, that rule.

BE POLITE.

duh.

**Drk_Oblitr8r**

Ahh, sorry Frazz.

**Lord-Loss**

Cheese Elemental wrote:I wouldn't mind seeing the OT closed down for good. Plenty of other forums manage without one.

But it gives Dakka character

.

I see loads and loads of people, who only post in the OT forum, no where else. I betta that Dakka would loose quite a few members if it closed down.

**Drk_Oblitr8r**

Without the OT, how else would we socialise?

**sebster**

Cool, it sucks when a few people derail a conversation by turning it into a slanging match. If anything, I'd prefer more rules - I've seen a rule against deliberate obtuseness* work wonders at some sites. Basically, if someone continually misinterpret other people or quotes them out of context to twist their argument into something they can debate, that gets a warning or two then a suspension.

It is a tought thing to moderate, but it improves the board culture like you wouldn't believe.

**jp400**

I wish you luck Frazzled. I smell lots of warnings comming this way...

**Waaagh_Gonads**

Lord-Loss wrote:I see loads and loads of people, who only post in the OT forum, no where else. I betta that Dakka would loose quite a few members if it closed down.

And therin lies the problem.

We are a wargaming site, specialising in 40k, with an OT forum attached.
NOT an OT forum with a wargaming site, specialising in 40k attached.

**Tacobake**

Personally I like the OT forum, I am coming here anyway, especially from work and it keeps me up on the news if I am not following it otherwise.

**Cane**

I agree with sebster. Also some of the heated threads have either seemingly deliberate baitworthy titles or posts that try to steer into an "Us versus Them" mudslinging match. Its not just limited to the OT though, there's a similar tone when its comes to GW where apparently there's "Apologists" versus the passionately discontent hehe.

Mods have been doing a good job though and its great they're watching out even during the Holiday season.

**Waaagh_Gonads**

Tacobake wrote:Personally I like the OT forum, I am coming here anyway, especially from work and it keeps me up on the news if I am not following it otherwise.

And as long as it makes more sense than the facebook conversations you have with yourself Scott, then it can stay....

**LunaHound**

Cheese Elemental wrote:I wouldn't mind seeing the OT closed down for good. Plenty of other forums manage without one.

Well the thing is you see people break that rule all the time and it doesnt take place in OT. ( which just makes it even worse )

**Tacobake**

Waaagh_Gonads wrote:
Tacobake wrote:Personally I like the OT forum, I am coming here anyway, especially from work and it keeps me up on the news if I am not following it otherwise.

And as long as it makes more sense than the facebook conversations you have with yourself Scott, then it can stay....

HAHA.

jerk.

You know not to go OT but you should see these guys do this WoW Orc dance, it is funny stuff. With these frowny face women. "Playing that VIDEO GAME." If there are any issuesss I just go someplace, get hammered and hit on all the girlz. Of course I am getting a little old for that sort of thing.

**ShumaGorath**

Oh lord I'm in trouble.

**Frazzled**

Waaagh_Gonads wrote:
Tacobake wrote:Personally I like the OT forum, I am coming here anyway, especially from work and it keeps me up on the news if I am not following it otherwise.

And as long as it makes more sense than the facebook conversations you have with yourself Scott, then it can stay....

Look out, Mod Trolling. Its the mask, he's becoming evil. Soon he will build a human out of spare parts (looks at Gerald Ford) again...

**FITZZ**

I can certainly understand and appreciate where Frazz and the rest of the mods are coming from,and can agree that people should remain polite when posting,even if the topic is somthing they feel strongly about.
However,I can't help but be a bit concerned that,due to percived "fear" of being banned,some posters may stear clear of potentialy "hot" discusions.
I for one enjoy a good debate,and it's always interesting to see others opinions concerning politics and various other social issues here on OT.
It would honestly be a shame to see OT become a flood of "Ninja zombies VS demonicly possesed brussel sprouts..who would win?" or "Do you like the same bands I like?" threads.

**Emperors Faithful**

Kanluwen wrote:Does this mean you're going to start deputizing people--or that you're going to break out the snowballs?

**Frazzled**

We can have all the debates noted while remaining polite to each other. I know its an alien concept to some, including myself, but it can happen.

I am just giving fair warning to all that we may begin enforcing that, and they shoul begin abiding by the rule BE POLITE.