[ekoostik]

DECORUM
Simply put, if something that is typed by forum members on the Quantar Unite Forums wouldn't be allowed in a PG(13) movie then it isn't acceptable. Sounds harsh, but you'd be surprised what flies under that rating nowadays.

This throws limitations on:

1) Cursing, curse words, offensive language.

Now, I recognize an occasional curse word may slip out when someone gets frustrated or in a heated debate, but just going off with a string of expletives is not acceptable.

2) Sexually-related innuendo/allusions/observations/stories/jokes/comments/etc.

My first reason for such a policy is that I want ANY man, woman, or kid player to feel completely comfortable at all times WITHOUT having to send a PM to someone asking them to stop doing whatever it is they are doing. Lots of folks don't like personal confrontation and won't ever send that PM, and I don't feel like they should have to.

My second reason is that I believe that if we keep our level of decorum at a high level then we avoid situations where someone gets overheated and says something that everyone will later regret. This does NOT mean that disagreements and debate are discouraged, quite the opposite, however there is a line that can be crossed where personal slurs can start flying. Don't cross it.

CIVILITY
We treat each other and our "enemies" with respect at all times. This means:

1) No overly abusive flames or comments comments in any forum. You learned in kindergarten that if you had nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all. This rule generally applies to our forums as well. Sure, good-natured badgering is always allowed, but once we see ganging-up or continual hounding on a particular person, we'll end it.

2) No spamming abusive/demeaning Private Messages or forum posts at anyone. If you want to confront someone, tell 'em how you feel, fine. Do it once as a gesture of your feelings (within reason) and be done with it. Anything more just isn't what we're all about here.

I am posting this because I want to be crystal clear just how serious I take the issues of civility and decorum on the forums. If I catch you breaking any of our standards for Decorum and/or Civility, you get a warning. Do it again, you get a second, sterner warning. Three times...I ban you without remorse because the integrity and long term health of the forums are far more important to me than any single member.... no matter how skilled, knowledgeable, or helpful their past reputations may be.

Finally, we're not setting up carebear forums here. There are plenty of mature folks that play Jumpgate, and I encourage people to be themselves and not feel "big brothered" here.

Most of all, keep it fun. That's what it's all about.