MR Bubble Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Just got a PM in from Adrock. His request is that we use THIS thread to come up with some basic ground rules for the forum. So, whatever you all want to see made into rules, this is the thread to do it in. If someone comes up with something good, and you agree to it, please voice it on this thread. The number of people agreeing to a proposal will be a deciding factor. I urge everyone to be adult and to take it seriously. So now, c'mon! Thanks, MR Bubble Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mushrat Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 ok. back to basics. No illegal drug discussion. Plenty of other forums for that. Be civil. You don't have to agree with someone, but you WILL be civil about it. No multiple accounts. Companies that only use the forum for advertising will not be tolerated. It's ok to talk about your products and special offers, but you had also better be participating in the general discussions. Hows that for a start? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wyteboy Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 agreed on all counts mush........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soup Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 I have an idea...just a pet peeve of mine. Before posting, make sure you are in the propper thread. I have seen so many topics in the comments and suggestions thread that don't belong there. Not only does it cause unnessecary garble, the author will get much more responce in the correct place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yashman19 Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 All great points so far guys. Me personally, I would like to see better grammar used on this forum. If it isn't worth your time to type out a complete, coherent sentence, then why should we take the time to answer you? No 1337 speak pretty much. When I have to squint my eyes just to make out what you typed, I pretty much ignore it and move onto the next post. I'll think of other helpful rules that might benefit the forum, and post them later. Thanks for taking charge Bubble Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Counter_Culture Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 For my opinion: SEARCH SEARCH SEARCH.....make that search feature your best friend....i think a lot of answers to peoples questions have already been discussed and there are MANY great reviews done by many nice people willing to offer us their opinions and insights. Its not that im not willing to help a friend out, its just i believe it would be easier for the person struggling to quickly find the answer rather then wait for replies and if he doesnt find an answer to his question, then i think he should find a somewhat similar topic and post the question there therefore it "bumps" the topic back up still showing previous answers n opinions for other people to either learn or opinionate about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HookahDuck Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 I would like to add something about posts that arent of substance should be deleted. Its pretty rare on this forum, but occasionally I have seen posts made which serve no purpose other than to raise a person's "post count". There was a very recent occurance of this.Please, if you are going to post a thread- pose a question or comment which will actually help you or others.And I think an FAQ should be added to the front page concerning common posts(because no matter how hard you try, newcommers will simply NOT use the search) such basic set up instructions, good brands/flavors to start with, harshness, smoke rings, hoses, ect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratswallow Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 I'm with Mush on all counts. I don't think we have to get too harsh...mistakes will happen, but I think it would be a good idea to post the rules on the homepage so that everybody (including newcommers---see I didn't even use Noobs...oh wait...oops) will see them before they post. It may cut down on some of the Illegal substance posts if nothing else. Bottom line is that we're all here for information...giving, recieving and sharing...and for the perpetuation of something we get joy from. When it stops being about that, it's time to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmexx Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 It hasn't been a problem as of late but something that's always bothered me on forums, spelling. I mean obviously if you don't know how to spell a word it's not the end of the world, the problem is when people write all over the place without any punctuations. "." and "," are there for a reason, they make life easier on forums!Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonthert Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 Yeah. Those bums who use their company's name as a login really need to be stopped. this is a small point, I don't feel like I've been around enough to really criticize too much, I'm sure Mushy, Bubba, Soap and Yash have put more time in...Not to mention everyone else...Wyteboy, well you get the point...I think that threads for a particular person should be kept to a minimum, thats what PMs are for. Establish rules as to whats appropriate for threads and let things hang loose in PMs and make sure its defined what belongs where. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoochAHookah Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 And I think an FAQ should be added to the front page concerning common posts(because no matter how hard you try, newcommers will simply NOT use the search) such basic set up instructions, good brands/flavors to start with, harshness, smoke rings, hoses, ect. i agree with this...perhaps the search option could be added to the FAQ page too, just so that it's even more obvious for newcomers... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wyteboy Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 I agree about a STICKY, HUGE, FAQ thread....we could even post links to the largest reviews thread? Bubbles, Cypress, mine, Mush come to mind....there can't POSSIBLY be a flavor between several of these that does not have at least a FEW reviews..... same questions frequently, I mean that's what most of us are here for to help the newbs, but how many Qs will be asked about a bowl getting harsh, about flavors to recommend, etc etc etc. just a thought....or SEVERAL stickies. 1 = how to setup 2 = heat management 3 = flavor reviews, etc....just a thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonthert Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 [quote name='SmoochAHookah']And I think an FAQ should be added to the front page concerning common posts(because no matter how hard you try, newcommers will simply NOT use the search) such basic set up instructions, good brands/flavors to start with, harshness, smoke rings, hoses, ect.[/quote]It kind of defeats the purpose to have a FAQ answer "what brand/flavor" should I smoke when the answer is going to vary based on who's giving and who's getting the answer. The board isn't supposed be biased towards any one brand...thats why I'm here. Moreover, who would determine what is the best brand/flavor to start with?I'm sure there are websites without interactive function, I think we should leave the FAQs out and let new people wander around and browse...they find an answer to a question they didn't know they wanted to ask while looking for a completely different answer.Lets not go changing too much (if at all)...I think this place is great. The software works like 3-legged mule, but everything else is cool, the people are great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mushrat Posted January 7, 2006 Share Posted January 7, 2006 Tangiers: right, if it aint broken, don't fix it. Changing the layout of the forum is no minor task, and since the forum is kind of a part time deal for the Admin. we should be happy it works as it is. Even if the chat does reset at odd moments... And deletion of topics/messeges is a VERY touchy subject for some of us old timers. trust me. We don't need a full time cop busting on people for bad punctuation or grammar. You want to sound likes you gots a tird grade edgecation..goes rights ahead. Don't confront me none. Lets concentrate on things that reflect badly or are actually disruptive to the Forum itself... oh and Duck...messege count doesn't mean anything anymore...no more auto-mod at 1000. The playful banter found in some threads is just that. We're a bunch of friends enjoying each other's company and talking about something we are all interested in. Think about how you and your friends talk sitting around the hookah some evening... I don't think its really harmful unless it begins to "overwelm" the topic of the thread itself. Just my $.02 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MR Bubble Posted January 7, 2006 Author Share Posted January 7, 2006 Thank you Mush. I love this forum. The only suggestions I have are for what hurts the forum instead of helping it. So the only requests I have for a "code of conduct" are what I wrote under "READ THIS." I'm for letting people be themselves, unless you get too rabid. MR Bubble Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wyteboy Posted January 7, 2006 Share Posted January 7, 2006 no love for stickying the most thorough review threads to help everyone out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonthert Posted January 7, 2006 Share Posted January 7, 2006 I think what we are supposed to be doing is establishing a Code of Laws? I'm sorry, I was confused. I haven't thought very much in depth, I don't think its gotten that serious yet . Here's a list of rules, off the top of my head:Posts1. No abusive, racist or derrogatory material or posts.2. All posts shall be in resonably clear English.3. No posts regarding the use of hookahs for drug purposes.4. No illegal activities shall addressed in posts of any kind. 5. No posts that are hostile or threatening to other users.6. No posts shall deal with sex or contain sexual content. 7. No posts that are lacking in content other than for commercial purposes.Users/accounts:1. No accounts for commercial users who don't contribute substantially to other forums.2. Each person is allowed to only have one account.3. Each user is expected to keep their PMs up to date. 4. Each user is responsible for their account.My brain is froze. Add/remove...? Good/crapola? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pavlakos_politakos Posted January 8, 2006 Share Posted January 8, 2006 i like your rules tangiers but just one thing.....i think we are all mature enough to be able to joke here in there about sexual things and drug use.probably better to keep it at a minimum and in the joke section but otherwise i dont think anyone should take it too hard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lakemonster Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Due to some recent legislation: Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act. Sec 113... Read about it here: [url="http://www.realtechnews.com/posts/2457"]http://www.realtechnews.com/posts/2457[/url] I have revamped my rules at my site recently.... they are as follows if interested... it covers my ass basically.... and sets the tone for my site. PATRIOTNETWORK.NET RULES AND ACCEPTABLE USE. 1. Privacy: Privacy is a serious issue at PN. Each member has the right to keep his/her personal data private. The posting of personal information (ie: Real name, address, Contact #'s, work place info or other vital statistics) by another member is strictly forbidden and the offending member is subject to immediate ban. Only if a member themselves have decided to reveal or share any personal information, or express permission to reveal information by the concerned member, may any personal data be disclosed publicly or via the site private messaging system. The Administration of this site will not share any personal information that it may learn in the course of member assistance or general operation, unless directed to by legal means by law enforcement agencies (issued warrant, subpoena or court mandate...etc). This site does not sell or glean personal information for marketing purposes. 2. Spam: Spam or spamming is not allowed. This site recognizes spam as the following: a: Registering an account and/or posting for the sake of promoting products or services (ie: pharmaceutical products, Adult entertainment, "free" product enticements.....etc). These accounts and postings are subject to immediate deletion and banishment from the site. b: Posting in a manner that appears to simply be disruptive to regular forum activity (IE: excessive posts to push other members threads off the front page, posts designed to irritate other members or cause general disruption.) 3. Member Decorum: Members shall not engage in personal attacks and name calling on this forum. Constantly engaging other members due to personal dislike will be considered a form of harrassment which will not be tolerated. Administration reserves the right to use its judgement as it sees fit on these matters. Sustained negetive attacks and harrassment may (and probably will) result in restrictive action by the administration against members engaging in this type of behavior. Please enjoy the forum with some class. 4. Posting Content: Patriotnetwork.net is about the free exchange of thought and ideals. Civil debates and expressions of ideals in the spirit of "Free Speech" are welcomed. There some things that cannot be posted here due to either Law or hosting acceptable use policy: Forbidden posting and content upload or usage consist of: a: Threatening or harrassing statements toward another human being. Statements that refer to doing direct harm to anyone are not allowed. (ie: death threats, plans for assassination.... etc.) This should be self explanatory. b. Posting or using this board in a way that is violative of applicable laws. c. Pornographic material uploading is forbidden. "Hotlinking" pornography for immediate display is forbidden. d. Uploading or using this site in any way for the distribution or execution of malicious scripts or software (viruses, worms, "hacks"). This includes any type of program or scripts intended to glean information for marketing or for detecting exploitable elements of servers, software or personal computer contents, "spyware". This does not include non-malicious site indexing "bots" or "web crawlers" used by reputable search engine companies. The administration of PatriotNetwork.net reserves the right to ammend or change these rules without notice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonthert Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 I think I died sometime during the night and was magically transported to a place where the inhabitants are sentient law-books.No seriously, I think that pretty much sums it up. Puts the basic concepts into a legal tone. As to Item 1, paragraph 1. Users are not required to submit personal information, as they are on other sites, so I'm not sure we need to include that first paragraph. If you don't want your information floating around, dont put it in. Kinda like a phone book, we could say "dont have their information in there, if they don't want to be contacted." or we could say, "publish the entire book, all of the names, but don't allow people to be contacted, unless you ask first." Its easier just t have people be unlisted, or not TAKE the information in the first place. In other words, why do we take the information if I am prohibited from doing anything with it? Just to keep tabs? To spy? That's much less scary than being spammed.I mean, the name calling thing, Sorry, Item 3, paragraphs 1 & 2...I think I hear a rumor that (much like the Inner Party Members ) moderators have a "delete" button and edit buttons. I think if there is a problem, the moderators could take care of it and regulate on a need-to basis (sorry to speak up for ya all). Does there have to be a sign that says "Don't play ball on the highway?" Has it gotten that bad? *!#+&%!s who flame know they do so at their own peril. All you need, at the bottom, is the magic disclaimer, like the one at the bottom of Lake Monster's, giving the admins the power of God (we can make it up as we go along). The guy who gets hit by the car, goes to court and says "Gosh, I was just playing ball...I didn't see a sign sayin' I couldn't play ball here. The closest "No Playing Ball" sign is a mile down the road. I deserve 100M$!" As a side point, I wonder what ever happened to the first amendment? I mean slavery isn't "legal under certain conditions". Prior restraint was rejected, even by moderate courts. I guess T. Jefferson had more foresight than Nostradamas and Edgar Cayce put together.Sorry for that editorial comment, its early in the morning for me. Brings up a point, Bubba, Lake Monster, and all...do we want a moronic list of simple don't spit in the wind kind of rules or do we want a meandering legalese list of rules specifying what lawyers want to hear? Should we agree on the spirit before making the rules. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lakemonster Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Your right Tangiers..... it is moronic. The problem is that you get to deal with a ton of morons on the net. Either that or you have some trollish member that gets upset when you take action and screams at the top of their lungs that you are an unfair admin. By having this list of definite rules (whatever they may be) you can simply say to the offender in front of God and everyone that "you broke rule x in post y."..... then everyone knows that its a fair play. Otherwise you risk further disruption of the site by the little turd trying to play lawyer and side up the membership that could make a rift. The privacy issue..... thats just mine, at my site. The reasononing behind it is that my site deals strongly with politics........ and enemies get made over such discussions. I have had problems with some members doing all sorts of research and finding out another members name, addy, workplace and then they call harrassing.... and tell other members that dont like them tand they call harrassing. Thats not fair. Law enforcement was even sent out to a members house on a dubious claim. Websites have been shut down due to some members making false TOS violations to other members hosting services. There are some seriously effed up people in this world. The spirit of the site.... yes its best to sum that up first I would imagine.... I would say that admin here would do well to CYA with a disclaiming clause. That the administration does not neccessarily agree or promote the views or opinions of the members. That using this site for any reason that violates any applicable laws is forbidden and is in no way supported by the administration. everything now days has to have some fine print. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonthert Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 What's going on with this, anyways, Sr. Bubba? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MR Bubble Posted March 25, 2006 Author Share Posted March 25, 2006 Good question, T. I have been wondering that myself for some time. Another one I'll inquire about I guess. MR Bubble Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eden Posted May 28, 2006 Share Posted May 28, 2006 Mush seems to know what hes saying so listen to him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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