CelticsStrong

Announcements => Announcements => Topic started by: Bob Day on November 15, 2006, 11:22:38 AM

Title: Read Me First: Posting Rules
Post by: Bob Day on November 15, 2006, 11:22:38 AM
Happily, this community is growing every day.  However, with that growth comes the need for some rules and guidelines for playing nice with each other. Please read and please abide by the rules outlined below.  If you do so, you will greatly improve the Celticsblog experience for both yourself and your peers.  Unless otherwise noted, all of the following apply to every aspect of this site, including but not limited to the forums, commentary on the front page, private messages, member profiles, and the Celticsblog / Celtics Stuff Live chat rooms.  These rules specifically incorporate by reference any other rules "stickied" to the top of a forum, such as the Current Events forum, the Game Threads forum, and the NFL forum, as well as any rules posted under this topic below.

The Basics:

At all times:

Further Posting Rules:

Links:

Starting New Threads:

The Front Page:


The Off Topic Forum:

The Current Events Forum

Celticsblog Chat:

Signatures:

Avatars:

Images, media and other file attachments:

Member Profiles

Celticsblog Accounts:

Conspiracy Toward Damage:

Interactions with Celticsblog Staff:

Failure to abide by these rules may result in the editing, negative moderation or deletion of your post, comment or PM. We reserve the right to suspend and/or ban abusers from the site without prior warning. We reserve the right to change these rules at any time, without notice.  Except in extreme circumstances, rules will be given prospective, rather than retroactive, effect.
Title: Re: Read Me First: Posting Rules
Post by: Roy Hobbs on August 13, 2007, 01:05:04 PM
Celticsblog Registration Agreement

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You agree, through your use of this forum, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, adult material, or otherwise in violation of any International or United States Federal law. You also agree not to post any copyrighted material unless you own the copyright or you have written consent from the owner of the copyrighted material. Spam, flooding, advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes, and solicitations are also forbidden on this forum.

Note that it is impossible for the staff or the owners of this forum to confirm the validity of posts. Please remember that we do not actively monitor the posted messages, and as such, are not responsible for the content contained within. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information presented. The posted messages express the views of the author, and not necessarily the views of this forum, its staff, its subsidiaries, or this forum's owner. Anyone who feels that a posted message is objectionable is encouraged to notify an administrator or moderator of this forum immediately. The staff and the owner of this forum reserve the right to remove objectionable content, within a reasonable time frame, if they determine that removal is necessary. This is a manual process, however, please realize that they may not be able to remove or edit particular messages immediately. This policy applies to member profile information as well.

You remain solely responsible for the content of your posted messages. Furthermore, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the owners of this forum, any related websites to this forum, its staff, and its subsidiaries. The owners of this forum also reserve the right to reveal your identity (or any other related information collected on this service) in the event of a formal complaint or legal action arising from any situation caused by your use of this forum.

You have the ability, as you register, to choose your username. We advise that you keep the name appropriate. With this user account you are about to register, you agree to never give your password out to another person except an administrator, for your protection and for validity reasons. You also agree to NEVER use another person's account for any reason.  We also HIGHLY recommend you use a complex and unique password for your account, to prevent account theft.

After you register and login to this forum, you will be able to fill out a detailed profile. It is your responsibility to present clean and accurate information. Any information the forum owner or staff determines to be inaccurate or vulgar in nature will be removed, with or without prior notice. Appropriate sanctions may be applicable.

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Title: Re: Read Me First: Posting Rules
Post by: Roy Hobbs on November 03, 2009, 05:09:37 PM
The below were previously announced into the Announcements forums, but they're incorporated into the rules, as well:

Quote from: Roy Hobbs on June 03, 2008, 05:41:13 AM
By and large, both Celtics and Lakers fans here on the blog have been conducting themselves admirably.  As we get more and more new members, however, it makes sense to emphasize our expected code of conduct for all fans.

===========================================================================

Ground rules for Celticsbloggers in regard to Lakers fans:

1) Treat them with respect, please.  Lakers fans are allowed to come on here and argue the merits of their team, and so long as they do so within the rules of this site, they are welcome here and will be protected by the staff as much as Celtics fans.  (Ugh...  defending Lakers fans.  It kind of curdles the stomach, doesn't it? ;))

2) Good-natured banter is okay, and please, argue vigorously.  Do not, however, cross a line; we expect you to act civilly.  The *last* thing the staff wants to do is to suspend anybody these next two weeks.

3) Please report the trolls.  The staff will be on the lookout, but rather than responding to baiting -- which only gets you in trouble -- please just ignore them and report them to the staff.  Chances are somebody is going to be online to take care of them.

4) Enjoy the series!  I never thought I'd see another one Lakers/Celtics series again.  This is as good as it gets in the NBA!

===========================================================================

To the Lakers fans:

1) Welcome aboard.  It's good to have more passionate, if wrong-minded, fans on the site.

2) Please read our Posting Rules (http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=64&topic=10.0).  Things are enforced pretty tightly here, but the most important rules is "respect others at all times".  If you do that, you'll be fine here.

3) Please do not troll or bait.  The first example of such behavior will result in a ban.  Inevitably, that will happen with a few of you (as it did in the Pistons series) but we're all hopeful it doesn't have to.

4) In selecting a screen name, do not bait our membership.  Screen names along the lines of "Lakers_sweep" or "Celtslose" will result in a ban from our site. It is fine to identify yourself as a Lakers fan (ie, "Lakerfan" or "blue_and_gold_lover"), so long as you do not denigrate the Celtics or otherwise insult Celtics fans with your name.

5) Stay on topic, please.  There's no need - and indeed, its inappropriate -- to reiterate that you think the Lakers will win in 5, or that you think Kobe dominates KG, in every thread.

6) Prepare yourself to be traumatized.  That has very little to do with Celticsblog, and much more to do with the Celtics.  The entire world seems to be underestimating this team, and you're about to get a hurting.

===========================================================================

Let's make this as fun as possible, guys!  It doesn't get too much better as an internet sports fan.  Hopefully, a new generation of sports fans is about to learn why this is the greatest rivalry in basketball!

Quote from: Roy Hobbs on June 05, 2008, 05:14:56 PM
A situation in another thread necessitated that I post this reminder.

Lakers fans are allowed to post on this blog.  They're not allowed to troll or bait, but they're allowed to legitimately make points, so long as it is context appropriate.  Insults aimed at our team or our players will not be tolerated -- and will be an automatic ban -- but legitimate debate is acceptable.  We're taking care of the bad Lakers fans, but cut the intelligent and articulate ones some slack. 

Do not label others trolls, or make other personal attacks.  You must abide by the rules at all times, regardless of who you're corresponding with.   All that labeling posters results in is the destroying of interesting dialog.  If somebody is trolling, report them to the staff.

I don't want to have to remind people again.  This is a big week for us, and the absolute last thing I want to do is come down harshly on Celtics fans, because they allowed themselves to be baited.  Just use the "report to a moderator" button, please.

Quote from: Roy Hobbs on May 03, 2009, 05:38:21 PM
By request, I'm bumping this thread.  Feel free to substitute "Bulls", "Magic", etc. for "Lakers" above.  These are really just a reminder of our every day rules, for anybody who hasn't seen them / read them yet.
Title: Re: Read Me First: Posting Rules
Post by: Roy H. on March 09, 2011, 02:31:20 PM
The rules also incorporate these announcements, if it wasn't already clear:

Quote from: Roy H. on December 22, 2010, 03:59:43 PM
Lately, there have been way to many posts along the following lines:

Quote
This is a dumb thread . . .

Quote
I wish I could give this thread negative Tommy Points . . .

Quote
Do you even watch the games?  I'm surprised a real fan would say that . . .

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Worst trade idea ever . . .

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This thread is a massive FAIL . . .

The above are examples, because I didn't want to signal anybody out individually.  However, statements like those above violate our rules, because they're inherently disrespectful and devolve debate.

I'm sure every single one of us has come across a thread before and thought "What the heck is this idiot talking about?"  It's fine to think that, but when choosing whether or not to post in the thread, please use discretion.  Basically, follow the "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" rule.

It's very possible to debate without belittling or mocking others.  There are going to be times when we all vigorously disagree with others.  That's completely fine, just please remember that when debating, things have to remain civil.

Basically, we don't want to have people leaving here with their feelings hurt.  Let's all remember that we're on the same side here.

Quote from: Roy H. on February 14, 2011, 05:05:17 PM
Lately, several members have seemingly forgotten CelticsBlog's rules and standards of decorum.  There have been literally dozens of posts along the lines of "This thread should be deleted" / "This thread is moronic" / "I wish we could give negative TPs." 

Usually, these posts are in response to a thread that in some way criticizes a Celtic, which in turn resorts to the exceedingly immature "I'm a bigger Celtic fan that you" peeing contests.  Many posters have apparently adopted a viewpoint that it's okay to gang up on people simply because that person doesn't have a popular opinion.  That couldn't be further from the truth.

Over the last several weeks, the staff has posted dozens of warnings, which have been largely ignored.  Let this serve as a final warning, then:  if you personally attack somebody by using language of the type cited above, you will be suspended.  It doesn't matter if this is a first offense, it doesn't matter if 14 other people in the thread were doing the same thing.  Point blank, suspensions will be given, no exceptions. 

Nobody is happy about this solution, but we've been left with no choice.  If people don't want to comply with the rules, and want to repeatedly ignore staff warnings, then we're going to have to be stricter in our enforcement.  We appreciate the hundreds and thousands of members who are able to disagree civilly; for those who can't, it's time to modify your behavior, or move on.

If you have any questions about the policy, post them here (http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=43251.0). 
Title: Re: Read Me First: Posting Rules
Post by: Roy H. on August 21, 2013, 12:00:38 PM
Quote from: IndeedProceed
Official Draft Moderating Rules:

1) Observe Celticsblog Posting Rules at all times. You can see them here: Posting Rules (http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=10.0)

2) Don't make debates personal. Always phrase things in the objective. 'Youre letting our personal differences affect your perception of my team' is a no-no. If you feel like there is a personal bias against you, refer it to the commishes or a moderator, or attempt to settle it diplomatically in private. Public feuds will have no place here.

3) Do not condescend to other posters. 'Do you even understand basic math?' is a no-no. 'Do you even understand rebound rate?' Is a no-no. 'This is a simple idea, you should have no problem understanding it' is a no-no. If you legitimately think that people don't understand something, explain it. But don't mock others, and don't accuse others of willful obstinacy. People won't always agree with you, or how you think things should work, get over it and move on.

4) Do not willfully go against the wishes of the commissioners and/or moderators. If they say, 'Please take this type of thing to PM', take it to Private Message, or drop it. If they say, 'Please drop this, it's counter productive', drop it, or take it to private message. If you disagree with a commish's request, bring it to the commish, or another commish, or a mod, privately.

5) Do not bait other posters/players. 'Thanks for making me laugh, no way is Seattle a top 5 team' is a no-no.

6) Do not mock other players. 'The fact that you can't even understand the basic premise behind per-36 stats goes a long way to explaining why you drafted Michael Beasley in the 3rd round.' is a no-no.

7) All drafts are subject to staff approval.  Commissioners are expected to coordinate with the CelticsBlog staff regarding timing of drafts, and should clear draft rules with the staff.  All commissioners, including those on the CelticsBlog staff, are expected to enforce rules and to moderate the draft in a consistent and fair manner.

8 ) Public criticism of official action in any CelticsBlog draft is allowed, but should be confined to the dedicated thread in the Comments and Remarks forum (http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=4046.0), unless specifically allowed elsewhere by the Commissioner(s) of the draft.

9) The basic goal of all drafts is to have fun.  There is an expectation that drafts will be run with principles of fair play in mind.  Rules shall be clear and as evenly applied as possible, and will not be changed retroactively.  Punishment, if necessary, shall be consistent, and will include a chance for the alleged rule breaker to be heard.  All Commissioners have power to act in the best interests of their league, but only in extreme circumstances that compromise the basic fairness of the league.

Except for those last two, these are all already, again, in the Posting Rules (http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=10.0). 'So why make a point of posting them again here?', asks someone. 

That's because we, as moderators, have always faced a sticky dilemma with these drafts. Basically, we want the games to continue, we want you guys to get somewhat 'into it', and that inevitably results in the competitive natures of all of us coming out, at least a little. The problem is when it comes out too much. People get persecution complexes, and predictably real, or, nearly always imagined, vendettas manifest. Some people very suddenly, for lack of a better phrasing, become irrational jerks, often in such a manner that

A) Means the game becomes less fun for those as yet unaffected by the 'rage virus' (http://zombie.wikia.com/wiki/Rage_virus), and

B) Often results in the quitting, banning, or even suspension of the infected, which in the very least short-circuits the game an in the worst, completely throws the game off its rails.

So now we're introducing a new way we're going to moderate these games. We're making the guidelines public so you know where you stand, and there is no misunderstandings about the punishments. The goal here with a tiered warning system is to make sure that problems are headed off before they start, without having to resort to more severe forms of punishment.

This is a 3-strikes and you're out policy. Three private warnings from commissioners or moderators will result in you losing privileges to access the drafts. This will apply across all CB Drafts, and will not only be applicable to the one you lost privilege to. You can petition for reinstatement later on, but it will be a good long time and a decent amount of convincing to let you back in the fold.

This also doesn't mean that you will always get the full 3-strikes. As always, moderators reserve the right to lay down whatever penalties they see fit for posts that go above and beyond, so don't think this new set of rules means you get two free viscous pot shots at whoever you want to be as much of a jerk as you want. It doesn't.

We don't want to take all the teeth out of the draft, but too often things are allowed to escalate in the name of allowing the game to take its course, and in the end the only thing we can really do according to site rules is a lengthy suspension or outright ban. We don't want that, you don't want that. This is supposed to help.

These rules are in affect immediately.