THE RULES discussion

[Ensign Edison]

What's the thinking on postcount-padding kinds of threads? It'll come up. Right now, I can see where 'more is better' might be tempting, but keeping the signal to noise ratio right is also important.

[NinetyWt]

Rules look fine to me, Crispy. I hope you haven't put your whole life on hold, with all the time you're spending with this!

[wring]

I dunno - I have problems following rules.


no, we're cool.

[featherlou]

What's the thinking on postcount-padding kinds of threads? It'll come up. Right now, I can see where 'more is better' might be tempting, but keeping the signal to noise ratio right is also important.

Good question - I've been on boards where there were (many) threads that consisted entirely of people posting, "Last!" They are just noise, I'll agree with that, but it seems like one of our mandates here is to keep the rules as simple as possible (mostly since most of us are refugees from excessive rulification). Maybe that one should be a membership monitoring thing - don't start 'em, don't participate in 'em.

[prr]

What's the thinking on postcount-padding kinds of threads? It'll come up. Right now, I can see where 'more is better' might be tempting, but keeping the signal to noise ratio right is also important.

I think it's great that I'm only, as of this date, about two posts behind Lib and Guin COMBINED!! How cool is that?

I think I explained the idea of "community socks" somewhere above. Basically, if someone wants to post but not under his or her own user-name (for whatever reason) they can do so as "sockpuppet 1' or 'sockpuppet 433'--clearly labelled as a sock, so no false support or trolling is really possible (because we would all understand that this was a regular poster, and would attach no credence to his or her positions in themselves) but would allow people the benefits, such as they are, of posting under a temporary user-name.

I don't know if it would work (and you'd have to ban all socks NOT following the "sockpuppet 286" rule) but I can't really think of a downside.

[EddyTeddyFreddy]

I would like there to be a rule that if anybody posts something like this and it isn't immediately followed by a "Just kidding!" that person should be shot: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/sho ... stcount=18

Holy guacamole, I had not seen that. So it's come down to that level of nannying absurdity?

Fuck if I'm gonna stick around for that shit.

Oh, yeh, like the smilies. Gotta go put up an avatar now.

[TheFlame]

I think I explained the idea of "community socks" somewhere above. Basically, if someone wants to post but not under his or her own user-name (for whatever reason) they can do so as "sockpuppet 1' or 'sockpuppet 433'--clearly labelled as a sock, so no false support or trolling is really possible...

Isn't the current rule ("Sockpuppets used for [the purpose of e.g. discussing embarrassing problems) must include the word SOCK in their usernames") basically equivalent to that, without the hassle of having to keep track of which number sock-puppet the board is up to?

[prr]

Sorry--I hadn't noticed that we'd already created a system of sockpuppetry here.

It might be a virtue, though, if we could make sockpuppet-registration into a formal thing. For one thing, codifying sockpuppet names would make it a little more apparent that someone was using a sock account (i.e., "Sock22" is a bit more obvious than "JimiHendrixatWoodsock") and numbering and registering socks would discourage their use for casual reasons. If I had created JimiHendrixatWoodsock, for example, I might re-use it every time I was getting into an argument and wanted to bolster my support by chiming in with a few "You ARE sooo right, PRR!! You're kicking some big time ass here. You rooool!"s, especially if no one had noticed that I was, in fact, a sock, or maybe I'd appear in the same thread as JHaW and as PRR and maybe another sock or two, which a registration agreement could prohibit. When we were up to Sock2883, the re-appearance of Sock22 would raise some eyebrows. Numbering would also clear up some confusion arising if I wanted to ask about my erection that had lasted for a week and got into a discussion with other people with the same problem who also didn't want to discuss it under their own usernames--maybe having numbered socks would be clearer than "IMASOCK" and "IMASOCK!!" and "IMALSOASOCK" as to who was talking.

I don't know. I haven't thought this out too clearly, but if you like we could discuss it, and come to conclusions like reasonable folks.

[Vox Imperatoris]

I think I explained the idea of "community socks" somewhere above. Basically, if someone wants to post but not under his or her own user-name (for whatever reason) they can do so as "sockpuppet 1' or 'sockpuppet 433'--clearly labelled as a sock, so no false support or trolling is really possible...

Isn't the current rule ("Sockpuppets used for [the purpose of e.g. discussing embarrassing problems) must include the word SOCK in their usernames") basically equivalent to that, without the hassle of having to keep track of which number sock-puppet the board is up to?

I don't know that you'd necessarily have to number them in order, e.g. you could have Sockpuppet 1 and Sockpuppet 3173 going at the same time, and all you'd have to do is avoid using the same number as someone else, which the board software wouldn't let you do anyway.

[woodstockbirdybird]

Hey, y'all.

If you're still looking for mods, I'd be willing to give it a try for The Pit or The Guggenheim. My time spent online has been vanishingly small lately, but I'm down if you want me.

[Discordia]

(Warning, I'm lazy and didn't read the whole thread)

Can we edit people's quotes as jokes? Obviously not malicious changes, just the fixed stuff etc (they're funny sometimes!)

[Vox Imperatoris]

I'll volunteer as a mod, too, if you need one. I visit all the forums regularly except Games and Sport.

[Hostile Dialect]

I love the new sock rule!

Good to see you, Dinsdale and mozg! I have to ask; what the hell does "mozg" mean? I liked catsix

What about separate Moderator accounts?

I really like that idea. It's better for security purposes, too, as any *nix admin knows.

I second what Rube E. Tewesday said: the "mod hat" thing was great until recent tidings.

And may I say how refreshing it is to feel like I actually have a voice again? I've been on the Dope a long time; it wasn't until recently that I have felt like all management really wanted from me was to sit down and shut up.

Seconded!

I don't think I'd put a lot of time and effort into sock-hunting, though - I don't think most people can be bothered to create socks.

Clearly, you haven't been to the Snarkpit lately.

Are we allowed to talk about recreational drugs and/or file-sharing?

Here's a man after my own heart!

[featherlou]

Clearly, you haven't been to the Snarkpit lately.
<snip>

Well, mayhap I have, and mayhap I haven't. I admit nothing!

[Hatshepsut]

I like these rules a lot, especially the accommodation of non-malicious socks (something I started a thread about Over There not long ago).

[TheFlame]

Those of you who are interested in becoming moderators: PM CRSP to get put on the list, then at some point there'll be an election.

[bookbuster]

what comes to mind when I hear community sock, is like a standard name any of us could log into and post under - to remain anonymous when desired... hmm?

what are the upsides?

we have already been told we can be anonymous with medical questions by using a sock and labeling clearly "SOCK"

[Tuckerfan]

One addition to the "Mod Hat" comment, on Bad Astronomer's board, when the mods are making a modding comment, not only do they do the old "Mod Hat" routine, but they also change the color of their font. This makes it easy to catch a missive if you're rapidly scrolling through a thread.

[TheFlame]

One addition to the "Mod Hat" comment, on Bad Astronomer's board, when the mods are making a modding comment, not only do they do the old "Mod Hat" routine, but they also change the color of their font. This makes it easy to catch a missive if you're rapidly scrolling through a thread.

On a similar note, I spotted a great suggestion for mod hats over at the GBs. Not sure how easy it would be to implement but sounds worth a go to me.

[Cranky Old Broad]

I just wanted to add my support of the sock rule. I think it'd be great for those questions that can be just a little bit too personal. I know I've had a few that have gone unasked.

And I think different colored text for official mod rulings is a great idea as well.

[CRSP]

[modhat:2r4zg7vo]Already implemented![/modhat:2r4zg7vo]

Really easy to add new tags with phpBB.

[Giles]

[modhat:1mjw1hyn]Already implemented![/modhat:1mjw1hyn]

Really easy to add new tags with phpBB.

Do you need to be a mod to have a [modhat:1mjw1hyn]modhat[/modhat:1mjw1hyn]? -- Apparently not, they're letting just anyone wear one.

[Hostile Dialect]

[modhat:6wa4zxli]Doesn&#39;t mine look fancy?[/modhat:6wa4zxli]

[TheFlame]

Do you need to be a mod to have a [modhat:4vv8xa2h]modhat[/modhat:4vv8xa2h]? -- Apparently not, they're letting just anyone wear one.

Hmmm, that could be a bit of a problem. Is there a way of restricting certain tags so only moderators can use them?

[ivan astikov]

Impersonating a mod is treasonable and should be an instant stoning!

[Q.E.D.]

Hmmm, that could be a bit of a problem. Is there a way of restricting certain tags so only moderators can use them?

That's probably a good idea. There's no such functionality in vanilla phpBB, but it's easy enough to code in such a restriction. Something I'll probably get around to doing.

In the meantime, I'll ask members not to use it. I'm not going to issue a warning for it (unless you seriously abuse it), but you'll get a stern look.

[Alien Crouton]

Are there any content-restriction rules like on SDMB, for example:

1) Posting about potentially illegal stuff (specifically, there was a lot of repression of discussing non-past non-legal drug use)
2) Homework (wah wah help me with my homework)
3) Wishing death on people
4) Calling people trolls.

[Q.E.D.]

My initial thoughts are:

1) Potentially illegal? No problem, as long as the thread doesn't turn into a "How To" on committing crimes. Illegal AND dangerous? Probably not.
2) Ask away, but I'll understand if posters don't want to answer them.
3) Tricky. Wishing is probably okay, but threatening definitely is not.
4) Knock yourselves out.

Don't take these as anything other than rough guidelines for the time being. These are questions we obviously need to discuss before actual rules are codified, particularly #1.

[TheFlame]

Are there any content-restriction rules like on SDMB, for example:

1) Posting about potentially illegal stuff (specifically, there was a lot of repression of discussing non-past non-legal drug use)
2) Homework (wah wah help me with my homework)
3) Wishing death on people
4) Calling people trolls.

My view (based on interpretation of the rules):
1) No. This is expressly allowed as long as you don't link directly to something clearly illegal (such as a pirated movie) (here)
2) No. There's no rule on this (though I expect mods may use their common sense in obvious cases)
3) Yes and no. You may not make death threats (link), but obvious hyperbole such as FOAD or DIAF isn't considered to be a "death threat".
4) No. This is expressly allowed in the Thunderdome

[sublight]

Is there any rule regarding talking about your ignore (or Foes) lists?

Saying that you're ignoring someone is a pretty lame way to taunt them, and says more about you than your foe, so marking the subject as off limits seems unnecessary, IMO.

[Astroboy14]

I have a question (and I may have missed this... forgive me if I did): in the DarkRoom, are there any restrictions/guidelines on what type of images can be posted? I surf at work a lot, and wouldn't at all mind seeing, oh I dunno, boobies and such, but my boss would be less enthusiastic than myself. And HR would probably be just downright NOT understanding!

So what's the rules there?

[Q.E.D.]

Is there any rule regarding talking about your ignore (or Foes) lists?

Nope, knock yourself out for the reasons you outlined.

[Astroboy14]

I have a question (and I may have missed this... forgive me if I did): in the DarkRoom, are there any restrictions/guidelines on what type of images can be posted? I surf at work a lot, and wouldn't at all mind seeing, oh I dunno, boobies and such, but my boss would be less enthusiastic than myself. And HR would probably be just downright NOT understanding!

So what's the rules there?

*Pokes Q.E.D. with a stick and taps foot impatiently...*

[What Exit?]

I have a question (and I may have missed this... forgive me if I did): in the DarkRoom, are there any restrictions/guidelines on what type of images can be posted? I surf at work a lot, and wouldn't at all mind seeing, oh I dunno, boobies and such, but my boss would be less enthusiastic than myself. And HR would probably be just downright NOT understanding!

So what's the rules there?

*Pokes Q.E.D. with a stick and taps foot impatiently...*

There does not appear to be rules yet on it. Hopefully we can have a work safe rule or maybe a declarative being required in the title that the thread is not work safe. There is nothing official yet. Lets use that as a guide in the meantime.

[Astroboy14]

OK, thanks What Exit!

[danceswithcats]

I have a question (and I may have missed this... forgive me if I did): in the DarkRoom, are there any restrictions/guidelines on what type of images can be posted? I surf at work a lot, and wouldn't at all mind seeing, oh I dunno, boobies and such, but my boss would be less enthusiastic than myself. And HR would probably be just downright NOT understanding!

So what's the rules there?

*Pokes Q.E.D. with a stick and taps foot impatiently...*

There does not appear to be rules yet on it. Hopefully we can have a work safe rule or maybe a declarative being required in the title that the thread is not work safe. There is nothing official yet. Lets use that as a guide in the meantime.

I have started a new thread in The Hive for moderator discussion of the topic, as we don't want mods pulling rules outta their bums around here. Thanks for raising the topic, and give it a few days to see what the group determination is.

[Astroboy14]

Thanks, Dances!

[Q.E.D.]

New rule: No poking the mods with sticks. They don't like it.


The mods aren't too happy about it, either.

[Astroboy14]

New rule...

Nazis! Jackbooted thugs!!

:mrgreen:

[sublight]

(Warning, I'm lazy and didn't read the whole thread)

Can we edit people's quotes as jokes? Obviously not malicious changes, just the fixed stuff etc (they're funny sometimes!)

I just noticed that nobody's responded to this so I'll have a go. This isn't an official rule, just my own personal take.

If you do something like this, please include a comment that you have changed the quote from the original. If I see quotes that have been altered without any sort of notice, I'll go in and add one.

[What Exit?]

Updates to Chat: please note the link to Index without Chat and that "NSFW and Porn will draw warnings and time in Room 101."

Chat: (To avoid chat on the index, use this link and bookmark it please .)
The bar on language is relaxed in Chat, just keep it semi-relevant. If you have a personal issues with another poster, take it to the Thunderdome. No stalking allowed of course.
If you have a problem with a post and don't know what to do, please PM the Global Moderators group.
Moderators will delete posts as needed and have access to a chat log to review problem reported that are now off the scroll.
Safe for work Images are allowed in chat. Moderators will delete any they deem questionable without consultation. NSFW and Porn will draw warnings and time in Room 101.
If you do not wish to see the images, the Display images within posts option in the UCF will turn them off in chat too.

[What Exit?]

I consolidated the T'Dome Rules into this Op and unstickied the pit thread. I also redirected the Rules link in the T'dome to here. I think a single rules thread will reduce confusion.

If you see another stray in a subforum let me know.

I pulled this off the Rules and combined the Rules with the FAQ and updated both for changes.