Rants and Flames.

[Envious]

I dont think Rogean and Co. actually understand how much higher the threshold for RnF needs to be for the PvP crowd.

Anyway, less of a concern for me than most, but advocating it none the less.

[pickled_heretic]

Originally Posted by nilbog

Stupid posts, lies, and drama are scaring away new players.

Just imagine if the first place they stop is the webpage?

Forums will be moderated.

Your posts will be moved or deleted if they are not in the correct section.

This first installment regards personal attacks.

Rants and Flames is the home for bitching.

Do not make non-consensual personal attacks against anyone affiliated with this project. (Some of you like fighting with each other; I have no problem with this. Do it privately.) If you feel it is necessary to make a post, make sure it is contained within Rants and Flames. NEVER make a personal attack against a developer or GM staff, or you will be suspended. The GMs will follow the same non-personal attack policy. Its my job to protect both the GMs as well as the players. Play nice. Comment on content, not on the contributor. Personal attacks do not help make a point; they only hurt the community and deter users from helping to create a great classic server. Derogatory comments about another user may be removed by any editor. Repeated or egregious personal attacks will lead to suspensions and bans.

If you are more of a nuisance than what you're worth, your forum privileges will be revoked.

The prohibition against personal attacks applies equally to all forum-goers. It is as unacceptable to attack a user with a history of foolish or boorish behavior, or even one who has been subject to disciplinary action, as it is to attack any other user. People make mistakes, but they are encouraged to learn from them and change their ways. Personal attacks are contrary to this spirit and damaging to the work of running this server.There is no rule that is objective and not open to interpretation on what constitutes a personal attack as opposed to constructive discussion, but some types of comments are absolutely never acceptable:

-Racial, sexual, homophobic, ageist, religious, political, ethnic, or other epithets (such as against people with disabilities) are not allowed. Disagreement over what constitutes a religion, race, sexual preference, or ethnicity is not a legitimate excuse.

-Using someone's affiliations as an ad hominem means of dismissing or discrediting their views—regardless of whether said affiliations are mainstream. Note that although pointing out an poster's relevant conflict of interest and its relevance to the discussion at hand is not considered a personal attack, speculating on the real life identity of another editor may constitute outing, which is a serious offense.

-Linking to external attacks, harassment, or other material, for the purpose of attacking another editor.

-Accusations about personal behavior that lack evidence. Serious accusations require serious evidence.
-Threats, including:
Threats of legal action
Threats of violence or other off-forum action
Threats of vandalism to any webpage
Threats or actions which deliberately expose other users to political, religious or other persecution by government, their employer or any others. Violations of this sort may result in a ban for an extended period of time, which may be applied immediately by any moderator upon discovery.

These examples are not exhaustive. Insulting or disparaging a member is a personal attack regardless of the manner in which it is done. When in doubt, go outside and breathe some fresh air.......

Sometimes the best way to respond to an isolated personal attack is not to respond at all. Everquest and its debates can become stressful for some posters, who may occasionally overreact. Additionally, these discussions are in a text-only medium that conveys nuances and emotions poorly; this can easily lead to misunderstanding. While personal attacks are not excused because of these factors, users are encouraged to disregard angry and ill-mannered postings of others when it is reasonable to do so, and to continue to focus their efforts on improving and developing the community.

If you feel that a response is necessary and desirable, you should try a private conversation. Do not respond with a post on a thread; this tends to escalate matters. Likewise, it is important to avoid becoming hostile and confrontational yourself, even in the face of abuse. When possible, try to find compromise or common ground regarding the underlying issues of content, rather than argue about behavior. Although posters are encouraged to ignore or respond politely to isolated personal attacks, that should not imply that they are acceptable or without consequences. A pattern of hostility reduces the likelihood of the community assuming good faith, and can be considered disruptive behavior. Users who insist on a confrontational style marked by personal attacks are likely to become involved in the dispute resolution process, and will face serious
consequences through arbitration, such as being subjected to a community ban.

In extreme cases, even isolated personal attacks may lead to a ban. Legal threats, death threats, and issues of similar severity may result in a ban without warning. However, moderators are cautioned that other resolutions are preferable to bans for less severe situations when it is unclear if the "conduct severely disrupts the project". Recurring attacks are proportionally more likely to be considered "disruption". Banning for personal attacks should only be done for prevention, not punishment. A ban may be warranted if it seems likely that the user will continue using personal attacks.

Posts will be moved, locked, or deleted if they are deemed inappropriate.

Keep all other subforums drama free. Please follow the correct route to Rants and Flames. Thanks.

There are reasons for the rules that are in place. If you don't like them, you can go back to TZVZ. Oh wait...

[Nirgon]

No, I think Rogean knows what he's talking about. RnF isn't just a graveyard for posts. You're free to make new ones there and browse it as your regular and only forum.

[Envious]

The population is going to scare away the new players, more so than the forums.

I personally, just dont see it. Just makes the General Disc boring.

[Nirgon]

No, I think the forum is actually much worse than in game. I've observed normal, healthy EQ behaviors like orc 1 groups etc. The initial start of the server was obviously going to see people giddy as fuck to kill people. Most of that, I think, is over at the low levels unless you instigate it.