SpudFiles

I just re-wrote the rules for the Classifieds section, and decided to spend a minute and go to through the Forum Rules too.

Before I submit it to PCGuy for final adoption, I wanted to let the forum patrons read over and comment on my edit of the rules. The old set was written by FreeFall, I just edited/added onto his ruleset. Here it is.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.



General:

1. Show good forum etiquette.
A. Keep flaming to a minimum. Don’t start threads intended to be controversial (trolling). Also, keep in mind that this is a text-based medium, and as such, sarcasm does not always translate well.
B. Don’t feed forum trolls, this just encourages them.
C. Remember that you were once a newbie too. When new users post “dumb questions” or questions that could have easily been answered with a search, post links to helpful materials and remind them to search first next time, but don’t flame them.
D. Intentional harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
E. Absolutely no spam. Blatantly advertising a product or website will be regarded as harassment. Free iPod schemes, pyramid schemes, “free offers”, petitions, etc… are considered spam. Spammers will be banned and IP address blacklisted.
i. Posting a link to your personal web page in your signature and when relevant in forum discussion is acceptable but do not post links everywhere.
F. If you see a violation to the rules, DO NOT POST ABOUT IT IN THE THREAD! PM a moderator.
G. Don't copy an idea or design and claim it as your own, when we all know that someone else actually came up with it before you even got a computer. Don't flip a few words around and call it yours, either. Doing so will result in embarrassing account changes.
H. Don't sign up for more than one account. If you have a reason to create multiple accounts, ask a moderator first. Creation of multiple accounts without a valid reason may result in a ban.
I. When creating any new topic or post, please refrain from the use of ALL CAPS. It's annoying. Also, the colors and size options are there to highlight certain areas of a post, not to be used to get attention.
J. Before creating a thread to ask a question, PLEASE SEARCH FIRST! This forum is years old and contains a wealth of spudgun related information at your fingertips – just use the Search tool. Patrons tend to flame members for asking simple questions anyway, so save yourself the trouble and search before posting a question. It’s probably been asked before.
K. Old threads may be kicked up, if you have something relevant and timely to say. Useless ("Cool!") or untimely ("you can find X here" as a reply to a two-month old thread such as "I need to find X by tomorrow") replies may be deleted.
i. This doesn’t really apply to cannons in the Showcase section or threads in the How-To database.
ii. If someone kicks an old thread with a relevant post, please refrain from flaming. Kicked threads are a direct consequence of proper use of the search function, and are frequently appropriate.
L. Do not post links to pornographic or adult material. This forum is to be considered PG13 rated. Links to funny “not-safe-for-work” material should be posted on Theopia, not here.
M. When replying to an existing topic, your post should be useful. Useless or harassing replies will be deleted. Repeated useless or harassing replies may result in a ban.
N. Images may be posted, but please keep them below 800 pixels wide, to reduce file size and screen real estate. If you must post a large picture, use a link instead.
O. If you have problems hosting images, try hosting them on a service such as ImageShack which provides you with forum thumbnail html to copy-and-paste.
P. Don't make several posts one after another in the same thread (double posting). You can use the Edit button to edit or add to your previous post.
Q. Please keep posts on-topic within the thread. Some deviation is tolerable, but a thread may be locked if it gets too far off track. Off-topic discussion should really go to Theopia , but some off-topic discussion is OK within the Off-Topic section only.
R. You may not post anything that would provide competition to the current store being advertised on SpudFiles.com

2. Discussion of shooting anything at any person and/or animal is absolutely not tolerated.
A. The only exceptions to this rule are for proper use of legal airsoft and/or paintball markers, water balloons, and other such safe projectiles.

3. Discussion of solid propellants, explosive devices or incendiary projectiles fired from a spud cannon or used to power a spudgun is strictly prohibited, and may result in a permanent banning of your account.
For the purpose of this forum, these definitions will be used:
A. Solid propellant: Any substance containing all the chemical elements required to enable sustained combustion without the presence of additional oxidizers. This includes but is not limited to gunpowder, black powder, flash powder, thermite, and many commercial and/or homemade pyrotechnic compounds.
i. For example, nitroglycerine, though liquid, would qualify.
ii. For example, ordinary flour, though solid, would not qualify.
iii. Oxygen and combustible gases, especially acetylene, can constitute a dangerous explosive if not ignited in a properly engineered vessel.
B. Explosive device: Any device that has the capability to release large amounts of stored energy rapidly.
i. Discussion of fireworks as projectiles is prohibited.
ii. Discussion of "soda bottle bombs" or any other similar devices that may cause shrapnel as a result of uncontrolled rupture is prohibited.
C. Incendiary projectile: Any projectile that is capable of producing flame or igniting a fire.
i. Rocket propelled projectiles, pyrotechnic smoke bombs, or any other burning projectiles would qualify as an incendiary projectile.
ii. Glow-Sticks, though environmentally unfriendly, are generally OK.

4. Discussion of illegal activities will not be tolerated.
A. Discussion of using a spudgun for any illegal purposes, under any circumstances, will not be tolerated. This includes discussing using a spudgun as a weapon, to damage someone’s possessions or property, etc…
B. Do not request "warez", illegal media (movies, MP3), or any other software that violates or intentionally enables violation of copyright laws.
C. If you've been involved with illegal activities (theft, vandalism, drug use, etc), don’t discuss it here.

5. Moderator relations:
A. Moderators may deem a post inappropriate at any time, for any reason, and may edit or delete such posts without warning.
B. A moderator may move an incorrectly placed post. If a post/thread appears to be gone, please check your recent topics (listed in your profile) to see if it was moved to another section.
C. If you question a moderator's decision, please contact the moderator via PM. Arguing with the moderators generally doesn’t do you much good, but if you have a valid objection, the decision may be overturned.
D. Angering the moderators/administrators is HAZARDOUS TO YOUR ACCOUNT'S HEALTH! Understand?
E. These rules may not be complete. Intentional exploitation of loopholes may result in new rules.
Thanks to FreeFall and Pete Zaria for writing and editing these rules.

There should be a note about safe velocities under the discussion of safe projectiles part. You never know when some moron will assume that it's okay to shoot someone with a paintball at 600 fps... After all, paintballs are considered "safe" projectiles... I don't know how the legality of paintball/airsoft guns relates to their recommended velocities, but it'd be best not to leave it to chance... One other thing that should also be specified in the legal projectiles bit that it is only okay to shoot them at humans. We don't need cruelty to animals... Other than that, it seems pretty airtight! Well done! I hope I've helped too...

I'm not totally trying to be punk, but if one of the rules is:

A. Keep flaming to a minimum. Don’t start threads intended to be controversial (trolling). Also, keep in mind that this is a text-based medium, and as such, sarcasm does not always translate well.

with a focus here on:

Don’t start threads intended to be controversial (trolling).

Why is it ok for you to have and use a controversial signature such as,

Impeach George Bush & Dick Cheney NOW! Is 71,000 dead and $9 trillion in debt not enough? We impeached Clinton and Nixon for lesser crimes...

I happen to find it to be a very controversial, and political statement and should have no place in a spud gun forum. I'm really not trying to start a political debate or argument here, I'm just asking the question. This is a place for spud gun discussion. If it were a political debate forum I would say fine, but its not a political debate forum. It just seems like it's ok for you to be controversial in one way but not for others to be controversial in other ways. A "Do as I say not as I do" sort of thing. Just an observation.

@Pilgrimman,
Thanks for the input, I'll update that before final. Thanks.

@MikeNice,
You're the second person that's raised an argument about my sig, in fact, there was a long thread about it here: http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/your-la ... 10359.html

The general consensus was that signature space is an acceptable place for open expression, but if the negative reviews continue I might have to change it.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

Well put Mike. You didn't give him any guff. I personally feel that if he added "I feel that we should" to the beginning of his signature, that it'd be just fine, but I don't really feel strongly about it. He doesn't shove it down our throats, so it doesn't really bother me. There was a thread about Pete's signature made a little while ago, so I'd suggest either posting your concerns there, or P.M.-ing Pete. Again, I'm personally glad you expressed your concern in a rational manner, unlike many people!

See, this is exactly my point - this kind of healthy discussion, or debate, is acceptable and is not considered flaming. I don't feel that my sig provokes flaming. But if more people b!tch about it, I might have to change it.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

Are the rules even changed at all??

The differences might be subtle.
I reformatted the list, re-phrased a lot of points (left the questions intact but changed the wording to be more readable or more user friendly), and added several points. I'd say about 40% of it is new/edited content. FreeFall did a pretty good job the first time around, I'm just updating it and making it sound more professional.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

Don't change you'r sig Pete, this is one of the only ways we can express ourselves personaly on the forum. I don't like to see a fet chick in a bikini, can't ban that, Don't like to see a lot of things but we live in a FREE world and if you changed it you would be bowing down to the minority- you would not enjoy that, unless you are a member of Parliament

BTW I agree with your sig, so my comments are probably biast.

Edit: Yeah.. good um changes to the rules.. ROCK ON!

Novacastrian, when the forum rules ask you to avoid controversial subjects, it isn't in attempt to deprive you of your 1st Amendment rights, freedom of speech, or anything else.

This forum is for potato launchers, but I think some of us spend so much time here that we want it to encompass more. (I have had the same problem)

As Pete knows I have already suggested a few idears. How about something to curb redundant threads? Maybe a sticky of the popular thread subjects, then locking of the other similar threads?

For instance the 'your favorite fuel' thread. First off I don't know what the point of such a thread is, but the conclusion off every such thread is propane. Personally I would like to encourage more case specific threads.

Images may be posted, but please keep them below 800 pixels wide, to reduce file size and screen real estate. If you must post a large picture, use a link instead.

Can this be enforced a little more? I find it kinda annoying when people post a dozen huge uncompressed jpegs that are all 500k+ in size. It takes forever on slower connections.

B. Explosive device: Any device that has the capability to release large amounts of stored energy rapidly.

*Looks around*
(you might want to rephrase this eventually)
Like: "Any devise designed to cause a violent and uncontrolled release of large amounts of energy and/or shrapnel."
Almost all of our guns fit the current definition. The latter would be probably be better if you want to be specific.

Also, it seems that smoke bombs are discussed frequently. While it is against the rules to shoot them, is it against the rules to discuss creating/using them? or is it sort of a gray area?


I also liked the old first rule "Don't be a jerk". It pretty well sumarized most of the rest of the page. Maybe it should stay

...Doing so will result in embarrassing account changes.

Also liked that.


On a side note Pete, I believe your signature is basically your right to free speech on here.
Even if your signature said "Kill babies NOW!! Is 6 billion humans not enough? We kill deer for less over-population", I wouldn't complain about it.

This may be a bit off, but if a Mod locks or deletes your topic, would it be to much to ask for a PM stating the reasoning behind such an action?

Technically we should be PM'ing you if we lock/delete one of your topics, though 80% of the time it is self explanatory.

I like the rules, good job Pete/Freefall.

I would like to suggest a couple of points that could be considered:

1) Spelling and grammar should get more attention, as I dislike it when people really don't try and their post is illegible. I know some people are of non-english speaking countries, but please can people just make an effort.

2) Some people have limited ADSL, so perhaps posts should be limited to 5 pictures, with the rest having links to be viewed.

3) People (i.e. newbies) who ask stupid questions should be told nicely to search, because people either flame them or give them the link and tell them to search next time. They should search the first time as they always push their luck and never try.

Thats about all from this peanut-gallery. Once again, thank you for the time/effort to make this list.

J. Before creating a thread to ask a question, PLEASE SEARCH FIRST! This forum is years old and contains a wealth of spudgun related information at your fingertips – just use the Search tool. Patrons tend to flame members for asking simple questions anyway, so save yourself the trouble and search before posting a question. It’s probably been asked before.

this one is sort of annoying. most new members do not know the proper terminology used on this site. they may not of had a chance to completely read the wiki or understand it. many long time members ask the same questions, but they know the terminology to use asking.

if i were a young person that just found out about launchers and searched for "combustion chamber" the result is over 14,500 and rising. quite a few are members saying "use the search button". i'm really surprised "search button" returns 1805 results.

in the same amount of space a link or a simple answer can be given. or the thread can be completely ignored.

as for your sig, i assume you know president richard nixon was never impeached. andrew jackson and bill clinton were the only two presidents impeached.

walter l. nixon was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives for committing perjury before a grand jury. perjury from a federal judge is pretty big in my book.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Nixon