Laws
1. If a thread already exists on a topic, use it, rather than start a new one.
2. Don't derail threads by changing the topic. Start a new topic.
3. No outing of home addresses or phone numbers without a person's consent. This includes linking to such information.
4. Post your topics in the appropriate forum, with an appropriate name.
5. Multiple usernames are disallowed if you use them for
sockpuppetry. Sockpuppets will be outed.
6. No attacking other posters with insults (this includes driving parents off). You can make your point with civility. Responding to an insult with an insult is not a justification.
7. Impersonation of another poster or living person is not allowed, unless it is obvious parody. The standard is this: if a stupid person could mistake the identity to be that of the parodied, it's a violation. You may either agree to have such an account labeled as "parody" or have it deleted.
8. One unmoderated forum will remain (open free for all) however it will be opt-in, similar to the drama box.
Bill of Rights
1. You have the right to your opinion, however unpopular. You will not be disciplined for your opinions so long their expression stays within the rules of the forum.
2. You have a right to an impartial moderation. If you get into an argument with a moderator, that moderator may not punish you and must rely on the judgement of another moderator.
3. You have the right to an appeal. If you feel you were treated unjustly by one of our moderators you have the right to request an appeal. A panel of moderators will go over your case and make a decision affirming or overturning the decision. Affirmations must be unanimous.
4. You have a right to be informed of all correspondance concerning your case.
5. You have the right to privacy. You have the right to create a second or third account for the purposes of retaining anonymity.
Penalties:
You will be informed if you violate a rule. If repeated violation occur, your account may be disabled temporarily. After your account is enabled again, you will be considered on a probationary period. If further violations occur, you may be banned permanently.
This constitution only applies to postings from this point on (9/8/2010).
I'll be editing this rough draft as we come up with ideas. I welcome feedback. Just so we're clear, once these rules are finalized, they'll apply to everybody regardless of their opinions or group affiliation.
