The end-all, be-all of our rules is, "Be nice to each other." There are some specific things that we want to mention, though:
* Be respectful of each other. Remember, one has to "take offense." If you take offense to something, ask politely for clarification. Someone might have "misspoken." If you have a real problem and can't settle it via PM, talk to a staff member.
* Post in English. This isn't because we're English snobs, it's because we (mostly) can't read anything else.
* Make an effort to use good spelling and grammar (see the above note). If you can't read English and you're using Google Translate, the translation will be hideous if the spelling and/or grammar is bad.
We recommend that you use Firefox, Google Chrome or the Iron browser. All these have built in spell-checkers. You could also type your message in your favorite text processor, check it and then copy and paste it into the forum.
* Please limit your use of slang. I've worked with people from all over the world and it is sometimes amusing to see the looks on their faces when I use slang, but you can't see people here, so there's no amusement value.
===========
What's "Banned"?
"Banned" means that your posting rights are taken away. You also won't be able to see your custom groups and possibly other "premium" forum features. The length of the ban is dependant on how the CE, Mod, or Admin feels. Do note that we can use something called "Spam-O-Matic." This banning option can ban your IP address, e-mail account, and username not only from the WF but from other forums that use Akismet.
Specific Things We'll Probably Ban You For
* Keep all content safe and suitable for work (i.e. keep the swearing to a minimum, don't post p0rn). Failure to do so may result in an immediate and permanent ban.
* Don't post stuff that's illegal (including copyrighted stuff, libel, etc.). Don't post links to illegal stuff or how to get stuff illegally. Doing so may result in an immediate and permanent ban.
* Don't cross post (cross posting is when you post the same post in multiple places), as wemay will consider it spam and you may get banned.
==========
We'll DEFINITELY Ban You For ...
... Disrespecting the WF staff.
In other words,
--> If a WF staff member tells you to stop doing something and you continue doing it, that's a Bad Idea.
--> Starting a thread to continue a locked thread is a Rather Bad Idea.
--> Starting a thread to dispute the locking of a thread is a Really Bad Idea.
--> Making a personal attack on a CE/Mod/Admin for any decision that the CE/Mod/Admin made is an Incredibly Bad Idea.
... Spam or phishing.
==========
Finally, please note:
The staff and members of The Woodwind Forum do not necessarily endorse any product or service mentioned on this forum.
Forum membership does not mean that we implicitly approve of someone's product or services. If you patronize a forum member and have a problem, DO NOT TAKE IT OUT IN A FLAME WAR ON THE FORUM. If you want to drop Ed, Jim, Helen, or me a PM or e-mail about someone, go ahead. However, we're not under any obligation to ban someone because of your experiences.
==========
If you need specific qualifications for any of the above, feel free to contact a member of the staff.
Small update on 05/03/14 @ 4:27p by pete. Update regarding Spam-O-Matic. Added Helen to the list of Admins.
Small update on 05/03/14 @ 4:17p by pete. Update to make the "Bad Ideas" a bit more comprehensive.
Small update on 12/31/07 @ 4:13p by pete.
Small update on 01/03/08 @ 9:42a by pete.
Update for spam/phishing on 01/05/08 @ 8:27p by pete.
Update language and cross posting on 01/16/08 @ 10:30a by ed.
Update to include Libel on 08/26/09 by pete.
Update regarding spelling/grammar/slang on 07/24/10 by pete.
Update regarding "immediate ban offenses" on 07/24/10 by pete.
Updated browser list on 07/24/10 by pete.
Update regarding endorsements on 12/15/11 @8:15p by pete.
* Be respectful of each other. Remember, one has to "take offense." If you take offense to something, ask politely for clarification. Someone might have "misspoken." If you have a real problem and can't settle it via PM, talk to a staff member.
* Post in English. This isn't because we're English snobs, it's because we (mostly) can't read anything else.
* Make an effort to use good spelling and grammar (see the above note). If you can't read English and you're using Google Translate, the translation will be hideous if the spelling and/or grammar is bad.
We recommend that you use Firefox, Google Chrome or the Iron browser. All these have built in spell-checkers. You could also type your message in your favorite text processor, check it and then copy and paste it into the forum.
* Please limit your use of slang. I've worked with people from all over the world and it is sometimes amusing to see the looks on their faces when I use slang, but you can't see people here, so there's no amusement value.
===========
What's "Banned"?
"Banned" means that your posting rights are taken away. You also won't be able to see your custom groups and possibly other "premium" forum features. The length of the ban is dependant on how the CE, Mod, or Admin feels. Do note that we can use something called "Spam-O-Matic." This banning option can ban your IP address, e-mail account, and username not only from the WF but from other forums that use Akismet.
Specific Things We'll Probably Ban You For
* Keep all content safe and suitable for work (i.e. keep the swearing to a minimum, don't post p0rn). Failure to do so may result in an immediate and permanent ban.
* Don't post stuff that's illegal (including copyrighted stuff, libel, etc.). Don't post links to illegal stuff or how to get stuff illegally. Doing so may result in an immediate and permanent ban.
* Don't cross post (cross posting is when you post the same post in multiple places), as we
==========
We'll DEFINITELY Ban You For ...
... Disrespecting the WF staff.
In other words,
--> If a WF staff member tells you to stop doing something and you continue doing it, that's a Bad Idea.
--> Starting a thread to continue a locked thread is a Rather Bad Idea.
--> Starting a thread to dispute the locking of a thread is a Really Bad Idea.
--> Making a personal attack on a CE/Mod/Admin for any decision that the CE/Mod/Admin made is an Incredibly Bad Idea.
... Spam or phishing.
==========
Finally, please note:
The staff and members of The Woodwind Forum do not necessarily endorse any product or service mentioned on this forum.
Forum membership does not mean that we implicitly approve of someone's product or services. If you patronize a forum member and have a problem, DO NOT TAKE IT OUT IN A FLAME WAR ON THE FORUM. If you want to drop Ed, Jim, Helen, or me a PM or e-mail about someone, go ahead. However, we're not under any obligation to ban someone because of your experiences.
==========
If you need specific qualifications for any of the above, feel free to contact a member of the staff.
Small update on 05/03/14 @ 4:27p by pete. Update regarding Spam-O-Matic. Added Helen to the list of Admins.
Small update on 05/03/14 @ 4:17p by pete. Update to make the "Bad Ideas" a bit more comprehensive.
Small update on 12/31/07 @ 4:13p by pete.
Small update on 01/03/08 @ 9:42a by pete.
Update for spam/phishing on 01/05/08 @ 8:27p by pete.
Update language and cross posting on 01/16/08 @ 10:30a by ed.
Update to include Libel on 08/26/09 by pete.
Update regarding spelling/grammar/slang on 07/24/10 by pete.
Update regarding "immediate ban offenses" on 07/24/10 by pete.
Updated browser list on 07/24/10 by pete.
Update regarding endorsements on 12/15/11 @8:15p by pete.
Last edited by a moderator: