Re: Andy\'s rules posted for comment.
I really do believe this will only work if we let everyone participate. Since I haven't been completely successful getting some of these guys access, SmokinV10 emailed me his comments so I could post them.
Andy Below are my comments and suggestions for the rules. Please post them in the Site suggstions area.
1. This board is read by lots of different people. Anything not acceptable on network TV will be deleted.
Comment- I believe this is neither too vague or too specific. Rather this rule should be left alone. Since this will alow the usage of words currently not allowed such as a s s and d a m n but does prohibit the use of some foul language that may not be appropriate for this site its wording is sufficient to cover language. Also this allows the posting of pictures such as some basic swimsuits that can be viewed on shows such as baywatch, etc. This should put the current controversy of swimsuits to rest. It also tempers the idea of the possiblity of ****** or *********** showing up on this site. With the "network TV" disclaimer/rule, this will not be allowed to happen.
2. Anything racist, threatening, or derogatory to any ethnicity or orientation will be deleted.
Good
3. Personal assaults and threats will not be tolerated.
Good.
4. Negative statements about vendors, customers, or bystanders must be substantiated. Furthermore, we reserve the right to hold negative posts to give the parties reasonable time to work it out.
This is good. Incidents with the unfortunate outcome of the infamous $9 thread would have been avoided with such a rule in place.
5. We will do our best to not over moderate. If things get heated, we will attempt to lock a thread before deleting it.
This is too vague. The use of the word "heated" may be a reason for a modertator who does not agree with the rules to pull a post. Often the best threads are the "heated ones". Since this part addresses pulling of posts I believe rule 5 should be written as follows:
5) We will do our best to not over moderate. If a post does not meet the posting guidelines it will be deleted or locked with an explanation. In extreme circumstances where personal information of a sensitive nature requires deletion, deletion may occur without explanation. This will be the exception rather than the rule.
6. If any one moderator participates as a user in an exchange, they will not participate in the moderation of that exchange
7. All activities involving the removal of a site member's posting privilidges will involve a 3-strikes policy and will be voted on by the Website Committee (this includes, temporary website banning,cooling off periods, and permanent bannings). In order to ensure that each strike will not be assigned arbitrarily and will be for larger infractions. The website committee must vote (by simple majority) on each strike. The first and second strike will constitute email notifications to the user. The third strike may constitute a suspension at the discretion of the committee. All violations of rule #3 will constitute an automatic 3 strikes. The committee may determine the length of the banning at the 3rd strike. If a consensus is not reached. The committee chairman will decide on any banning length up to one year. Any bannnings of one year or greater will require a final website committee vote of a 4/5's majority. Each strike stays on record for 4 months.
The above structure guarantees that bannings are treated fairly.
8) Website Committee Composition and Power:
The website committee will be composed of the following:
- Chairman VCA officer (does not vote but may cast a deciding vote in the case of a tie).
Two VCA officers.
Two VCA Members (non-vca officers)
The website committee will have sole power in appointing and controling all persons with moderating privilidges. There will be no persons granted modertating privilidges without a 4/5's vote from the committee.
The website committee will have the power to amend changes to the website with a simple majority.
8) There will be ONLY 6 persons granted moderating privilidges. 2 Moderators will be assinged to moderate each area. 2 for OT,and 3 for Gen I/II and SRT sections. These persons will be assinged to moderate these areas only. However during an absense, a moderator from another area may moderate. All moderators must have at least 100 posts in the forum they are moderating. One moderator will have the ability to moderate all sections (as a check).
