New Forum, New Rules: Let's Update The Forum Rules

[Zwielicht]

(I originally posted this before I was a moderator, but I'll continue updating it)

I've been procrastinating on posting this thread as I knew the moderators were busy with the forum migration. Now that the situation has ostensibly settled down, I wanted to suggest updating the forum rules to include and expand on rules that aren't referenced in the TOS or sticky threads at the top of each section. More specifically, I'm referring to the following:

Rules

• Adding the Craigslist rule - Most of us know that we aren't allowed to discuss Craigslist methods here in the public forum, but some members have made the assumption that we aren't even allowed to mention Craigslist. It would be nice to have a specific rule to reference that clarifies this rule.
• Adding the mentoring rule - Again, most of us know that mentoring is against the rules here, but there's no specific rule on the TOS page I can reference.
• Adding a signature dropping rule - I've seen several members complain about other members creating numerous posts and threads with the sole intent of exposing their signature. Half the time, the members who create these sig dropping posts don't even bother reading the original post and just post some half-baked response that vaguely references the topic.
• Adding a self-promotion rule - The only rule in the TOS that mentions user's linking to their website is rule #4: Affiliate Links. There are also some new members who think that sharing your website here is against the rules (it's not, but clarifying this would help them out).
• The signature banner gif rule - I heard that a member received an infraction because their signature gif was "too fast". I've never heard of this being a rule before, and while it might fall under rule #5's "or anything else annoying", that seems pretty vague.
• The signature rental rule - This should be common sense, but I've seen other members confused as to why they can't rent their signature out to non-Jr. VIP members. Perhaps it can be added to rule #5?
• The Call-To-Action Rule - While technically a part of rule #4, if you include a CTA as your "home page" or put a CTA as your avatar as a non-Jr. VIP, this is considered selling outside of the marketplace.
• The "Where Can I Sell/How Much Is My (Blank) Worth" Rule - A rule most people here probably don't know about.
• The Referral Code Rule - There was an issue recently with a member complaining about receiving an infraction for affiliate links when he posted a referral code with no links. This isn't allowed either, as you're still getting rewarded for getting users to sign up for a program.
• Encouraging Others To Break Rules - I unintentionally did this one myself a while back, but telling others how to circumvent the rules, even playing around, is against the rules as well.
• The "No More Skype Groups" Rule - Some of you were probably around when I FLOODED the forum with a "No more Skype groups -- Thread Closed" message. In an attempt to reduce the number of Shit List threads and keep the conversations on Black Hat World, we no longer allow Skype groups on the forum.
• IG Engagement Groups - I was informed that these were no longer allowed on the forum.
• Bartering - You can't trade services on the forum, even if the services are unrelated to Internet marketing. https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/m...or-your-black-hat-skills.936023/#post-9996982
• English-Only Banners - Most of you are aware of the "English only" rule on the forum. This goes for signature banners as well.
• Nudity - I'm honestly not exactly sure "how much is too much", but porn definitely isn't allowed.
• Group Buy Threads - You've probably seen other moderators tell you group buy threads aren't allowed here. I'm not sure if it's stated in any of the sticky threads, so I'm listing it here.
• Like Begging - If someone likes your content, they'll hit the like button on their own. Don't ask them to like your post, this isn't YouTube.

The TOS page

Can we add some formatting to that page? Bold the titles? Add some colour? Something to make it easier to read? You know, make it look like the Cookie Usage page.

In addition to encouraging new members to read through the forum rules by making it easier to read, this would also make it easier for members such as myself who send reports to reference which rule we think was broken.

 

[Wilson Grant Fisk]

Agreed, probably about time the rules were updated to reflect the changes on the forum.
Some of the rules are ambiguous and some seem to have been ignored over the years.

 

[Zwielicht]

I thought I'd bump this thread just to remind the members here about these obscure rules until the TOS page gets updated. I added a few more rules you probably didn't know about to the list.

 

[Bruna]

I thought I'd bump this thread just to remind the members here about these obscure rules until the TOS page gets updated. I added a few more rules you probably didn't know about to the list.

Yeah, was interesting to read. Thank you for your kidness!

 

[davids355]

Good read. Thanks @Zwielicht

 

[proxygo]

another issue is how a rule is interpreted . 1 user can give u friendly pm saying dont do that
while another will slap u with a straight 1-3 pointer .
better communication between mods, example, u ask permission to do something and its granted
few months down the line some 1 else trys to infract u as they didnt no u had permission.
been there on both.

 

[HallLiz]

People are not forced to read the rules. Reading rules is boring for the average person. This was a quick read and when people see rules they don't want to read because its usually long. Force them to read it.

When signing up make them click or check a box after each individual rule. Once this rule form is completed can they now post.

 

[Zwielicht]

another issue is how a rule is interpreted . 1 user can give u friendly pm saying dont do that
while another will slap u with a straight 1-3 pointer .
better communication between mods, example, u ask permission to do something and its granted
few months down the line some 1 else trys to infract u as they didnt no u had permission.
been there on both.

You should've opened your own suggestions & feedback thread about that instead of posting it here.

In regards to the communication between moderators, in rare cases a note is left on your account in the form of a 0 point warning, other times we post about it in our subforum, and sometimes we PM each other. I'll look into bringing up a simpler suggestion to the other mods later.

As for why you might get a warning from 1 mod and an infraction for the other, that just comes down to the mod and the situation. We won't override each other, so what you get is what you get.

 

[blogzandstuff]

How about a popup or info bar that says something like " please read the rules before posting ". No excuses then as everybody sees it

 

[Conor]

Can we make a rule that requires people who speak English as a first language to speak it properly?

 

[Deleted member 657006]

Can we make a rule that requires people who speak English as a first language to speak it properly?

No i am fully english but very dyslexia
That not fair at all

 

[Zwielicht]

Can we make a rule that requires people who speak English as a first language to speak it properly?

No i am fully english but very dyslexia
That not fair at all

Redarrow brings up a good point. There are some members here with learning disabilities.

 

[Conor]

There are some members here with learning disabilities.

I'll never underestimate my ability to use a comma ever again.

 

[Capo Dei Capi]

If words are going to have the non standard meanings in regards to any of the rules, at least mention BHW's meaning for it in the rules section.

A person can read the rules and then "follow" the rules according to what the standard meanings say, yet they are actually breaking the rules because 1 or more mods has decided on a different meaning.

 

[littlewebdragon]

You might want to consider adding a rule that bans "add me on skype" type of messages that caused a lot of SL threads, ban them everywhere but inside of Hire a freelance section or WTB or marketplace etc. sections.

 

[Deleted member 186928]

If words are going to have the non standard meanings in regards to any of the rules, at least mention BHW's meaning for it in the rules section.

A person can read the rules and then "follow" the rules according to what the standard meanings say, yet they are actually breaking the rules because 1 or more mods has decided on a different meaning.

Welcome back...butt-hurt much?


.

 

[Capo Dei Capi]

Welcome back...butt-hurt much?


.

I was only banned for 3 days, but felt it was too much bs here so left for longer by myself.

All members should want to have a standardized definition of the words used within rules instead of having things changed around. I've had a thread locked because it "violated" a rule, yet according to the Oxford,Websters and even Wikipedia it wouldn't have been in violation. Yet threads that are even closer to the meaning or would actually be in violation according to the meaning in at least the oxford and even all 3 are still open.

Standardization makes things so smooth and easy for everyone.

 

[iModBot]

I was only banned for 3 days, but felt it was too much bs here so left for longer by myself.

All members should want to have a standardized definition of the words used within rules instead of having things changed around. I've had a thread locked because it "violated" a rule, yet according to the Oxford,Websters and even Wikipedia it wouldn't have been in violation. Yet threads that are even closer to the meaning or would actually be in violation according to the meaning in at least the oxford and even all 3 are still open.

Standardization makes things so smooth and easy for everyone.

If you kept discussion on topics related to SEO or digital marketing I can't see you having an issue.

You consistently want to bring up off topic and politically charged subjects for threads.

This is your issue, it's not the words you use.

Glad to see you back.

Thanks

 

[Innovatorz]

I've been procrastinating on posting this thread as I knew the moderators were busy with the forum migration. Now that the situation has ostensibly settled down, I wanted to suggest updating the forum rules to include and expand on rules that aren't referenced in the TOS or sticky threads at the top of each section. More specifically, I'm referring to the following:

Rules

• Adding the Craigslist rule - Most of us know that we aren't allowed to discuss Craigslist methods here in the public forum, but some members have made the assumption that we aren't even allowed to mention Craigslist. It would be nice to have a specific rule to reference that clarifies this rule.
• Adding the mentoring rule - Again, most of us know that mentoring is against the rules here, but there's no specific rule on the TOS page I can reference.
• Adding a signature dropping rule - I've seen several members complain about other members creating numerous posts and threads with the sole intent of exposing their signature. Half the time, the members who create these sig dropping posts don't even bother reading the original post and just post some half-baked response that vaguely references the topic.
• Adding a self-promotion rule - The only rule in the TOS that mentions user's linking to their website is rule #4: Affiliate Links. There are also some new members who think that sharing your website here is against the rules (it's not, but clarifying this would help them out).
  
• The signature banner gif rule - I heard that a member received an infraction because their signature gif was "too fast". I've never heard of this being a rule before, and while it might fall under rule #5's "or anything else annoying", that seems pretty vague.
• The signature rental rule - This should be common sense, but I've seen other members confused as to why they can't rent their signature out to non-Jr. VIP members. Perhaps it can be added to rule #5?
• The Call-To-Action Rule - While technically a part of rule #4, if you include a CTA as your "home page" or put a CTA as your avatar as a non-Jr. VIP, this is considered selling outside of the marketplace.
• The "Where Can I Sell/How Much Is My (Blank) Worth" Rule - A rule most people here probably don't know about.
• The Referral Code Rule - There was an issue recently with a member complaining about receiving an infraction for affiliate links when he posted a referral code with no links. This isn't allowed either, as you're still getting rewarded for getting users to sign up for a program.
• Encouraging Others To Break Rules - I unintentionally did this one myself a while back, but telling others how to circumvent the rules, even playing around, is against the rules as well.

The TOS page

Can we add some formatting to that page? Bold the titles? Add some colour? Something to make it easier to read? You know, make it look like the Cookie Usage page.

In addition to encouraging new members to read through the forum rules by making it easier to read, this would also make it easier for members such as myself who send reports to reference which rule we think was broken.

You missed out one on 'Taking the conversation out of BHW' rule. I received an infraction for that, but never knew that existed.

You might want to consider adding a rule that bans "add me on skype" type of messages that caused a lot of SL threads, ban them everywhere but inside of Hire a freelance section or WTB or marketplace etc. sections.

Yes, that's been quite annoying too. Most people just spam on Skype without even looking at the thread.

 

[Zwielicht]

You missed out one on 'Taking the conversation out of BHW' rule. I received an infraction for that, but never knew that existed.


Yes, that's been quite annoying too. Most people just spam on Skype without even looking at the thread.

I update this thread periodically, so I still need to add a couple more rules.

You might want to consider adding a rule that bans "add me on skype" type of messages that caused a lot of SL threads, ban them everywhere but inside of Hire a freelance section or WTB or marketplace etc. sections.

You have no idea how much I want to censor the word "Skype" from this forum...