In order to create a fun, safe environment for everyone we must have rules. I wish that rules weren't necessary, but it’s a sad fact of internet life that if you give a little bit of leeway, everyone will take advantage of you. This is true even on a Christian website.
On to the specifics.
First and foremost:
ABSOLUTELY NO sexual content!!! This is the most important rule of this site. Any pictures, links to, or positive references to porn will result in an immediate and irrevocable ban. That said, posting things of a sexual nature will also not be tolerated, but the punishment will vary depending on the offense.
No crude or profane language. We don’t have a profanity filter yet, but the forums will be moderated for these things. Mild cursing will result in a warning, harsh profanity or repeat offences will result in a suspension period. If it continues, bans will be handed out. We understand that the words ‘hell’ and ‘damn’ can be used in the proper context, this is a religious site, and in the literal sense will not be taken as cursing. Just keep in mind the spirit of the law. Attempts to bypass the swear filter once we have one in place will result in a more severe warning.
Do NOT attempt to access restricted areas of the site, other users accounts, or any type of administration area without explicit permission from a person in authority on this site. Any attempt, successful or otherwise will result in a permanent ban.
Do not link to, or post offensive or shocking material. This will result in either a warning or a ban, depending on the content.
Accounts:
Your account must not contain anything prohibited in this Code of Conduct. Any account may be terminated that violates this rule. You may create another account as long as it complies with the Code of Conduct. Moderators reserve the right to change any account at their discretion.
You may not ever insult, harass, or verbally attack a staff member, registered user, or even an unregistered viewer. Doing so will lead to a stiff warning, and possibly a ban. We may decide to temporarily suspend someone who violates this rule to give them time to cool off.
Your avatar picture must comply with this Code of Conduct. If it does not, it may be modified and or removed by a moderator.
Your email address must be up to date. If we send you a warning and you do not get it because you changed email addresses and didn’t update it, we may assume you ignored the warning and will take whatever action we deem necessary.
Your signature must not violate any part of this Code of Conduct. If it does, it may be modified and or removed by a moderator. Please do not use more than four non-wrapping lines of text. Empty lines count towards this.
No spam, please. Spam is defined as:
Posting the same message over and over again (this includes messages that are different but have roughly the same meaning)
Messages with no content
An excessive number of posts that are off-topic
Links to “free” materials
Advertising, unless specifically allowed in a forum/thread
Chain-letters and other scams
Messages with no discernable meaning
Uncalled-for boasting that goes beyond harmless fun
Do not engage in illegal activities. If we find that you are pursuing illegal activities, we will have no choice but to ban you. If requested by authorities, we will provide any information about you contained on these forums to government agencies.
Reporting a problem:
If you see a problem with the site, please post it in the suggestions forum. If you have problems with another former, please notify a moderator. We encourage you to settle any differences peacefully, but if you can not, please let a staff member know. If you feel that a moderator is abusing his power, let another staff member know via a personal message.
I know this whole CoC sounds rather harsh, but we will do whatever necessary to keep these forums clean, safe, and fun for everyone. If you don't think it's possible you to memorize this list, just remember: Be polite and don't do anything that may cause trouble.
-Ninetails