LovingTech

1. Rules

1a. SPAM
Spamming is strictly prohibited from the LovingTech.net forums.

SPAM can be classified by the posting of an advertisement on the LovingTech.net forums. Advertising is when a member displays a link to a web site not associated with LovingTech.net forums with the intent to draw visitors of LovingTech.net forums to their web site. Mesages which are abusive and unwanted on the forum are also classified as SPAM.

Members that are found to be spamming will be permanently banned from the LovingTech.net forums with no other chances.

1b. Pointless Posting
Pointless posting is strictly prohibited from the LovingTech.net forums. Listed below are some examples of pointless posting:

• 1b.1: Off-Topic Posts - Any post that is irrelevant to either the forum or the topic of discussion is classified as pointless posting. Off-topic posts are allowed in the The Coffee Room forum, under that forum's specific rules.

• 1b.2: Intentional Post Count Raising - Posting comments just to raise your post count is considered pointless posting. A common instance of this is replying to questions that have already been answered and repeating the answer (see; 1b.4 Bumping Threads), just posting nonsense that has absolutely nothing to do with that forum or the discussion at hand (see; 1b.1 Off-Topic Posts), or replies containing only a single word (see; 1b.3 One-Word Posts).

• 1b.3: One-Word Posts - One-word replies are usually classified as pointless posting, especially if the user does this repeatedly. It's up to the Moderator's discretion to decide whether a user's one-word reply is pointless, or not.

• 1b.4: Bumping Threads - Bumping a topic that has not been replied to without further contribution. Usually done to move a topic back to the top of a forum for increased visibility.

• 1b.5: Personal Member-To-Member Threads - Posting a thread directed at a specific member may be classified as pointless posting. The Private Messaging function should be used to contact members privately about personal matters or discussions.

• 1b.6: Duplicate Posts - Posting duplicate replies or threads in a single forum or across multiple forums.

1c. Flaming
Flaming is strictly prohibited from the LovingTech.net forums. A flame is an insult or slur directed at another member. Listed below are our definitions of "flames:"

• 1c.1: Insults - Any type of insult or personal attack directed from one member to another member.

• 1c.2: Homosexual Slurs - Any type of homosexual slur directed from one member to another member, whether it be false claims that the member being flamed is a homosexual, or mocking a homosexual member for their sexual preference.

• 1c.3: Sexual Slurs - Any type of sexual slur directed from one member to another member, whether it be describing explicit sexual behaviors involving the member being flamed, or typing sexually explicit slurs using the likeness of the member being flamed.

• 1c.4: Racial Slurs - Any type of slur directed from one member to another member or ethnic background insulting a specific ethnic background.

• 1c.5: Degrading Comments - Any comment that is intended to degrade another member.

1d. Trolling
Trolling is strictly prohibited from the LovingTech.net forums.

The big difference between "trolling" and "flaming" is that a direct insult is not always the factor. It simply has to be a comment intended to antagonize another person.

Trolling is where a member provokes another member into an argument or flaming by means of flaming the member, or making a post when the member knows full well that it will cause an argument.

A common example of "trolling" is when a member posts something that insults/provokes another group of members/moderators, i.e. posting a thread in the Microsoft forum explaining how Apple is better.

1e. Profanity
Profanity is strictly prohibited from the LovingTech.net forums.

It is important that we maintain a welcoming, friendly and wholesome environment on the LovingTech.net forums.

1f. Pornography
Pornography is strictly prohibited from the LovingTech.net forums. This includes but is not limited to links to pornography, referencing pornography and pornographic images.

1g. Signatures
The following stipulations apply to member signatures:

• 1g.1: Members must have a post count of at least 25 to use signatures. 
• 1g.2: The maximum signature font size is "Medium."

1h. Avatars
Avatars must be appropriate and child safe.

2. Disciplinary Actions

2a. Disciplinary Actions
Below are the disciplinary action used when a member is found to be breaking one of the above rules:

• 2a.1: Warning - A formal warning that is logged by a moderator. Usually given to those that have refused to acknowledge a previous caution, or those that have committed an offense worthy of more than a caution. When a users warning level reaches 80%, all of their posts will need to be moderated for 1 week. After a users warning level reaches 100%, they will be banned from the forum for 1 week. If a users warning level is nearly always at 100% then a permanent ban will take place.

• 2a.2: Temporary Ban - Temporarily removes a user's access to the LovingTech.net forums for a specified amount of time.

• 2a.3: Account (Permanent) Ban - Permanently removes a user's access to the LovingTech.net forums.

LAST UPDATE: 02/12/2012