Clarification on rules

Dr Positivity · Post #1 » by **Dr Positivity** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:28 am

I don't want to be one of those posters that makes a fit anytime a moderator gives a warning or locks a thread, BUT I just wanted some clarification on what's allowed under the rules so I can you know, follow them

Last week, I received a warning for posting IBTL (acroynm for I Beat the Lock) to a spam thread. This is a common post on these forums and while by all means I will gladly not use it anymore if it's against the rules, my problem is more that I had no way of knowing it was. The forum rules in the Raptors forum (where I posted it) are listed here: viewtopic.php?f=32&t=877670 Considering the frequency IBTL is used on the Raptors forum and General Board and etc. without clear reprehension and lack of any clear restriction on it listed in the rule guide, I was unaware posting it is worthy of a warning

Today I received a second warning for making a thread entitled OT: Brilliant Bro on Sis Facebook revenge. This is a link to a funny facebook post that has also been posted on the Chicago, New York, and Off-Topic forums (the last of which I was unaware of when posting it). Once again I am unsure what rule I have broken that is worthy of a warning. I am under the impression threads begun with OT are allowable in the regular sports forums, many pop up each day. The PM I received with the warning had no details of the rules I am breaking.

Again I have NO PROBLEM abiding by the rules of RealGM. My issue is when warnings are given out for acts I am unaware are against the rules. It would appear I have 2 strikes out of 3 and I certainly don't want to be banned, but I fear I could at any moment commit some act in the same ballpark as IBTL or an "OT:" post and get my 3rd strike (like for an example saying "Bargnani is a pussy" then getting banned on my 3rd strike for 'offensive language') So I would like some clarification on the two rules I have broken or a more complete RealGM guideline on what will now be outlawed.

If the moderater who issued these warnings is setting a new standard of posting strictness I will not protest him, but perhaps it'd be wise to give posters a little nudge nudge on the new rules before issuing full warnings. Most of us who've been around this site for a level of time are accustomed to what's allowed and disallowed on RealGM, thereby when the rules change so to speak and certain acts that were allowed beforehand are suddenly punishable by warning, it's hard for everyone to know what's up.

Thanks

Disco_Biscuit · Post #2 » by **Disco_Biscuit** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:26 am

IBTL=In Before the Lock

You probably shouldn't have gotten warnings for those. Sorry I can't help just putting my 2 cents in.

Post #3 » by **magnumt** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm

The IBTL goes against RealGM's crack on on Post Padders over the last few Years. That is a Warnable offense on many Boards here on RealGM, but depends entirely on the Mod Team of that Board. On a side note, the GB (Gen. NBA Board) *does* crackdown on such posts/Threads, but because of the shear volume of posts they may not be able to get to each (that's where Reports come in).

The 2nd one, I have no idea on...you'll have to wait for a response from the Mod or Board in which action was taken on.

As for strikes, you have 2 out of 3 before a Suspension is served. Bans are a last resort type of thing.

Hope that helps.

--Mags

Rasho Brezec · Post #4 » by **Rasho Brezec** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:54 pm

magnumt wrote:As for strikes, you have 2 out of 3 before a Suspension is served. Bans are a last resort type of thing.

Are you sure about that?

TB#1 · Post #5 » by **TB#1** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 4:14 pm

In general you will get a number of warnings before getting a suspension, the number varying depending on the severity of the infractions. Once you are in the suspension pipeline, its usually 3 day, 7 day then ban...unless a looooong time has passed after the 7 day.

IBTL got you warned but IMO -- and its not my board so I don't have a lot of say so -- but IMO its a pretty minor thing and not much to worry about if you haven't made a habit of it.

You are correct that the brother/sister topic has been posted several times here. Its on the Bulls board and I even commented on it even though I consider the thread distasteful and would prefer it not have been posted there. But I made a judgment call and didn't lock or remove it. The Raps mod made a judgment call and locked it. Some of these calls aren't based on hard and fast rules. Mods have some discretion to make judgment calls on their boards.

I don't think either of those instances are endangering your account in any way.

I am going to PM the mod involved and let him know this topic is here.

Hope the explanation helped in some way.

Post #6 » by **itbobby007** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:04 pm

For a clarification on the rules, please read the T.O.S -> viewtopic.php?f=32&t=877670

Here are highlights from the TOS that cover your 2 warnings:

1. Posts are to be made in the relevant forum and in the relevant thread. Users are asked to read the forum descriptions before posting. Users consistently posting to the wrong forum may be given a warning (see policy below).

4. Members who participate in discussions should attempt to make a meaningful contribution. Users who spam or post with the sole intention of increasing their post count and ranking may be warned.

7. Members should remember this forum is aimed at a general audience. Posting pornographic or generally offensive text, images, links, etc. will not be tolerated and will lead to a warning. Members who repeatedly evade the language censor to post offensive language may also be warned.

5) Warnings, Suspensions and Bans

RealGM operates a three strike policy. Users will be warned a maximum of three times for any and all offences in a three month period. If the need arises for a fourth warning a suspension will be put in place of between 1 to 7 days.

1. Arguing with moderators after having received a warning will lead to an immediate additional warning. Should this exceed three strikes a temporary ban will be put in place as above.
2. Users who feel they have been unfairly warned are welcome to contact the relevant Global Moderator or Administrator, e.g. if warned by a moderator you should contact a Global Moderator. If they feel you were treated badly they may remove a warning. If you feel their decision is also unfair you may contact an Administrator, primarily Winterpeg or Howard Mass. Their decision is final. Contacting Administrators over warning matters should be done so as a very last resort ... Administrators do not want to be bothered unless vital.
3. Any attempt to circumvent a temporary ban will lead to that ban being made permanent. Circumvention includes re-registering under a non-banned username, changing IP addresses to evade an IP ban, registering a new email account to evade an email ban. Circumvention also includes posting as an anonymous user.
4. An exception to the three strike rule applies when users contact team members personally (via any method) and post insulting, indecent or vulgar material. Such users may be subject to an immediate permanent ban.
5. Permanent bans are a last resort and thought is given before implementing them, but if the situation warrants it an immediate ban may be given without warning. While RealGM may consider lifting permanent bans from time to time this is a rare occurrence.

6) Contact

If you need to contact a Moderator of the Raptors forum you may E-mail us at anytime at raptorsgm@yahoo.ca and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Post #7 » by **YogiStewart** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:26 pm

those are amazing highlights!

Rasho Brezec · Post #8 » by **Rasho Brezec** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 12:00 pm

I didn't get a single warning prior to my first suspension. Should I've contacted administrators at that time?

Post #9 » by **kyphi** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 2:13 pm

you probably received public warnings - wow, man, you're close to being banned

Rasho Brezec · Post #10 » by **Rasho Brezec** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 2:18 pm

Nope, not even public warnings.

TB#1 · Post #11 » by **TB#1** » Sat Dec 26, 2009 5:58 pm

You've had a 3 day and 7 day suspension within the past 3 months and have been edited and warned many, many times by multiple moderators. BTW -- a "warning" doesn't necessarily have to be labeled "WARNING." An edit, and especially an edit with an explanation or a blue font (or in rooser's case red font) comment is a warning.

Are you kidding? Like you had NO IDEA you've violated rules and that the mods have been trying for months and months to convince you that you need to comply?

Really, nothing against you...I think you could be great but you have a love of pushing buttons and thumbing your nose at moderators. Its not welcome, its not necessary and if you would only back off on that you'd have no troubles at all.

Rasho Brezec · Post #12 » by **Rasho Brezec** » Sat Dec 26, 2009 7:51 pm

I'm being serious. Not a single warning or an edit prior to my first suspension. Honestly.

TB#1 · Post #13 » by **TB#1** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 6:32 pm

I think your first suspension occurred before I was involved in modding the OT board so I can only accept what you say as true that you didn't receive a formal warning.

As for the remainder of my post, that limited point aside, I'm being serious too.

Rasho Brezec · Post #14 » by **Rasho Brezec** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 6:48 pm

Look, I know what I've done, and I accept the punishment, but that post by magnumt made me think that I was treated unfairly. Not to mention the joke explanation I got by the mod who suspended me the first time.

TB#1 · Post #15 » by **TB#1** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 7:53 pm

Well...I don't know off the top of my head what magnumt posted or what the joke was about the suspension. What's done is done.

My suggestion is to try to be a little less intentionally abrasive and confrontational and if you do that, I'll do my best to see that you aren't treated unfairly moving forward.

Rasho Brezec · Post #16 » by **Rasho Brezec** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 8:12 pm

I'm referring to this:

magnumt wrote:As for strikes, you have 2 out of 3 before a Suspension is served. Bans are a last resort type of thing.

Post #17 » by **magnumt** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 9:03 pm

Rasho Brezec wrote:I'm referring to this:
magnumt wrote:As for strikes, you have 2 out of 3 before a Suspension is served. Bans are a last resort type of thing.

I was speaking in general terms, not to you Rasho...I thought you realized that (no one was quoted) :lol:

Also, I wasn't concentrating when I made that post...it's 3 Warnings-->Suspensions 1 and 2-->Ban. This changes depending on the severity of the issue, but what I said still stands: Bans are a last resort.

TB#1 · Post #18 » by **TB#1** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 11:51 pm

Bans are indeed a last resort.

Nonetheless, I still invite Rasho to come in off the ledge and let the nice fireman wrap him in a blanket and give him a nice cup of hot chocolate.

Then we can all be all friendly-like and take some deep breaths and move on and post nice things with all the other nice people.

Wouldn't that be nice?

Yes.

Rasho Brezec · Post #19 » by **Rasho Brezec** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 12:17 am

I can nice and friendly to everyone here.

Except two posters.

TB#1 · Post #20 » by **TB#1** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 12:59 am

Rasho Brezec wrote:I can nice and friendly to everyone here.

Except two posters.

Well...try your best with those two. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything. That's what my parents used to tell me.

If you think you are being treated unfairly by those tow posters or anyone else, let me know and I'll try to work it out. Even if I am one of those two posters -- and I have no idea if I am or not.