Forum Rules

[Lord of Games]

I'm pretty sure every forum has their own rules. Admins, what kind of things do you put in your rules to make them more effective? For me, I always let members know the consequences of any rule violations.

 

[JakJak]

Re: Forum Ruels

Yep. My site has a Terms of Use but my promotion forum has a very short rule page. 😉

 

[Murder he Wrote]

Well, I've found that most people don't actually read the rules, which is why every time I've got anything to do with it I just like to write common sense.

The minute you go over the top with rules is when you start to put members off. Also I feel in some cases (especially smaller boards) writing the consequences in the guideline topic reflects a desire to exercise some kind of power / authority.

Lead by example. I've found that correcting members in public and pointing out what they've done can be good way of getting the message across without having a huge page of Dos and Don'ts.

 

[Nuke]

No spamming insults to Nuke, a limit on PMs (5 PMs from one guy before I reply), war rules, of course...and then individual forum rules. Pretty much it.

 

[Nathan]

Well, I've found that most people don't actually read the rules, which is why every time I've got anything to do with it I just like to write common sense.

The minute you go over the top with rules is when you start to put members off. Also I feel in some cases (especially smaller boards) writing the consequences in the guideline topic reflects a desire to exercise some kind of power / authority.

Lead by example. I've found that correcting members in public and pointing out what they've done can be good way of getting the message across without having a huge page of Dos and Don'ts.

Not all the time 😛.

Christan is right though, alot of board rules can really annoying people and adding over the top rules such as: "Annoying the Administrating Team" etc. won't get anyone far 😛.

 

[Justin]

Well I always try to make 2 sets of rules. A common sense edition and a in depth edition.

The Common sense Edition is basicly rules shortned. EX:
Do not spam your site on our board.
ect...
The in depth edition includes our TOS and rules regarding each section of the forum and is used as a reference.

 

[Lord of Games]

On php (or at least the version I'm using) a TOS is automatically created as a verification screen before members join. You have the option of adding more rules to the list. I don't think that's a good idea, because for one thing, members don't always read the TOS, plus it would be too long. I always place a locked sticky thread in the subforum where members introduce themselves.

See for yourself, and join. :cheer:

 

[2008paul]

Here are my member rules:

1) No Spam - Spam will just be deleted
2) Respect other people on the forum - We are not saying you can't have your say just respect the members
3) Don't be abusive towards other members - Doing so will get you mute/ban
4) Please only post in English - Post in any other language may lead to post being removed
5) Do not send chain or spam PM messages to other users - You will get one chance then lose your PM rights.
6) Not knowing a rule is not an acceptable excuse for breaking it - Braking the rules could lead to a mute/ban
7) No Advertising - You will get one chance then will be mute/ban

Made them a simple as I could.

 

[Bluezone777]

I don't bother with rules as any rules I could think up are either covered by the Invisionfree TOS(my board is on IF btw) or listed under common sense. Besides, no one reads them anyways so why bother writing a list of rules no one is going to read. lol

 

[Xarina]

As long as people follow the TOS I'm ok with most stuff. If anyone would break the rules I would just let them know via PM without giving any warns. If they do it again I warn them.

And BZ people do read rules if you keep them short and to the point.