Forum Rule Changes and Forum Structure Changes

[James]

As you may have noticed, a few people have been banned lately for breaking rules. Keep in mind that these rules have always been around, and although we've not always been very proactive in the past about keeping things in order due to a lack of numbers in the modertaion team, this community is growing and we need to make sure the rules are upheld by everyone, at all times. For this reason, we're cracking down and will do our best to warn all rule-breaking posts as we see fit. Note: NO forum is exempt from the rules.

Very little about the rules has changed. For those of you that have followed the rules well enough over the years, you have nothing to worry about. However, we do suggest you re-read the Rules to catch the small changes that have been made.

After listening to feedback from posters, we have decided to change the way that the content filter works. A lot of words that used to be filtered are now going to be removed from the filter. These words are to be used only in mature and responsible fashions, much like anything else posted at Cricket Web. If you post anything that is inappropriate, be it filtered out or not, you will be warned for it. Basically, use your brain when you post. Be mature, be responsible, and you'll be fine.

Furthermore, if you are warned, just take it on the chin. It's better that you live and learn than try to act tough and just end up getting banned. If you just accept your warning and move on, you'll have a much better chance of being around in the long run.

The crack down is in no-way a witch hunt against specific users and we by no means aim to be a dictatorship (far from it) but repeat offenders will be dealt with appropriately and will be given sufficient warnings to comply in the hope of getting an appropriate atmosphere to the forums that is suitable to visitors of all ages.

If you have any problems with any warnings, you should bring them up privately (via MSN, email, etc) with a member of the moderating team. These members are: Blewy, broncoman, James, Loony BoB, Mister Wright, Mr Mxyzptlk, Neil Pickup, PY, Rich2001, Top_Cat and vic_orthdox and can be reached as a group at moderators@cricketweb.net.

Remember, abuse towards moderators, as with other members, is entirely unacceptable. If you do not raise your complaints maturely via the correct channels, you may be warned.

On two different notes, we're in the process of restructuring the forums. If you have any feedback regarding these changes, feel free to post it into the Site Discussion forum.

I'd also like to extend a warm welcome to Brendon Goff (forum member Blewy) who has joined the moderation team.

[FaaipDeOiad]

Well, it's good about the filter changes at least.

[pasag]

1) Can we have some sort of guidline for words that are acceptable and words that are not?

2) Is posting 4'*'s acceptable?

3) Loving the new sports forum.

[AussieDominance]

good to hear James something needed to be done!

[Jamee999]

(As you requested on MSN, James)

it seems a big change from the past, where, if the filter caught it, and you didn't try and get around it, you'd normallly be fine (unless it was insults)

This question is basically based around 1 sentance: "If you post anything that is inappropriate, be it filtered out or not, you will be warned for it."

This seems like a big change from the past, where, if the filter caught it, and you didn't try and get around it, you'd normallly be fine (unless it was insults)

Can I just ask a question based around that.

What brought this on? Sometimes, the most effective way to release your anger, is through a torrent of swear words against the world . If I'm reading the rules rightly, that'd now not be allowed on CW.

Rules changes look good though, do like the forum changes, but, the only way to see how good they are, is through use. I'm not too sure about the Sport forum, I might not check it as much.

Cheers.

[andyc]

Good move, IMO. Apart from the sports forum. Am fairly sure that the poll conducted in OT showed that the majority of people were happy the way it was.

[Burpey]

I thought I'd ask this on the forum instead of MSN, but why the decision to suddenly enforce the rules more strictly? I know it's not because of the recent bannings because this policy was obviously implemented before the bannings (and actually the reason some of those people who were banned did what they did).

[Loony BoB]

Originally Posted by pasag

1) Can we have some sort of guidline for words that are acceptable and words that are not?

2) Is posting 4'*'s acceptable?

3) Loving the new sports forum.

Regarding #1, there are so many words that are and aren't acceptable and often it differs depending on what the context is (eg. prick, sexual, etc) that this is really hard to answer. Bug me with specific words on MSN when I'm home or via email now, and I'll say what I would and wouldn't warn, if you really want.

Regarding #2, my take on it is that if you do it once, okay, I personally wouldn't warn - provided the context it's used in isn't against anyone, of course.

If you say something too often and get warned for it, that isn't us saying "We're thinking about banning you" so much as we're giving you a heads up that you should probably cut back. So saying **** once a week will unlikely get you into any trouble at all so long as the context it's used in is okay. If a mod feels you're doing it too often or in a rather offensive way, you'll get warned, and will know to slow it up and hold back more. Do that and I can't see the mods really giving you any trouble.

If this is wrong, another mod can let me know.

As the rules said... be mature and responsible and you should be fine.

[Mr Casson]

Good moves being made by the mods IMO, in response to a tumultuous few days. I hope it doesn't feel to you guys like the job you all do isn't appreciated.

[Jungle Jumbo]

Fine with the new rules, but I'd like to add my voice to those against the new sports forum. It's more convenient in off topic.

[Barney Rubble]

Originally Posted by Jungle Jumbo

Fine with the new rules, but I'd like to add my voice to those against the new sports forum. It's more convenient in off topic.

Seconded.

[Loony BoB]

Give the sports forum a little while to get used to - even I'm not used to checking it right now, but I figure over time both OT & the Sports forum will grow from it. If everyone is still having problems with it a month or so from now then I guess James and the rest of the guys will have a look over it and see what route is better.

[Samuel_Vimes]

Originally Posted by Barney Rubble

Seconded.

Thirded.

[BoyBrumby]

Can I buck the trend & say I like the sports forum?

Makes it easier to find sports threads.

[Pratters]

Originally Posted by BoyBrumby

Can I buck the trend & say I like the sports forum?

Makes it easier to find sports threads.

Seconded.