The above is a good guide to Forum Etiquette and laregly remains in force.
However, here is a more comprehensive set of rules that hopefully provides a little more guidance into how I want the forum to go from here on.
The OzVMX forum is primarily intended for discussion about vintage motocross and related 'old dirtbike' activities. It is meant to be a fun, light hearted and useful source of entertainment and knowledge for vintage dirtbike fans. The forum rules are therefore simple and aimed at ensuring that members can enjoy reading and participating in discussion.
The rules do to some extent reflect my personal views. This is OK on the grounds it's my forum. I am also mindful of potential legal issues - I have over the years received suggestions of legal action over commentary in the forum.
So. If you don't like how I moderate, go start your own forum. I shan't be arguing with or explaining myself to anyone. It should be understood that in all cases, once I decide that a post or thread has gone too far, it will be moved to the Dumbgeon or deleted with no questions asked.
1. Respect your fellow members. This is the fundamental groundrule for the forum. While vigorous discussion and disagreement is always going to happen, it should be done without unreasonable personal attacks or criticism. Continued sledging/insulting of other members for whatever reason will result in your posts/threads being deleted. Repeat offenders will be warned. If necessary, an offending member will be banned. I don't do 'banned for a week' or whatever, too much trouble. once you are banned, you're banned.
2. Racial vilification, gender-based discrimination, or any other form of ignorant prejudice is not acceptable. However, we are adults and some humourous crtiticism/insult is OK. Of course this is hard to judge. How will you know if you've gone too far? I'll delete your post.
3. No threats should be made or implied.
4. No spamming or undue harrassment of an advertising nature. The forum is available, free of charge, for people to advertise goods, services and activities of a personal or commercial nature. This freedom should be respected as should the rights of members to enjoy the forum.
5. Criticism of third parties such as eBay sellers, businesses etc is acceptable as long as it is with sound basis in fact. Off the cuff inferences or accusations are not acceptable. Again, this is hard to judge. I'll make the call if necessary.
6. No 'pornography'. Harmless fun and titillation is fine, but a line does need to be drawn somewhere. I'll draw it if necessary.
7. Thread highjacking is frowned upon, however it is accepted it will occur. If necessary, a thread can be split off to create a new thread. Threads that go down the toilet content wise (ie breach of forum etiquette) will be noted and a warning posted. If the thread continues, it will be locked and moved to The Dumbgeon. If a post or thread is an outright breach of the rules and simply not acceptable, it will be deleted.
8. The Judge's decision is final. I may not always be right, I may not always be fair, but that's the way it goes. Feel free to email/PM me privately if you disagree with a decision, but at the end of the day I have to make the call one way or the other. And I'm not about to stay up at night worrying if i got it right. So, be a grownup and accept that's how it is. It IS just a forum.
Finally a note to all. If YOU start a thread, you CAN lock it, rename it, move it or delete it. If you post a reply to a thread, you can change it later or delete it. There's no need to email me asking me to do it for you.
