Editing Communication Rules

=Communication Rules=

'''''Created on: 17th December 2010<br/>'''''
'''''Last modified on: 12th April 2011<br/>'''''


This section lists rules for communication in Medieval Europe. They are appliable to every means of communication internal to Medieval Europe or the Forum. These rules are automatically accepted with a user registration and the acceptance of Terms of Usage.

'''Notes'''

1) This document can be modified anytime by the Staff. Changes will be notified to Medieval Europe community in advance.

2) If a player is recidivous, ban can be extended to game for every offence type.

3) The ban applied to deny access to the forum and the game will be at IP address level.

4) Punishments will be published in a specific board. The punished players will have some time for put their character on freeze (meditating).

==Minor Offenses==

The following are actions which are considered minor offenses by the staff. One or two violations of these guidelines, especially when they are clearly done by mistake, will not amount to any violation points being earned. If the same violation happens repeatedly or is done clearly on purpose, however, the staff reserves the right to grant violation points for them.

'''1.''' Posting strong language, i.e. cursing/swearing, in an RP manner is not appropriate, however, the moderators may simply edit out the offensive word for the first action if it seems it was done by mistake and let the poster know. If it happens again, it will count as a violation.

'''2.''' Deviations from the original subject to ruin a topic, flaming or trying to stop other users/players from chatting and posting freely are not appropriate, however, moderators may show leniency for the first offense.

'''3.''' ME is a HISTORICAL GDR based on life in Europe in the year 1300s, so we recommend users respect this and use the Historical context guide for further reference. RP that does not conform with the game's rules and regulations will not be tolerated. Medieval Europe uses a historical context strictly for gaming purposes. This means that only IG (In-Game) historical events should be considered. When roleplaying, a player should not refer to REAL historical events but only to what happened in the game. Whoever will roleplay on a historical event never happened in ME will be considered to have made a metagame/powerplay and will be contacted to update his/her post. If it happens repeatedly and willfully, the player may be awarded violation points for disturbing the atmosphere for other players.

'''4.''' Any other action which violates the Communication Rules may be considered a minor offense instead at the staff's decision.

==Rules and related Offence Points==

'''A.''' Posting material, language or images, inappropriate for a PG-13 rating.

'''B.''' Spreading of illicit information, language and/or image, that is harmful, considered threatening, abusive, unlawful, slanderous that defames and/or vilifies another player/user/other. Use of vulgar,obscene, damaging someone's privacy, racist behavior, class-conscious people will not be tolerated and a ban will ensue. <u>Flame is allowed only if mild, in RP and not repeated over time.</u> 

'''C.''' Accusing another player of cheating, bug abuse, multi-account and other game infractions. For reports, please use the email in the Contact page.

'''D.''' Distribution of adverts and/or advertising material, "spam" or any other programs created that disrupt or minimize the function of the software and hardware or any other third party telecommunication programs. Diffusion of any material that contains viruses or other codes, file/s or programs created to interrupt, to destroy or to limit the operation of the software, of the hardware or of the installations of other third party telecommunications. 

'''E.''' Posting links (visible or hidden) to other games or websites with material that violates Rule 1 and 2. 

'''F.''' Posting a tavern conversation or external chat transcript without the consent of all participants.

'''G.''' Posting private messages, e-mails, MSN logs, screenshots from private forums, or any kind of private conversation, without the author's permission is not allowed.

'''H.''' Publishing material from private internal or external forums without the consent of the owner or administrator.

'''I.''' To resort to "private justice" to seek revenge. We therefore ask you to contact the Moderators should you have some difficulty with some member/s or some other member is being verbally abused, threatened etc.

'''J.''' Faking your online ID, example: by having more characters and using them both to manipulate communication.

'''K.''' In no way whatsoever is it permissible to discuss the activities/decisions of the moderators/directors on the public forum. Slandering of Admins or staff is forbidden. To forward any complaint/s (if any) to the moderators please use the pm (private messages).

'''L.''' Spam is posting the same content in different threads. It is not tolerated on the forum under any circumstance. Users posting spam will be warned and their posts removed. Repeat offenders will be punished.

==Punishment System==

1 Point: Warning via PM from admin or mod

2 Points: 24 hour suspension from the forum

3 Points: 3 day suspension from the forum

4 Points: 7 to 30 day suspension from the forum

<u>Note: It is 1 point per violation and the points are added up.</u>

Slide-Back Rule: If a player has not violated any rules for 6 months, the player's accumulated violation points are reduced by a point.

Once a player has reached 5 or more points, the above point system no longer applies. It will be on a case to case basis type of decision by the Admin/Mod. In severe or exceptional cases, a permanent IP ban will be executed by the administration.
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-=How the Punishment System works=
+=Communication Rules=
-==The Punishment Point System==
+'''''Created on: 17th December 2010<br/>'''''
-When a rule is broken, the guilty player is given one or more '''“PP” (Punishment Points)'''. The punishing action that will be taken against that player depends on how many PPs he has accumulated.
+'''''Last modified on: 12th April 2011<br/>'''''
-When some offenses are made at different times, the newer PPs are added to the older ones to determine the new punishment, even if the previous offenses already brought to action. One PPs is usually deleted after '''one month''' without any offense committed, while if a new offense is made before '''one month''', the PP cooldown period will start again.
-Topics, posts or parts of them that are considered an offense will be removed. Really small and involuntary offenses, at Administration’s discretion, can be not given any PP and bring to a simple correction of the offense and a fast warning.
+This section lists rules for communication in Medieval Europe. They are appliable to every means of communication internal to Medieval Europe or the Forum. These rules are automatically accepted with a user registration and the acceptance of Terms of Usage.
-=Offenses and related Punishment Points=
+'''Notes'''
-==A. PG-13 material==
-Posting material, language or images, inappropriate for a PG-13 rating. It is not permitted in both RP ON and OFF situations. '''3 PPs'''. DDD
-==B. Spreading of illicit material==
+) This document can be modified anytime by the Staff. Changes will be notified to Medieval Europe community in advance.
-Spreading of illicit information, language and/or image, that is harmful, considered threatening, abusive, unlawful, slanderous that defames and/or vilifies another player/user/other or damages their privacy. In the RP ON situation, it should be clearly related to characters only and not heavy and not repeated. More information is in the “Remember” section of this document. '''2 PPs'''.
-==C. Obscenity and racism==
+) If a player is recidivous, ban can be extended to game for every offence type.
-Use of vulgar, obscene, blasphemous and racist (against races, religions, sexual preferences and any other player's real-life aspects) behavior. Cursing
-In the RP ON situation, it should be clearly related to characters only and not heavy and not repeated. More information is in the “Remember” section of this document. '''3 PPs'''.
-==D. Ads and viruses==
+) The ban applied to deny access to the forum and the game will be at IP address level.
-Distribution of adverts and/or advertising material, "spam" or any other programs that disrupt or minimize the function of the software and hardware or any other third party telecommunication programs. Diffusion of any material that contains viruses or other codes, file/s or programs created to interrupt, to destroy or to limit the operation of the software, of the hardware or of the installations of other third party telecommunications. It is not permitted in both RP ON and OFF situations. '''PermaBan'''.
-==E. Links==
+) Punishments will be published in a specific board. The punished players will have some time for put their character on freeze (meditating).
-Posting links (visible or hidden) to other games is not permitted. '''5 PPs'''. Administration can also permaban the account for this offense.
-==F. Screenshots and private conversations==
+==Minor Offenses==
-Posting (via screenshot also) private messages, e-mails, MSN logs, chat transcripts, posts from private forums or any kind of private conversation, without the author's or all participants’ permission.
-Only if the author gives consent: In RP ON situation, it should be clearly related to characters and game situations only. In the RP ON situation, only information coming from the Game (official Forum included) is allowed. More information is in the “Remember” section of this document. '''6 PPs'''.
-==G. Communication manipulation==
+The following are actions which are considered minor offenses by the staff. One or two violations of these guidelines, especially when they are clearly done by mistake, will not amount to any violation points being earned. If the same violation happens repeatedly or is done clearly on purpose, however, the staff reserves the right to grant violation points for them.
-Faking your online ID, for example by having more characters and using them both, in order to manipulate communication. It is not permitted in both RP ON and OFF situations. '''2 PPs'''.
-==H. Public complaints==
+'''1.''' Posting strong language, i.e. cursing/swearing, in an RP manner is not appropriate, however, the moderators may simply edit out the offensive word for the first action if it seems it was done by mistake and let the poster know. If it happens again, it will count as a violation.
-Discussing the activities/decisions of the moderators/administrators on the public forum and slandering of Admins or staff. It is forbidden both covertly or openly.
-Asking for information about moderation activities is allowed only in the forum administration/moderation board, in a polite and not accusatorial or arrogant way. It is not permitted in both RP ON and OFF situations. '''4 PPs'''.
-==I. Spam==
+'''2.''' Deviations from the original subject to ruin a topic, flaming or trying to stop other users/players from chatting and posting freely are not appropriate, however, moderators may show leniency for the first offense.
-Spamming or opening multiple topics about the same subject. Spam is posting the same content in different threads. Spam is also posting unuseful or meaningless or repeated content repeatedly. It is not permitted in both RP ON and OFF situations. '''3 PPs'''.
-==J. Going off-topic and disturbing==
+'''3.''' ME is a HISTORICAL GDR based on life in Europe in the year 1300s, so we recommend users respect this and use the Historical context guide for further reference. RP that does not conform with the game's rules and regulations will not be tolerated. Medieval Europe uses a historical context strictly for gaming purposes. This means that only IG (In-Game) historical events should be considered. When roleplaying, a player should not refer to REAL historical events but only to what happened in the game. Whoever will roleplay on a historical event never happened in ME will be considered to have made a metagame/powerplay and will be contacted to update his/her post. If it happens repeatedly and willfully, the player may be awarded violation points for disturbing the atmosphere for other players.
-Deviating from the original subject of a topic, both voluntarily or not. Disturbing other’s topics by posting non-related material.
-Going off-topic can “happen” to players and sometimes it can add interesting information. But you should never forget what the topic is talking about and what it was created for. In RP ON situations, you should think about how appropriate is your participation, particularly in Closed RP or particular RP situations (trials, embassies, etc). More information is in the “Remember” section of this document. '''3 PPs'''.
-==K. Flame==
+'''4.''' Any other action which violates the Communication Rules may be considered a minor offense instead at the staff's decision.
-Flaming, bashing and trolling. Flaming is a hostile and insulting interaction between players/characters. Also provoking someone to behave bad, break these rules or start flaming is included in this offense.
-In the RP ON situation, it should be clearly related to characters only and not heavy and not repeated. More information is in the “Remember” section of this document.
-'''3 PPs'''.
-==K2. Accusing other players of multi==
+==Rules and related Offence Points==
-Accusing publicly another player of multi-account or other behavior is forbidden. You can eventually report any suspicious behavior privately with a ticket. '''3 PPs'''.
-==L. Translations==
+'''A.''' Posting material, language or images, inappropriate for a PG-13 rating.
-Posting in an international board without translating the text into English or posting in a local board without translating the post into the local/ kingdom’s official language.
-In the RP ON situation, it should be clearly related to characters and game situations only. More information is in the “Remember” section of this document. '''2 PPs'''.
-==M. Referring to real world==
+'''B.''' Spreading of illicit information, language and/or image, that is harmful, considered threatening, abusive, unlawful, slanderous that defames and/or vilifies another player/user/other. Use of vulgar,obscene, damaging someone's privacy, racist behavior, class-conscious people will not be tolerated and a ban will ensue. <u>Flame is allowed only if mild, in RP and not repeated over time.</u>
-When RP ON, referring to real historical events, holy texts and religions, political situations, and to reality in general.
-For gaming purposes, only InGame happened events, religions, politics, etc are allowed. Everything that has not got (or didn’t have) an InGame execution does not exist in the game (and on all other game-related communication tools). '''2 PPs'''.
-==N. Signatures==
+'''C.''' Accusing another player of cheating, bug abuse, multi-account and other game infractions. For reports, please use the email in the Contact page.
-Signature pictures mustn’t be larger than 400 pixels wide by 125 tall (400x125). This means the total area of all images in the signature. Few lines of text can be added above or below the images, in a small font. The total height of both images and text must not exceed 125 pixels for more than a line of text. Links (respecting rule E) are allowed.
-Signatures can be deleted when breaking rules. Several signature rules violations may lead to PPs according to rule J.
-==P. Banned players==
+'''D.''' Distribution of adverts and/or advertising material, "spam" or any other programs created that disrupt or minimize the function of the software and hardware or any other third party telecommunication programs. Diffusion of any material that contains viruses or other codes, file/s or programs created to interrupt, to destroy or to limit the operation of the software, of the hardware or of the installations of other third party telecommunications.
-Speaking on behalf of a banned player: it is not permitted in both RPON and OFF situations. The only exception to this rule is made for judges in forum trials, who can receive via IG private message information from the banned player and post it on his behalf. Banned players can use the ticket support center to communicate with the Administration. '''3 PPs'''.
-==Q. God-Modding and other RP infractions==
+'''E.''' Posting links (visible or hidden) to other games or websites with material that violates Rule 1 and 2.
-Attempt to control other character's actions, speeches or reactions without the other player's permission. Using metagaming in posts. '''1 PPs'''.
-==R. Misuse of RP and/or OFF==
+'''F.''' Posting a tavern conversation or external chat transcript without the consent of all participants.
-Roleplaying in an OFF topic and/or abusive use of OFF comments on an RP topic. The use of OOC and OFF on an RP topic may be allowed if the proper tag is used and it is not repeated too much so to not ruin the RP flow. '''3 PPs'''.
-==S. Abusive reports to Moderation==
+'''G.''' Posting private messages, e-mails, MSN logs, screenshots from private forums, or any kind of private conversation, without the author's permission is not allowed.
-Use of the "report to moderation" button to send fake or excessive reports. PMs to Moderators are also included in this rule. '''3 PPs'''.
-=Cumulability=
+'''H.''' Publishing material from private internal or external forums without the consent of the owner or administrator.
-If more rules are broken at the same time '''the max of all the PPs''' will be taken.
-   Example: Player breaks rule C (3 PPs) and E (6 PPs). Player gets max(3,6) = 6 PPs.
+'''I.''' To resort to "private justice" to seek revenge. We therefore ask you to contact the Moderators should you have some difficulty with some member/s or some other member is being verbally abused, threatened etc.
-=Aggravating circumstances=
+'''J.''' Faking your online ID, example: by having more characters and using them both to manipulate communication.
-In some circumstances '''an Admin can add max 1 PP to the total''':
+'''K.''' In no way whatsoever is it permissible to discuss the activities/decisions of the moderators/directors on the public forum. Slandering of Admins or staff is forbidden. To forward any complaint/s (if any) to the moderators please use the pm (private messages).
-# Breaking the same rule repeatedly
+'''L.''' Spam is posting the same content in different threads. It is not tolerated on the forum under any circumstance. Users posting spam will be warned and their posts removed. Repeat offenders will be punished.
-# Breaking lots of rules at the same time
-# Severity of the infraction
-# Damaging forum, game or other tools functionality with bad behavior
-An Admin '''can also subtract max 1 PP from the total'''.
+==Punishment System==
-=Punishment Points and Consequences=
+Point: Warning via PM from admin or mod
-Point: Warning via PM from admin or mod 24 hours suspension from the communication media (forum/chat or game)
+Points: 24 hour suspension from the forum
-Points: 3 days suspension from the communication media (forum/chat or game)
+Points: 3 day suspension from the forum
-Points: 5 days suspension from the communication media (forum/chat or game)
+Points: 7 to 30 day suspension from the forum
-Points: 7 days suspension from the communication media (forum/chat or game)
+<u>Note: It is 1 point per violation and the points are added up.</u>
-Points: 14 days suspension from the communication media (forum/chat or game)
+Slide-Back Rule: If a player has not violated any rules for 6 months, the player's accumulated violation points are reduced by a point.
-Points: 30s day suspension from the communication media (forum/chat or game)
+Once a player has reached 5 or more points, the above point system no longer applies. It will be on a case to case basis type of decision by the Admin/Mod. In severe or exceptional cases, a permanent IP ban will be executed by the administration.
-Points: 90s day suspension from the communication media (forum/chat or game)
-and more: Points: 90s day suspension from the communication media (forum/chat or game)
-=Punishment application=
-Punishment will be applied where the violation happened.
-* Violation happened in forum => Ban from the forum
-* Violation happened in-game => Ban from game
-<u>Note: For punishments that bring bans greater than 30 days, the agreement is reviewed with at least one other moderator.</u>
-=Slide-Back Rule=
-If a player has not violated any rules for '''one month''', the player's accumulated violation points are reduced by a point. In severe or exceptional cases, the administration can skip to a longer suspension period or a permanent ban.
-[[Category: Rules]]