These rules deal with posting on the arcanimperium.makeforum.net forums. Before answering or creating any threads you have to read them.

The short version

1. If a Mod or Admin tells you something, then do it.
2. No spam, no flaming.
3. No warez.
4. No porn
5. Do not drag threads off topic.
6. All posts are to be made in English.
7. Do not post the same thread in more than one forum.
8. Reward-based advertising is forbidden.
9. Do not abuse the quote function.
10. Read rule 1 again.

The long version

The long version

1. If a Mod or Admin tells you something, then do it.
We aren't able to cover all possibilities within these guidelines, so the general rule of thumb is: If a Mod says black is white, it's white. Listen to what they tell you to do, regardless of whether you can find a rule about it or not.

If you disagree with their decision, then send them a private message or make a thread in forum issues stating the reasons why.

2. No spam, no flaming.
That means no threads inciting flames or mindless chatter. Profanity is to be kept to a minimum: while permitted in context, excessive swearing will not be tolerated. Personal attacks - 'flames' - are strictly prohibited.

2.1 Don't post in an obnoxious manner.
This includes abusing the colour and size tags, spamming images or smilies all over the place, and generally creating an eyesore. The use of internet forum pictures specifically designed for posting in threads is prohibited; examples would be things like "WTF," "Thread Necromancy," or anything with kittens in it and a witty caption, like "Even Kittens can't save this thread" etc.

2.2 No Double Posting.
Use the edit function. Reading 3 posts in a row by the same author is extremely annoying. Got something to add to your original post after you've hit reply? Use edit.

2.3 No bumping old threads with inane replies, especially not one-liners like "lol" or "i agree".
Only add to an old thread if your comments are relevant and would be seen as a viable addition to a thread. Continuing on a conversation dropped months ago is not a viable reason.

3. No warez.
At All. Any forum member that advocates the theft of IP, or provides access through any means to warez, will be banned permanently and on the spot. This includes hinting at downloading warez, or admitting to downloading warez.

3.1 Abandonware is also considered warez.
The phenomenon known as Abandonware is also legally considered to be warez, and promoting, linking to or admitting to using abandonware will also result in a ban.

3.2 Don't promote illegally downloading software even if you legally own it.

Bans associated with the violation of these rules are considered permanent. Such bans may be lifted at the sole discretion of the administrators of this forum and only after it is clear there has been a change in the banned member’s attitude. If posting privileges are restored the first post to the community will be an apology.

Consider it fair warning not to test the boundaries, or intent, of these rules... even in jest.

4. No porn.
Pornography is banned from the forums. The hard and fast rule of thumb for acceptable amounts of flesh being posted are that no nipples or genitalia are to be exposed, and no pictures that suggest or imply sexual readiness/provocative poses are allowed. This is dealt by on a case by case basis, so if you are worried about a post not meeting the guidelines, post about it in Forum Issues or Private Message an administrator for clarification.

We are not prudes here, but we may have minors on our boards, and we are not in the business of irritating parents.

5. Do not drag threads off topic.
Threads may be locked if you drag them off topic. You may be banned from the thread, and have your posts deleted. The moderators are not here to clean up threads though so do not expect offtopic posts to just be deleted, and the thread left open. You are responsible for your posts, so if you get thread locked due to off topic posts, it is your fault and no one else's. Off topic posts that derail a thread ( provide fodder for others to post off topic ), will most likely be deleted straight away.

6. All posts are to be made in English.
If you post something in a different language then a translation is required. Most of us only read English text, therefore we cannot moderate posts that are not written in English.
This also includes posting legibly and not overusing "txt msg shorthand". We're not an English class here, and for a lot of our members English is not the primary language, and occasional typos happen. We do however ask that you put some effort into your posts - if you are prone to bad spelling, use a spell checker. This also refers to excessive use of text message/AOL/leetspeak. You are not pressed for time to answer, and you have a great big keyboard in front of you, so nothing is gained by using "u" instead of "you" other than making it harder for others to read your posts.

7. Do not post the same thread in more than one forum.
Choose the most appropriate forum for your topic and post it once only. In addition, creating a thread in one forum for the sole purpose of advertising a thread in another forum is not permitted.

8. Reward-based advertising is forbidden.
Any link that rewards you for getting others to click on it is forbidden. This applies to signatures as well as posts.

9. Do not abuse the quote function.
Using the quote function to take someone else's words out of context or misrepresent them is considered flaming and will not be tolerated. Use of the quote function should be kept to a minimum, as over-use breaks up the flow of a thread and impedes readability. As a rule of thumb, more than two or three quotes in a single post is overdoing it.

11. Read rule one again.


Further Information

What is warez?
Warez basically means pirated software in any form. This includes anything related to illegally downloading music, movies, or any form of software. No-CD cracks, serial numbers and other things that are directly related to pirating software are banned as well.
Take note that file sharing of bootleg music or pirated software through peer to peer programs like BitTorrent or eDonkey is a form of warezing.
Warez also refers to theft of IP. This is a broader term and would include, but is not limited to, the use of someone else's work, in part or in whole, and presenting it as your own. If you do use small part of someone's work product in a post ensure that it is properly referenced (link if available) and credit given.

What is abandonware?
The phenomenon known as abandonware is a belief that if a game is old and outdated copyright restrictions no longer apply. This is not true. Any game that the publisher has not formally released into the public domain is still protected by the full weight of copyright law unless it has been 95 years since the release of the game. Since no computer game has existed that long the argument of abandonware advocates is moot and will be treated as Warez.

Here is what a prominent abandonware site has to say about itself:

Quote :

Despite the illegal status of abandonware, we believe that we are offering a valuable service to the gaming community

Abandonware sites themselves admit that they are illegal, and this forum will treat these sites and abandonware in general as such.


Any threads/posts of these types will be deleted.
Do not be offended if we decide to move/axe one of your posts.