Should I clamp down on free speech?

The rules look good, although I'd sort them differently. Has spam been a problem? Put it nearly last. The copyright thing is important, but certainly isn't what we'd call a problem ranking it at #2.

I'd sort them: 1, 4, 6, 10, 7, 5, 9, 2, 9, 3.


Regarding betting systems: While I understand the sentiment, does the statement that they are worthless really need to be part of the rule? I'd make it simple: 10 Betting systems: Keep your comments and system ideas restricted to the "betting systems" forum. By the way, you ended that rule with "Sty". A "Sty"? As in pig sty? I don't think that betting systems proponents would get the reference.

Quote: Wizard

Here is a rough draft of some rules. What do you think?

----------------------

These rules went into effect on Nov. ??, 2010. Prior to that date, this forum had a more liberal free speech policy. However, flame wars erupted, and by a vote of 21 to 12, members decided some rules were in order, for the greater benefit of the forum. Posts created prior to the enactment of these rules do not necessarily abide by these rules, and should not be taken as an example of permissible behavior.

1. No personal insults. If you disagree with somebody, politely attack the writing, not the writer.
2. Respect copyright: Don't post entire articles from other sources. If you must quote without permission, do so sparingly, and properly indicate the source.
3. No spam.
4. Respect privacy. Do not post any information about someone else that is intended to be private or quote from private communication.
5. Do not post the same message more than once. This includes posting the same message in two or more places, and re-posting because nobody replied the first time. If you didn't get a response the first time, chances are nobody else had anything to say about it.
6. Keep it PG. No pornographic or violent images or text. Foul language is not specifically prohibited, but should be used sparingly to emphasize a point only, or in quoting another.
7. No hijacking: Try to keep threads on topic. If you want to veer off on a tangent, please make a new thread for it.
8. Keep it legal: Don't post anything that would violate the laws of Nevada or the United States. For example, anything libelous, or promoting anything obviously illegal.
9. No thumbtacking. Don't post one or two words just to keep a thread in the top of the list. If that is your motive, at least add something substantive to say about the topic.
10. Betting systems: Methods of varying bet size, based on previous wins and losses, not only can't overcome the house edge, they can't even dent it. However, if you're one of the many mathematically ignorant gamblers who think adding up negative numbers can result in a positive one, please keep your comments restricted to the "betting systems" sty.

If you must blow off steam by making personal insults or using excessive profanity, then you may use the free speech zone. The other rules should be respected, even in the free speech zone.

Hmm.... 8, 2, 1, 4, 3, 6, 7, 5, 9, 10.

MY question though is how are you going to police this? Are you looking for moderator volunteers?

Quote: Wizard

Here is a rough draft of some rules. What do you think?

If you must blow off steam by making personal insults or using excessive profanity, then you may use the free speech zone. The other rules should be respected, even in the free speech zone.

I like them all, though I would suggest you put a little detail in the "no spam" one. A line in your sig (like I have but need to update) is accepted almost any place. But I would like to know what you find acceptable and what not.

Sounds good hopefully the rules will reel in the worst of it.

Quote: boymimbo

MY question though is how are you going to police this? Are you looking for moderator volunteers?

I'll usually issue warnings first, them temporary bans, then permanent bans. I'll take each violation on a case by case basis.

Quote: AZDuffman

I would suggest you put a little detail in the "no spam" one.

I think most people know what spam is, but it can be hard to define. Kind of like pornography. Usually some canned advertisement that is meant to be posted as often as possible. As an example, somebody this morning put up the same post selling computer components about five times, which I busted on sight.

>>If you must blow off steam by making personal insults or using excessive profanity, then you may use the free speech zone. >>

These usually don't work. They get out of hand and turn people off. The truth is, if you must blow off steam by making personal insults you don't belong on a public forum. Period.

Quote: Wizard

I'll usually issue warnings first, them temporary bans, then permanent bans. I'll take each violation on a case by case basis.



I think most people know what spam is, but it can be hard to define. Kind of like pornography. Usually some canned advertisement that is meant to be posted as often as possible. As an example, somebody this morning put up the same post selling computer components about five times, which I busted on sight.

Let me say I do like the way you have and are handling it. The benefits of a small site are similar to dealing with a small company. Instead of tryoing to codify a solution to each and every problem your response seems to be along the line of "everyone here is an adult and most people act as such. And if they don't, I (you) will use common sense to handle it."

Please don't take offense at this (it is a compliment, truly) but it is refreshing to find someone who spent so much time in a government bueracracy job who can think on such a simple level. Thanks!

BTW: Do you guys have to bust many spammers? I have yet to see obvious spam here so either little is being posted or you are doing a very good job filtering it.

Quote: Wizard

Here is a rough draft of some rules. What do you think?

----------------------

These rules went into effect on Nov. ??, 2010. Prior to that date, this forum had a more liberal free speech policy. However, flame wars erupted, and by a vote of 21 to 12, members decided some rules were in order, for the greater benefit of the forum. Posts created prior to the enactment of these rules do not necessarily abide by these rules, and should not be taken as an example of permissible behavior.

1. No personal insults. If you disagree with somebody, politely attack the writing, not the writer.
2. Respect copyright: Don't post entire articles from other sources. If you must quote without permission, do so sparingly, and properly indicate the source.
3. No spam.
4. Respect privacy. Do not post any information about someone else that is intended to be private or quote from private communication.
5. Do not post the same message more than once. This includes posting the same message in two or more places, and re-posting because nobody replied the first time. If you didn't get a response the first time, chances are nobody else had anything to say about it.
6. Keep it PG. No pornographic or violent images or text. Foul language is not specifically prohibited, but should be used sparingly to emphasize a point only, or in quoting another.
7. No hijacking: Try to keep threads on topic. If you want to veer off on a tangent, please make a new thread for it.
8. Keep it legal: Don't post anything that would violate the laws of Nevada or the United States. For example, anything libelous, or promoting anything obviously illegal.
9. No thumbtacking. Don't post one or two words just to keep a thread in the top of the list. If that is your motive, at least add something substantive to say about the topic.
10. Betting systems: Methods of varying bet size, based on previous wins and losses, not only can't overcome the house edge, they can't even dent it. However, if you're one of the many mathematically ignorant gamblers who think adding up negative numbers can result in a positive one, please keep your comments restricted to the "betting systems" sty.

If you must blow off steam by making personal insults or using excessive profanity, then you may use the free speech zone. The other rules should be respected, even in the free speech zone.

I like the proposed rules. With the no thumbtacking rule, we really should find a way to keep the WOVcon info from getting buried. Otherwise, Croupier (and, to a lesser extent, me) will get our wrists slapped a LOT between now and June...

Quote: rdw4potus

... With the no thumbtacking rule, we really should find a way to keep the WOVcon info from getting buried. ...

I still like the idea of some sort of a calendar to facilitate get-togethers when forum members are coming to Las Vegas. That would help with WOVcon, too.

Ooops! I might be violating the no-hijacking rule again! That's not what I intended here. I just don't think the idea warrants creating a thread unless there is some hint of interest from others.