Happy Atheist Forum

Site and Forum Info => Rules => Topic started by: Whitney on January 11, 2009, 05:00:54 AM

Title: Forum Rules
Post by: Whitney on January 11, 2009, 05:00:54 AM
Rules last revised on 7th April 2020.  Please read.

Welcome to HAF. Since we'd like to get to know you better before jumping into debates please introduce yourself.

RULES

1.   CIVILITY:  To maintain a happy and productive forum atmosphere, members are to remember the importance of civility by striving to comply with the forums conduct guidelines.

In direct language:

If you want to be an abusive arse, you won't be doing it here for long. There are other rules, but that's the first one.

2.   RIGHT TO PRIVACY:  Unless required by law, the personal information of forum members shall not be revealed by any registered or administrative member.  The HAF administrative staff cannot be held responsible for private information a member chooses to make public.

CONDUCT GUIDELINES

TIME OUT: All members should take time to think and cool down before responding to posts in an angry, disrespectful, or otherwise inappropriate tone (including intoxication). This approach will help to maintain a civil tone and allow members to avoid making posts they will later regret.

INTERNATIONAL:  This forum has membership from various parts of the world.  People of many ethnicities, cultures, religions, lack of religions, etc. do not always understand slang, sarcasm, or attitudes.   Members should keep this in mind when posting in debates or discussions in order to avoid unnecessary turmoil.''

NO RACISM:  Racism and other forms of hate speech will simply not be tolerated by the administrators of this forum.

NO PREACHING:  While everyone is welcome to discuss their views in a civil manner, this forum is not a podium for those that only wish to preach.  This rule applies to atheists and theists alike. Preaching means stating your beliefs without providing evidence.  If directly asked what you believe you may answer but it would then become against the rules if you were to then refuse to back up your views objectively when honestly challenged.  This means that if you want to use your religious text to prove your deity, for instance, you will also need to be prepared to prove that your religious text is an objective source of evidence.

NO SPAM: If in your first post on the forum you include a link, copy paste text, etc it will be considered spam and may be removed or partially removed by a moderator at their own discretion without notice. Spam is everything from unwanted advertisements to posting the same thread or comment on many different forums. If you would like to bring attention to a project of yours (youtube channel, ask for people to take a survey, want feedback on your blog, etc.) just send one of the moderators a heads up private message first so we don't think you're just here to self-promote but are interested in being a contributing member.

NO PLAGIARISM: When quoting from a source other than yourself give credit where credit is due: use citations, links, names, etc. when possible.  Academic integrity is important to the members of HAF.  Adding your opinion alongside cited text will not only improve the quality of your post but is encouraged.

COPYRIGHTED CONTENT--QUOTE/SUMMARIZE, AND LINK: Please do not post entire contents of articles or posts from other sites, as this may run afoul of copyright laws. Quote a relevant section and summarize the rest if you wish, and always post a link to the original.

WORK FRIENDLY:  Keep forum content work friendly. For instance, if an image you want to post is not appropriate for a work environment then link to the image rather than placing the image in your post.

DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS:  Although we realize this can be difficult, please try very hard not to feed the trolls.  It also should go without saying that trolling is not allowed on this forum.  For more information please see Trolling 101 (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=2332.02).

NO MALICIOUS SOCK PUPPETS:  If you create a sock-puppet for purposes of trolling or sowing vexation and discord you and your sock puppet will be sanctioned, up to and including summary banning.  If you are going to be sharing a computer/IP with a friend you must notify an admin upon sign up.

QUOTES:  To avoid confusion and maintain readability, members are expected to use the quote feature.  Surround quote and /quote in square brackets to wrap text in a quote rectangle, as well as the quote button (the one that looks like a dialog box from a cartoon).

SIGNATURES:  To maintain easy readability of forum threads, signatures should be non-obstructive.  Links to outside sites are allowed as long as their content does not promote hate or violate national/international law.  Members shall limit the size of their signature images to no larger than 470 pixels wide by 60 pixels tall. 
(https://i.imgur.com/yMD6Hx9.png)

HOW TO BEHAVE ON AN INTERNET FORUM (VIDEO) Just click here to watch it.  It's funny and informative if you are new to forums. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2XpnNcjpso)

[March 21, 2018: Updated link to video - R]
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Whitney on January 22, 2011, 05:16:41 PM
Last edited by Whitney on Sat 22 Jan, 2011 12:16 pm, edited 19 times in total.
Reason: expanding on preaching section, removing broken image
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Whitney on February 25, 2011, 02:00:03 AM
Rules updated; added:
Welcome to HAF. Since we'd like to get to know you better before jumping into debates please introduce yourself. Users who comply with forum rules will graduate to full membership after 50 posts. Till that time your ability to post is limited to the "Getting to Know You" (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/viewforum.php?f=50) section of the forum. It is our hope that this small restriction increases the overall atmosphere of HAF.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Whitney on June 28, 2011, 04:03:54 AM
Rules updated, added: "No Junk Posts" section.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Whitney on July 08, 2011, 08:38:45 PM
50 post rule is now the 10 post rule
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Tank on April 07, 2012, 08:36:39 AM
Tweaked the first post Spam rule as below.

Originally

NO SPAM:  If this is your first visit to the forum and you post a link, copy paste text, etc it will be considered spam and may be removed or partially removed by a moderator at their own discretion without notice. Spam is everything from unwanted advertisements to posting the same thread or comment on many different forums. If you would like to bring attention to a project of yours (youtube channel, ask for people to take a survey, want feedback on your blog, etc.) just send one of the moderators a heads up private message first so we don't think you're just here to self-promote but are interested in being a contributing member.


Currently

NO SPAM: If in your first post on the forum you include a link, copy paste text, etc it will be considered spam and may be removed or partially removed by a moderator at their own discretion without notice. Spam is everything from unwanted advertisements to posting the same thread or comment on many different forums. If you would like to bring attention to a project of yours (youtube channel, ask for people to take a survey, want feedback on your blog, etc.) just send one of the moderators a heads up private message first so we don't think you're just here to self-promote but are interested in being a contributing member.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: McQ on April 07, 2012, 09:17:15 PM
Very good. Thanks for the clarification of that rule, Chris.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Tank on March 01, 2015, 05:56:02 PM
The following rule has been added.

COPYRIGHTED CONTENT--QUOTE/SUMMARIZE, AND LINK: Please do not post entire contents of articles or posts from other sites, as this may run afoul of copyright laws. Quote a relevant section and summarize the rest if you wish, and always post a link to the original.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: xSilverPhinx on November 30, 2015, 09:59:54 PM
Update: The 10 post restriction has been dropped. New members are now able to post in all subforums.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: OldGit on December 01, 2015, 09:42:56 AM
Good decision, says I.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Recusant on April 07, 2020, 09:34:38 PM
The civility rule has been amended for clarity.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Dark Lightning on April 07, 2020, 11:01:18 PM
All it takes is a shit-house lawyer to help cause a little clarity to appear. Not, you Recusant.  ;)

It reminds me of the guy who got in trouble with the IRS complaining, "I checked with my lawyer every step of the way!".
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 07, 2020, 11:40:35 PM
A much needed and to-the-point amendment for people who have some issues interpreting the civility rule :bravo:
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Tom62 on April 08, 2020, 04:09:21 PM
 :this:
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: billyportne on February 04, 2022, 04:15:01 PM
Would someone please explain why it's SPAM to use the copy-paste-text feature on a first post. I was going to copy the text from the introduction I wrote in my text editor but stopped when I saw the rules that stated... "If in your first post on the forum you include a link, copy paste text, etc. it will be considered spam and may be removed or partially removed by a moderator at their own discretion without notice." Since this is my first post, maybe it no longer applies to me, but I'd sure like to understand it more clearly than I do now. Thanks!
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Tank on February 04, 2022, 05:59:31 PM
Quote from: billyportne on February 04, 2022, 04:15:01 PM
Would someone please explain why it's SPAM to use the copy-paste-text feature on a first post. I was going to copy the text from the introduction I wrote in my text editor but stopped when I saw the rules that stated... "If in your first post on the forum you include a link, copy paste text, etc. it will be considered spam and may be removed or partially removed by a moderator at their own discretion without notice." Since this is my first post, maybe it no longer applies to me, but I'd sure like to understand it more clearly than I do now. Thanks!

It does say 'may be' so as you took time to ask please feel free to make your first post. And welcome to HAF :)
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Dark Lightning on February 08, 2022, 01:01:29 AM
Pretty sure that 23 threads in 1 day and 31 minutes counts as spam...I'm looking at you, woman (The Fight Song)
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: billy rubin on February 08, 2022, 01:03:53 AM
perhaps she is just settling in.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Bluenose on February 08, 2022, 01:09:25 AM
Quote from: billy rubin on February 08, 2022, 01:03:53 AM
perhaps she is just settling in.

Maybe so, nevertheless it is disrespectful of other members of the forum.  This is not a forum about musical performers.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: TheFightSong on February 08, 2022, 01:17:30 AM
Then, what is the point of having the old post about Adele?

If there is a music subforum, then might as well have topics about musical performers in it. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose.

I really don't have time for bullshit rules that contradict logic here.

There is a music subforum on here. Logically, I assume making topics about different music performers makes sense as a result if it was okay to make a post about Adele and AC/DC band members without anyone making a fuss.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: TheFightSong on February 08, 2022, 01:27:59 AM
Quote from: Dark Lightning on February 08, 2022, 01:01:29 AM
Pretty sure that 23 threads in 1 day and 31 minutes counts as spam...I'm looking at you, woman (The Fight Song)
Pretty sure there is a difference between being outspokenly quick when responding to people while creating different threads for separate discussions and spamming, wise guy.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Bluenose on February 08, 2022, 01:30:13 AM
Quote from: TheFightSong on February 08, 2022, 01:17:30 AM
Then, what is the point of having the old post about Adele?

If there is a music subforum, then might as well have topics about musical performers in it. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose.

I really don't have time for bullshit rules that contradict logic here.

There is a music subforum on here. Logically, I assume making topics about different music performers makes sense as a result if it was okay to make a post about Adele and AC/DC band members without anyone making a fuss.

As Dark Lighning put it

Quote from: Dark Lightning on February 08, 2022, 01:01:29 AM
Pretty sure that 23 threads in 1 day and 31 minutes counts as spam...I'm looking at you, woman (The Fight Song)

Slow down, show some respect for other forum members.  Hitting us with a barage of fairly unedifying posts about musical acts is the opposite of respect.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Dark Lightning on February 08, 2022, 02:18:24 AM
Quote from: TheFightSong on February 08, 2022, 01:27:59 AM
Quote from: Dark Lightning on February 08, 2022, 01:01:29 AM
Pretty sure that 23 threads in 1 day and 31 minutes counts as spam...I'm looking at you, woman (The Fight Song)
Pretty sure there is a difference between being outspokenly quick when responding to people while creating different threads for separate discussions and spamming, wise guy.

::)  Wiser than you. "Outspokenly quick", that's cute. I'd call it "frantic". Look at how many other threads have been started, in your short time here. You want to go bugnuts with posting about musicians, knock yourself out. But it isn't all about you, here. You post these threads with some inane commentary, and it should be obvious even to you, based on the threads/comments ratio that nobody here gives a pinch of feces about those posts.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: TheFightSong on February 08, 2022, 04:31:04 AM
Quote from: billy rubin on February 08, 2022, 01:03:53 AM
perhaps she is just settling in.
Not sure if I am fully settling in. I had to deal with bullshit from many propagandized places disguised as social media platforms. Draconian witch hunts are increasing on many "social" nedia platforms to attack people who threaten ultra-wealthy people's Orwellian New World Order that let them profit from deaths, poverty, misery, and lack of freethought from lower classes. So, I decided to come here. And I am wondering if the coast is clear enough to be in this forum.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: TheFightSong on February 08, 2022, 04:40:19 AM
Quote from: Bluenose on February 08, 2022, 01:30:13 AM
Quote from: TheFightSong on February 08, 2022, 01:17:30 AM
Then, what is the point of having the old post about Adele?

If there is a music subforum, then might as well have topics about musical performers in it. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose.

I really don't have time for bullshit rules that contradict logic here.

There is a music subforum on here. Logically, I assume making topics about different music performers makes sense as a result if it was okay to make a post about Adele and AC/DC band members without anyone making a fuss.

As Dark Lighning put it

Quote from: Dark Lightning on February 08, 2022, 01:01:29 AM
Pretty sure that 23 threads in 1 day and 31 minutes counts as spam...I'm looking at you, woman (The Fight Song)

Slow down, show some respect for other forum members.  Hitting us with a barage of fairly unedifying posts about musical acts is the opposite of respect.
The music subforum was mostly barren compared to more active subforums, such as the "Laid Back Lounge". I was adding topics in it to make separate discussions, especially for making this forum place more active and interesting.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: TheFightSong on February 08, 2022, 04:50:20 AM
Quote from: Dark Lightning on February 08, 2022, 02:18:24 AM
Quote from: TheFightSong on February 08, 2022, 01:27:59 AM
Quote from: Dark Lightning on February 08, 2022, 01:01:29 AM
Pretty sure that 23 threads in 1 day and 31 minutes counts as spam...I'm looking at you, woman (The Fight Song)
Pretty sure there is a difference between being outspokenly quick when responding to people while creating different threads for separate discussions and spamming, wise guy.

::)  Wiser than you. "Outspokenly quick", that's cute. I'd call it "frantic". Look at how many other threads have been started, in your short time here. You want to go bugnuts with posting about musicians, knock yourself out. But it isn't all about you, here. You post these threads with some inane commentary, and it should be obvious even to you, based on the threads/comments ratio that nobody here gives a pinch of feces about those posts.
I really don't care that they give no sprinkles of glittery stardust up the glory hole where the sun doesn't shine about those posts. The "Music" subforum was boring with less topics than say the "Laid Back Lounge" subforum. So I added more topics in the "Music" subforum. Because there might be a time when people talk in them frequently if someone makes that possible.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Tank on February 08, 2022, 09:41:08 AM
Spam is generally considered posting the same thing repeatedly. TheFightSong has not done this so she has not broken the rules concerning spam. While her posting behaviour is idiosyncratic and unique in my experience it's not really an issue for the rules.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: billy rubin on February 08, 2022, 02:32:06 PM
Quote from: TheFightSong on February 08, 2022, 04:31:04 AM
Quote from: billy rubin on February 08, 2022, 01:03:53 AM
perhaps she is just settling in.
Not sure if I am fully settling in. I had to deal with bullshit from many propagandized places disguised as social media platforms. Draconian witch hunts are increasing on many "social" nedia platforms to attack people who threaten ultra-wealthy people's Orwellian New World Order that let them profit from deaths, poverty, misery, and lack of freethought from lower classes. So, I decided to come here. And I am wondering if the coast is clear enough to be in this forum.

you will have to decide.

i have invited vonversation with you several times, but you have ignored me.

but for my part, you are welcome here.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: MarcusA on April 25, 2023, 08:56:39 PM
Rule No. 1: You will talk about Fight Club.
Title: Re: Forum Rules
Post by: Recusant on July 12, 2023, 04:01:54 AM
Not helpful, MarcusA. This is a thread for genuine discussion of rules of this site.