Announcements

[Rob F1UK]

Updated T-Board Posting Rules and Guidelines
Last Updated: 23 April 2005

1. Placement of posts
a. Post in the correct and most appropriate forum
b. In the event of a user posting in the wrong forum, a moderator will move the post to the appropriate forum.
c. If you post in the wrong forum by mistake, you can contact a moderator, either PM'ing one who happens to be online or by reporting the post, using the link in the right hand corner of the thread.
d. Repeated posting in the wrong forum will result in a caution.

2. Thread subject titles
a. Label your thread with an appropriate and clear title
b. The clearer the thread title, the easier it is for all users to know the content of your post.
c. A clear thread title assists anyone searching the T-Board archives.
d. Not all users have high-speed web access. It is common courtesy to include a note on the end of your posts if the post is to contain pictures of significant size, e.g. "Caution for dial-up users", "56k warning", etc.
e. If an amendment to the thread title is needed, please contact a moderator who will make any change. A moderator may edit a thread title at their discretion, if necessary.

3. Use of strong and/or coarse language
a. In everyday life, swearing is often used without any intention to offend. However the vBulletin software automatically filters some obscene words. They appear censored in posts as ### symbols.
b. Outright offensive swearing is frowned upon on the T-Board and incidents will be edited, and the member warned, or if it is a repeat offence, cautioned.
c. Any swearing aimed at another T-Board member will result in the post being edited and a caution being issued
d. As a common form of expression we must all accept swear words will from time to time appear in posts. This will sometimes be overlooked, on a case-by-case basis, but unnecessary and excessive swearing will see such comments edited.
e. Avoid the use of potentially offensive terms such as 'Jap' when wishing to mean Japan/Japanese, and 'gay' unless you are actually mean homosexual.

4. Freedom of speech
a. While everyone is entitled to his or her opinions, the T-Board will not necessarily be a forum for these to be aired
b. You are NOT free to post about any subject you wish or voice any opinion you have - while this sounds dramatic, it is mainly just the obvious subjects that are deemed off-limits. As a family friendly board, subjects and references of an adult and/or offensive nature are not permitted, nor are personal attacks.
c. Sensitive topic areas should be carefully approached and debated maturely. Discussion of issues such as religion and war have often resulted in hostility and inevitable thread closure. Currently, we advise caution when creating any threads about potentially incendiary subject areas.
d. By signing up and registering, you are agreeing to abide by the posting guidelines outlined here in your conduct as a T-Board member.

5. Linking to other sites/material
a. Linking to warez and other sites hosting illegal downloads is not permitted anywhere on the forums.
b. Linking to sites of an offensive nature or adult theme is also not allowed.
c. Do not link to an individual's non-public email address without their prior agreement.
d. Posting of questionable material/links such as (possible) scams or pryamid schemes is not permitted.

6. Try to be as clear and concise as possible
a. Please break up your post into manageable chunks, or paragraphs to make your comments easier to read.
b. Basic principles of grammar and punctuation apply. It is very difficult to read a large body of text and/or overlong sentences. The easier it is to read, the quicker it is to understand, and the strong likelihood responses to your post will be clear and relevant.
c. To avoid unnecessary eyestrain, we advise the selective and occasional use of smallest font sizes (size=1). You are free to change the font face and colour, so long as the chosen font is easily readable.
d. Please try to be accurate with your spelling and avoid excessive use of shorthand 'txt spk' and abbreviations.

7. Going O/T - Off Topic
a. Off topic threads are permitted, but only in the Off Topic forum.
b. We accept that people will make off-topic remarks in the course of on-topic discussion. As long as this does not overrun the core subject of the thread, this will not commonly result in action.
c. Should a thread deviate too much from the original subject, it may be split or closed by a moderator.
d. Bear in mind that the written word is often to-the-point and easily misinterpreted. Please make use of the smileys if a comment is intended to be light-hearted or made in jest.
e. Thread crapping - where you make derisive comments about the subject of the post - is frowned upon. Unless the thread starter gives invitation for both positive and negative opinions, do not hijack the thread with your views.
f. Regarding sensitive subjects of discussion, please refer to 4.c above.

8. Replying to a thread
a. The "new thread" and "post reply" buttons sit alongside each other. Do take care when clicking these buttons so you choose the right one. Please post a reply or follow up comment to a thread as a reply, not as a new thread in it's own right.
b. If you mistakenly create a new thread instead of replying, contact a moderator, or edit your post (via the link in the right hand corner of your post) with an instruction for a moderator to merge it with the intended thread.
c. If you have left something out of your post, or wish to make an amendment, you can edit your own post to include what was omitted. This is preferred to making another consecutive post.
d. If you double post by mistake, contact a moderator or edit your post with an instruction for a moderator to remove it.

9. 'Spamming'
a. Consistent posting of the same subject/thread is not permitted. This includes reworded versions of the same posts and repeating the same responses.
b. Such events of spamming will be halted, and the member may be subject to a caution or investigation by the T-Administrator (KohnMan).

10. "Me Too" posting is advised against on the T-Board
a. Members are reminded that adding replies such as "I have one too", or "Same here" are also frowned upon.
b. In response to a post in the Trading and Classifieds forum, please also avoid "YGPM" posts, as all members should be regularly checking their PMs (refer to 13.d).
c. Replies to posts are encouraged to further the discussion where possible and not kill the active exchange of ideas that occurs.
d. Quality over quantity - please consider carefully if your post adds anything to the discussion.

11. Discussion of all things Minidisc
a. Please remember this is primarily a community for the discussion of the MiniDisc format and all that accompanies it.
b. You are entitled to post about other media formats in the General Electronics Discussion, and to voice any negative opinions about the MiniDisc format you have, so long as you justify what you write and make any comments sensibly and maturely.
c. The T-Board will not be home to "MD sucks" style threads and if your sole purpose of registering is to deride MD, you will face caution and a possible ban.

12. Polls
a. Following a rise in pointless polls, these can now only be created by moderators
b. If you have a subject that you wish to be made into a poll, please contact a moderator.
c. Most polls will have a finite life.
d. When voting in polls, it is common courtesy to add a reply besides your vote (unless otherwise stated)

13. Private Messaging (PM)
a. Please conduct all one-to-one and/or private communication via PMs.
b. We advise any extended non-forum communication to take place off the board via email or ICQ/Messenger services.
c. PMs should be used in particular in response to the Trading and Classifieds forum. Please refer to the detailed guidelines regarding this here
d. It is your responsibility to check your PMs. This is the primary mode of non-forum communication for most users,including moderators.
e. Please try to keep the number of messages stored down to a minimum as it adds to the T-Board server bandwidth. Both your Inbox and Sent Items folders should be regularly cleared out to reduce the demand on the server and keep you contactable via PM

14. Avatars and signatures
a. Avatars have a size limit of 40KB
b. Images in signatures are recommended to be no larger than the dimensions of 600 x 150 pixels and the size limit of 30KB.
c. The content of both avatars and signatures should adhere to 4.b - for both text and images.
d. You will be contacted by a moderator should it be felt that your avatar or signature requires changing, especially if other users report issues with it.
e. Members who choose to ignore this will be subject to a warning and the avatar will be removed.
f. We advise you contact a moderator in advance if you're unsure whether your avatar or signature may cause offense to others.
g. In extreme cases, the use of Avatars may be suspended and membership subject to termination or suspension.

15. T-Moderators and the Webmaster reserve to right to edit any post as they see fit within the context of these guidelines.
a. If you do not agree with a decision made against you or another member by a T-Moderator, please contact a T-Moderator with the complaint.
b. You may also wish to contact the T-Administrator (KohnMan). The easiest and most prompt way to reach him is via email.

Most of all meet new friends, discuss opinions, share reviews and experiences, and have fun. The T-Board prides itself on being a friendly and welcoming place. The atmosphere and tone of the forum is it's strongest asset so please maintain this through your contributions as a member.