OK, guys. I have compiled a list of all the stuff we have talked about that we want in the FAQ, and a little bit more. I really liked Mal's idea of calling it a Code of Conduct. There is a lot in Mal's post that isn't covered in here, and I'm not sure in what way we would want to mesh them together.

At any rate, please read through this carefully and give opinions. In a week's time (or longer if felt necessary), I will recompile the list with people's comments taken into account, to make a draft FAQ for community approval.

In my opinion, the FAQ should open with a [i:40d3aeb443]very brief[/i:40d3aeb443] history of who we are and how we got here.

There should be links to threads such as the Intros thread, Album uploads, official threads, Sarge’s Highway Code etc.

Technical questions are answered in the “Board Usage FAQ” which can be accessed from the top of every page. This FAQ is about behaviour on the board and our code of conduct. Questions on technical matters should be posted in the Temple.

All items in the FAQ should have their reasoning explained, but the format (particularly conciseness) needs to be considered for the sake of keeping people’s attention. Is it possible to have expandable subject lines that show the reasoning when clicked upon? Or perhaps the list of rules should be displayed at the top of the thread, and one could scroll down to longer posts that give the reasoning.

First, these are brief summaries of subjects carried over from the old FAQ (* indicates those that I would like to see revised or clarified in some way):

Be honest
Use proper English
DO NOT use multiple screen names
Do not use animated avatars/ banner ads etc
Do not post in character* [color=red:40d3aeb443](We also had ‘do not register as a character’, but what about Rinso, Hex etc?)[/color:40d3aeb443]
No roleplaying/ pool parties etc, except where confined to one thread
Try not to register a name too similar to another member’s* [color=red:40d3aeb443](Can we change screen names?)[/color:40d3aeb443]
Explain your edits
Apologise for mistakes
Don’t ask us to do your research/homework
Change your avatar if asked or you realise it’s the same as someone else’s
Don’t ask obvious questions* [color=red:40d3aeb443](We need to say what the obvious questions are, with links to official threads, the Discworld Novels list etc)[/color:40d3aeb443]
If you are a newbie giving an opinion on an argument, you do so at your own risk.
Use the Search function before starting a new thread
DO NOT start off by promoting your own stuff
Thread hijacking happens* [color=red:40d3aeb443](Are there any thoughts on how this should be dealt with, the ability to split threads etc?)[/color:40d3aeb443]
It’s best not to flood the board with posts when you are new
Change your sig if asked
DO NOT post email jokes* [color=red:40d3aeb443](We should have an official thread for jokes, since some of us like to read them)[/color:40d3aeb443]
Listen to advice/corrections
If you quote someone, name them
Don’t be afraid to ask questions


And now, these are subjects brought up on this board that should be addressed:
The role of moderators
Making complaints about mod activity/feedback
Ranks – how they work
NO TROLLING on this board or others
Rules on banning [color=red:40d3aeb443](I think instant banning offences should be written in bold or red or both.)[/color:40d3aeb443]
No flirting.


These are things that I personally think we should include:
Transcripts of “When Doors met...” interviews
Official discussion groups (already started up, courtesy of CY)
NEW HOW TO’S [color=red:40d3aeb443](Which subjects do we need?)[/color:40d3aeb443]
A statement that this community is still self-policing and that the mods act on behalf of the community to enforce its will.
Which standard net abbreviations are acceptable here, and how often it's suitable to use them.
A statement that we prefer quality rather than quantity in posts.



Once completed, I suggest that we make a sticky of the FAQ in [i:40d3aeb443]every forum[/i:40d3aeb443].

[quote:1168d8bbe0]Don’t ask obvious questions*[/quote:1168d8bbe0]
[quote:1168d8bbe0]Don’t be afraid to ask questions [/quote:1168d8bbe0]

This could cause a little confusion I think
Other than that, I have no complaints

[quote:1168d8bbe0]DO NOT post email jokes* (We should have an official thread for jokes, since some of us like to read them) [/quote:1168d8bbe0]
I'd agree with that too

[quote:1168d8bbe0]If you quote someone, name them [/quote:1168d8bbe0]

All quotes from Buzzfloyd

Edit to change by to from - Grammar check please

[quote:0b05dbc167="Buzzfloyd"]If you are a newbie giving an opinion on an argument, you do so at your own risk. [/quote:0b05dbc167]

This sounds a bit harsh…It’s a good tip but may put people off posting valid opinions.
How about
“If you are a newbie giving an opinion on an argument, be cautious.
You may not fully understand the argument and cause more trouble”

It depends on how you view ‘argument’ some newbits may consider this a discussion and step back. I just think it needs to be clear.

[quote:0b05dbc167]Use proper English[/quote:0b05dbc167]

Might want to point out proper English does not include chat speak. Sad as it is, some people do not realise this

[quote:0b05dbc167]Thread hijacking happens* (Are there any thoughts on how this should be dealt with, the ability to split threads etc?) [/quote:0b05dbc167]

It depends on how far it goes, how about if an off-topic conversation goes on for x number of posts then mods could either split it, or if it wouldn’t make a new thread then kindly ask others keep to the topic.

[quote:0b05dbc167]Do not post in character* (We also had ‘do not register as a character’, but what about Rinso, Hex etc?)[/quote:0b05dbc167]

I don’t think it is necessary to say names shouldn’t be in character. We could make a recommendation that it is best to have something original for others to remember you by, rather than an already existing character. We can’t really say don’t register as one considering there are some who already have.

[quote:0b05dbc167]DO NOT post email jokes* (We should have an official thread for jokes, since some of us like to read them)[/quote:0b05dbc167]

There are some decent email jokes out there so an official jokes thread would be a good idea if someone wants to share.

Apart from that, it seems great.

edit: fix quotes

Thanks Buzzfloyd - great stuff - now if only we could [i:6b936b956a]keep[/i:6b936b956a] it that concise...

Something about having consideration for members under a certain age or those who are accessing from family/public/work places by not posting overly explicit or controversial images directly, but instead providing a link with a clear warning as to the content.

And a joke thread would be splendid.

[quote:7715bd4a0a="buzzfloyd"](We also had ‘do not register as a character’, but what about Rinso, Hex etc?) [/quote:7715bd4a0a]

I don't see that as a problem, as long as they don't post as the character.

[quote:7715bd4a0a="buzzfloyd"](Are there any thoughts on how this should be dealt with, the ability to split threads etc?) [/quote:7715bd4a0a]

I think we should just leave them be, hijacks can be fun, and unless there's an absolute arsehole involved, they'll be easily re-railed. If there is an arsehole, and we repeatedly ask them not to continue hijacking, then we take steps.


I agree with all the other points in the FAQ, and have nothing to comment about the rest of it at this moment in time.

I don't think we should stop people having Discworld related names, it is a Discworld fans' site after all, but just point out that posting in character is frowned upon and you will get moaned at, a lot, and eventually be banned if you carrying on regardless of community wishes.

I agree with EM. I don't mind people registering under a character name and hijacks are a natural part of conversations.

A possible definition of obvious questions:

A question that can be answered with a simple google/board-search or a question for which there is an official thread.

A good FAQ!

Thanks very much for the comments, guys! There's just one thing I want to clarify:

[quote:bc1de4464f="fairyliquid"][quote:bc1de4464f="Buzzfloyd"]If you are a newbie giving an opinion on an argument, you do so at your own risk. [/quote:bc1de4464f]

This sounds a bit harsh…It’s a good tip but may put people off posting valid opinions.
How about
“If you are a newbie giving an opinion on an argument, be cautious.
You may not fully understand the argument and cause more trouble”
[/quote:bc1de4464f]
I agree that it sounds harsh, but it's written for the context of this list. For the proper FAQ, I would write it out in a nicer way, but this is just to concisely summarise the rules we're considering to let people know what they are. There are several on that list that I would wish to phrase differently for the FAQ proper.

Be honest
[b:d8508a61ac]Use proper English [/b:d8508a61ac]
Maybe add no l33t or net abbrieations. In the explanation –(can we have expandable/flip down stuff,mal?)- we should mention that many of us are foreign or Dystarded and do not understand what many of these things mean.




[b:d8508a61ac]Do not post in character* (We also had ‘do not register as a character’, but what about Rinso, Hex etc?) [/b:d8508a61ac]

As Said before, Character names are find…maybe ask people for confusions sake to pick a name that hasn’t been used or is obviously different, but this is mentioned later.

[b:d8508a61ac]No roleplaying/ pool parties etc, except where confined to one thread [/b:d8508a61ac]

If someone had a discworld mended Drum thread would we be happy with that? I’m ok with it as long as it says in the thread.


[b:d8508a61ac]Don’t ask obvious questions* (We need to say what the obvious questions are, with links to official threads, the Discworld Novels list etc) [/b:d8508a61ac]

Maybe ‘Most common questions are answered here[link], don’t ask these obvious questions’


[b:d8508a61ac]If you are a newbie giving an opinion on an argument, you do so at your own risk. [/b:d8508a61ac]

Someone else (sorry can’t remember who!) re-wrote this in what I think is a better way.

[b:d8508a61ac]Use the Search function before starting a new thread[/b:d8508a61ac]

I’m not sure how need this is. If we have the obvious threads sticky people won’t ask those questions anymore, and I don’t mind if the less obvious onces are doubled ever now and then. I think asking people to do a search everytime they want to do a thread may put people off. Besides, none of us do it, I’m not sure about having rules that we don’t follow ourselves.



[b:d8508a61ac]Thread hijacking happens* (Are there any thoughts on how this should be dealt with, the ability to split threads etc?)[/b:d8508a61ac]

Seening as we have the power to split a thread, I don’t see the problem with using it. I only think it should be done if people request it, though.

Maybe “Thread Hijacking happens it’s the nature of conversation. If you want to bring the conversation back on track just ask people, or if the hi-jack is big enough ask a mod to spilt the thread into to separate topics”?


It’s best not to flood the board with posts when you are new
Change your sig if asked
DO NOT post email jokes* (We should have an official thread for jokes, since some of us like to read them)
Listen to advice/corrections
If you quote someone, name them
Don’t be afraid to ask questions


And now, these are subjects brought up on this board that should be addressed:

[b:d8508a61ac]The role of moderators[/b:d8508a61ac]

People need to look at the thread on this.


[b:d8508a61ac]Making complaints about mod activity/feedback [/b:d8508a61ac]

I think there should be a sticky thread in the temple- if anyone has a problem with how a mod has behavied should be kept off the main board and raised there. Mods should be accountable for everything they do.


[b:d8508a61ac]Ranks – how they work [/b:d8508a61ac]

what ranks? Do you mean the ranks by our names? After 500 votes you get one. It stays unchangeable until you reach the next 500 posts.

[b:d8508a61ac]Rules on banning (I think instant banning offences should be written in bold or red or both.) [/b:d8508a61ac]

We need to decide what rules are instant banning. Are we having 3 strikes? What do we mean by trolling?


note: probably a billion cross posts. the bold is what grace had said.

Just for clarification, may I ask what exactly is a "Pool Party" on a Forum?

Thanks.

[i:f101d6cb51]EDIT: to add....[/i:f101d6cb51]

I think that all the above points give a good basis for the FAQ. Given my ongoing confusion over "Pool Party", perhaps a link to an Unseen Board Babelfish might be a good idea. .....and I've always wanted to know what a Thunderspork was! (A hybrid spoon/lightening fork to use on your deli pot of ambrosia?)

[quote:a48b4ff764="Buzzfloyd"]Thanks very much for the comments, guys! There's just one thing I want to clarify:

[quote:a48b4ff764="fairyliquid"][quote:a48b4ff764="Buzzfloyd"]If you are a newbie giving an opinion on an argument, you do so at your own risk. [/quote:a48b4ff764]

This sounds a bit harsh…It’s a good tip but may put people off posting valid opinions.
How about
“If you are a newbie giving an opinion on an argument, be cautious.
You may not fully understand the argument and cause more trouble”
[/quote:a48b4ff764]
I agree that it sounds harsh, but it's written for the context of this list. For the proper FAQ, I would write it out in a nicer way, but this is just to concisely summarise the rules we're considering to let people know what they are. There are several on that list that I would wish to phrase differently for the FAQ proper.[/quote:a48b4ff764]

If you think anything we do is too harsh, I strongly urge you to pack up all your bags and move to the stamps forum before anyone's oversensitivity becomes a problem later on down the line.

No. I agree with fairy/buzz on this. It's ok to be harsh for a reason/when someone deserves it. But there is no reason to be harsh just for the sake of it. These rules are to be clear and understandable and to the point. Harsh is an emotive term if thats whats used to describle any of the rules I think it's a bad sign and will end up causing more troubles than it will solve. Remember while we don't want to become nicey-nice land, there is point about unnessasary rudness and the trouble it can cause.

I also think it is a good faq, but I do think some kind of babelfish-topic (courtesy of freya) would be nice to help newbies settle in.

[quote:e0b10e9db4="Rincewind"][b:e0b10e9db4]Ranks – how they work [/b:e0b10e9db4]

what ranks? Do you mean the ranks by our names? After 500 votes you get one. It stays unchangeable until you reach the next 500 posts.

[/quote:e0b10e9db4]

I thought it was 1000 posts? And I hope you don't mean votes, because we don't even have 500 members

I think role-playing threads should be ok in the 'Boardanian Role Play Group' Board. Even if they aren't started by Garner :P

I also think that each member should post after the FAQ, something like, "I, Kat in the Hat, have read, fully understand, and agree to follow the guidelines listed here." That way, if someone goes beserker, we can say, well, yes, but you agreed. And also, it would make sure the newbits have read the FAQ, at least slightly.

Well, I think it took me 2 years to get 1000 votes, I think that is a bit much for some. I think 500 is a more achievable goal. It;s only for the a little tittle after all.

I think having everyone now sign the FAQ as a requirement is a good Idea. I'm not sure how pratical it will be for every simgle member. Perhaps having it sent out as in the registration e-mail that people have to reagree too.

I dunno, Mal whats the technecal side of this?

Also can we have drop down script?