Extended Rules

[Allex]

So yes, I'm sure that the first three general rules are pretty understandable as a first-time welcoming message and all that, but there are some standards regarding post content that needs to be covered.

Numero Uno: Language - Alright, I'm not going to tell you that you cannot by any means say any curse words at all ever, but we're going to stay civil human beings here. Keep any explicit words to a minimum because we do, in fact, have underage people on the internet, and quite honestly I'd rather not be (even partially) responsible for bringing up a trashy generation. Hopefully we all have a vocabulary large enough to successfully get a point across without throwing the F-bomb around every other word.

I would also like to mention that anything remotely sexually explicit is not tolerated in The Group. Again, we have children that come online and we don't want to blind their virgin eyes with erotica/porn.

Numero Dos: Grammar and Punctuation - As I realize some people haven't been educated as long as others have in learning to write using correct English, please try as best as you can to sound like you have, at one point, been taught some form of language arts or English.

Please.

Everyone will sound so much smarter and it will seem like you know what you're talking about, even if you haven't the slightest clue! Text language is annoying and no one will appreciate its use. Caps and emoticons are okay, just don't go crazy. :) Now, your grammar and punctuation doesn't have to be absolutely perfect, because I think everyone should put some voice, creativity, and originality into their posts. I'm just saying that if you mess up and don't catch the mistake after it's been posted, no one will (at least they shouldn't) go completely grammar Nazi on you. If you see the mistake, well, that's what the 'edit' button is for. We'll all just look at least a little more intelligent, so please, give it your best shot.

Numero Tres: Respect - There are lots of people with different opinions, beliefs, and thoughts on the Internet. I just want you, personally, to be mindful of that and know that sometimes people are not going to be the same as you. THAT IS OKAY. It's actually kind of awesome. So let's keep this place free of discrimination and hate. You've got your opinion, everyone else has one, too.

Also, don't be offended if people ask questions. People are only curious, and we have to be considerate when we answer them. They're not stupid for not knowing, and they're not trying to bring you down if they don't understand. They just want to know. It's what we're supposed to do gain knowledge and clarify for ourselves. It's human nature for crying out loud! So I encourage you to ask questions, as well. The more you know, the better!

Consequence: The Title Speaks for Itself... - If you're familiar with the American sport of baseball, think of it this way: Three strikes and you're out. If you decide that being rebellious and breaking perfectly logical rules is cool, I or another moderator will give you up to three warnings before you're blocked access from the group. You'll be blocked for a time period of 2 months. Once that time is up, we'll allow you to join again if you think you can handle it. Or you can forever be upset that you were banned in the first place and never come back again. We'll be okay with either choice. :)

If you actually took the time to read all of this, I am mentally hugging you right now. I'll just leave you with the first original three 'rules' of the group that actually aren't rules and just strong recommendations:

• We're all friends here, so don't be afraid to considerately share your own opinion.
• Keep an open mind for thoughts that might not exactly match up to yours.
• Just seriously have fun and keep it real.

Okay thanks, happy posting!