Introduction
While our country enjoys freedom of expression, members of the ASFN board do not. In other words, members can’t say anything they’d like. There is an ownership of the board, and that ownership has the final say on what can be said and even who can be allowed to post on the board. Great latitude is given to member posters, but they must abide by some simple rules that allow for the greatest amount of enjoyment to the greatest amount of posters. If you feel ASFN and its rules are too confining, go make your own board.
ASFN enjoys a rich cross-section of members, noted for their knowledge and intelligence. Consequently, it is expected that members use that intelligence when presenting opinions, statistics and facts. In other words, there is ALWAYS a better way to express yourself that doesn’t include inflammatory language or insulting remarks. It is this expectation that allows for a set of rules to be posted and enforced.
CLASS 1 RULES
1. Foul language is not allowed. Further, symbol substitution or slight misspelling meant to circumvent this rule will not be tolerated.
2. Referring to any American or group of Americans with labels associated with terror individuals or groups is not allowed, unless those Americans are known to be associated with such individuals or groups.
3. Labeling members or groups stereotypical or generalized names is not allowed (socialists, communists, Nazis), unless they are in fact a member of such a group. If you’re unsure if an ASFN member or some other group is such a person, ask them. Referring to a group that is in fact one of those labels is allowed. In other words, referring to a socialist group as one is permissible.
4. Calling a member a derogatory name is not allowed. Some examples are (but not limited to): idiot, simpleton, moron, asshole, etc. Many times such names are used in parting shots or in attempts at debate closure. If a debate gets to a point where nothing else can be added to further the discussion but neither side wants to acquiesce, simply agree to disagree. There is no dishonor in that, and no need to press a point beyond the obvious. In other words, find a better way to wrap things up.
5. Further, insults toward someone will not be permitted. This includes insults wrapped in smileys.
6. Likewise, racial, ethnic, religious slurs are not allowed. Opinions on race, ethnicity, and religion can all be made without resorting to slurs.
7. Posting of inflammatory threads with the sole purpose of generating a response (trolling) is not allowed. Such threads will be deleted in addition to action taken against the author of the thread.
8. Creating multiple ASFN accounts to guide thread topics and/or supporting oneself (with multiple accounts) and/or "tag teaming" other posters during topic discussions will be considered trolling. Such dual identies will be banned in addition to action taken against the primary ASFN user account.
CLASS 2 RULES
1. Direct threats of harm to a person or a person’s possessions will not be tolerated.
We’re here to be competitive and to a certain extent combative. We all have closely held opinions and values. However, it is incumbent upon members to engage in civil discourse with good nature. After all, in the end we all want what’s best for ourselves and each other. Be fervent in your defense of your opinion, but do so with the highest standards and respect. There is always a better way to say something. Those who can’t respect the rules and other members should not waste their time here.
Repercussions
CLASS 1:
1. Violators of Class 1 rules will be warned once. If a person breaks that rule again, they will not be allowed to post on the P&R forum for one week. If a rule broken was towards a specific person, they will be required to apologize to that person before being allowed to return. Warnings for a particular offense are given only once per person. If a person violates a rule subsequent to a week-long banning, they will be immediately banned once again without another warning. A person will still get an initial warning for violating a different Class 1 rule.
2. If someone is banned from the P&R board, they will be allowed to post on other boards. If they post on the other boards to protest their banning on the P&R board, those threads will be deleted and they will not be allowed to post anywhere on ASFN for two weeks.
3. If someone continues to be an unrepentant violator, consideration will be made to enact a lifetime ban.
CLASS 2:
1. Directly threatening another member is a more serious offense. That will not be tolerated in the public boards or Private Messages. If such an instance is brought to the moderators’ attention, such a violation will result in an immediate ASFN-wide ban for a month and serious consideration will be given for a lifetime ban.
Administrative Issues
Warning and banning is not something that will be taken lightly, but violations will be aggressively pursued. Warnings and then bannings will be discussed between the moderators of the P&R board (
Chris Sanders and Wayward Fan, aka Sean Allen) and AGREED upon prior to implementation. If someone is banned, they have the right to appeal to the two moderators to state their case. The only further and final appeal they will have will be to
Chandler Mike.
If one moderator finds an infraction and cannot confer with the other moderator immediately, he may still enact discipline. Such actions will be subject to review by the other moderator as soon as possible, and discipline may be subject to revision or reversal.
Violations are brought to moderators’ attention two ways. Either they see it for themselves, or a member reports the violation to them. If you find a member is in violation of any of the established rules, please report the relevant post. As the rules are posted and clearly understandable, members should be able to keep themselves out of trouble.
Moderators will keep members up to date on moderating activity as posts on an announcement or locked thread. Rules are subject to revision as appropriate. A separate sticky thread will be added for members to discuss or inquire into administrator activity.
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