Community Rules - The Whistle Post

TallDude · #1 (**permalink**) 01-26-2006, 06:21 PM

As a member of the The Whistle Post online community, you are expected to follow the rules of the community to help us keep the content friendly and relevant. These rules are intended to reduce the number of pointless, irrelevant threads that tend to clutter up message forums. This clears the way for easier and faster navigation of the remaining interesting and useful content. We have identified some behaviors that are detrimental to the community goals and do not benefit other forum members. While it’s important to read all of the community rules, here is a brief overview of unacceptable behavior that the moderators will be watching for. Some of these rules are subject to warning penalties from the moderators.

No foul or abusive language will be tolerated. Period. It has no place in our community. Attempts to disguise bad language or bypass the language filters will not be tolerated. If you disagree with us and don’t think we should be restricting your language then we respectfully ask that you simply do not become a member of our community. There are other message forums that do not have this restriction.

No personal attacks will be allowed. You’re welcome to disagree with another member’s opinion but attacking (flaming) and insulting another member is not acceptable. Intentionally starting flame wars could cause your community privileges to be revoked. Discussing product features or lack thereof is fine, just don’t make it personal.

No degrading racial comments are allowed. Model railroaders of all colors and ethnicities are welcome on The Whistle Post online community. Racially motivated attacks or slurs will get you banned.

No sexual references. There’s no question that Internet is full of degrading sexual material and comments. This includes sexual innuendos. The Whistle Post online community is intended to be a “G-rated” safe harbor from that type of content. If you’re interested in that kind of material, go someplace else. It will not be tolerated here.

No Politics. We prefer that members not get too involved in political discussions because they often result in flaring tempers and flame wars.

No pointless complaining, moaning, and whining. This mostly applies to the operation and moderation of the online community. Members will be banned, threads removed, and so on based on the clearly defined rules. Publicly bemoaning the operation of the community and the way the rules are enforced will not put you in good favor with the moderators. If you have a legitimate concern or suggestion, PM a moderator or send a message to webnaster@TheWhistlePost.com.

No advertising or spamming. It is our goal to keep the online community free from advertising and spam. We do not allow companies or individuals to actively market products, services, or websites to board members with the exception of the Product Announcements forum. Do not copy posts into multiple forums.

Avatars and Signatures. Avatars and signatures are a privilege here and not a right. Use these guidelines in deciding if you should use a particular avatar/signature or not. Avatars/Signatures should be railroading-related and avoid pornographic, graphically violent, or disturbing subjects, insults to an ethnic, religious, or a national group of people. This is a family oriented model railroading forum, let’s keep it focused on that.

Multiple Registrations. Multiple registrations are not permitted for any reason. If you have trouble accessing your account, you can contact an administrator for assistance via the contact us link at the bottom of the page.

Use of Copyrighted Images from other sites, books, etc. Members are asked to respect the copyright of other users, sites, media, etc. If you are using images that you did not photograph yourself, make sure you have permission to use them. Do not alter the image and include the copyright, owners name, and a link to the site where you obtained the photo.

The Whistle Post respects the intellectual property rights of others, and we ask our users to do the same. If you believe that your copyrighted work has been copied and is accessible on this web site in a way that constitutes copyright infringement, please send a notice to Kevin Morris (TallDude) providing the following information:

The electronic or physical signature of the owner of the copyright or the person authorized to act on the owner's behalf;
A description of the copyrighted work that you claim has been infringed;
A description of where the material that you claim is infringing is located, such as the URL where it is posted;
Your name, address, telephone number and email address;
A statement by you that you have a good faith belief that the disputed use of the material is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent or the law; and
A statement by you, made under penalty of perjury, that the above information in your notice is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or are authorized to act on the copyright owner's behalf.

By Mail:
Kevin Morris
PO Box 215
Sumiton, AL 35148

By email:
webmaster@thewhistlepost.com

Please note: This contact information is provided under notice requirements of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and is solely for reporting copyright infringement.

Illegal Software
Users linking to or asking for information on warez, crackz, etc. or re-printing material without permission will receive a warning and their post will be removed.

The Admins/Moderators have final judgment over any post/avatar/signature. Posts/avatars/signatures that violate the above guidelines may be moved, edited or deleted without notice. Most of the time, you will be notified by Private Message with an explanation of judgments or actions. You may privately request further explanation, but arguing with the decision will not be tolerated. Posters who violate the guidelines may be banned, depending upon the infraction and prior history. This can also be without notice, but in most cases, a warning will be issued.