On Community

[Amethyst]

Hi! So we've gotten a lot of new members lately, and with some recent events, it looks like we may be getting a few more. That's great! However, I've realised that some people are coming from other servers that may have some very different standards from Reborn. So I'd like to take a moment just to make a few things clear. Also, our established members should note that I'm also going to be pushing the bar even higher.

The first thing to realise is that what happened in the past or on another server needs to stay there. Don't bring old drama to Reborn (we have quite enough, I assure you~); it's not going to make anything better. As Eternal Edge said, this is a new server and a new chance.

More to the point, Reborn is not like other servers. We have established community guidelines. For instance, I'd like to point to Rule 2:

2. At least attempt to act intelligently (No chatspeak)

If you're being an idiot, we will mute you. Thanks! <3 That said, this typically only applies to the people who just consistently say unintelligible things, or, for instance, say over and over how much they love Shrek 9. However, the other, broader part to this is the no chatspeak part. What do I mean by that?

Chatspeak is the use of shortened characters to abbreviate individual words. For instance "Are you two all right?" as chatspeak is something like "r u 2 alrite?"

We strongly discourage this at Reborn. It may seem trivial, but for those of us used to regularly using these ancient things called vowels, speaking like that makes one appear not only lazy and uneducated, but it makes it sound as if their mouth is stitched closed. In the past we have discouraged this, but not muted for it. As of now, we will mute for excessive chatspeak. If you're just dropping a "u" here and there, you don't have anything to worry about (though it is a habit that probably ought to be broken) but we are going to begin enforcing this more heavily on others.

Some clarifications: Generally we regard the chatspeak rule to apply to individual words. If you're abbreviating more than one word, such as lol, btw, wtf, etc, then it's okay. Another question (get ready for grammar mindfuck) is, is "ok" okay? The answer is yes, and Here is Why. There's your fun fact for the day- "OK" means "Oll Korrect" which is two words~

Anyway, when it comes to rules, basically everything boils down to Rule 1:

Be respectful. Or at least pretend like it.

The "at least pretend like it" part is us respecting your opinions. We understand if you're not comfortable with, for instance, discussions about homosexuality on the server. We don't expect you to change your opinion if it makes you uncomfortable. We do expect you to filter your actions into an appropriate, respectful manner, even if that means stepping out of the conversation for a while.

The respect rule is very, very broad, and we use it quite liberally. Many servers have a rule that says "Respect the auth." I really dislike those sorts of rules, because it implies that the normal users don't also need to be respected. That's exactly why we have the rule as we do. However, do realise that the "respect the auth" is inherent within that rule as well. We make informed decisions, and keep track of incidents. If you have a problem with a mod or their actions, don't get mad- bring it it to an admin. If you have a problem with an admin, bring it to Ikaru or myself. We'll work with you, because we respect you as well.

Another thing inherent in Rule 1 is respect to the community. This means a number of things, but for the people coming in from other servers, one thing that can sometimes be a problem is our tiers. We are not Smogon; we do not follow thier tiering. If you don't like it, you are not required to be here. Respecting the community means respecting our tiers as well. If you think our tiers are "dumb as shit" because we leave Chandelure, Moody, Drizzle/Swift Swim, etc in OU, then perhaps Reborn is not the server for you. Moreover, I would ask a person who thinks these things to challenge exactly why he or she believes them. Smogon is not God- their decisions are no more or less "correct" than ours. The things we keep in OU do not break the metagame but because Smogon has banned them many people assume that they do without taking the time to think for themselves. Regardless, do respect the community by tolerating, if not appreciating, our more lenient tiers.

There are also a few points of Rule 1 that I have not made clear before, but have occasionally enforced. This is what I meant before when I said we're raising the bar. Specifcally I am referring to disrespectful language, even if it isn't aimed at anyone in particular. Now, Reborn will likely never censor swear words for the sake of them being curses. I find this trite and tedious. However, there are some words that are highly disrespectful in and of themselves. For instance, "nigger," "faggot." I do not want to see these words on the server, because they are in themselves derogatory to their given groups. I don't care if you're black and so you feel it's okay to say that- It sets a poor example to others, and diminishes the community. I don't care if you're joking when you call ___ a fag; it's rude to them, and it's rude to homosexuals, and even if you're joking, it shows that we tolerate those sorts of things. Those are things I am not comfortable tolerating. We will have no more of it. Also applied to this is "bitches." I do not mean the swear word "bitch" itself- but the use of "bitches" to refer to females as a whole. For instance, in a context such as "bitches love cars." It is highly sexist and objectifying to females, and as a society, we do not need to lower ourselves to that level.

Another thing that I have for a long time discouraged is the use of the word "rape," as in the context, for instance "lol my scizor just raped that team." Not to mention the fact that it's borderline Rule 7, in itself, it's also highly inconsiderate to people who have actually been through such a thing. There are a few on this server, and even outside I guarantee that at least one person, if not several, you know has been sexually assaulted- even if you have no idea of it. It happens a lot, and too often as a culture do we glaze over this cold heartedly. For these reasons, I do ask that you brag about your victories in some other, more appopriate way.

On the note of Rule 7:

Overt sexual content will not be tolerated

"Overt" can be quite vague, so in a separate post I'll repost a list of the criteria the mods use for evaluating this. It's on a 9-point scale, and we currently mute for anything above 3 (and generally ask that 3 be taken to a separate channel or PM).

I would ask all of you to bear in mind these things when you're on the server. I pride Reborn in having one of, if not the highest standards of community in PO, and I hope that as members, you take pride in being a part of that- and furthermore, working to preserve it. Thank you for your time!

[Amethyst]

Again, we typically mute for anything above 3, and ask that 3 be taken to a back channel or PM.

Rule 7 and YOU: An informative guide

-------------------------------------------

In order to help you better understand your local Rule 7 determining and disciplining procedures, please review the helpful pamphlet conveniently posted below. Delicious non-neurotoxin-filled cake will be provided in the mean time.

For your luxury, a scale of potential offense of Rule 7 has been outlined just below. Please take a moment to browse its highly-professionalized contents, followed by the brief examples of each incidence, and our current level of standard disciplinary procedures.

~~--############--~~

1. Light Sexual Discussion

2. Explicit Innuendo

3. Mature Discussion

4. Inappropriate Imagery

5. Vulgar Joke

6. Using a Vulgar Name

7. Graphic/vulgar Discussion

8. Offensive "Discussion"

9. Posting Vulgar/Pornographic Material

~~--############--~~

1. Light Sexual Discussion-

Brief mention of sexual conduct, either in passing or skitting across details.

"I'd so do her"

"We get done "Doing things" then I whisper to him "Kitchen now"~<3"

*** EFG hides his whips. ***

Things that could sorta be Rule 7 if you read it that way but don't necessarily have to be.

"EFG's Tactic Handbook Rule # 253: Don't put it in if you're not sure"

2. Explicit Innuendo-

Regardless of how explicit it may or may not actually be, Your Mom/In Bed jokes fall here. 'Course, it's easy for those to just get annoying if used more than once or twice, don't be afraid to mute on that regard.

Inoffensive/non-vulgar puns

"Roadside ass-istance"

Minor allusions to kinks, etc

"(perhaps refering to the ladder) Alright, I'm finally rising to the top!" "Oh, really? I thought you were total sub."

3. Mature Discussion-

Although it's often far from mature, it is more contained, so let's consider games a la Truth or Dare part of this.

Legitimate discussion seeking advice/etc on sexual affairs

Discussions regarding individual tastes/preference in sex (assuming it's kept relatively clean). Not including things as simple as "Psh, blondes are so much better." Even if we are. Rather, preferences about the act itself.

A border-line case: "This guy was like "Does being a whore help you sleep at night?" I replied saying "Hell yeah, after sex you can helppp goooood"" While not exactly mature, persay, it's neither light nor vulgar.

Also included in this category are songs and images that you wouldn't want say, an 10-11 year old to see/hear but would normally be enjoyed by teenagers.

4. Inappropriate Imagery

This is pretty simple. Posting pointless things such as:

"8========D~~~~"

" / /(())\ \ "

So on. Regretablly it didn't comfortably fit into any of the other categories.

5. Vulgar Joke-

Sexually-oriented humor at another's expense.

"People who ___ are fags/sissies" etc. This may also fall under disrespect, but this covers in case it's not aimed at a specific person.

Creating inappropriate anagrams from words. Neku used to be a fan of this, but has calmed down a litte lately. For instance,

"Hmmmm U.S.A = Under-Sexed Assholes"

Also included are songs that are overly sexual/inappropriate... Like... Khia, My neck/My back.

6. Using A Vulgar Name-

"DJ Kirby Big Cock"

"i raep u all"

"NIGGERTITS"

"Penisploded"

"gaycox"

Good rule of thumb? Suppose you met a person on a street, shook their hand as they said, "Hello, my name is _____"

"My name is Niggertits, nice to meet you."

If the name at this point would want to make you remove your hand, slowly back away and then run, then it is inappropriate.

7. Vulgar/Graphic discussion

Uncontrolled/immature and/or excessive sexual discussion

"My cock is so fucking huge and hard"

"can i get pussy on this server?"

"It's all I can do to not touch myself right now"

Those are borderline examples. I don't think I have to elaborate on more direct cases.

Also included is posting lightly or tastefully pornographic material. This clause is mainly here to make distinct the punishment between something like this (such as Kajj's wanting to share PokePorn with everyone because he thought they would enjoy it) versus a case of level 9 offense.

8. Offensive "discussion"

Note discussion is in quotes because the closest this usually gets to discussion as is is a person saying it and then getting banned. A la DJ Kirby.

Alternatively, Invasive "discussion"

"EFG loves my cock in his anus every night"

*** EFG shoves penis in everyone's faces ***

Also included is sexual harassment. Be it in PMs or otherwise

"will you be my feet mistress?"

Asking for nudes, etc

All that stuff you learned in 4th grade to tell a trusted adult if someone does to you.

9. Posting Vulgar/Pornographic Material

A la 2girls, tubgirl, meatspin. Things intentionally spammed/trick-posted to make people click and say, "OH MY GOD. WHAT THE FUCK. WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHIT. MY EYESSSSSSSS." The exception to this rule is Saya posting pictures of me, because although they are not anything close to the aforementioned sites/videos, they tend to elicit the same reaction. QQ

[Conor]

Even thought i kind of lol'd at the 4 point and 6 point (toward the end). im actually glad someone brought this to everyone's attention. but can there be something added about excessive use of curse words. because when im battling or in main chat and you've got somebody saying fuck every other word its kind of offensive/annoying. i agree with not censoring completely but extremely excessive use, in my opnion at least, shouldn't just be tolerated.

[Ikaru]

Amethyst- raising the bar on community standards since 2009

<3

[Cyrus]

Amethyst=Gentlemen.

The exception to this rule is Saya posting pictures of me, because although they are not anything close to the aforementioned sites/videos, they tend to elicit the same reaction. QQ

But you are pretty Ame. :3

Cyrus, say this when you've seen older pictures of him. I'm pretty sure that's what he's referring to.

~Ikaru

[Joker]

I hate chat speak too. So I like how you raised the bar for that rule.

[Cyrus]

YOU MEAN LIKE IKARU WHEN HE FEELS LIKE LOVING PEOPLE.

Imeanwhat<3

[Yuki]

lies and slander

[Pigs]

Hoping im keeping in line with this.

Coudnt help but laugh at some of the examples however xd

[Eternal Edge]

Have you been muted, kicked or rules'd yet? If not good job so far =D

[Amethyst]

Coudnt help but laugh at some of the examples however xd

The sad part is almost all of them are references to actual incidents.

[Cloud]

Amethyst is duh bess.

Anyway, I've been here for more a year and two months running, therefore, I'm quite accustomed to Reborn's standards, even if the bar is being raised slightly to accommodate those that are not as familiar. Therefore, I will very easily succumb to abiding to the new standards. Thanks for the announcement, Ame.

[Noivy]

The exception to this rule is Saya posting pictures of me, because although they are not anything close to the aforementioned sites/videos, they tend to elicit the same reaction. QQ

Thatsbecauseyounevercomeacrossasoneortheothersopeoplehavenoideawhatyouare,imeanwut

Yup, as almost a year old member, this looks like the best it's been during my time here! And the auth are doing a good job of being auth thoughtheydoderpprettyhardeverynowandagain

This can only get better from here!

[Neo]

Needs a rule about pretending to be a girl, and having auth to get at people you don't like.

We don't talk about that here. *shot*

~Ikaru

I'm all for this one

~ Shady

[Cloud]

Aren't those things more of either a given or just simple common sense?

[Amethyst]

You would think so, huh. And yet...

[Maelstrom]

I'm on leave, but people don't want me to get serious. Veterans know newbies don't want a confrontation with me. But I'll look forward to it cuz it gives me something to do. You wouldn't post this if this wasn't getting a little out of hand, Ame. Let's hope this spells things out for those who haven't gotten the gist yet.

Remember. One day my deployment will end, and I will be back in full force. I don't ban, I don't kick, I don't mute. I can't. But I will let you know wtf is up. I WILL talk to you. And I will have a good day. It's up to you if you do too.

[Kiozo]

Glad to see things are being addressed in such a manner. It makes me believe:

I pride Reborn in having one of, if not the highest standards of community in PO, and I hope that as members, you take pride in being a part of that- and furthermore, working to preserve it.

and I'm happy to see it. I know what it's like where certain standards are speculated.

Then I know when they're met.

Good job Ame.

[Zen]

Good on the Reborn authority for implementing these rules - they certainly keep things... civilized.

And what Maelstrom says goes for the three of us, minus the deployment bit - poke the dodrio at your own risk

[Swimming95]

Thank you so much for posting this, it means a lot

[Epic C]

Amethyst,

i lol'd so hard i rofl'd.

but seriously, people can be that inappropiate. good thing you and the admins are starting to restrict it more!

[Bullet]

^ seems legit