Forum > Site Rules - Help and FAQs

Terms of Use (Updated: 24/02/13)

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DrkSnpr14:
Welcome to TimeSplitters Portal.

TimeSplitters Portal (often referred to as TSP, or ts4.net as was the previous name of this website) is a blog + forum combination website that holds the online TimeSplitters community. Our main purpose is to provide news and a method of discussion related to the TimeSplitters series or anything relevantly related to it. We also provide other areas of discussion.

In order to remain a pleasant and functional website we ask our members to stick to the below rules. Each rule has a code which can be used as a reference if need be.
Understanding Forum Implications
U1- Nothing that appears on our forum should offend you personally, however in the past we have noticed that despite this, one or two individuals have left us because someone else disagreed with them and they took it personally.
U2- If a post on the forum offends you, report it to a moderator. The moderator will review the post and if it's content breaks the rules, action will be taken. If the content of the post doesn't break forum rules, yet you find yourself offended by it we suggest you calmly reply to the post and express your views politely to the person who made it.
U3- Do not post anything illegal.
U3b- Do not link to anything illegal.
U3c- Do not post instructions or resources which could be used for illegal activities.
How to compose your posts
C1- All posts should be in English
We are glad to have many members of different countries and languages here with us.
C1b- Our forum is in the English language and we ask that all members post the entirety of their posts in English.
Exceptions - If you are discussing how to say something a different language, then you can obviously do that.

All posts should be easy to read.
C2- When posting please stick to the default font, font size, colour, formatting and so on. We ask this so that every post is easy to read, consistent and doesn't require users to do anything than perhaps scroll down to read your post.
C3- Please don't change your posts to a different font or colour to distinguish yourself from others.

The reason you have different fonts, font sizes and colours is so you can make a particularly long post more presentable in cases where you are explaining something or organizing a thread. (For example this post uses formatting!) The reason you have formatting (that's the bold, italic etc) is for emphasis in your posts.

All posts should be easy to understand.
C4- You should type full words and not text/leet speak.
C4b- Aim to type your posts as if you were speaking to someone normally, but refrain from using local/slang words as much as you can (as we are not local and probably won't understand your terms!)
C5- Typing in all caps is not allowed. It is widely regarded as shouting on the internet, and even at that you shouldn't have a reason to be shouting anyway.
The Content of your Posts
P1- All of the posts in a thread should contribute to the discussion.
P2- We currently allow swearing if it seems appropriate to your message. However please don't go overboard with the amount of cursing you use.
P2b- When posting content that is considered NSFW (Not Safe For Work) please post a (NSFW) warning so people who don't want to see the content, won't click on it or read it.
P3- Images/videos you post should be completely relevant to the thread/topic of discussion you are posting in.
P3b- Images/videos should not be used as a response in a thread, unless say someone were to create a thread stating they were looking for a particular image/video of Sgt. Cortez, in which case you would be allowed to just post the image/video without breaking this rule.
P4- Emoticons are like formatting, they are there to compliment/add emphasis to your text. Do not use multiple emoticons in a row/go over-the-top with their use.
P4b- Emoticons should not be used as a response in a thread.
P5- All posts in a thread should be relevant to the topic as outlined in the original post.
P5b- If you find that you can lead onto a different subject matter, create another thread.
P6- Simply posting "I agree" or "this." doesn't add much to the discussion, please avoid replying in this manner.
P7- You are not permitted to remove your posts via editing them to say "Removed" or anything similar. Once its posted, its posted. Editing is for adding to, or fixing typos. Not for removing.
P8- Please remember that 'Free Speech' cannot be applied to TimeSplitters Portal. Free Speech applies in publically owned areas. TSP is a privately owned entity, therefore 'Free Speech' doesn't apply to it. Moderators & Admins are free to censor or remove posts.

Other issues
O1- Posting graphically descriptive text of, images of, or links to pornography, terrorist sites/activity, shock websites or other potentially disturbing or offensive material is forbidden.
O2- Do not post in an old thread unless you have something to contribute to the discussion.
O2b- If you post in an old thread, and contribute to the discussion, it must be relevant to the time you are currently posting in. For example giving your opinion of a game's announcement that took place 3 years ago might not be very relevant. Use common sense.
O2c- An old thread is classified as one that has no been posted in, in over 120 days.
O3- Refrain from double-posting.
Exceptions- If your post is the last in an old thread, and you have some new discussion/information to add you make overlook the double-posting rule in this scenario.
Threads
T1- Do not post threads that focus on specific forum members. These threads never end well/are negative to begin with.
Exceptions- Exceptions exist such as if there was an "Ask Xylaquin anything" thread, or in a more serious setting, feedback on the treatment of a banned/muted/controversial member.
T2- Don't create a thread to advertise anything. If you would like to, please contact a staff member first.
T3- Threads should be created in the relevant section. Read the Sections and their descriptions before creating a new thread.
T4- Do not bump threads just to get people to notice them.
T5- You can specify specific rules for your thread if necessary, however all threads must adhere to forum rules.
T5b- The staff can enforce the specific rules of a thread, but they can also disqualify any rules that are deemed unfair or should not be enforced upon the thread. If this is the case, the staff member should inform the thread creator of this.
T6- In regards to Old Threads - Always post in an existing thread if you have something further to contribute to that topic / conversation. If the discussion can not be continued normally due to time specific criteria, start a new thread. Example - threads focusing on a discussion about an event that happened years ago. These threads are best left alone.
Relations with other members
M1- Please respect other members. Even if you disagree with them on one matter, do not let it affect other matters that you may agree on.
M2- Bullying, abusing or blatantly insulting another user is strictly forbidden.
M3- If you disagree with someone, there's no point in calling them names in your response. Not only does it make you look silly for not being able to express yourself without offending the other person, but it's also against the rules.
M3b- If you disagree with someone, explain why. Don't just say "That's wrong, you should do this..."
M4- If you would like to talk to one member, use the PM system.
M4b- When using the PM system, all the Mx rules apply.
M5- Every member is entitled to their own opinions. You are free to express these opinions unless they are malicious, in which case you should keep such things to yourself to avoid problems!
M6- Unless you are a moderator, do not post at others like you are. Leave forum moderation to the moderators. Do not overstep your bounds, back seat moderators are not welcome.

The forum staff cannot act upon members behaviour outside of these forums, nor will we ban for outside events, unless they relate directly to the secure and stable running of TimeSplitters Portal.

Relations with staff
A1- Treat staff with the same respect as you treat users (see the above M rules).
A2- Do not report posts to staff if the reason for reporting is trivial, the staff member will inform you if this is the case with your report.
Don't confuse the Help Desk with the Feedback section; Help Desk is for queries, Feedback is for complaints/suggestions etc.
A3- If a member of staff asks you to do something, please co-operate.
Exceptions- You should not give any member of staff your password, even if they ask for it. Staff members have no need for user passwords anyway.
A3b- You have the right to respectfully question a staff member's decision. Most of the time the staff will be happy to explain their reasoning.
A3c- Feedback and criticism of the site/staff is to be done

* In the appropriate location - The feedback and Suggestions board
* In a respective , mature mannerA3d- Should you disagree with a member of staff, you should attempt to settle the issue with them directly through private message. If you're unable to reach a satisfactory resolution, forward the issue to a lead member of staff, either Jolteon or Xylaquin.

Disrespect of other members and or staff warrants suspension or removal of posting privileges, either temporarily or permanently.

Spam
S1- Refrain from posting spam of any kind.
S2- The staff define a spam post as one that does not contain anything relevant to the thread/subject at hand, or is arguably not appropriate given the context of the discussion. In short, a spam post does not contribute anything to the forum.
S2b- Likewise, the staff define a spam thread as one with an obscure purpose, or one that deliberately does not consist of civil discussion (via the process of relevant responses).
Specific Issues
I1- Religion is a touchy subject. If you discuss religion, keep it in the correct thread.
Exceptions- You are allowed to include religious issues in your post if it is relevant to the thread you are in.
I1b- Avoid letting religious differences between yourself and other members affect your relationship with them outside the religious thread.
I1c- Every member is entitled to their religious beliefs. You are allowed to challenge and debate about these beliefs but in the end members are allowed to believe whatever creed they desire.
I2- Arrogance, intolerance, racism and bigotry are forbidden.
I3- Do not try to cleverly circumvent the forums rules in order to avoid justice.
I4- Do not advertise. If you wish to advertise please ask a member of staff for permission beforehand.
I4b- Distinctions between quoting a source and advertising are easy to make, do not try to pass advertising off as a quotation.
Forum Workings
F1- Do not register multiple accounts to use as "puppet members".
F2- Do not interfere with the workings of the server, nor the software that runs upon it.
F3- Name changes are a rare occurrence. You must have substantial reason to be granted a name change. All changes are at the staffs' discretion.
F4- Do not deliberately change your forum statistics. This includes time logged-in and post count, amongst others.
F5- If you wish to have your account deleted, please PM a member of staff, giving your reasons behind choosing to delete your account. The staff will review your request and proceed if an agreement is reached.
Forum Chat
This forum makes use of AjaxChat, the below specifies a few things, mainly highlighting parts of the above that also apply to the chat.
FC1- Do not use the IMG tag excessively, or post inappropriate images into the chat.
FC2- The chat feature should be considered a work-safe only environment and as such, only post suitable content. This is in place to protect both yourself, and all users.
FC3- Where possible avoid using clashing colors, such as yellow on a white background. It serves no meaningful purpose, and only strains peoples eyes.

In Conclusion
E1- Post constructively, in a non-offensive, on-topic and contributive manner.
E2- Whilst we have attempted to cover as many scenarios as possible with the rules in this thread, we cannot foresee all possible circumstances and so the staff reserve the right to act as they deem appropriate in response to situations that cannot be categorized by the above rules.
E3- These rules may be updated at any time without notification.
E3b- Any substantial updates made to the rules will be declared.
In the event a specific scenario can not be categorized into the above mentioned guidelines, the staff reserve the right to moderate the thread or user profile in question to their discretion. Sufficient explanation as to why this has occurred will be provided. Any and all content posted on or contributed to this forum is subject to Staff Discretion on it's appropriateness. If a post or a member is deemed inappropriate, disruptive, malicious or offensive, the staff reserve the right to remove any and all content and or users responsible.

You have the ability, as you register, to choose your username. We advise that you keep the name appropriate. With this user account you are about to register, you agree to never give your password out to another person except an administrator, for your protection and for validity reasons. You also agree to NEVER use another person's account for any reason.  We also HIGHLY recommend you use a complex and unique password for your account, to prevent account theft.

After you register and login to this forum, you will be able to fill out a detailed profile. It is your responsibility to present clean and accurate information. Any information the forum owner or staff determines to be inaccurate or vulgar in nature will be removed, with or without prior notice. Appropriate sanctions may be applicable.

Please note that with each post, your IP address is recorded, in the event that you need to be banned from this forum or your ISP contacted. This will only happen in the event of a major violation of this agreement.

Also note that the software places a cookie, a text file containing bits of information (such as your username and password), in your browser's cache. This is ONLY used to keep you logged in/out. The software does not collect or send any other form of information to your computer.

To post on this website, you must agree to the above terms and conditions.

DrkSnpr14:
Definitions

Spam - Spam is defined as posts that are not contribution or relevant to the current discussion in any thread. It is also defined as a thread which intentionally does not have the opportunity for discussion to take place. Some examples

* Posting about cats in a thread discussing ideas for TimeSplitters
* Posting a thread of all smilies, or other pointless things
* Carrying on conversations not at all related to the topic's title in any given threadAs long as a thread can support a contributive discussion between users, it is generally not considered spam. (Note - This still falls under staff discretion)

Old Threads - It is usually best to post in an existing thread, despite it's age. However, when coming across an old thread, consider the following

* Does what I have to post continue the discussion?
* Is the content and context in the thread still relevant?If you answered yes to both of those, then yes, post in that thread. An example of irrelevant context would be discussing someone's birthday several years ago. There is no longer any need to post in that thread.
- Another tip. If you come across a thread full of broken links and images, it is usually best to leave it alone.

Illegal content - Illegal content is defined as anything that is considered illegal anywhere, and not just what is or is not illegal where you are. Laws vary world wide, and we have a community of varied nations of origination. Do not post anything that might be considered non illegal in your state/province/region/country, but is illegal in another. This especially applies to

* Hacks / Cracks / Warrez
* Tools and Programs that can be used for the illegal purposes
* Pirating tools or websites

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