=][= B&C Rules and Policy Changes =][=

[Bannus]

=][= B&C Rules and Policy Changes =][=' and sticky it:

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=][= B&C Rules and Policy Changes =][=

OK, here it is everyone: things are about to change. For some of you that may mean getting pushed out the airlock, so shape up because there are no more 2nd chances after today. When we came back from the crash we decided to be a little more lenient in letting folks stretch/bend the forum rules. We were busy with moving the site forward and thought a little leeway would do everyone some good while we brought new things online.

Unfortunately this has not been the case, particularly in the few months since 5th edition has hit the shelves. As much as we would like to chalk it up to "edition change anxiety" it is clear that isn't the issue. Too many people are choosing to flame, troll, bypass the language filters and other generally disruptive behavior on the site. Frankly, we are fed up with it and as such, the Inquisition is going to once again stalk the halls with the meltas set to "burninate".

Effective from Monday, 1st December if you break the rules of the board, you'll get a Warning.

Given the manner in which we will be policing the rules and issuing warnings from the 1st we've made commensurate changes to our Warning system. Instead of a 3 strikes policy the following system will be used:

• 1st Warning - Warning PM
  We consider this just a 'nudge'. You've broken a rule, don't do it again or more severe penalties will be applied.
  
• 2nd Warning - 3 day suspension of posting
  The offender can still see the board, but they cannot post during their suspension.
  
• 3rd Warning - 7 day suspension of posting, followed by 7 days on Moderator Preview
  The offender can still see the board, but they cannot post during their suspension. Whilst on Moderator Preview any post made by the offender must be approved by a Moderator before it becomes visible to other members, this allows us to ensure the rules are being followed properly by the offender.
  
• 4th Warning - 14 day suspension of account
  The offender can neither see nor post to the board.
  
• 5th Warning - Permanent ban
  At this point you have broken the rules enough and been given enough second chances that your presence on the B&C is no longer welcome. Your account will be banned within 48 hours.
  

The exception to all this is with signatures where breaking the rules won't automatically result in a Warning. However, as in the past, if you have been PM'd 2, 3 or more times about your sig already you will get a Warning.

Now as with the old warning structure, we do reserve the right to jump someone up all the way to a ban if necessary based off their past behavior. Those of you in that boat will certainly know who you are.

There are far too many people taking comments about armies as personal attacks and responding in kind, rather than using the button. Furthermore, there are too many people going out and choosing to flame/troll just because they are bored, and that is not going to be tolerated anymore.

A reminder:

The Bolter & Chainsword promotes constructive discussion about all aspects of the Warhammer 40,000 hobby with a particular focus on Power Armor.

You can still be constructive while making your displeasure known. The personal attacks, threats of physical violence, and other general trollish behavior will cost you in the end.

The B&C still has big plans in the works and we are not going to let small groups of people stink the joint up for everyone else.

Rules Updates

Note that together with the changes we're making to the Warning system we've made a few clarifications and alterations to some of the other rules as well:

No swearing - the B&C has a series of perfectly good emoticons available to users to show disapproval, anger and so forth and as this is a family friendly board swearing is neither necessary nor wanted. A word filter is in place to catch offensive words/phrases and it should be noted that attempts to avoid the filter by the use of alternate letters/numbers/asterisks/any other means will be deemed a Warning worthy offence as a clear contravention of B&C policy, in addition such posts will be deleted. When a word is filtered you will see the following: <DELETED BY THE INQUISITION>

Should a word/phrase not filtered offend you please report the post in question and the Moderators will consider if they word/phrase should be added to the word filter.

No spamming - Spam isn't simply multiple identical posts across the forums, it also includes pointless, off-topic or smart-alec posts anywhere on the board. Remember the B&C is here to promote constructive discussion of the 40K hobby and anything not contributing to this may be considered spam and deleted. Repeat offenders may also be Warned for such behaviour.

Note that changes to the signatures rules will also be posted shortly.

- The Bolter and Chainsword Moderating Team