Chatbox Rules, FAQ, and Command List.

I thought I had posted a set of rules for the Chatbox, but it seems that has disappeared. (??) So I'll make a new and more-detailed post this time, especially in light of some recent decisions. Here's the rules for the Chatbox.

- General Chatbox Rules -

1. Respect the admin/moderators! Honor what the staff say. Our current chatbox moderation team is as follows: JamesG, Kotetsu, and Laticune.

2. Respect the opinions and feelings of the other users. Being kind and courteous to your fellow user is the most important thing in any social situation. Treat each other with respect. Don't harass other people. If someone bothers you, don't fly off the handle: let them know calmly that you're being bothered. "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."

3. Do not discuss illegal topics. Same as what I said in the normal rule section... Please don't talk about keygens, making explosives, where to get video game ROMs, etc. And especially, DO NOT PROVIDE LINKS. We don't want this forum to be closed over legal problems.

4. Do not spam. Multiple, pointless, and constant posts are the killer here, which lags up the chat and sends other people's messages off-screen. Don't be a jerk; say what you want to in one or two messages at a time.

5. Keep cussing to a minimum. This is an adult forum so I'm not going to ban it, but don't do it constantly. Especially don't cuss to insult other users - this also breaks rule #2.

These are the major rules. However, the Chatbox has been quite popular for RP'ing, and the rules for this have not been made clear. So, I will address this in full.

- Chatbox RP Rules/Q&A -

What RP content is not allowed? - We're an adult and open forum, so the Chatbox is also open to most any form of RP. However, there are some boundaries. Anything that results in scat, watersports, excessive blood, or graphic death is not allowed on the Chatbox. Digestion in vore (fatal vore) is alright as long as it is not overly graphic. (In other words, keep the digestion details limited.)

But I really like to RP [unallowed content]! - If you wish to RP the content that was mentioned just above, then sorry, but the Chatbox is not the place for your RP. However, you are free to pick up an RP partner from the Chatbox and then RP elsewhere, such as on an IM conversation.

When should OOC brackets be used? - OOC brackets should be used when an RP is going on in the chat. (Simply put, this sentence is an OOC post.) OOC posts should be used by those not involved in the RP, and by those RP'ers who wish to say something outside of the RP. During a chatbox RP, all posts by everyone should be in () unless the post involves the RP.

An RP is going on without me. Since I'm already in the chatbox, am I entitled to be a part of it? - An RP is between those who originally decided to RP...others are not allowed to 'jump in' without consent of those already RP'ing. Ask kindly in OOC text if you can join in. If they don't wish to include
you, DO NOT 'force' yourself into the RP. This will generally ruin the RP for everyone involved. Instead, simply seek another RP with someone else, or just wait for those RP'ers to finish their current RP.

How many RPs can happen in the Chatbox at the same time? - It is fine for multiple RPs to be occurring simultaneously. There is no official limit to the number that can be running. If this becomes
too confusing for some of the RP'ers, they can always move their RP to another place, such as instant messages; alternatively, they could suggest merging RPs with another party to keep it simpler.

What if I don't like something that I see being RP'ed by others? - If the RP does not contain the disallowed content at the top of this section, then the RP'ers are permitted to continue. However, you can always ask them politely if they could move their RP elsewhere. Ultimately it is their decision; if they say no, don't throw a fit. Be mature and let them have their fun. If you cannot ignore the RP, then just come back later when they're finished.
Addendum by Guan: Due to the prevalence of overly epic fighting RPs, I will make allowances for complaints about an RP overwhelming normal conversation or other RPs in the chatbox. These RPs will be directed to our alternative chat room here for now until we can either get multiple rooms or a +mute function, either of which should render this issue moot.It is the responsibility of staff to address this, and if you feel that the moderators in the box are not acting accordingly, you are welcome to report them to either me or Charem.

I'm in an RP, and the other(s) are taking it somewhere I don't want it to go! How do I make them stop? - Using OOC text (in parentheses), address this issue calmly to the other RP'er(s). They may not realize they have just tread into fetishes or other events you don't like. This is why it's very important not to start an RP without setting guidelines for what will happen in it first. If all present RP'ers still wish to continue the RP in a way that bothers you, then simply excuse yourself from the RP politely. There's always others with whom to RP.

I feel an RP is going on just to try to anger/bother me since I don't like the content. What am I supposed to do? - If you feel that an RP is happening just to spite you, the most tactful approach is to leave the Chatbox and address the issue privately with a member of staff, preferably one of the chatbox moderators. Provide logs of the chat to show why you felt the way you did. Do not cause a scene in the chatbox! Handle your issue .

Somebody is constantly asking for an RP from me that I'd rather not do. How do I handle this? - If you feel harassed by another user, clearly explain to them that you don't wish to RP. If they continue, report them to the chatbox moderator on duty, or to admin.

But what if I'm having a Chatbox-related problem that isn't discussed here? - Privately message the chatbox moderator (or an admin) on duty about the issue. If the issue is bothering you greatly, then leave the chat for a while and wait for staff to respond to you. Don't cause a scene in the chat. If your issue with the moderator himself/herself, then you should speak with the moderator in private. Failing this, come to a member of administration.

- Chatbox Command List -

The chatbox is a fairly simple, IRC-like device. Here are all the basic commands that you can perform in it.

Buttons at the bottom - These will affect your text's appearance and color, and let you use emoticons.

HTML Functions - Most forum-based HTML functions work on the chatbox. Go here for a list of all of them.

/abs - Typing this will send a message noting that you're absent. You can add a reason that will be displayed in the message and visible by all members connected to the Chatbox (ex: /abs reason).

/me - Used in the beginning of a sentence, this command will be replaced by your username (ex: /me eats a delicious pizza" will display "Nickname eats a delicious pizza"). This is a command obviously good for action posts.