Mod Guidelines
- Pinned by DarkIsTheCat on Jun 9, '20 11:44am
- Locked by RainInTheShadows on Jun 10, '20 4:58pmReason: Prevention of un-topical posts.
Thread Topic: Mod Guidelines
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Purpose
This thread will be used to outline how moderators will handle certain situations and content that may not be explicitly explained in the 10 forum rules. Each topic has been thoroughly discussed, voted, and agreed upon by active moderators.
We hope that this thread will provide both clarity and transparency.Moderator -
GTQ Guy's "PG-13" Forum Policy
On August 8th, 2016, GTQ Guy made the following statement:
Without getting into the politics of it, we need to remember that this site is based in the US and has minors using it, therefore it should reflect what is considered appropriate in the US for minors to view. We could talk all day about whether the American view on issues like nudity is correct or incorrect. However as things are right now, I believe the mods and users should look at how this issue is handled in other industries. For example, what would earn a movie an R rating or a game an M rating? Anything that would earn those ratings probably isn't appropriate for GTQ. I know that's not what some people want, but I believe it's the best approach here.
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Screenshots/Proof of Content
Moderators will take screenshots of posts before deletion. Screenshots will be stored off-site in an archive where they can be accessed if a user requests to see what content was deleted.
If the deleted content contains 18+ (or rated "R/M") media, we ask that any user making a request contact us off-site. This is to avoid exposing (or re-exposing) minors to content that their parents may not want them to see. -
Warnings
Users will receive warnings from moderators either before or after a post has been marked offensive, depending on the situation. Warnings will be logged, just like screenshots, and can be requested for review.
After the first warning, any repeated offenses may be deleted without further warning. Users who have previously broken the rules will not be coddled. -
Users Under the Age of 13
Many users have expressed their concern over younger users posting on the forums. In response to these concerns, it has been decided that moderators will now enforce a strict 13+ policy. Any user who is found to be under the age of 13 will be formally asked to leave and cease posting on the forums. If they refuse to, moderators will delete their account(s).
Under the COPPA federal law, children under the age of 13 are legally granted extra internet safety. This means that websites are not allowed to take their private information or allow them to create a log in account. Thus, it is important we keep users under the age of 13 off of the forums; it is for their safety, as well as to comply with COPPA laws. -
Threads in the Wrong Forum
Threads that are posted in the wrong forum will be moved to the correct forum. Moderators will post a reason in the thread if necessary.
Note that if your thread is moved, it is not up for debate. -
Roleplay Accounts in the Lounge
Roleplay accounts are allowed to exist within personal threads, so long as the original owner gives them permission.
“Casual” roleplaying is restricted to either The Garage or The Stage. Both casual roleplay or general roleplay threads made in the Lounge will be moved. -
Involvement in Arguments and Drama
Moderators will not get directly involved in arguments or drama between users unless:
a) We are requested to diffuse the situation
b) The drama is being taken to multiple threads and is causing discomfort throughout the community
c) Rules are being brokenModerator -
Doubles
“Double” accounts, or accounts made with the purpose of impersonating an already existing user, will be allowed to exist unless the person being impersonated asks for the double to be deleted.
If a double account is used in an attempt to destroy a user’s reputation or harass others, it will be deleted immediately with no warning. This applies regardless of whether or not the person being impersonated requests it or not. -
The Topic of Suicide
Discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation is permitted. However, if a user is in-the-moment discussing the act of harming themselves and leaves no room for help, the user will be given a list of suicidal prevention resources and the thread will be locked. There are no professionals on-site, and we cannot permit such a triggering topic to exist within the forums.
Additionally, posts telling anyone to self harm or kill themselves will be deleted without warning. -
Slurs
Slurs will be handled on a case-by-case basis along with other insults. Unless a slur is being used in conjunction with other methods of harassment or is being used specifically to harass an individual, it will not be marked.
However, if a user is uncomfortable with a slur being directed at them and wishes for it to be deleted, they are encouraged to contact a moderator. -
Harassment and Insults in a Joking Manner
Harassment and insults made in a joking manner are allowed, unless one party expresses discomfort. Users are encouraged to tell others and speak up if they are uncomfortable.
If a user is asked to stop, either by a moderator or the other party member, but they continue-- further posts will be deleted, regardless of context. -
Sexually Explicit Content
All content that is sexually explicit, including images and written text, will be deleted. This includes (but is not limited to):
-Profile pictures
-Drawings
-Photos
-Links to the above, as well as video links
-Roleplays
-Stories
Original warning, made by Selena112:
All sexually explicit content posted from this point on will be deleted. This includes images (profile pics, drawings, photos, etc) and writing (RP, stories, "cybersex," and such, regardless of writing skill level). The mods have made this decision due to the fact that allowing sexually explicit content on a website with such a young userbase has the potential to get GTQ into legal trouble (it is illegal for minors to produce, share, and view/read/purchase sexually explicit content). Keep in mind that "fading to black" or implying sexual scenes is allowed, but that writing out sexual content and posting it here is not allowed.
(Source: -
Posting in Spam Threads
Users who post in spam threads that a moderator is unable to lock or handle immediately for any reason should expect to have their posts deleted in addition to the spam content.
Original warning, made by The Coldest Sun:
Do not post in spam threads for any reason.
Effective immediately, anyone who posts in a spam thread, be it to contribute to the spam or to scold the spammer, can expect to have their post(s) deleted along with those of the spammer. The extra posts made by regular users make it impossible for us to eradicate those threads, and we've asked on multiple occasions for it to stop. GTQ Guy is with us on this and it is not up for debate. Thank you all very much, and have the day that you deserve.
Additional information, said by GTQ Guy:
The issue with spam threads is, the thread won't delete if enough people have already posted in it. By posting, they're stopping the mods from doing clean-up.
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This thread is locked, therefore no new posts can be made.
