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| Forum Rules |
| Goals of the Forums The #1 goal is to discuss computer input devices. The rules and decisions are made to protect this goal over all else, first and foremost in the Keyboards and Pointing Devices forums and the Wiki. Following closely are the other forums in the Geekhack community. These rules govern use of the forums. You are also responsible for observing the Registration Agreement, which you agreed to when registering. There are additional Marketplace Rules for the Marketplace forum. Members should observe both the letter and the spirit of these rules. Each member is responsible for only his or her own posts. If another member breaks rules, you may ignore them or report the problem to the moderators, but you may not use it as an excuse to break rules yourself. Moderation The forums are loosely moderated by site-owner iMav with help from volunteer moderators. The volunteer moderators assist iMav in managing the site and forums, maintaining rules and policies, resolving problems, and overseeing forum moderation. Geekhack has grown significantly over the past couple of years. The moderators cannot read all the posts so they rely on members to report problem posts that they encounter. The point of moderation is not to limit discussion, promote or suppress points of view, or any other secret agenda. Even though the site is private, we encourage discussion among all members. The goal of moderation is to keep the forums enjoyable and free from problems that detract from the experiences of our users. If your post was removed, there was a reason for it; review these rules because one of them applies to your post or a previous post (because when a post is removed, posts that quote it or reply to it are often removed as well). If your post was edited, note the reason shown under the post; the moderators write these messages for your benefit. The moderators understand that anyone can make a mistake now and then, and they are generally forgiving of minor problems. The most common moderator actions are to correct posts or threads, issue reminders or warnings, and answer questions. They make hundreds of judgment calls on behalf of our membership and they strive to treat all members fairly and equally under the forum rules. Warnings and Bannings Warnings may be issued in a Private Message (if the member has enabled receipt of Private Messages), but the moderators usually can't take the time to send personalized messages for each thread or post they moderate. Warnings may also be sent as automated "infraction" messages, notifying you of a rules violation. Temporary bannings, called "time-outs," are a third form of warning, with the warning message shown to you when you try to access the forums. If you get a warning, make note of the rules violation and don't repeat it. If rules violations are more serious, a majority of your posts are rule violations, or you repeatedly violate even minor rules, you may be permanently banned from the forums. If you are banned, we suggest that you find another discussion website with rules that better suit you, since your continued presence would be a detriment to our other forum members. Forum discipline is handled privately. We will not reveal your disciplinary dealings with the moderators to other members, even by private request, unless you give us permission. If you ask us why another member was given a time-out or banned, our answer will always be the same: Members are given warnings or are banned for only one reason -- rules violations -- and they always know the reason. You can use the Contact form to send a message to the moderators/administrators if you have questions about specific cases of moderation. This is more appropriate than sending Private Messages or email to individual moderators. If you use Private Messages or email to contact a moderator about a moderation issue, you may be directed to send it again via the Contact Form, because this ensures proper review and accountability and because the moderators work as a team. Moderation is not personal; don't make it so. When contacting us about moderation, please identify the posts or threads in question; the moderators deal with many every day. Posting questions/complaints about specific cases of moderation in the forums is frowned upon because they are not relevant to others and we can be more frank communicating in private. If you have general questions about moderation or site policies (not about a specific case), use the Contact form. Forum Rules Instantly Bannable Offenses These can be one-time bannable offenses for which you will not get a warning. 1. Insults. Direct personal insult of another forum member (e.g., "You are an idiot.") and other name-calling. Why? Because this isn't grade school. People should be able to discuss or even dispute other's posts without insulting people. You may dispute somebody's opinion but not attack/flame the person who stated it. There are a lot of other non-direct-personal insults that won't necessarily get you banned instantly, but depending on the context/nature may lead to post editing, post deletion, warnings, or time-outs. They include telling people to shut up and being extremely or repeatedly rude or sarcastic. Bottom line -- don't try to tick off others and don't make discussions unnecessarily personal. If somebody else insults you, report their post; their post does not give you a license to break the rules by returning their insults. Although we do not read Private Messages sent between forum members, the rules for appropriate and inappropriate content apply to them as well. 2. Harassment. Purposely intimidating a particular member, harassing them, sending them rude or unwanted private messages, etc. This includes personal attacks on moderators for doing their jobs. 3. Registration rules. Violation of the rules you agreed to when registering for the site: that you will not post any messages that are obscene, vulgar, sexually-oriented, hateful, threatening, or otherwise violative of any laws. 4. Multiple registration. You may register only one account, and if you were banned or given a temporary forum time-out, you may not re-register. Reinstatement can come only from an administrator. 5. Hoaxes. Purposely misleading other members to their detriment. Giving advice you know to be incorrect or harmful. Sensationalism. 6. "Trolling". Do not post in order to anger other members or intentionally cause negative reactions. For a given post, this can be a subjective call, but a pattern of such posting or an especially egregious case will get you banned. Things Not to Do These are usually not instantly bannable - but will likely get you edited and/or warned. Repeated violations can produce bans. 1. Useless posts. Do not bother making posts with only one or two words (e.g., "cool" or LOL) or a smilie, or post simply to have the first reply in a thread. Such posts waste everyone's time and will be deleted. Posts saying "I agree", "+1", "this", "me too", or the equivalent are also routinely removed, so don't post them. If you aren't interested in a thread, skip the thread; don't post to tell us you aren't interested. 2. Spam and overposting. Not just being a prolific poster, but posting the same exact post many times, posting multiple pointless posts in the same thread, making numerous posts with no real content, or posting for the purpose of gaining a higher post count. 3. Referral links and pyramid schemes. Geekhack does not condone pyramid schemes (e.g. free iPods or Macs if you refer X number of people). Members who post referral links to these or other sites will have their posts/signatures edited and may be warned. New members who post solely for this purpose will be subject to immediate banning. 4. Off-topic posts. Off-topic posts will be deleted/edited. Threads and posts on controversial political, religious, and social issues are to be limited to the Off Topic forum. 5. Warez/Serials/Keys. Do not post software serial numbers or keys or refer people to specific websites, software, or techniques whose purpose is to break or bypass software licensing methods, distribute cracks, or obtain or use commercial software or media in violation of its license and/or for copyright violation. Do not ask for or give such help. 6. Shared accounts. Accounts are to be used by only one person, and not shared between family members, friends or any other people. Registration is free, so there is no reason not to create a unique account for each person. You are responsible for any posts made with your account. 7. Profanity. The profanity filter is there for a reason. Do not circumvent it by using the language we intend to exclude or disguising those words. If a word is replaced by asterisks when you Preview or Submit a post, you know it's on the list. 8. Selling outside the Marketplace. All threads offering items for sale/trade or asking to buy items must be posted in the Marketplace forum. 9. Any ongoing actions that make more work for the moderators and administrators or regularly annoy other members and require moderator action. We have hundreds of forum members to serve and can't spend a disproportionate amount of time dealing with problems caused by any one member. If your membership is an ongoing detriment to our community then your membership may be terminated. Minor Problems 1. Chattiness. Use the forums to discuss the topic of the thread, not as a substitute for Instant Messaging. 2. Thread titles. Use thread titles that indicate the subject of the thread, not generic titles such as "Need help". Moderators may change thread titles that have no specifics, usually by adding something more specific in parentheses. 3. One thread. Do not post a thread more than once. Post a new thread in the proper forum. If the topic is relevant to more than one forum, pick the best fit or most specific forum and post it only once. 4. One post. Do not post multiple messages with the same content. One post in the most appropriate thread is sufficient. 5. Sequential posts. Combine your comments into one post rather than making many consecutive posts to a thread within a short period of time. 6. Avatar and signature content. Avatars and signatures, as well as other profile fields, must comply with all forum rules, including those against profanity, explicit sexual content, insults against groups or individuals, referral links, and cannot be in other ways offensive. Members will be required to change avatars or signatures that are deemed too controversial or that are particularly annoying or distracting to other members. Note that signatures may include links to your own site or business as long as you do not make posts whose purpose is to call attention to your signature. 7. Simulated signatures. Signatures must be set in the User Control Panel and not simulated within posts, so that other members can choose whether or not to display them. You may not use automated software such as FoxyTunes Signatunes to insert content into your posts. 8. Bumps. Posts that bring a thread to the top of the New Posts list but add no content to the thread (bumps) are not permitted. This applies not only to posts that say "bump" but to those with the intent to bump, e.g. posts saying "anyone?" or the equivalent. 9. Corrections. There is no need to point out another poster's spelling or grammatical errors unless you think it is causing confusion. Remember that not all members are native English speakers. Communication, not correctness, is our goal. When other people (especially new members) fail to search and start new threads on old topics, don't scold them or make them feel unwelcome. The best way to be helpful is by posting a link to a relevant thread or specific instructions for problem solving. Set a good example yourself by searching first before starting a thread if you have a question that may already have been answered in the forums or you want to discuss a topic that may already have been discussed. 10. Common sense. In the end, use common sense. When you are about to post messages just to increase your post count, or post something you think is funny at someone else's expense, think to yourself "Is this annoying?" If the answer is yes, don't do it. The Other Side One thing to remember is that moderators are people too. Although we try to choose moderators who are exceptionally level-headed, it is possible to tick them off. This isn't being unfair; it's being human. When members assume "it's personal" or "I'm being singled out" when their posts are moderated, they are usually wrong. Still, we take all complaints seriously. Trying to stir up a public outcry is frowned upon, so let us know your concerns directly. Sometimes moderators dealing with reported forum posts can be quick to the trigger, as it's hard to see the context of certain posts. We try for consistency in enforcement of the rules, but with multiple moderators we can't be 100% consistent when judgment calls are required. If you have a specific argument or issue concerning a moderation or administrative decision, submit a Contact form giving the details and your reasons. We ask our volunteers to do their best, and they put tremendous effort into helping the site. Still, we rely on checks and balances to avoid moderation problems. The moderators work as a team and know of each other's actions. Administrators review moderation and help establish and interpret site policies. iMav oversees them all. If an administrator or moderator has acted mistakenly or inappropriately, we'll correct it. If you've been timed-out or banned by mistake, we will reinstate your account. If your posts or account have been handled in accordance with our rules, policies, and moderation guidelines, moderation decisions will stand. Reporting Posts Posts that violate any of the forum rules should be reported to the forum moderators by clicking the Report Post icon on the bottom left of the offending post. You will be given a form in which to describe the problem. Tips for reporting posts: 1. To report a problem with a thread, report any post in the thread. 2. If you are unsure whether a post should be reported, report it anyway; the moderators will decide whether action needs to be taken. 3. If you are reporting a duplicate thread, please provide a link to the previous thread. 4. You will not receive a reply to a Post Report, but every report is reviewed. If you require a reply, use the Contact form. 5. After reporting an offending post, avoid replying to it, so you don't give it more exposure or make more work for the moderators. Thank you to those who report posts needing moderator attention. Your work improves the quality of the forums. |
| Board FAQ |
| Here you can find answers to questions about how the board works. Use the links below or the search box above to find your way around. |
| Wiki FAQ |
| The wiki adds an article system to the geekhack forums. Depending on how the administrator has configured this system, you will likely be using it to view or contribute to a knowledge base. |
