08-28-2009, 11:00 PM
I am a Christian lady, and as such, there are a few things that I'd rather not have happening on this forum. I would never push my belief structure onto you. I respect the fact that we may never believe the same way about God. However, I do expect respect for my values, as the owner of the forum. I'm also the mother of six and grandmother of 15. As such, I know for a fact how tender are the eyes and ears of our youngsters. They learn what we teach them by example. I choose to show them that not everyone deals in "street manners." I expect that any youngsters who would like to join here (and I do NOT have the "age 13 or over" prerequisite), would feel welcomed and never, ever made to feel inferior. They, on the other hand, will also be expected to abide by the rules.
(1) Please don't use profanity. We all use epithets from time to time, but let's keep ours mild and in line with "family values," please. I have put several word filters into play already. There are a few things that will change when you type them. I'll let you find that out, if you use a word that would generally be unsuitable to the 13-and-under crowd. If I--or any of the other administrators on this forum (Hillcrest, ukpoppyberry, FaithfulApostle, and playKIMSIM)--find something distasteful, that isn't already filtered, you can rest assured that it will be filtered the next time around. This doesn't mean that you should be careless of your words because they'll get "corrected." Just look, learn, and use good manners.
(2) Please don't use this forum as a place to argue and fight over your favorite "soapboxes." It's OK to HAVE a soapbox (an opinion that you would like to get up in front of people with, and let them know just how it really is!), or even more than one. It's also OK if your soapboxes come up in discussions--we enjoy getting to know the real you. However, if the air starts getting a little blue and it seems like there's a fight brewing, please back off. This is not the place to fight over things that are, after all, our personal opinions. We are here to share the things that we love about The Sims games, and it seems that many Simmers have quite a few other things in common, as well. Let's have good, healthy discussions about the things we love, and not "sweat the small stuff." While I'm on that subject, though most of us have problems with EA's ways at times, this is also not the place to just steadily bash them at every opportunity. They have given us the games we love, and for that, I am grateful (even if I don't agree with their policies many times).
(3) I've purposely turned off the Reputation and Warning systems, EXCEPT that all Administrators (and only Administrators) may warn people about any or all of the above. For instance, if your posts ALWAYS have to have new word filters invented, then you are going to get a warning after a few times. The first warning will point the way to this document--just in case you've never read it. If you get 4 warnings, you will be banned from the forum. We have never yet had anyone who had to be warned more than once. We hope it will remain that way. We want this to remain a safe place for everyone to come and fellowship and enjoy many and varied discussions. Though Administrators are the only ones allowed to use the warning system, anyone can report a thread that seems offensive. The end result is up to the administrative team.
(4) Guests are allowed to see all the boards, and may download files. However, their only privilege other than that, is to vote in polls. If we see that this is in any way resulting in any sort of "downrating" (if a certain person's assets are ALWAYS not voted for, for instance, which would be ridiculous, since we have so many talented people here), then I may change my mind and not allow guests to vote. The way around that is to become a member. It's free, it's easy, and it grants you many other privileges. It also, of course, puts you under the responsibility to adhere to all of the above. If you don't intend to do so, please don't apply for membership.
Thank you very much for reading this document. We hope you will enjoy your time with us. :-friends-1:
Linda A. Wingfield
NeighborlySims@flyingacres.com
(1) Please don't use profanity. We all use epithets from time to time, but let's keep ours mild and in line with "family values," please. I have put several word filters into play already. There are a few things that will change when you type them. I'll let you find that out, if you use a word that would generally be unsuitable to the 13-and-under crowd. If I--or any of the other administrators on this forum (Hillcrest, ukpoppyberry, FaithfulApostle, and playKIMSIM)--find something distasteful, that isn't already filtered, you can rest assured that it will be filtered the next time around. This doesn't mean that you should be careless of your words because they'll get "corrected." Just look, learn, and use good manners.
(2) Please don't use this forum as a place to argue and fight over your favorite "soapboxes." It's OK to HAVE a soapbox (an opinion that you would like to get up in front of people with, and let them know just how it really is!), or even more than one. It's also OK if your soapboxes come up in discussions--we enjoy getting to know the real you. However, if the air starts getting a little blue and it seems like there's a fight brewing, please back off. This is not the place to fight over things that are, after all, our personal opinions. We are here to share the things that we love about The Sims games, and it seems that many Simmers have quite a few other things in common, as well. Let's have good, healthy discussions about the things we love, and not "sweat the small stuff." While I'm on that subject, though most of us have problems with EA's ways at times, this is also not the place to just steadily bash them at every opportunity. They have given us the games we love, and for that, I am grateful (even if I don't agree with their policies many times).
(3) I've purposely turned off the Reputation and Warning systems, EXCEPT that all Administrators (and only Administrators) may warn people about any or all of the above. For instance, if your posts ALWAYS have to have new word filters invented, then you are going to get a warning after a few times. The first warning will point the way to this document--just in case you've never read it. If you get 4 warnings, you will be banned from the forum. We have never yet had anyone who had to be warned more than once. We hope it will remain that way. We want this to remain a safe place for everyone to come and fellowship and enjoy many and varied discussions. Though Administrators are the only ones allowed to use the warning system, anyone can report a thread that seems offensive. The end result is up to the administrative team.
(4) Guests are allowed to see all the boards, and may download files. However, their only privilege other than that, is to vote in polls. If we see that this is in any way resulting in any sort of "downrating" (if a certain person's assets are ALWAYS not voted for, for instance, which would be ridiculous, since we have so many talented people here), then I may change my mind and not allow guests to vote. The way around that is to become a member. It's free, it's easy, and it grants you many other privileges. It also, of course, puts you under the responsibility to adhere to all of the above. If you don't intend to do so, please don't apply for membership.
Thank you very much for reading this document. We hope you will enjoy your time with us. :-friends-1:
Linda A. Wingfield
NeighborlySims@flyingacres.com