We have recently posted a new set of forum rules. These rules, which are available under the Community menu, are intended to set some general guidelines that promote a civil, productive, and fun environment for the community as a whole.
While we believe these rules are largely common sense, we feel it is necessary to put them in writing so everyone has the same understanding of their rights and responsibilities.
In particular, please note that these rules stress a responsibility to report problem posts, rather than taking matters into your own hands. It is no longer acceptable to publicly call out another user for a rules violation, and the Site Council will edit or remove posts which violate this standard.
Probably the most important rules are the final two, "assume good faith" and "play nice." If everyone follows these two rules, most of the others become redundant.
As always, if you have any questions about these rules, please feel free to post them here or contact us for clarification.
Since it is somewhat of a change in policy, I just want to make specific mention of rule 2, "please do not discuss specific challenge entries or outtakes until voting has ended."
We've had numerous requests about this. In the past users have posted outtakes which were similar to other users' entries, and this has affected the scores on those entries. In the past we have encouraged people to wait until voting is complete before posting outtakes. This is now formalized as a site policy.
Since it is somewhat of a change in policy, I just want to make specific mention of rule 2, "please do not discuss specific challenge entries or outtakes until voting has ended."
We've had numerous requests about this. In the past users have posted outtakes which were similar to other users' entries, and this has affected the scores on those entries. In the past we have encouraged people to wait until voting is complete before posting outtakes. This is now formalized as a site policy.
Since it is somewhat of a change in policy, I just want to make specific mention of rule 2, "please do not discuss specific challenge entries or outtakes until voting has ended."
We've had numerous requests about this. In the past users have posted outtakes which were similar to other users' entries, and this has affected the scores on those entries. In the past we have encouraged people to wait until voting is complete before posting outtakes. This is now formalized as a site policy.
~Terry
That's a shame -- kind of kills any sort of photo sharing during a free study or similar challenge, doesn't it? No B&W images during a duotone challenge, nothing containing water during a water challenge.
I think your working against site participation with this one. I liked the forums kept seperate from the challenges, not an integral part of them.
Other than this (which I will of course abide by), the rules are great -- love the addition formalization of the 'attack the premise, not the person' concept. :D
Excellent... I give the rules a ten. The language is perfect to bring out the flavor and uniqueness of this site.
I tip my hat to all that had a hand in the rules. Hey, I am one guy that likes to post my outtakes during the challenge... after the challenge no one cares any more. But, play by the rules:)
Yes, I think new members should be directed to this, and that you should have to have a "I read the basic/advanced editing rules" checkmark before you can enter your first challenge. and a quiz, like you have to do for istock.. ;P
That's a shame -- kind of kills any sort of photo sharing during a free study or similar challenge, doesn't it? No B&W images during a duotone challenge, nothing containing water during a water challenge.
As with all rules, we will apply common sense to things like free studies and best of challenges. It should be pretty obvious that we don't intend to prohibit all photo posting during those challenges, but we will continue to address any photos which we believe may impact the scores of specific entries.
Thank you...much appreciated. I really like rule #1. I am confused though by rule #4...were SC/Admin approached with bribes or something? Who can/what site stats can be manipulated and to what advantage?
