Members- Another MUST READ!

[Ly&Pigs]

If you don't know about the impaction/infraction system then you might want to read about it. You can find the thread HERE.

We have rules on this forum which we expect every single member to follow. The rules are HERE.

The mods WILL be giving either wheeks (warnings) or poos (points) to those who choose to not read the rules and violate them. Examples: If you choose not to use capitalization, expect to get an impaction for capitalization. If you choose to use chat speak, expect to get an impaction for chat speak. If you choose to create a multiple account without contacting the mods first to explain why you are creating another id, expect to get an impaction.

We have very high standards here on posting as most of you know already and there is a whole list of violations that you can get impacted for. You may want to familiarize yourself with the list of impactions. Some are for posting etiquette and some are for violating other rules on this forum.

The reason I am writing this is because I gave two impactions to a member over the last 2-3 days after this member CHOSE to not use capitalization in his/her posts. Then this member pm'd me cursing me out for giving him/her the impactions. Needless to say this member was given another impaction and was banned for his/her actions.

Moral of the story: The mods are here not only help people with their questions and promote animal welfare, but we are also here to ENFORCE the rules of this forum. If you choose to violate the rules you will suffer the consequences. Just take your impaction and don't pm mods cursing us out. If you believe you received the impaction in error then you can kindly pm the mod who gave you the impaction and appeal it but you need to have evidence of why you should not have received said impaction.

[VoodooJoint]

I would like to add that most of the impactions/infractions have an expiration date. Getting an impaction is not the end of the world. It's a way for us to deal with problems on the site quickly and semi privately. Over time any points from the impaction you receive will expire.

If people continue to break the same rule after getting an impaction for it they can expect to either get more poo points for their repeat offenses or longer expiration times.

As Ly said, if you feel it was unfair please either contact the mod/admin that gave it to you or the site owner. Cursing us out or getting belligerent does not help. I recently gave a member an impaction for a cage photo, He/She PMed me and told me why it was unfair. They did not suck up to me nor did they curse at me. They stated in a no nonsense manner why I was wrong about my impaction.

I took another look at the cage in question, realized my error, apologized for my error and deleted the impaction from thier history. Their cage photo is now back in the gallery. This member, because they kept their head, got polite and favorable results

We try to be reasonable and only ask the same in return. The impactions aren't personal. Please don't take them as such.

[Ly&Pigs]

Members may reply on this thread but if you are going to bash the mods for doing our jobs your posts will be deleted.

[DaCourt]

YOU GUYS ROCK!!! (Am I too obvious in my sucking up?)

[LobsterOverlord]

Too many forums on the internet do not have any form of rules or post policing (re: newsgroups). To have a forum such as this, which does have rules and does have people who take time (mostly voluntarily) to keep a little corner of the internet civil and organized is a wonderful thing.

The organization, the attention to detail, the validity of the information provide is what keeps me, and I'm sure many others around as contributing members.

John M>not sucking up, just letting you know the little things don't go unnoticed.

[Ly&Pigs]

The mods are getting a little frustrated at members who are receiving impactions coming onto the forum making public threads about them. As is stated above, if you have an issue with your impaction, PRIVATE MESSAGE THE MOD WHO ISSUED THE IMPACTION.

I also have to say that the long time forum members are not above being given a wheek or a poo if they break a forum rule. The same rules apply to everyone whether you have been here a year (or more), a month or a day. Even us mods are not above being impacted if we were to break a forum rule.

[tomcat6]

You know how it says if you're unhappy with a impaction you could kindly tell why its unfair? Well, a while ago, I said I was leaving the forum in capital and all the grammer. And I got an impaction. I was just saying I wanted to ask one question and would come back just if I needed help. And I got in trouble. But, its all ok now. I think the rules are a good idea and its easier to read with proper grammer, which makes it easier to get help with questions.

[Ly&Pigs]

It also says, "if you have an issue with your impaction, PRIVATE MESSAGE THE MOD WHO ISSUED THE IMPACTION."

Members are supposed to pm the mod who gave the impaction to discuss it privately, not post about it publicly.

[Clover Cavy]

Eek! I just did a little IM vocab in my last posting. I'm really sorry! Don't eat me?

[rhonda_j1954]

I am very new here. I do like the forum so far. I do have a question. Why are the rules so stricked?

[Alyndra]

I applaud you for holding us to high standards. Chatspeak is fun and has it's place. Using correct grammar is like exercise for the mind. Language is so enjoyable. There is satisfaction in using language and it's grammatical rules in a way that clearly communicates your thoughts.

I am sure that you extend grace to those learning the English language. This is a crazy language with many spellings and rules from various other languages shaken into it.

Isn't "pm'd" chat speak?

[Alyndra]

I have a question. Are actions in asterisks like *shrug* or *checks water bottle* chatspeak?

[Ly&Pigs]

Not all abbreviations are chatspeak. We allow some abbreviations here like pm=private messages and others but when we are referring to chat speak we mean more like r for are and u for you and things like that.

We are strict because this is an adult based forum and to be able to help you better we want to be able to clearly read the posts. If we can't understand what you are asking either via use of chatspeak, poor grammar, bad spelling, etc., then we can't help you like we should. This is not a fluff filled cotton candy forum.

Things in astericks would be considered actions not chatspeak.

[Alyndra]

Thanks for clarifying.

I am a "seasoned" adult and a teacher. I am privileged to have the opportunity to use chatspeak in some places and formal English in others. Chatspeak isn't always fluff just as grammatically correct English isn't always of worth. I have had some very good heart to heart talks with students in chatspeak. But, in most of the world where English is used, chatspeak is not an acceptable form of communication. So, it is very beneficial for writers of any age to be held to high standards in writing. Thank you for doing so.

[Butterscotch2]

Is it okay if you miss spell one word or forget to capitalize one letter in the same forum or will you get a wheek or poo points? Is there a rule one how many threads you make also?

[LadyBelle]

I'm happy about the stricter rules. My spelling is horrid, but I do have a built in spell checker that helps. When ever I get messages from people who regularly use "how r u" or other chatspeak, my respect for their intelligence goes down many levels. There have been professional people with master degrees or higher that have texted me or IM'd me like that and I can't help but to picture them as 13 year-old-boys. It would really be hard for me to respect and follow the advice of someone who spoke like that, no matter how well intended or how good the advice was.