Spartantailgate.com Forum Guidelines

[Trevor Barnes]

Since people often wonder what is and isn't acceptable to post on this site, here are some guidelines. These do NOT mean there will be a big difference in the way the board is moderated but are actually "unwritten" rules that have been used in the past already. There is really nothing very new here and many are just common sense.

1. Post as if your family is in the other computer. For the most part, we're all Spartans here people. Most of us share a love of MSU. Please remember that and act accordingly.
2. If you are a visiting GUEST from another school, act like you're a guest. Please be respectful that you are a GUEST here. This is an MSU themed board. You should not be surprised if it has takes an MSU-biased opinion on most issues. Flaming will not be tolerated.
3. We can revoke your right to post on Spartantailgate.com for any reason at any time without any prior notice.
4. We reserve the right to delete your posts at any time for any reason.The First Amendment doesn't apply to a privately owned message board, you do not have a freedom to say whatever you want on Spartantailgate.com at any time. You can be censored, you will be censored, so just get used to it.
5. Asking why a post was deleted, will have your post deleted. You may disagree with why your post was deleted, and we are fine with that, but asking why or commenting on it on the board will be cause for your posts to be deleted. If you take great offense to having a post deleted, send the Admin a Private Message. If it's worth replying to, he will.
6. No inappropriate use of profanity. This includes using abbreviations or changing one letter of a swear word such that the word(s) are still interpreted by most as profane.Would you want your boss to come up from behind you and read or see what you posted?
7. Racism, discrimination, and bigotry will not be tolerated. There is no reason why anyone should feel like they are uncomfortable or unwelcome here. Whether you're using clear or masked language, the following will not be tolerated: religious discrimination, racial/ethnic harassment, sexual harassment, or homophobic bigotry.
8. Do not post unsubstantiated rumors about players, coaches, or any one related to any MSU sports program.
   
   If you're posting a rumor, you should at least have and post a legitimate news source to back it up such as sports radio, a newspaper, TV broadcast, etc. If it turns out that you made up the rumor, you could be banned. Rumors can be VERY damaging to MSU and its programs. Please be careful.
9. No repetitive posting. You will know repetitive posting when you see it.
   What makes a repetitve post? Here is where the line will be drawn. If you come on here and consistently say the exact same thing about the exact same topic day in and day out, that is being repetitive. If you are a one-trick pony, your trick will wear out its welcome.
   What about repetitive MSU bashing? The same applies here. If all you ever do is post after an MSU loss or post the same negative flames about MSU over and over just to incite people, you will be considered a flamer and treated appropriately.
   If you repost a post that was deleted, that is grounds for banning.
10. No attacking other posters.This right now is probably the biggest problem on the site. If you feel the need to harass another poster, don't do it.
11. Remember the site's audience. The audience for this site is not just adults. The site's audience is MSU fans of all ages, from grade school children all the way to senior citizens. Not only is this site viewed by MSU fans, but it can be and has been viewed by potential MSU recruits and their families.
12. No recruit bashing. 99% of you have never seen a recruit play. It is not acceptable to attack a recruit simply based on the rankings of "experts." This site is visited by recruits and their families. These kids just became Spartans, treat them like it. If you are unhappy with the overall recruiting class or trend, start a separate thread to discuss it. There is no reason to ruin what is possibly the happiest day of many of these kid's lives.
13. No offensive name-calling. Act your ages please.
14. Do not copy all of a news story from a commercial site. It is acceptable to copy a paragraph or two from a news story as long as you then provide a link to the story. It is NOT acceptable to simply post the entire news story. "Premium" content from pay sites may not be copied here.
15. No links or photos of adult material. Adult material in this case refers to anything that would be too raunchy for Maxim magazine. Again, would you want your boss to come up from behind and see what you posted?
16. Private Messaging is a privilege, not a right. This can and will be taken away from you if it is used in a threatening or abusive manner.
17. Personal information or photos about RCMB members should not be posted without their permission. No exceptions.
18. Politics and Religion belong on the Wells Hall Board. No exceptions.
19. Respect the difficult job that RCMB Moderators have. These people VOLUNTEER their time to help keep this site running smoothly. Please respect that even if you don't always agree with them. Excessive bashing of the mods is unacceptable. They may make decisions that are inconsistent and without explanation. Live with it.