if you don't know people that have reps can view a special rank known as fluff. If you post useless spells you can gain a fluff rep this is info to stop and prevent this from happening
No, not everyone with that rank gets gagged. However, having said that, role-playing (which can earn you that rank) is against the rules and can lead to a gag.
I was beginning to wonder if that rank was still used. I've seen some pretty far-out fluff on here (my favorite was claiming to have started studying magick 174,000 years ago), but never seen the fluff member rank.
It isn't really knowledgable people that need to see the fluff rank. That should be open to everyone so that people know who to trust and so that people deemed fuff can clean up their act!
everyone can see your rank. personally it doesn't matter too much though. people ranked knowledgeable or higher can change your rank. but don't bug them to do so, or if you're not already ranked fluffy, you probably will be. not saying they're abusing their power, one aspect associated with fluffies is arrogance and ignorance, and bugging them will make you seem that way.
posting spells that won't work or telling people about spells that won't work on forums then arguing they'll work also will get you ranked that. as well as missus of area's in the site, like improper chat or forum conduct.
asking a fluffy question though, won't get you ranked that, example, 'can i become a vampire?' that's fine. but arguing and demanding people believe you are one and a spell did it, will get you ranked fluffy.
if you're so concerned about ranks and avoiding being a fluffy, there's a very simple step you can take; research. everyone has questions about things, and it's fine to ask, but look for books on the subject, if you find an author, look them up, see if they're reputable, because anything 'new age' can be published, because there's no way of factualizing, or checking accuracy for most, so you need to keep your wits about you.