I'm unsure as to why the mention of fluffies was brought into this post. Meanwhile, to stick to the original topic:
Nor do I think that the rules are 'strict', and they are quite easy to follow. Of course, those from other countries may experience a language barrier, however bad spelling and text speak are different. Those with a language barrier only tend to have difficulty with spelling, not text talk such as 'u'. Also, once they have been warned by a moderator repetition of text speak is deservedly gaggable as they have been informed to mind their language and take extra caution.
Let's explore some of the rules.
''I understand that the public chatter is designed for magic talk and website help only. Discussion of other topics may lead to me being gagged and the gag will not removed.''
This seems fair enough to me. This is, of course, a magic site, so it is key that magic is discussed. Personal conversations and non-magic related topics can easily be discussed by mail, pm or coven chatter.
Rule two is simple enough. If you reveal personal information, you reveal it at your own risk. However, this seems to be one of the looser rules.
The third rule, roleplay is something this site has an issue with , yes, but the moderators cannot be everywhere and unfortunately some incidences go ungagged due to this. However when the moderators are online those who show roleplaying behavior (and I assume we all know what is classed as such behavior) is immediately gagged.
Not a dating site- rule four. This rule is simple and fair enough. However, it does state in the public chatter, there are no mentions of personal messages or things as such- those are fine. If such messages are unwanted, they can simply be blocked and reported to a mod.
Now, rule five. English is the only language to be spoken in the chatter. I covered the language barrier/text speak relationship earlier, so I feel there is no need to go over this again. It is manifest enough. Of course, terms when referring to a practice, study, etc are allowed and again, it only states in the public chatter. Thus, I assume that messages, pm's, and variation of languages in the coven chatter are allowed. (This depends on your coven rules, however.)
The next one, six, is very obvious, harassment is intolerable. I don't see why anybody would disagree with this rule. Same goes for swearing in the public chatter, number seven.
Eight is fair enough. Obviously, we all make mistakes sometimes and may forget to turn our caps lock off on some words, but some moderators are understanding of this and you may be allowed to get off with a warning. Obvious and purpose use of caps is rightly gaggable, as it is incredibly annoying to read statements in such a way. Camel caps too.
I don't see anything wrong with ten at all. Spamming is unacceptable and extremely, extremely irritating. Stretching too.
Now, for the final rule: I understand that the Moderator's decision is final and if I argue with a warning or other person's gag, I too will be gagged and the gag will not be removed.
Moderators usually gag for the right reasons, though I am sure each one of them will admit that they make mistakes sometimes- we all do. Arguing over a completely deserving gag however, is another matter. Yes, maybe it was your friend that was gagged, however I am sure they will get over it. Gagging for minor offenses without a warning is perhaps unfair sometimes, though obviously some moderators have a lower level of tolerance than others.
There seems to be even fewer rules for the forums, so I don't see why maintaining decency in here is so hard too. If a thread is inappropriate it will either be deleted or locked, and the person may be warned or gagged depending on the scale of the offense. Fair to me.
If most of us can abide by the rules, I am sure you can too. Don't like them? Then you don't have to stay.
