N00b Waystation version 1.0b - New Members please take note.

Firstly if you are a visitor or new member of the Gamers Underground, let me take this opportunity to welcome you. To both new members and regulars, let me explain what this thread is about.

This particular thread is an idea I picked up from another forum, where the basic rules of this community can be discussed, shared and learned by new and old members alike. It makes sure that everyone knows what the community will and won't accept regarding behaviour, and where certain types of posts should be made.

Periodically this will be updated as the community changes with time and focus, either by myself, or whoever wishes to collate all the ideas discussed herein into one document.

There are a few general rules that we as a community insist be followed (and feel free to correct me if I get anything wrong, its why I'm writing this :P):

Quote:

1. Post appropriate topics in appropriate sections of the forums.

2. Excessive bad language or abusive posts will not be tolerated outside Flame Wars.

3. Racist or Sexist slurs are not appropriate. Especially in relation to people you are not aqquainted with.

4. SPAMing or flooding is generally frowned upon. Please try to avoid multiple consecutive posts.

5. Respect is a two way street, if you show respect to long term members, most of them will offer the same in return.

6. Abusing moderators or admins is not condusive to a long term stay in the community. Abusing Eater of Souls is not condusive to a long term life (soz. but I had to add that :P)

We as a community don't ask much of newcomers, but if these simple rules can't be followed, then I'll save all of us time and grief by showing you the door now. Consistantly break these rules, and the friendly moderators here will be alot less polite about it.

Keep in mind too that we have many diferent categories in the forums. Everything has a place:

General discussion items and articles of general interest can be freely posted in the general section.

When looking to buy or sell items of value, head on over to the Trading Post.

Potentially spirited discussions, rants and testosterone induced muscle flexing should be directed to Flame Wars.

Questions or information regarding the GU hosted servers are found in the Game Servers section.

If you have technical inquiries regarding your computer, the Tech forums are the place to go.

Info and queries on the many lans organised by GU members and affiliated organisations go in the LAN category.

For anything regarding specific clans that operate out of Gamers Underground, post a message in their respective forums.

I know most of you who will read this know all these things, and I know I've probably missed alot out, but if we as a community all provide some (*CONSTRUCTIVE*) input, then new members will know what is expected of them, and hopefully we will avoid the types of problems that we have experienced lately.

If your still with me, I would again like to welcome you to the Gamers Underground, and I hope you enjoy your stay.

Mephiston

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I have taken this initiative because I believe in this community, and I am not afraid of putting in a little effort to keep it as the place we all know and love. Anything I can do that helps make the Moderators' jobs easier is effort well spent IMO.

Admins you can delete this post if you feel to make it a stiky and only want meph's in.

LoL i thouhgt you were posting a flash or something

and for those who can't understand multisyllabic words or who can't bring themselves to read more than two lines of text in one sitting, i'll summarise:

use common sense.

Nice one Bruvva..

can't take complete credit - I was browsing the forums over at www.sinfest.net when I came across their version of it - I thought it somewhat appropriate given recent events.

Edit: Ohh, I missed one: If you have a problem with another GU member, try to resolve it via private messages, and if that fails, take it to a Moderator. Unnecessarily arcing up in public, especially if your new might give you the wrong kind of reputation early on.

[Image: http://srsucks.i-networx.de/rules.gif]

Just a few things, particularly to those who are new to the world of the internet or the Gamers Underground forums:

1) Typing all in capital letters is interpreted as shouting or raising your 'voice'. Although your message will get across, it proves distracting and annoying. Just as you would not walk up to a complete stranger and scream hello, please use caps sparingly.

2) Try, if at all possible, to avoid 'leet' speak. A fad of the late 80's, when the U.S. government tried to crack down on illigal pornography sites, 'leet' speak evolved as a method to counter-act their searches (eg porn became p0rn). Although fashionable as a time, 'leet' speak, unless used in a humorous context, is generally distracting to the flow of the conversation and can confuse some people not used to it's interpretation(s).

3) Unless called for, please try to avoid posting extremely technical informatin within the 'Hardware Q&A' and 'Software Q&A' sections, or any section, of the Gamers-Underground forums. Although you may be the Galdalf of all computing systems, please bear in mind that others may not be so technically competant; try to explain in simple but easily understood terms how to preform the operation/fix/etc requested, and please, don't be insulting. Although the temptation to just post, "OMG sif you wouldn't know n00b" is tempting, it doesn't help anyone and can offend the poster. Remember, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.

4) Unless called for, please avoid using real names here. Although both you and the person you're talking to may recognise who you are speaking to or about, others may not, and it's generally impolite. Not everyone wants the world to know what their real name is, although most people don't mind. Note, however, that should only apply to those who have registered to the Gamers-Underground forums; it's no good to anyone if you talk about a 'D3monHunt0r69_rx' if no-one has any idea who you're talking about. In this case, it is probably better to just post their real name and hope people figure it out.

5) Have fun, and let others have fun. Games, and this forum, are all designed to be fun. Just remember that, as it often seems to be forgotten.

I must agree with what has been posted here. I will try and add a little bit to it.
All the Forums within our little community are monitored and viewed by all ages, hence the reason for the Flames Section. If you have something you wish to get off your chest head there, If you want to vent some anger at something or someone then that is your place. BUT REMEMBER there is also a Tolerance level within the flames section. In a broad sense you would use the following three guidlines

1. No explicate personal threats ( ie It is in the way you say it)
2. No Racial abuse of any kind
3. No sexual inuendoe's of an Illegal Kind.

Although stated they are not set in concrete but should be used as a general guide. I would like to think that most of you have the common sense to know the differance and know that most things of a derogatory nature can be said in TWO ways.

The general BS that has been spreading like a plague through our forums lately is disgusting. Hopefully people will see sense.

Here, Here!!!
Theres a fine line between joke and insult, be tactful and approach with caution.
Sometimes personality can be fragile, tread lightly and dont offend.
Throw somethin on the ground or take a break to keep from lashing out
at others.
Everybody is innocent of cheating until proven otherwise, if u have a problem discuss with an admin instead of calling them a cheater.

That is all :)

some of you sound like wanna be admins
and some of u sound like admins
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my point is most likey useless, and is not a flame.

point extended: when i was a GU-forum newb , i sed things i shouldn't in general section. I learnt from SLY (politely) to do it in flame wars.
But some of the non admins used my newbness against me in negative remarks, wich sparkles an animosity and a lack of respect for the forums

This goes out to you mephiston,
Whats with the holier than thou attitude. I have found that this particular attitude tends to spark up more ill feeling than it resolves. Maybe you should take a look at how you behave in these forums.

Seeing as im a complete "n00b" i guess you just diss me and move.

We're getting off topic here.

My 5c - I think it's a great idea for Mephiston top put in this post. Good on ya Meph. I didn't read any 'holier-then-thou' in it, and I think it was designed only to be helpful. Ok, so you're sour because some Admins spanked 'ya, but hey. That's in the past now. Ya just gotta learn from it. :)

Just like Rafiki says man!

Quote from iscariot:
This goes out to you mephiston,
Whats with the holier than thou attitude. I have found that this particular attitude tends to spark up more ill feeling than it resolves. Maybe you should take a look at how you behave in these forums.

Seeing as im a complete "n00b" i guess you just diss me and move.

No flame - it's a valid point, its why I put something at the bottom of my original post. Something that you may have overlooked. Here it is again for those who missed it.

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I have taken this initiative because I believe in this community, and I am not afraid of putting in a little effort to keep it as the place we all know and love. Anything I can do that helps make the Moderators' jobs easier is effort well spent IMO.

I, like many people enjoy spending time here, and I believe that new members can make the community both a stronger and better place. What I have no tolerance of are attention seekers.

Just because we have moderators, doesn't mean that people should constantly push things to make them work for their voluntary effort.

I also don't know about the rest of you guys, but I get quite irritable when I have to wade through reams of complete crap because someone has a personal beef with a poster in what would be an otherwise interesting topic.

I also don't mind a spirited session of flaming for its own sake, but much of the dribble that is thrown around in there isn't witty, it isn't even overly intelligent. Constant repetitions of "Yo Mamma" and "You're Gay" rapidly become tiring.

Maybe my attitude does piss people off, but hey, I've met OD, even worked with him for a little over a year, and I've also had the pleasure of meeting many of the long term members, moderators and admins here, I even like to consider some of them my friends. If I was nothing but a troll, I doubt I'd be on such good terms with them, since I'd only be making their lives harder. If I come down hard on someone, there is *always* a good reason for it, and I try not to make my flames overly personal.

If any particular member here has a personal issue with me, I would hope they can come and talk to me about it in a rational manner. If they can't be rational, I'll treat them no diferently to any other troll.

OD and the guys work hard for this community, and I have an incredible amount of respect for every one of them for it. Can anyone honestly say that they've seen a better online community out there?

This is why I say and do the things I do here. Keep in mind that I don't cook anyone who doesn't do something really silly to start with. I'm not a moderator, will probably never be one either, but that doesn't mean I can't put in a little effort to make the community a better place for everyone - regular and n00b alike.

Mephiston I support you 100%, as I know a lot of other regulars here do.

As for iscariot, you have got it all wrong. Yes you may be new here but that has never meant we will flame a new member just because he/she is new.

You have already struck me with your post here as a person I shall watch out for.

Yes I have admin. No I am not young. I along with all admins here enjoy this community. Mephiston was trying to point out how to enjoy it.

If you don't like what you have read then go away. I know that others will replace you.

End of this rant for now.

here here good piont thelot of u

if only 3 certain noobs had of read this befor they broke alot of them

Wolfspirit, your third and fourth points aren't all that valid...

third point - if someone feels the need to get into a discussion with others on a highly technical note, then why can't they? if others (the not so technically minded...) join the conversation and are willing to learn something or want to know anything that may be a little over their heads then the poster or others (such as myself) in the conversation will no doubt oblige.

fourth point - it doesn't take too much to realise who they are talking about after a few posts....if you don't know...once again: ask...

other than that this thread has been very well thought out and deserves to be at the top of this board. wd Meph :) (and of course others that had some input ;))

Spec, smiles as a few of the items ring home. I think we dig deep into the forums we should discover a similar concept to one being bravely put forth by Meph, aka the mission statement. I would dearly someone to find my previous post on the gutteral digestings of the so called 'leet' speak.

if you find it dude, link it in - sooner or later I'll do a revision of the thread and bundle everything together in an easier to read format.

Its good to see rules have finaly been properly layed out! :)
nice job meph!

As a relative "newbie" to GU ...

It is a good place ... freindly and informative and fun ( flame wars - yes you can be witty etc without excessive abuse, 4 letter words etc )

It has good people ... helpful, courteous, witty and kik ass CS players who generally know what they are talking ( writing ) about.

As a mature gamer it is nice to have been welcomed ( I hope ) into this community - it is ( IMHO ) one of the few genuine gamer sites around.

So for others like me ( read newbie to GU ) be nice, ask questions ( they will be answered ), have fun and listen and learn.

Don't try to be a smart ass straight off - you will be poorer for the experience when you get chucked out or totally ignored.

Amen brother.

tn1. 8)

Administering Uber Moderator access.............elevate TopGun from Gamer Nada NooB to Good Bloke with Common Sense.
All can learn. Well done and Welcome to another Older Generation Gamer.

Very nicely put Toppy

Eater stands here beside itself with newfound joy...

Uh oh .... scared now ..... people have actually read what I wrote ...

Thanx again - and yet again another demonstration of the niceness ( barf bag required ) contained within the cyber place thingy ... called GU !!

So does this mean I get a pay rise ?

you were getting paid.... not fair

Yes squillions of free games of CS ...

And all the richer for the experience of interacting with like minded people ....

*grin* well said 8)

Ta Meph ... truly said from the heart ...

The people who look after the GU stuff deserve a big pat on the back for a job well done.

All we do is try to coax people into playing in a environment that we all like to play in.. So long as there is mutual respect for all the community, it works pretty well..

treat others as you would like them to treat you

Well said Topgun .... great to see comments like yours :D

I agree.. Well put TopGun you seem like a well educated bloke..

Welcome to the comunity :)

But as a younger generation gamer(18yr old) I would just like to say that I enjoy playing here its a good enviroment and you dont get looser like everwhere else ie Optus and such.. The admins and staff of both the forums and servers are really good chaps and OverDrive is the man to get the praise due to his contribution of (correct me if I am wrong) all basiclly all of what we know and see as GU today.. Of course with the support and dedication of all the staff...

Now that is said lets all go have some beers..

I think some people should re read this stuff

i did

dint learn anything new though

Read Harder then :)

Maybe make everyone read over it and sit an exam on it :)

hehe

good stuff :)

nono,i read it first time learnt a few things then someone said read it again and learn new stuff, i read it again and didnt learn anything new

I reread it and learnt someting about you Kronic ....

lol topgun

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4. SPAMing or flooding is generally frowned upon. Please try to avoid multiple consecutive posts.

Smiddy this doesn't only just apply to you but a few of the other new members to the community. People generally aren't expected to but should already follow the things listed in this thread out of the respect for others and basic maturity.

It seems that you and a few others haven't been doing so. Maybe I'm just being really shitty at people because as I come back from Evo3 I hop on the forums and nearly every thread I see is of you and a couple of other people just spamming shit and useless information, quite often seemingly in a immature attitude all over the place. Please try and restrict your posting to relevant information, especially in the Q&A and trading forums.

Edit: Consider this a formal complaint smiddy. I've just finished my rounds of the forums after 3 days, and your general rubbish posting is unnecessary especially in places where it is not needed.

Everything that Jay said.

-

being a newbe to this group..... does anyone know if there has been a similar thread for win xp?

Masato

Communty Service Announment:

Newbie - 0-99
The Gamer nada Poster - 100-249
Dude with lotsa 2c - 250-799
Professional Poster - 800-999
Mile High Club - 1000-

This is what I think the post count writing thing is. Just for people like me who are woundering when their text will change.

lani.Dude with lotsa 2c

tn1.Special

Quote from tn1:
tn1.Special

And yes I did forget to mention the additional text that some people do have. This is a privilege for long time members and admin. :wink:

hmmmm.... i still wanna know what happens when someone gets 5000+

*looks at knights rising post count* not too long to wait though :)

Lani - shouldn't you be a .....

dudette with a lot 2c ????

Political correctness and all .....

Quote from TopGun:
Lani - shouldn't you be a .....

dudette with a lot 2c ????

Political correctness and all .....

lol yeah however I think in all fairness to Overdrive and the admins that they should really change the text for the girls, just considering that there are only aprox 10(?) of us out of 1283 users :P

Dont forget the "Has no Life one"

jus like to say hi to all youse out there. im a regular on the GU WC3 XP servers, cept for school :(. but anyway, im gonna try and post on here a bit so ill cya round

just notice in the rules shouldn't this be updated now there is not flamwars section.

Quote from Whisper:

2) Try, if at all possible, to avoid 'leet' speak.

3) Unless called for, please try to avoid posting extremely technical informatin within the 'Hardware Q&A' and 'Software Q&A' sections, or any section, of the Gamers-Underground forums.

Infomatin hey? Is that leet speak or a typo :p I couldn't be bothered reading all of the post, but it's sad to think that people can't use their common sense to show them these rules. Though, now their in writing, if someone breaks them it's BIDDA BADDA BOOM! Banz0r! Heh-heh.

testing my avatar :wink:

testing :roll: