Announcement: Marble Blast Forums Rules and Procedures (Read 4,669 times)
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Marble Blast Forums Rules and Procedures « Thread Started on Sept 5, 2008, 2:36am »
Dear member,
This topic is here to give you an overview of just about every rule in these forums. So instead of having 573527197480721 threads we have 1 of them which combines them all. If you wish to discuss a possible modification to a rule or add something to it, please contact Matan (me) or post in the Forum Feedback section.
General rules
Those general rules are the "base" of those forums and all forum members must follow these. Rules might be modified so please look for the last modified date on each rule to see if it was changed. New rules will be added in time.
Please check each forum for its own rules. However, with time, those rules will be added here.
----Replying to topics----
- Please reply to topics as required. If for example the topic creator wants members to reply in a certain way, you must reply that way.
- It is YOUR duty to read previous posts in topics so that you will not: - Ask the same question if it was answered beforehand. - Post an answer to a question if an answer was given already and was the correct one. - Accidentally bump a topic when you should not.
- If you don't have anything useful to say in a topic, Why do you post it? Please don't. Moderators and members alike are sick of seeing those.
-- Exception to this rule: - Posts responding to a topic such as "Oh yes!!" or along the lines of a cheer or expressing emotions, getting the pun across, having a damn good time is alright.
- Attempt to avoid at all times from posting 1 word posts or 1 sentence posts which is not related to the topic whatsoever.
- Attempt to avoid at all times from posting 1 word posts or 1 sentence posts in 'old' topics such as video topics (see 'Bumping' for exceptions)
- Stay on topic and do not go off-topic. If a discussion which is off-topic occurs all participating members will be warned by staff and from then on all posts must be on-topic. If the topic itself is 'done and over with' then it may be locked by staff.
Punishment for breaking the above rules:
- 5% after getting warned from staff several times.
Last updated: 5 September, 2008, 5:36pm
----Posting in a new/old topic(s) and replying to it----
We are aware that the same question had been asked 478267234 times. However, with the lockage of topics and the fact that the Rubbish Bin is massive and not everyone wants to search, please note that new members are the least likely to search old topics for answers and instead make new ones and thus cause bumps of old topics.
- Help the member by giving him the answer. Also note to him that he's best to search old topics for future questions. Do not get angry at the member as he's new.
- Old topics might be bumped (unless they were locked) with the member asking a question relating to such topic. Members may tell the member to look at previous post(s) to answer his question (unless the previous posts do NOT answer it) and request a topic lock once the 'Requesting a Topic Lock' guideline is satisifed.
-- Exceptions to these rules: ---> None.
Punishment for breaking the above rules:
- 5% after getting warned from staff several times.
Last updated: 18 November, 2008, 2:18pm
----Double Posting----
Double posting is something that we would also like to address. Sometimes, after you post, you may wish to add something. However, instead of immediately posting again directly after your last post so that two posts by you are in a row, just use the "modify" button in the top right hand corner of your post, add the desired info, and click "Modify Post." If you continually double post, triple post, etc. – unless under circumstances that merit exception (see below) – you will eventually be punished. After all, why create numerous posts in a row when all info could be read just as easily in one?
-- Exceptions to these rules:
You may double post if the last post is not only by you but is also old (for example, in a level topic, where you posted something a while ago, but want to alert other members of a new level that you have created). You may also double post if you have asked a question and not received an answer after one/two days have gone by.
Punishment for breaking the above rules:
- 5% after getting warned from staff several times.
Last updated on November 21, 2008.
----Requesting a Topic Lock----
- Topic creators may request topic locks if they feel the need. - Staff may lock topics once they become old and are prune to be bumped. - A topic was bumped by someone and his question was answered, rendering the thread useless again. A lock may be requested. - You MAY NOT request a topic to be removed. This will be done at the forums' clean-up.
-- Exceptions to these rules: ---> None.
Last updated: 5 September, 2008, 5:36pm
----Bumping----
I'm aware many do not know the rules of bumping. I've also asked a couple of colleagues as well as researched and have decided on the following:
- Any topic more than a month old is considered 'old'. Posting in these, unless you are the topic creator, is NOT ALLOWED under any circumstances.
-- Exceptions to this rule: ---> Very contributing. For example, the member requested help and none was available at the time or was not successful and you found out a way to help. ---> Topic creator allows you to. ---> Video topics etc where you're replying on how good the videos were (see 'Replying to topics') or how good the member did textures in his texturing topic and the such. Must be related to topic.
---> You made your own topic and no one replied and you seriously want someone to answer. Instead of posting every 5 minutes, please wait for 48 hours before bumping your own topic. If members still do not answer, you may bump a topic every 24 hours but no less. Don't be afraid to keep requesting help. If we haven't helped you to your satisfaction, then by all means keep on our case!
---> If you see someone bumping an old topic, please refrain from posting afterwards and telling that poster to stop doing so. Instead, please contact a staff member with a link to the topic and saying who posted.
-- Exceptions to this rule: ---> None unless you're staff.
Punishment for breaking the above rules:
- 5% after getting warned from staff a few times if you are a bumper. - 5% if you posted after the initial bump telling the poster off.
Last updated: 18 November, 2008, 2:23pm
----Flaming/Arguments/etc----
- Flaming other members and having arguments and the such is prohibited.
Punishment for breaking the above rule:
- 10% or more given instantly for flaming members/staff and getting into arguments.
Last updated: 5 September, 2008, 5:36pm
----Threads dealing with politics----
Threads dealing with politics are never allowed, regardless of circumstance. Any threads that concern themselves with politics will be locked and moved to the Rubbish Bin.
-- Exceptions to this rule: ---> None
Punishment for breaking the above rule:
- 5% after getting warned from staff a few times.
Last updated on 17 December, 2008.
----Posting Illegal links/software and hints towards those or posting malware/adware----
Please consult the staff if you feel that what you're about to post may break the rules below. This is better than finding yourself with a warning.
- You may not post or suggest to any member about methods or where to find software for free which otherwise costs money.
- You many not post illegal links to adult sites, illegal software, links to cracks for software which otherwise costs money and the such.
- You may not post links to sites which contain viruses/worms/trojans.
- Posting 'adult' looking images (such as Mudslide picture) or hint towards these are not allowed unless they're funny. Remember, most users of this forum are of the age group 13-17.
Punishment for breaking the above rule:
- 10% or more given instantly for suggesting/posting adult sites/images. - 20% or more for suggesting where to find illegal software/cracks - 50% for posting a direct link to illegal software/cracks - Instant ban for posting a direct link to malware (viruses/worms/trojans) and adware (usually worms/trojans). If it was an innocent mistake, you are forgiven and noted down for doing so. Three strikes and you're banned. - Instant ban for REPEATING offense for a direct link to illegal software/cracks. That means that a 2nd time gives you a ban regardless of the warning level.
Last updated: 5 September, 2008, 5:36pm
----Level of the Month/Year----
Yes, everyone wants to have their level in the number one spot. Alas, there are a few rules to follow about the "small" procedure.
SUBMISSION OF LEVELS
(1) Please create a poll in the sub-board pertaining to the month in which the level is made. The subject of the poll shall be the name of the level, with the name of its creator optional; the poll question can be freely chosen; and the answer fields shall display the numbers 1 - 10 (or 0 - 10) in order. The message must contain either a link through which the level in question may be downloaded, the contents of a .mis file enclosed in code tags, or a mention of where the level can be found on the forums (a member's levels topic, for example).
(2) Note: a screenshot of the level is not necessary.
(3) Note: you may not submit to any Level of the Month competition a level not created in that month.
(4) The submission of levels starts on the first day of the month, and ends on the last day of it, irrespective of time zone. You may not submit any levels afterwards to that month's board. A new board shall be created immediately after the end of the month for the most recent levels.
(5) Note: in order to be considered for Level of the Month, a level must be submitted in the same month in which it is released. This is a consequence of (3) and (4).
(6) You must submit Category Awards PM if you participate in LotM.
(7) If you are submitting Category Awards then you must fill all the spots! Do NOT leave any blank or undecided.
Punishment for breaking rule 6: Disqualification your own level from LotM.
Punishment for breaking rule 7: Disqualification all of your choices for Category Aawards. If you are a LotM participant your level will be disqualified from Category Awards.
VOTING
(1) Enter the poll thread with the name of the level to be rated, and submit your vote by the poll, where 10 is best and 0 is worst. You should play the level thoroughly before submitting your vote.
(2) You must provide reasons for your vote in the thread, no matter what you voted. If no reason is given, your vote will not be counted.
Starting in LoTM - November 2007, voters must consider and evaluate the levels in account of at least 4 of the following categories:
Creativity - (NUMBER) : This is where you describe how creative the level is. This means what you liked about the level, what went well, what really stuck out as a "Wow" to you.
Originality - (NUMBER) : Talk about how ORIGINAL the level was. Have you seen these challenges before? Is the layout completely different? Did you think this is a one-of-a-kind level?
Replayability - (NUMBER) : Did you like the level? Is it one of those levels you can't put down until you've beaten every single path possible and gotten the lowest time of all?
Fun Factor - (NUMBER) : How much fun did you have playing the level? Was it too frustrating? Was it too easy, hard? Did the level have a lot of challenges that gave you a fun time learning?
Level Editing - (NUMBER) : How was the level assembled? Are all textures aligned, is the walls straight, does everything flow in the correct direction, are there no level editing mistakes such as misplaced MP's or powerups?
Challenge - (NUMBER) : Did you find the level challenging? Did the Ultimate/Gold/Platinum time keep you on the edge of your seat looking for a new path? Did you like/dislike any challenges in the level itself?
Presentation - (NUMBER) : Is the spelling and grammar in the level description correct? Do you feel the interiors look great with this level? Is the level picture enjoyable to the eye?
Possible nominations (OPTIONAL):
Did you feel this would be a good level to nominate for an award in the monthly voting of the levels such as the Originality award, or simplicity award?
Bonus Points (OPTIONAL): ONLY give bonus points if you'd like to add something was just plain outstanding during the level, such as an entire new type of level, or an awesome level editing job, or just commenting on how well it was all put together.
Overall score: ADD UP YOUR NUMBERS. Each level should be based on a 1-10 or 1-100 scale. Add them up and divide by 7 (Categories) to figure out the number overall the user should get.
(3) Important: you are not allowed to rate your own level. Doing so will result in the level being disqualified for Level of the Month.
(4) Voting for levels ends when Matan does the results for that particular month.
RESULTS
(1) A score is given for all levels for which there is more than one vote. This score is the average of all votes given.
Example: suppose a level wins 3 votes of 10, 5 votes of 8, and 1 vote of 2. The score is therefore (10+10+10 + 8+8+8+8+8 + 2) / 9 = 8
(2) A PM will be sent to all members asking them to vote for certain categories. The results of this voting will be combined with the initial score to produce the final scores.
Should you have any questions, please contact Matan.
Last updated: 29 May, 2008, 9:04pm
----Live Chat----
Spamming and impersonating is prohibited in the Live Chat. You are permitted to use Live Chat only if you use as your log-in name your username on these forums or a variation thereof. (For example, Andrew Sears -> asears).
If anyone sees any violation of the above in the Live Chat, please report it immediately to the Council by creating a thread in the Feedback board.
No leniency to violators is to be expected.
Thank you.
Last updated: 26 Apr, 2007, 10:57pm
----Imageshack Uploader----
I have added a code that in the reply box (not quick reply) you can easily upload an image to image shack and add it to your post! Try it out (spam board please).
Any questions... pm me.
- Perishingflames
Last updated: 5 September, 2008, 5:36pm
----Color Name Changes----
From now on, you are required to have 750 posts before you get a colored name if you don't have a colored name starting now. If you have a color right now, it will be removed until you get 500 posts. If you already have 500 posts, you get to keep your color.
Last updated: 17 Mar, 2007, 12:29pm
----Signatures and Personal Texts----
Signatures and personal texts must, at all times, be free from inappropriate content, such as that referring to sex, etc. Additionally, signatures must not exceed 600 (width) x 250 (height) pixels. Signatures that are too large will be removed by a Council Member/Admin, and a 5% warning will be issued.
Section last edited on July 8, 2009, 10:28 PM.
----Forum Rankings----
Non-staff members receive a 'rank' which is given at different amount of posts. This doesn't show if you really are an expert marble blast, rather, it indicates how active you are and how much you have been contributing to these forums. Staff members can see what forum rank they have reached as well by checking this list.
0 posts - No Poster (0 stars) 1 post - New Marbler (1 star) 5 posts - Novice Marbler 20 posts - Beginner Marbler (2 stars) 75 posts - Intermediate Marbler 125 posts - Advanced Marbler 300 posts - Pro Marbler (3 stars) 400 posts - Expert Marbler 500 posts - Senior Marbler (4 stars) 750 posts - Respected Marbler 1,000 posts - Supreme Marbler (5 stars, green color) 1,250 posts - "Seen It All" Marbler (6 stars, green color) 1,850 posts - Guardian of the Marbles (7 stars, green color) 2,500 posts - Master of the Marblers (8 stars, blue color) 3,700 posts - Almost Invincible Marbler (9 stars, blue color) 5,000 posts - The Invincible Marbler (10 stars, blue color) 10,000 posts - Unknown Rank (Unknown amount of stars or color) 25,000 posts - Unknown Rank (Unknown amount of stars or color) 50,000 posts - Unknown Rank (Unknown amount of stars or color) 75,000 posts - Unknown Rank (Unknown amount of stars or color) 100,000 posts - Unknown Rank (Unknown amount of stars or color)
Staff:
Mod of the Day - 8 stars, blue color, pinkish/red name Jr. Council Members - 10 stars, red color Marble Blast Moderator - 10 stars, blue color Council Members - 11 stars, red color Council Vice President - 12 stars, red color President of The Council - 12 stars, red color Administrator - 14 stars, red color
The only rank that might be deleted is the 3700 posts one.
Note: The unknown ranks actually have a name and a set amount of stars and colors. They won't be told until a certain point.
Last updated: 18 Nov, 2008, 2:10pm
----Copyright Information----
Marble Blast Gold and mods of Marble Blast Gold are under the same copyright pact as the development systems at GarageGames inc. Therefore, any usage of their coding or modification coding with no permission is considered copyright infringement and can be taken to the court of law in the United States if we so desire.
For more information on how to avoid this, see the topic "Things are getting out of hand.."
Please use this for any problem you might encounter which was unable to be solved by the forum members.
EDIT: Due to privacy Terms of Use, Information will not be displayed unless requested by the member them self. Please edit this post if you would like your info displayed.
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