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New OT/MM Cafe Creation Guidelines
Note that the forum global rules apply here as well so be sure to read that if you haven't already. Below are the specialized rules that will apply for all of the OT section.
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- No Political/News Media Threads.
Examples: Political Party Promotion/Slander , Gender Issues Promotion/Slander, Controversial Media, Government Activities, Political Correctness, etc.
Reason: This hasn't been too much of an issue in the past mostly because topics like this rarely ever appear at OT, but when they do appear they all end bad if left to their own devices long enough as seen in the past here. All it takes is at least two 'passionate' people in the same thread to send it to hell. There is a ton of 'grey area' involved when participating in said topic.
The general gist is if X thread serves to personally serve someone or some group [directly or indirectly] for the sake of votes, fundraisers [besides legitimate non political affiliated donations/crowdfundings/etc], political ideology, political correctness, etc regardless of bias/intent of the TC then don't make it. Is the latest human massacre a hot social media topic? Don't make it. A government bill/law possible being passed and you want to share it? Don't make it.
Avoid making ticking time bomb threads like Ferguson Shooting or the several past SJW/Feminist type threads. Keep your personal political/media/etc affiliation to yourself because chances are it's gonna personally offend/anger someone here within the thread or participate in an alternative venue if you want to share your personal thoughts on politics, controversial news stories, topics.
Reason: This hasn't been too much of an issue in the past mostly because topics like this rarely ever appear at OT, but when they do appear they all end bad if left to their own devices long enough as seen in the past here. All it takes is at least two 'passionate' people in the same thread to send it to hell. There is a ton of 'grey area' involved when participating in said topic.
The general gist is if X thread serves to personally serve someone or some group [directly or indirectly] for the sake of votes, fundraisers [besides legitimate non political affiliated donations/crowdfundings/etc], political ideology, political correctness, etc regardless of bias/intent of the TC then don't make it. Is the latest human massacre a hot social media topic? Don't make it. A government bill/law possible being passed and you want to share it? Don't make it.
Avoid making ticking time bomb threads like Ferguson Shooting or the several past SJW/Feminist type threads. Keep your personal political/media/etc affiliation to yourself because chances are it's gonna personally offend/anger someone here within the thread or participate in an alternative venue if you want to share your personal thoughts on politics, controversial news stories, topics.
- No Religious Centric Promotion/Slander Based Threads.
Example: "Not all Muslims are Violent" , "Do Catholic Priests touch little boys?", "Atheists FTW!", etc.
Reason: Don't make threads that is surrounding a religion/cult/etc because again it is one of those controversial topics.
Reason: Don't make threads that is surrounding a religion/cult/etc because again it is one of those controversial topics.
- No Racial/Nationalistic/Etc Hate/Conflict Motivated Threads.
Example: "Do Cops hate black people?", "Are the Chinese superior?", "Those darn Mexicans taking er' jobs!", etc.
Reason: Don't make threads that is baiting racism or nationalistic arrogance that serves to create conflict in the OT.
Reason: Don't make threads that is baiting racism or nationalistic arrogance that serves to create conflict in the OT.
- No Inappropriately Petty Begging Threads.
Example: "Please buy me X game", "Please donate me y anime figurine", "Anyone want to spare me some Cheetos?", etc.
Reason: This rarely has became an issue, but is still an annoyance whenever it does surfaces on the forum. Please note this rule is not against appropriately made non scamming KickStarter/IndieGoGo/etc [obviously no OffBeatr allowed] threads because they are a legitimate enough host that has their own specific rules/regulations and your investing money into something instead of giving away handouts.
Note again this rule is not against any appropriately made threads where reputable SH members here can ask the community for some assistance during their time of need like giving them plane ticket money to participate in Evo or help them out when dealing with the aftermath of a disaster which both scenarios happened in the past here.
What this rule is against is threads like this begging the community for a $15 game. No threads are allowed to take advantage of the SH community generosity and indirectly harm the other more legitimate threads that are asking for your aide. Don't make threads begging the community to buy you a PS4, the next Halo game, help fund my pool development, etc you get the idea.
What is also allowed though are appropriate mutual beneficial negotiations/giveaways [Steam Card Trading/'I got a free game DL code for someone!'] which both happened in the past here as well. This of course does not include blatant spambots/inappropriate ads. If you want to beg someone for something because you feel entitled then take it somewhere else.
Reason: This rarely has became an issue, but is still an annoyance whenever it does surfaces on the forum. Please note this rule is not against appropriately made non scamming KickStarter/IndieGoGo/etc [obviously no OffBeatr allowed] threads because they are a legitimate enough host that has their own specific rules/regulations and your investing money into something instead of giving away handouts.
Note again this rule is not against any appropriately made threads where reputable SH members here can ask the community for some assistance during their time of need like giving them plane ticket money to participate in Evo or help them out when dealing with the aftermath of a disaster which both scenarios happened in the past here.
What this rule is against is threads like this begging the community for a $15 game. No threads are allowed to take advantage of the SH community generosity and indirectly harm the other more legitimate threads that are asking for your aide. Don't make threads begging the community to buy you a PS4, the next Halo game, help fund my pool development, etc you get the idea.
What is also allowed though are appropriate mutual beneficial negotiations/giveaways [Steam Card Trading/'I got a free game DL code for someone!'] which both happened in the past here as well. This of course does not include blatant spambots/inappropriate ads. If you want to beg someone for something because you feel entitled then take it somewhere else.
- No 'Forum Game/Media Dump' Threads.
Example: 'Post X message based on Y poster above you' ' 'Here are the game rules for thread..', 'Dump your music videos here', etc
Reason: 'Forum Games' are threads that are designed to not have post activity without relying on others members being simply present in a specific order[The message of the post itself is usually irrelevant for the game] in the thread as opposed to responding to the current conversation in regular threads. While they can be considered 'fun', forum game threads ultimately devolve to 'posting for the sake of posting' instead of any potential of discussion between participants in the thread because of the 'rules/format' of x forum game.
The 'forum game' threads end up bloating an already fairly bloated section with the amount of zero substance filler threads/posting. This does not mean you can't have threads 'to have fun'. An example is the past poetry corner thread where members made creative poems and could give feedback to each other or the santa thread where you ask each other what your doing for the holidays. The difference is the latter actually has greater potential for more valid discussion because the nature of the 'forum game' restricts posters to post under a specific format without promoting discussion.
Don't make 'forum game' threads that promote filler posting. You can still make 'fun' threads with a bit more effort in the OP/Title that promotes discussion with each other too. Media dumping threads for videos/images/.etc are also not allowed because they promote next to no discussion. You are still allowed to post videos/images/etc [obviously no image macros], but they have to complement the thread discussion. The dumping can't be the main 'discussion' if you're still confused.
Reason: 'Forum Games' are threads that are designed to not have post activity without relying on others members being simply present in a specific order[The message of the post itself is usually irrelevant for the game] in the thread as opposed to responding to the current conversation in regular threads. While they can be considered 'fun', forum game threads ultimately devolve to 'posting for the sake of posting' instead of any potential of discussion between participants in the thread because of the 'rules/format' of x forum game.
The 'forum game' threads end up bloating an already fairly bloated section with the amount of zero substance filler threads/posting. This does not mean you can't have threads 'to have fun'. An example is the past poetry corner thread where members made creative poems and could give feedback to each other or the santa thread where you ask each other what your doing for the holidays. The difference is the latter actually has greater potential for more valid discussion because the nature of the 'forum game' restricts posters to post under a specific format without promoting discussion.
Don't make 'forum game' threads that promote filler posting. You can still make 'fun' threads with a bit more effort in the OP/Title that promotes discussion with each other too. Media dumping threads for videos/images/.etc are also not allowed because they promote next to no discussion. You are still allowed to post videos/images/etc [obviously no image macros], but they have to complement the thread discussion. The dumping can't be the main 'discussion' if you're still confused.
- No Inappropriately Made Random Story/Blog/Etc Threads
Example: "Dear SH...I had eggs with bacon this morning" - OP , "*insert random 'funny story*'" - OP, etc
Reason: What is not ok for example is posting a three paragraph 'funny' OP thread and call it a day that only exists to generate a chain of member reactions of 'wtf?' 'lol' etc type posts for like 2-3 pages. What is OK for example is making a valid enough OP and then maybe asking for some specific constructive feedback such as possible improvements, what went wrong, what went right, etc like if you were trying to encourage thread discussion instead of an 'all about me' corner.
You know things that can actually advance a thread discussion besides a gauntlet of 'lol' 'wtf', etc posts that just makes devolves the thread into pure reaction filler. All about improving the posting quality for the OT is the idea. OT is not your personal one sided venting area/shit posting haven. The general gist is not make a thread like this where it promotes no thread discussion outside of generating reactions. Your good as long as the OP or at least the thread title clearly explains what legitimate direction you want your thread to go.
Reason: What is not ok for example is posting a three paragraph 'funny' OP thread and call it a day that only exists to generate a chain of member reactions of 'wtf?' 'lol' etc type posts for like 2-3 pages. What is OK for example is making a valid enough OP and then maybe asking for some specific constructive feedback such as possible improvements, what went wrong, what went right, etc like if you were trying to encourage thread discussion instead of an 'all about me' corner.
You know things that can actually advance a thread discussion besides a gauntlet of 'lol' 'wtf', etc posts that just makes devolves the thread into pure reaction filler. All about improving the posting quality for the OT is the idea. OT is not your personal one sided venting area/shit posting haven. The general gist is not make a thread like this where it promotes no thread discussion outside of generating reactions. Your good as long as the OP or at least the thread title clearly explains what legitimate direction you want your thread to go.
- No SG/SH Related Topics At All Here
Example: 'Is Filia braindead?' 'Does Beowulf even lift?' 'Do you like my SG art?'
Reason: Self-explanatory. You would think that this rule above everything would be the most obvious to follow, but surprisingly there were quite a bit of SG centric threads buried in OT that had to be moved to more appropriate locations in the forum. You have the whole rest of the forum to talk about anything SG related. Put those threads under the appropriate sections. You can obviously still reference SG if it is relevant, but SG should be far from the main focus of your topic. If you want to make threads that is about the site itself then this section is a suitable location.
Reason: Self-explanatory. You would think that this rule above everything would be the most obvious to follow, but surprisingly there were quite a bit of SG centric threads buried in OT that had to be moved to more appropriate locations in the forum. You have the whole rest of the forum to talk about anything SG related. Put those threads under the appropriate sections. You can obviously still reference SG if it is relevant, but SG should be far from the main focus of your topic. If you want to make threads that is about the site itself then this section is a suitable location.
OT Gaming Section Creation Specifics
What defines as a 'game' for this section would be Video Games, Board Games, Card Games, etc. [Not 'Forum Games'] related discussions. If you want to create a thread that is relevant to games then this area is that destination. If you happen to want to make a thread that is relevant to fighting games then the 'other fighting games' sub section is the more appropriate destination for that thread. SG is a fighting game so safe to assume we have a good amount of people here interested in other fighting games as well while they are here to deserve a special section.
- Only One [Max] Main 'General Gaming' Thread Creation Allowed.
Reason: Self Explanatory. Have no more then one dedicated thread solely for quick discussion for gaming in general. Anymore would be redundant. Thread should already be stickied and helps those who don't want the hassle of making a thread and get right into talking about gaming that don't quite fit anywhere else.
- No Blatant Game Spoilers Allowed.
Example: "X character died, Y character didn't die, etc"
Reason: To promote forum etiquette/respect for those still ignorant on whatever plot twists happened. You can post spoilers in your posts still, but be sure to use a spoiler tag. Be sure to explain somewhere what that spoiler tag is supposed to reveal as well. I'm sure you will know the difference between a spoiler from a decade ago and a spoiler from a game that came out last week as a rule of thumb.
Reason: To promote forum etiquette/respect for those still ignorant on whatever plot twists happened. You can post spoilers in your posts still, but be sure to use a spoiler tag. Be sure to explain somewhere what that spoiler tag is supposed to reveal as well. I'm sure you will know the difference between a spoiler from a decade ago and a spoiler from a game that came out last week as a rule of thumb.
- No Threads For Hentai/Adult/Etc Games Allowed
Reason: Self-Explanatory.
OT Anime/Manga/Cartoons Section Creation Specifics
This section is specifically for anime, manga, or cartoon centric threads. If you want to create a thread that is about that then this subsection would be the more appropriate destination. 'Ecchi' and excessively violent stuff is allowed, but be sure to place a NSFW spoiler disclaimer because not everyone wants to immediately see for example a half naked loli or a character that had his brains bashed in.
- Only One [Max] Main 'Anime/Manga' and One [Max] Main 'Cartoon' Thread Creation Allowed
Reason: Self Explanatory; same as explained reason in Game Section above.
- No Blatant Anime/Manga/Cartoon Spoilers Allowed.
Reason: Same explained reason as in Game Section above.
- No Threads for Hentai/Adult/Etc Animations/Readings Allowed
Reason: Self Explanatory.
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While this all might initially seem like an intimidating list of rules from first reaction, most of these are common sense/generally expected which shouldn't interfere with previous posting activity by the majority regulars of the section. Only a fraction of the preexisting bulk OT threads were filtered out or moved to new destinations with these new rules so this implies that most of you wouldn't be effected with these changes at all and you can continue with your posting activity in this section as usual. The above rules are all subject to change under appropriate circumstances. The stated rules are meant to act as a safeguard for moderation to effectively police the thread better and not to sadistically oppress the populace. The main goals for this revision is to
1. Thin out the section whenever possible to prevent excessive bloating.
2. Improve OT organization for easier searching.
3. And most importantly gradually improve the overall 'quality' of the section which has been lacking to say the least.
OT will always be in an everlasting stage of evolution considering it has become one of the more popular hubs on SH. Please report any rule violations to speed up the process of having OT appropriately regulated. This thread is for PSA purposes which is why it is locked, if you want to leave feedback then there is this thread to voice your questions, concerns, praise, criticism, etc. If you have any questions specifically about you not being sure if whatever thread your interested in making would be allowed then I encourage you to pm me @Number 13 and/or fellow OT mod @Matty first who will be the ones primarily in charge of this area.
Remember: Use the 'search' function in the area first to make sure a similar thread doesn't already exist already to decrease the likelihood of duplicate threads sitting around which has been an issue here. No one was infracted if your threads didn't qualify for the new rules. This is a clean slate for this area for everyone. The responsibility starts the moment this PSA went live.
I again recommend you read these rules clearly before you start making threads in the area to make absolutely sure that your thread will be fine and you won't have to see me for moderation purposes instead of popping in as just a regular SH thread participant. The threads that are currently still in the OT area after the change was checked and approved.
That does not mean I didn't miss anything like a couple threads should be merged or there is a thread that shouldn't exist under the new rules because the human error margin is fairly likely to appear when digging through hundreds of threads to reorganize. Please let me know if such errors surfaced. Even when OT/MM is open again to public use, further section reorganization may be needed. Remember 'TLDR' .'I didn't see'. etc is not a valid excuse if your caught violating the new rules.
Your feedback is important don't ever forget that. Thank you and enjoy the OT section again community. - 13
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