Doh
05-02-03, 09:14
To make you stay here a pleasant one please read following guidelines.
Firstly, Hello and Welcome, we are very pleased you have decided to visit us here at UltimateReef.com
If you have just registered as a member, then you will be even more privileged, as you will have full access to all the facilities and benefits that posting and participation brings.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY.
In order that you will receive the maximum enjoyment whilst with us, the following notes have been drawn up with the intention of highlighting some of the rules and guidelines you should practice whilst participating in a web based forum such as this. It is occasionally the case that a difference of opinion, error in judgment, or 'hot' topic may cause friction or frayed nerves. By following these guidelines these incidences and misunderstandings will be minimal and short lived, leading to a friendlier environment for all, and a better image for the board itself.
If you have not read the Terms of Service, it would be wise to read them at this point in time to become acquainted with the policies prevalent to this section. The Terms of Service conditions can be found here (http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/faq.php?faq=new_faq_item#faq_new_faq_item_ur_agree ).
1. Good manners. http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
There will be occasions where differing opinions arise, or tempers are pushed. Please take into account that nobody wishes to be insulted after a hard day at work when all they want to do is to discuss a hobby they love so much. Foul language, insults, or comments that are obviously aimed at antagonising another member are unacceptable under any circumstances. The offending party will have their post removed by the admin team and receive 1 warning, either through Private Messenger or if necessary via the post itself should it be warranted. We should never speak to people in a manner that we would not appreciate ourselves in a face-to-face conversation.
2. Making yourself clearly understood. http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif
The very nature of a Bulletin board means that you will be making conversation with people you may have never met, and that conversation will lack the benefits of face-to-face expression to clarify feelings. It is recommended whenever appropriate, and worthwhile, to add emoticons to your replies to make clear your intentions/feelings. This goes along way towards avoiding confrontation where a joke was implied but read as a criticism, or insult. Likewise it is recommended when replying to posts that you take time to fully explain your viewpoint and any reasons for alternative opinion. This is an education in its own right for less experienced keepers and the amount of information gained can be of massive assistance. Your knowledge and experiences are only worthwhile if backed up with additional information. Photos are always a bonus in this respect.
3. Keeping it relevant. http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/eh.gif
In order to ensure your maximum enjoyment (and minimise your telephone bill), please try to keep to the topic at hand when responding to posts. It can be very annoying at times when viewing, to have to rifle through countless non-related quotes and comments that detract from the subject matter. Variations on the theme, and expansion are always welcome, however private conversations that go off on a tangent should be avoided. The admin team may remove any pointless and unhelpful comments during clean-up sessions, in which case a post may be moved temporarily to the admin section for this purpose. No offence is intended towards any individual during this procedure. It is purely a method of decreasing loading times and thinning out the garbage in an effort to minimise server space, which has to be paid for.
4. Protecting yourself and the board. http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif
This is often a very grey area, in respect to what 'can' be said on a public Forum and what 'can’t' be said. Although the terms and conditions cover this, there will always be cases where a subject crops up that pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable. Please remember that this is a 'UK' based forum and as such must comply with the legal limitations as laid down by our country, Unlike some other countries where anything goes. Please remember when putting up new posts or responding, that there are legal issues to consider when discussing certain subjects. These may be of a political, business, or personal nature, and can have serious legal repercussions to the individuals concerned and the board itself should they be infringed upon. Personal grievances between an individual and a business or another individual have no place in public view. Any such problems should be discussed in private between those parties, as it is rarely constructive in the long term to the good nature of the board, and our place within the hobby as whole. We do not wish to become alienated from those businesses / individuals we rely on to support our hobby because they fear public ridicule by an individual or group. If you are in any doubt at all whether your post may or may not be damaging to those parties named then please 'DO NOT' post it.
Any such posts that the admin team feel are a danger to the legal security of the board/board owner, or our reputation within the hobby, as a 'well mannered, and welcoming site' will be removed.
5. The admin team, who what where, and how? http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif
This site is maintained and supported by a 'voluntary' team of likeminded Reef keepers. The main role of the moderators is to supervise posts to ensure fair treatment for all, and to ensure the safety of the board, and it's members in general. Like you, we would ideally wish to spend our time helping, by answering questions and joining in with the babble. You will quickly become acquainted with each moderator as you travel through various sections. Please feel free to contact one of us should you need assistance, or wish to air a complaint. We are here to support you.
On occasions it is necessary for a moderator to step in to rectify a situation, be it a misplaced thread, off track topic, or dispute. Please remember that the admin team consists of volunteers, not paid workers. As such, patience and respect should be shown for what is occasionally a difficult and unrewarding job. Any decision made by a moderator, be it to close, edit, or remove a topic is always carefully considered in respect to the overall harmony and protection of the board and its members. As such, any decision is final. However should you request a reason for that decision, then please feel free to contact a member of the admin team who will be only too happy to explain why. This response however, is a courtesy gesture and not a reason to debate or argue the decision.
After reading this section we are sure you will understand that we wish for all our members (and guests), to have an enjoyable, rewarding and educational time, with a minimal amount of intervention or stress. This can only be achieved if all parties involved, take time to consider whether the reply or topic we are about to post is of a courteous, constructive and helpful nature, without any danger of causing damage or insult to another party.
Should you notice a post or thread that fails to meet acceptable standards, or causes upsett or distress. Please forward the post in question via the 'Inform a moderator about this post' link at the bottom right of each post. We will then endevour to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
Many thanks for taking time to read this section, and enjoy your stay.
The UltimateReef Admin team. http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Firstly, Hello and Welcome, we are very pleased you have decided to visit us here at UltimateReef.com
If you have just registered as a member, then you will be even more privileged, as you will have full access to all the facilities and benefits that posting and participation brings.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY.
In order that you will receive the maximum enjoyment whilst with us, the following notes have been drawn up with the intention of highlighting some of the rules and guidelines you should practice whilst participating in a web based forum such as this. It is occasionally the case that a difference of opinion, error in judgment, or 'hot' topic may cause friction or frayed nerves. By following these guidelines these incidences and misunderstandings will be minimal and short lived, leading to a friendlier environment for all, and a better image for the board itself.
If you have not read the Terms of Service, it would be wise to read them at this point in time to become acquainted with the policies prevalent to this section. The Terms of Service conditions can be found here (http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/faq.php?faq=new_faq_item#faq_new_faq_item_ur_agree ).
1. Good manners. http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
There will be occasions where differing opinions arise, or tempers are pushed. Please take into account that nobody wishes to be insulted after a hard day at work when all they want to do is to discuss a hobby they love so much. Foul language, insults, or comments that are obviously aimed at antagonising another member are unacceptable under any circumstances. The offending party will have their post removed by the admin team and receive 1 warning, either through Private Messenger or if necessary via the post itself should it be warranted. We should never speak to people in a manner that we would not appreciate ourselves in a face-to-face conversation.
2. Making yourself clearly understood. http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif
The very nature of a Bulletin board means that you will be making conversation with people you may have never met, and that conversation will lack the benefits of face-to-face expression to clarify feelings. It is recommended whenever appropriate, and worthwhile, to add emoticons to your replies to make clear your intentions/feelings. This goes along way towards avoiding confrontation where a joke was implied but read as a criticism, or insult. Likewise it is recommended when replying to posts that you take time to fully explain your viewpoint and any reasons for alternative opinion. This is an education in its own right for less experienced keepers and the amount of information gained can be of massive assistance. Your knowledge and experiences are only worthwhile if backed up with additional information. Photos are always a bonus in this respect.
3. Keeping it relevant. http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/eh.gif
In order to ensure your maximum enjoyment (and minimise your telephone bill), please try to keep to the topic at hand when responding to posts. It can be very annoying at times when viewing, to have to rifle through countless non-related quotes and comments that detract from the subject matter. Variations on the theme, and expansion are always welcome, however private conversations that go off on a tangent should be avoided. The admin team may remove any pointless and unhelpful comments during clean-up sessions, in which case a post may be moved temporarily to the admin section for this purpose. No offence is intended towards any individual during this procedure. It is purely a method of decreasing loading times and thinning out the garbage in an effort to minimise server space, which has to be paid for.
4. Protecting yourself and the board. http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif
This is often a very grey area, in respect to what 'can' be said on a public Forum and what 'can’t' be said. Although the terms and conditions cover this, there will always be cases where a subject crops up that pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable. Please remember that this is a 'UK' based forum and as such must comply with the legal limitations as laid down by our country, Unlike some other countries where anything goes. Please remember when putting up new posts or responding, that there are legal issues to consider when discussing certain subjects. These may be of a political, business, or personal nature, and can have serious legal repercussions to the individuals concerned and the board itself should they be infringed upon. Personal grievances between an individual and a business or another individual have no place in public view. Any such problems should be discussed in private between those parties, as it is rarely constructive in the long term to the good nature of the board, and our place within the hobby as whole. We do not wish to become alienated from those businesses / individuals we rely on to support our hobby because they fear public ridicule by an individual or group. If you are in any doubt at all whether your post may or may not be damaging to those parties named then please 'DO NOT' post it.
Any such posts that the admin team feel are a danger to the legal security of the board/board owner, or our reputation within the hobby, as a 'well mannered, and welcoming site' will be removed.
5. The admin team, who what where, and how? http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif
This site is maintained and supported by a 'voluntary' team of likeminded Reef keepers. The main role of the moderators is to supervise posts to ensure fair treatment for all, and to ensure the safety of the board, and it's members in general. Like you, we would ideally wish to spend our time helping, by answering questions and joining in with the babble. You will quickly become acquainted with each moderator as you travel through various sections. Please feel free to contact one of us should you need assistance, or wish to air a complaint. We are here to support you.
On occasions it is necessary for a moderator to step in to rectify a situation, be it a misplaced thread, off track topic, or dispute. Please remember that the admin team consists of volunteers, not paid workers. As such, patience and respect should be shown for what is occasionally a difficult and unrewarding job. Any decision made by a moderator, be it to close, edit, or remove a topic is always carefully considered in respect to the overall harmony and protection of the board and its members. As such, any decision is final. However should you request a reason for that decision, then please feel free to contact a member of the admin team who will be only too happy to explain why. This response however, is a courtesy gesture and not a reason to debate or argue the decision.
After reading this section we are sure you will understand that we wish for all our members (and guests), to have an enjoyable, rewarding and educational time, with a minimal amount of intervention or stress. This can only be achieved if all parties involved, take time to consider whether the reply or topic we are about to post is of a courteous, constructive and helpful nature, without any danger of causing damage or insult to another party.
Should you notice a post or thread that fails to meet acceptable standards, or causes upsett or distress. Please forward the post in question via the 'Inform a moderator about this post' link at the bottom right of each post. We will then endevour to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
Many thanks for taking time to read this section, and enjoy your stay.
The UltimateReef Admin team. http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif