Better Forum Rules

[Alpha1]

It would be really useful if the rules functionality would be enhanced to something much more structured, useful.

1. Give each rule an unique number.
2. Give each rule a title.
3. Give each rule an explanation, so that users can easily understand the meaning of the rule.
4. Explain the consequence of breaking the rule. i.e. 'Breaking this rule will get you banned' or 'Breaking this rule will infract 5 warning points. 10 points will get you banned''.
5. Allow users to link to a rule and embed it in posts.
6. Structure rules in sections for easy overview. (posting etiquette,
7. Add a paragraph on how users should deal with rule breaches.
8. Add a paragraph on the consequences of breaking rules.

The benefit of this is that it would become much easier for users and staff to understand and deal with the rules.
And once rules exist individually, other functionality can be built for it. Like this suggestion here to allow users to report which specific rule is breached:

Thread 'Better functionality to report and moderate illegal hate speech'

Apr 5, 2017

As the first EU nation has now approved a bill to impose hefty multimillion fines on communities for not removing abusive content within 24 hours, we are in dire need of better functionality for content flagging, reporting and moderation. More information below.
We need to have functionality to:

1. Have members and guests flag abusive content and define exactly what type of problem the content has.
   For example by selecting the type of rule breach from a drop down on the report interface.
   
2. Have the content moderated if the content falls in the category hate speech, flaming, slander...

• Alpha1
• abuse content flagging eu law fake news flaming hate speech report center report function reporting slaunder
• Replies: 58
• Forum: XenForo suggestions

• 
• 

Optimally there would also be a function to:

Thread 'Force members to read the rules (after Registration and on Warning)'

Aug 31, 2017

Now that its no longer needed to agree to the rules on registration, please consider a feature that in my opinion is essential functionality: Force members to read the rules.

After a member is registered, they should not be able to post and be directed to the the rules page.
The admin should be able to set what the member can do before agreing with the rules.
Only after an amount of time has passed, the member should be able to agree with the rules. After all it takes time to read rules.
The admin should be able to set the time that needs to go by.
A counter should display how much...

• Alpha1
• Replies: 2
• Forum: XenForo suggestions

• 

 

[frm]

I like the idea, in that you could "move" rules, or shift them with a display order. However, a thread can work just fine now with headings.

1. Give each rule an unique number.
2. Give each rule a title.
3. Give each rule an explanation, so that users can easily understand the meaning of the rule.
4. Explain the consequence of breaking the rule. i.e. 'Breaking this rule will get you banned' or 'Breaking this rule will infract 5 warning points. 10 points will get you banned''.
5. Allow users to link to a rule and embed it in posts.
6. Structure rules in sections for easy overview. (posting etiquette, (Headings in separate threads if you want to narrow it down does this)
7. Add a paragraph on how users should deal with rule breaches.
8. Add a paragraph on the consequences of breaking rules. (Similar to proposed #4 above)

1. Rule: Do not use expletives​

Since this is a public forum that can be accessed by individuals of all ages, including guests, we kindly request that contributing members refrain from using explicit language in their posts.

1(a). Infractions​

Using explicit language in your post will result in X infraction points. Click here to learn more about infractions and how they can affect your account on this forum.

1(b). Breaches​

All users are encouraged to report any content containing expletives. Your report will remain anonymous, visible only to staff members, and no details of the report will be shared with the community.

Do not use expletives. Click here to read rule (1):
https://xenforo.com/community/threads/better-forum-rules.228397/#-1-rule-do-not-use-expletives
Continual use of expletives will be dealt with in this manner:
https://xenforo.com/community/threads/better-forum-rules.228397/#-1-a-infractions
Users are encouraged to report questionable content:
https://xenforo.com/community/threads/better-forum-rules.228397/#-1-b-breaches

Now, while a better "Help" / "Rules" page that can be done making a list of rules that can be drag/dropped/reordered, it's not impossible to do everything proposed with one thread.

I've upvoted this because I would like to see a more structured rules page with rules that can be edited individually, and reordered (if reordered, not losing their anchor link, which headings would, so they can always be referenced with a unique identifier, as proposed in #1).

 

[Wildcat Media]

It's probably off-topic for a suggestion, but having dealt with many member issues and constantly evolving rules, we found it easier to create a single post that we can all edit, and change rules as needed. And we broke it up into sections, with all infractions as bulleted lists.

• Unacceptable behavior (attacks, language, questioning staff actions, etc.)
• Unacceptable topics (for threads)
• Unacceptable post and message content
• Your forum account (allowable profile details and signatures, no sock puppet/spam/troll accounts, etc.)
• Removal/closure of content (why/how/where content is dealt with)
• Warnings, suspensions, bans (what they are, when they're dispensed)
• Copyright clause
• Fine print (including a general purpose "staff reserves the right to determine what is unacceptable" for those bad situations that exist beyond the rules)

I figure, why overcomplicate things? The more convoluted the rules, the less likely members will read them. That's why I greatly pared down the rules we had, and broke them into short, easy-to-read bulleted lists. If they have more questions, we're working on a complete set of FAQ pages they can sort through.

We also got rid of a lot of redundancy. We still have one moderator who insists that we add a sentence to new rules saying, "Failure to follow the rule will result in an immediate suspension or ban." That's already implied and redundant. "Say something once" is my guideline.

I created a private add-on that will display the first post in a thread in a XenForo page, then we include that in the pages that make up our sets of rules, and FAQ pages. That way, staff can modify them easily.

No offense to the OP as they might have their own reason to have a configurable Rules page as mentioned, but I prefer not to overcomplicate things. There is more than one way to accomplish what we need.

 

[alfaNova]

I added my forum rules below. I am trying to keep it as much as simple to understand by users easily. I am sure there are some gaps and content against to regulation but this what I implemented at the moment.

Terms and Conditions
Welcome to our forum. Our platform operates on a rules-based system designed to promote information sharing and maintain community order. The following terms are binding for all members.

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1. Legal Responsibility

• Responsibility for all content shared on the forum lies with the user who posts it.
• Pursuant to Law No. 5651 and Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code, necessary actions will be taken for illegal content within 7 working days at the latest after official applications are submitted via the contact form.
• The forum management cannot be held liable for any legal issues arising from user-generated content.

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2. Rules of Conduct and Posting

• Swearing, insults, discrimination, provocation, or any actions that disturb community harmony are strictly prohibited.
• Please adhere to Turkish spelling and grammar rules in your messages. Messages containing profanity, excessive banter, personal attacks, or other offensive content will be deleted by the administrators.
• The private information of forum members cannot be shared without their permission.

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3. Membership and Account Management

• Each user is allowed only one account. Any duplicate accounts detected will be closed, and the user will be warned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your password secure. If you share your password with third parties, you will be held accountable for any resulting issues.
• To maintain a professional environment, ensure transparency, and support healthy communication, members are encouraged to register with their real names. For example: Ahmet Kara │ Ahmet K. │ A. Kara.
• Accounts of banned users or those who leave the forum will not be deleted.

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4. Content Sharing

• Posting content that infringes copyright, contains pirated software, obscene material, or immoral content is strictly prohibited.
• Content shared in the forum is considered permanent to ensure the continuity of information sharing. It will only be deleted in cases of legal obligations or rule violations.
• Sharing e-mail addresses to request files, documents, or information is forbidden. All information and file exchanges must take place through the forum and adhere to community rules.

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5. Protection of Personal Data

• Personal data (e.g., name, e-mail address, IP address) of forum members are stored and processed solely to operate the forum and enhance the user experience.
• Personal data will not be shared with third parties without the user’s explicit consent and are protected in accordance with the procedures outlined in the GDPR.
• Users have the right to request information about how their personal data is processed, as well as to request corrections or deletions. Such requests can be submitted through the forum’s communication channel and will be addressed within 30 days.
• Personal data will only be shared in cases of legal obligations or official authority requests.

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6. Information and E-Mail Notifications

• Forum members may receive informational e-mails, advertisements, and newsletters if they have given consent during registration.
• Members who do not wish to receive such messages can update their preferences using the “Unsubscribe” link in e-mails, make changes in their profile settings, or contact the forum management.
• All e-mails comply with personal data protection regulations under KVKK and are not shared with third parties.

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7. Administration Rights

• The forum administration reserves the right to amend the rules and edit content.
• All changes will take effect on the date of publication.

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Thank you for supporting our efforts to maintain order in the forum. We wish you a pleasant and enriching experience.

Forum Management

There are references to some local legislation, so you should review all the rules in general if you wish to use them.