[The_Sith]

Tip.It Forum Code of Conduct

most recent changes in red

REGARDING JAGEX

Tip.It forums are NOT Official RuneScape Forums and are not endorsed or sanctioned by Jagex, Ltd. in any way. The RuneScape Rules are strictly enforced on Tip.It forums. For more information on the enforcement of Jagex rules on the Tip.It forums, please see the detailed rules section below. Posting complaints or accusations against other players on the forum is pointless. Access the Comment on our service on the official RuneScape website to report your allegations, NOT this site. It may take some time but using Customer Support is the only option that guarantees your report will be read and investigated by official Jagex Staff.

SECTION 1 - TIP.IT RULES - Grounds For Content Removal, Warning, Suspension Or Permanent Ban

Forum rule violation may result in actions being taken that can include content edits, written warnings as well as temporary suspension and permanent ban depending on the severity and frequency of the offense. Attempting to bypass a ban by accessing the forums with another account will result in a permanent, immediate ban.

1.1 - Breaking or encouraging others to break any of Jagex's rules

Violating Jagex's official RuneScape Rules on this forum is cause for being permanently banned from the Tip.it forums. This includes but is not limited to posting tips/pictures on how to cheat, trying to scam someone on the board, and trying to have someone click a link that is infected with keyloggers/trojans. Private server pictures and posts about worldswitchers/toolkits are forbidden. This includes discussions about using a third-party client and posting links to websites containing third-party client software. In game screenshots taken while using the Swiftswitch Worldswitcher/Toolkit will be allowed provided that no links are provided to download the application and no discussion of the features and benefits of using them is included. Jagex still highly recommends that these applications are not used and we are not currently allowing images from any other clients. We still ask that you crop any screenshots to prevent stretching of posts within the topics.

1.2 - Irritating Posting Styles/Spamming

In order to maintain an environment that promotes ease in the exchange of information, spamming is prohibited. Spamming includes posting entire messages using excessive formatting (all caps), posting the same message repeatedly, cross posting the same message in multiple forums, making pointless threads or replies (such as "+1" posts), begging (for yourself or another player), excessive use of "smilies"/characters/spaces/blank lines/nested quotes, as well as any advertisements (includes pm'ing advertisements), chain letters, pyramid schemes, click-wars (referrals), or website solicitations including ebay-type spam. Additionally, do not pointlessly bump old threads unless you're contributing to the topic. You may bump a topic in the Marketplace or a very important thread elsewhere, but not whilst the thread is still on the first page of the forum.

1.3 - Scamming

Members may not attempt to misguide other members. Creating posts in which a user attempts to take advantage of any other user by taking or falsely trading items such as in lotteries/raffles or any other forms of gambling is forbidden. A scam is the act of acquiring item(s) or any other possession from another player through misinformation, confusion, or fraud. Creating user names that impersonate Developers, Staff, or other users is forbidden. Posts containing "walls of trust"/trust trading (in name or concept), advertised player-run games, contests, clubs, charity events or groups that require entry/participation based on items/donations given to the owner of the event are forbidden. This is also against the RuneScape Rules. Tip.It also takes a negative view on the use or promotion of macros/bots/Toolkits on RuneScape. Posting links to, or asking for links to these is not permitted. The advertising of games that can cause harm to some members while enriching others is not permitted. These perpetrators are known as scammers and these types of acts are prohibited.

1.4 - Signature Selling

Signature selling for RS items/cash on the forums is forbidden. This includes the selling of forum signatures, whether for real life money or RuneScape gold. Budding artists can offer their signatures for free by posting an item in The Gallery. Selling any other real-life/non-game related items or services is not permitted or tolerated. This includes web-site creation, banners, forum set-ups, and any trades of items or cash from games other than Jagex's RuneScape. If you are unsure about any item or service that might fall into these categories, please contact a forum Tip.It Moderator or Administrator.

1.5 - Flaming, Violence, Harassment & Pointless Vulgarity

Mild, intelligent flaming is allowable. However, pointless harassment aimed at a specific individual or group of people is unacceptable. It is not our intention to limit the poster's option to use occasional curse words to demonstrate a point. However pointless, excessive, or obscene cursing will be edited or deleted. There is a chat filter in operation, which will disguise certain inappropriate words. Forum infractions may result in immediate actions being taken that can range from written warnings, temporary suspension or permanent suspension from this site, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense. User names (and profile information) may not be offensive, vulgar, profane, or abusive.

Intentionally posting false arguments, intentionally misquoting other users, flames or personal attacks for no other purpose than to incite a negative reaction, annoy others or disrupt a discussion is also prohibited. Posts that are disparaging toward any religion, race, nation, social status, gender, or sexual orientation are strictly forbidden. No personal threats or harassment. This includes posting pictures representing an attack. Debate opinions - not the people behind them. This also applies to all forums, threads, posts, private messages, profiles, avatars and signatures. Any post using excessive vulgarity, threatening or harassing, obscene or hateful, deliberately inaccurate or misleading, explicitly sexual in nature, an invasion of a person's privacy, abusing our censor, or in any other way violates the law, may be edited or removed and the user may be banned (at the discretion of the Administrators).

1.6 - Naming Names

Naming people or their characters in a negative light is not permitted. That person is not able to defend themselves or their actions and what seems like an inappropriate action, which can often be a simple misunderstanding, can lead to a negative reaction against that person.

Additionally, Tip.It Forums are not directly affiliated with Jagex Ltd. Therefore, we cannot help you when you have been scammed or hacked. This is why the "No Naming Names" rule is in place. If you have been scammed or have heard of someone who was scammed, you must not name names. The reason for this is that many people have posted saying "this person scammed me" when they really did not! The truth is we do not know if the person you say "scammed" you, really scammed you or not. Spreading this around the forums would give a bad reputation to someone who may not even deserve it!

Again, Tip.It Forums are not affiliated with Jagex Ltd. in any way. If you post about being scammed, we cannot hand out discipline to the person who scammed you. The only way you can report a scamming is to contact Jagex Customer Support. Any post containing names will be edited, locked or removed at the Moderator's discretion. If you have any questions, feel free to contact a Tip.It Moderator or Administrator.

1.7 - Posting on Behalf of Banned Users

Banned users have violated a policy or rule of this site. Banned users may not ask other users to post on the forums on their behalf.

1.8 - Highly Controversial Topics

These conversations tend to lead to violent outbursts based on strong personal beliefs. Be careful when discussing such topics as topics that get out of control will be removed and action will be taken depending on the severity. These topics may contain, but are not limited to drugs or the use of illegal drugs, beliefs/opinions on religion, political subject matter (i.e., new governmental laws, candidates, etc.), abortion, sexual orientation and/or highly controversial current events. This applies to all forums, threads, posts, private messages, profiles, avatars and signatures.

Please note: We also do not allow posts or discussions containing religious references of any kind outside of the Off-topic forum, where moderate and sensible discussion relating to religion is allowed. Also, we do not allow any religious text or images in our users' signatures or profiles.

1.9 - Volunteering Personal Information

Tip.It is a G-rated (suitable for all ages) forum. For your privacy and security, asking for or volunteering certain personal contact information is not permitted. This consists of full name, city of residence, street address, telephone number(s) and password/account details. Photographs are permitted so long as they are not pictures of license plates, house numbers, or any of the contact information listed above. Pictures that are particularly revealing (i.e. no shirt on for no reason or for the purpose of displaying abs, etc.) are not permitted. But casual pictures at the beach/pool/etc. where the person is in a swimsuit, is okay.

This applies to all forum posts, avatars and signatures. Posting any of the above information on private messages/forums is permissible at the user's risk.

SECTION 2 - ADDITIONAL FORUM GUIDELINES

For updates to the rules and guidelines, refer to Announcements, Rules and Security Warnings! located at the top of the main index.

2.1 - English is the only language used on Tip.It Forums

We understand that English is not everyone's native tongue. All we are saying is that if you post something in another language besides English, you must also post an English translation of it. It doesn't have to be perfect, as long as you try to get it as close as you can.

2.2 - Stay on Topic

If you want to discuss a subject that is not currently addressed, create a new thread. Always be specific with your post's title, the subject line should indicate what's inside the thread. ("Look here!" or "Read!! This is important!" do not constitute acceptable thread titles). Always choose the appropriate forum in which to place your thread. For example, there is an Off-Topic board for Non-RuneScape and separate boards for talk about ArenaScape. If you wish to advertise your site you can do so on the Off-Topic - Advertise your thing here thread. (Do not pm forum users to advertise your website). Please use private messages (PMs) when you wish to talk directly to a user.

Do not post any material that is protected by copyright, trademark or other proprietary right without the express permission of the owner. Remote linking to pictures or images on commercial websites without their consent is stealing and is not tolerated.

2.3 - BBCode may be used only for images, links, or non-disturbing (excessive) text

Use of images, flash, or text within the body of a message may be restricted as deemed necessary by Moderators for board performance issues. Always convert your images to '.gif', '.jpg', or '.png' graphic formats before posting. Never use .bmp's as their size is large and bandwidth consuming. You should also 'crop' all images before posting to reduce their physical size and prevent forum distortion.

2.4 - Signatures and Avatars

Forum Signature Limits are 450 pixels wide by 200 pixels high by 100Kb file size. There is no limit on pictures, as long as the total width/height/file size does not exceed 450 x 200 x 100Kb. Avatar limits are 100 pixels wide by 100 pixels high, by 20Kb file size. "Images in hide tags are still subject to our size restrictions." The TOTAL SIZE of all your signatures has to remain within the rules. For signatures with images there will be a limit for 4 lines of text or 10 lines of text if you put them inside a hide tag.It doesn't matter how many or how big the images in the signature are - if you have an image then you will only be allowed 4 lines of text (Or 10 if you put them inside of hide tags).

For signatures without images the same rules as before apply. Please also remember that use of any sound, java script, or iframe is prohibited. Poke'plushies are now limited to only ONE in signatures. Excessive use of blood and gore is not acceptable and is determined on a case-by-case basis. However, the board Administrators reserve the right for final authorization and may approve, request you to change, or outright remove any image or text regardless of size if it's deemed inappropriate.

2.5 - Penalties

Users who break these rules may have their posts moved, edited, or deleted. Moderators are not required to note the reason for edit or removal of a post. Please direct your questions regarding the reason behind removal or edit of a thread to the board Moderator through a PM (private message). Habitual or severe violators may have their posting privileges removed, and their accounts and/or IPs suspended or may be permanently banned. Tip.It Moderators and Administrators will use their best judgment in deciding the most appropriate course of action. If you feel that any Moderator has made an inappropriate decision, please contact an Administrator.

NOTE: We are unable to distinguish the difference between users who use the same PC/IP address via router, proxy, or other means to use the forums, aside from their username. This means that if you are banned, then any other names "you" have will also be banned. If you misbehave on the forums and get banned, your entire family, household, or school could potentially also lose their posting rights. It is up to YOU to follow the forum rules so this does not become an issue. Ban Appeals with a reason of "It wasn't me, it was my brother" will unfortunately need to be declined as there is no way for us to prove or disprove your claim.

2.6 - Tip.It Staff

Moderators and Administrators of this site monitor your compliance with the rules of the site and dispense disciplinary action at their discretion. Any posts containing inappropriate content will either be edited or removed from the forums and posting such Words/Phrases/Content after being warned can result in being suspended from Tip.It forums for a given amount of time defined by the infraction and the Staff Member. If you are consistent about posting this sort of content after you have been warned you will be permanently suspended from the site. NOTE: Moderators do not have the ability to ban people. Only Administrators have the power to do this. There are always at least 2 people involved in putting a ban in place - the Moderator who finds a breaking of the rules and the Administrator who takes the action they feel is appropriate.

Tip.It Moderators and Administrators use their discretion in taking any actions. They are here to ensure the rules are applied, to keep order, and to help members. Posting personal attacks against Tip.It Moderators or Staff Members for taking these actions is not tolerated. If you disagree with an action taken by a Moderator, DO NOT confront Tip.It Moderators or Staff Members anywhere on the forums, NOR anywhere else (3rd party messenger programs, chats, etc). Please attempt to resolve the issue through PM's (private messages) in a professional manner. If you are not satisfied with the resolution, please send your complaint to a Tip.It Administrator. Moderators will give everyone the respect they deserve, it's only fair they get the same in return.

Impersonating or acting like a Tip.It Moderator or Staff Member is forbidden and can result in disciplinary action. This includes use of "Official Tip.It" in thread topics, descriptions or content. If a user finds a thread or post that is inappropriate please report the thread or post and let the administration and moderating staff handle the situation.

2.7 - Monitoring

Although the Tip.It Administrators and Moderators will attempt to remove posts that are objectionable or in violation of the stated forum rules, it is impossible for us to review all messages. The Report Post Function may be used to alert staff members of any inappropriate topics or posts. Detailed information about this feature can be found below. We have the ability and right to edit or remove objectionable messages and we will make every effort to do so within a reasonable time if it is determined that the action is appropriate.

2.8 - Report Post Function

All posts contain a "!" icon in the bottom left hand corner. This button allows users to report bad posts to our Moderator Team. This system is designed to save users from having to write private messages to individual Moderators and generates single report for all Moderators with abilities in the forum. Upon clicking the report icon you will be presented with a section to add any comments. Including a link to the post is not necessary as the system includes this information automatically. Reporting posts is also subject to the same 45-second flood limit as making posts. Please use good judgment when reporting posts to the Moderators, somebody calling you a "noob" or not agreeing with your opinion is not a reason to submit a report on their posts. Abusing this system can and WILL result in action being taken against your account on our forums!

2.9 - Forum Polls

Regular users do not have the option to create their own forum poll, due to the feature being abused in the past. If you would like a poll added to your thread and have a plausible reason, private message a Moderator or an Administrator. If they agree that a poll is appropriate for your thread, one will be added for you.

SECTION 3 - TERMS OF SERVICE

The Code of Conduct applies to both public and private messages. Users authorize the Administrator to make use of any concepts, opinions, or other creative materials posted on the forum boards without compensation or other recourse. The Administrators are not responsible for the messages or the content therein. We do not vouch for or warrant the accuracy of any message. Each message expresses the sole views of the poster. The act of posting on Tip.It forums constitutes your acceptance of and agreement to be bound by this Forum's Code of Conduct. Anyone who does not agree with the rules may leave the forums. We provide this service for you. The least you can do is cooperate with us.

SECTION 4 - COPYRIGHT POLICY

Tip.It information and site content is protected by copyright, and may not be reproduced. Refer to our About page for more information. If you are in doubt about our policy or what can and can not be copied, please contact an Administrator.

And finally? Have fun and be nice! Everyone takes responsibility for the atmosphere of the forums; they should be a fun and friendly place to be.

Revised by Rainy_Day (Fixing spelling errors).
Last Updated: 20/02/2010