Who will be.....GUEST ADMIN?

[Pasogirlz]

The Guest Admin Game

This is an opportunity for some of you to have a chance to run the website. Since it’s so easy ya know. ;-)

I will allow One Honorary Admin to form a team of 4 Honorary Moderators to assist them. They will have one week. They are allowed to ad rules to the existing ones, but we must remain with the general by-laws that we currently have. I will create a private forum for them to converse and discuss rules, and they will have MOD powers to delete and edit posts.

PasoMom and I will of course have final say over any major emergencies and hold Admin control of site technically.

Carol Nelson will also stay on to continue the help with the spam situation only.
Paula Nalley will continue to monitor the Sales Forum.
Liela Lindsey will continue to keep up the Disaster Forum.

Other than that, I will allow the new Team to deal with the rules and enforcement of them.

I hope that this excersize will do several things.
1.) Hopefully we will find some new rules that we can all agree on, and find out why other rules might NOT work here.
2.) I am considering adding a new Mod position (or two) so I hope to see who would be a good choice for these positions.
3.) I’d like folks to realize that it is not as easy as it looks to run a public forum, make up fair rules and abide by them, and read every God forsaken word that is written on here day in and day out to make sure ppl are following the rules.
4.) This will allow me a vacation from some of my duties, and probably provide me with a few laughs.
5.) Hopefully this will get some of the friction out of our systems.

At this time, we are going to completely do away the Forum Leader position.

I need to have a meeting with the Welcome Wagon team today also, so please check in if that is you.

Pasomom and I will still be available for you to contact if you feel it is necessary, or involves a technical issue on the forum, but I’d prefer most of the problems and complaints go to the Honorary Admin.

Now, I will do this for one month unless I decide to go longer. So we will have FOUR Guest Admins.

EDITED to add: anyone who gets banned or upgraded titles during the week will automatically go back normal status when the new admin takes over.

Who wants to be first? :twisted:

[Laura S]

Not for me, but I would like to nominate the Motorgypsies :lol:

[Pasolady]

Lori I think you and Pasomom have a wonderful extraordinary website for us all. You do a great job and are more than fair, even in circumstances that are positively not acceptable to many of us.

This is the only website that I read regularly and that I truly enjoy. I don't post often because of the trolls, but it does not stop me from continuing to read and learn. I just make it a point to avoid those posters who offend me or who tend to always be confrontational. This way I can be very selective in what I absorb and seldom do I get stressed.

My Paso Finos and the many wonderful people I have met over the years through this and the old forum has brought me much joy and valuable information. I try to keep an open mind, use what sounds good and reasonable and ignore things that don't even seem right.

I hope you attain your goals in doing this new endeavor...Good luck!

Joni

[Mellifluous]

me me me *stands up like a big nerd and waves arms*

I practically live here anyways!

[Pasogirlz]

me me me *stands up like a big nerd and waves arms*

I practically live here anyways!

Start forming a Mod team and your rules now.

[Mellifluous]

me me me *stands up like a big nerd and waves arms*

I practically live here anyways!

Start forming a Mod team and your rules now.

Is this like dodgeball, I get to pick some team members? How long do I have to get rules together?

[Pasogirlz]

me me me *stands up like a big nerd and waves arms*

I practically live here anyways!

Start forming a Mod team and your rules now.

Is this like dodgeball, I get to pick some team members? How long do I have to get rules together?

Well...it's Friday.....the sooner the better for me. :rofl

How long do you need?


And who wants to be 2nd?

[Kerry W]

Present for you Mel...your new avatar:

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb290/aracanid/headshot.gif

[Mellifluous]

Present for you Mel...your new avatar:

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb290/aracanid/headshot.gif

thanks. :twisted:

[Mellifluous]

OK, here are my rules. I have done some of the things listed here before but will strive to follow my own rules from here on out. Notice that I already ditched my animated avatar. These are rules from another forum that I enjoy. I tweaked them a bit to fit better here.

Executive summary
•Don't be a jerk.
•Don't share user accounts or create sockpuppet accounts (another account for yourself).
•Don't spam, astroturf, troll, try to convert non-believers, or post illegal content.
•Don't make ad hominem attacks; flame ideas, not people.
•Avoid post padding and low-content posts.
•Avoid offensive and non-safe-for-work posts, images, links and user profile fields.
•Post your thread in the correct forum with a meaningful title.
•Don't steal bandwidth by hotlinking images from sites that don't allow it.
•Don't maliciously hack the board or the site.
•Respect copyright and intellectual property rights.

These rules are general guidelines and are very flexible, as is their enforcement and amendment. Please do not try to cleverly circumvent them. I am not going to spell out the rules in legalese or cover every possible interpretation or situation.


1 Users and accounts
________________________________________

User profile details

1.1 Avatars and profile pictures:
• Avatar images must be non-animated, ≤80 pixels in any dimension, and ≤3 KB.

1.2 Signatures:
•Text signatures should be short; preferably four lines or less. Font size must be ≤3.
•Signature and userbar images are strongly discouraged. If a signature image is used, it must be tasteful, small, and not animated; one image only, ≤10,000 pixels total, ≤32 pixels vertical, ≤350 pixels horizontal.

Signatures are meant to make a statement without detracting from the discussion in the thread. If your signature is too long or distracting, staff may ask you to change it and/or change it for you.

1.3Profile details in general: Avatars, titles, locations and other profile details must not be misleading, offensive or inflammatory.



2 Posting
________________________________________
2.1 Language

2.1.1 Posts should be intelligible, so moderators can read and understand them.

2.1.2 OMG mor rulz 4 u!!!1!: Posts should not include chatspeak, leetspeak, ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, all lowercase letters or StUdLycApS, except in a humorous context.

2.2 Thread titles
Thread titles must be descriptive and meaningful. Thread titles must not be ambiguous or misleading. "Teaser" titles are not permitted, except in the General Chit Chat forum.

2.3 Threads and interactivity
New threads should elicit member participation and discussion. New threads started with posts that are intended as one-way announcements are strongly discouraged outside of the General Chit Chat or the Sales forum.

2.4 On-topic posts and threads
Threads should be started in the forum most appropriate for the topic. Followup posts should remain somewhat on-topic.

2.5 Multiposting / crossposting
A new message or thread may be posted only once, in one forum. Crossposting in multiple threads or forums is not permitted.

2.6 Post padding / low content posts
Post padding, considered making a post with no real purpose or content, out of laziness or just to increase post count stats, is not permitted. Post padding includes, but isn't limited to:
•Counting, "roll call," "last poster wins", and "control-v"- type threads.
•A URL alone with little or no commentary.
•Double/consecutive posting in a thread to reflect one train of thought.
•Short followup messages that contribute nothing to a thread; e.g. "Me too", "O RLY?",

If you need to make an addition shortly after posting, edit the message instead of making a new post.

2.7 Bumping
Threads may only be bumped once, and only if they have no replies and are no longer visible on the first page of the forum.

2.9 Advertising and spam
For sale ads need to be listed in an appropriate manner in the Sales forum.

Otherwise, advertising is not permitted. This includes:
•Spam and general advertisements.
•Guerilla marketing, stealth marketing, and astroturfing.
•Black hat search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, including link spam, profile spam, and SEO contest keywords.
•Chain letters and pyramid schemes.
•Personal ads.

Users posting inappropriate advertising will be banned.

2.10 Heated discussion and flaming
•Threads about sensitive topics may get heated. Users are free to express their views in a forceful manner, provided they remain composed, civil and respectful, even with topics they are passionate about.
•Flaming, name-calling or making ad hominem attacks against other users is not permitted; unless the subjected user is being a true jerk. Criticize ideas, not people.
•Libel and slander are not acceptable under any circumstances.
•Constructive criticism is acceptable if it is tactful and sincere. Belittling or condescending attitudes are unacceptable.
•Swarming, piling on or badgering users who express a viewpoint that is unpopular or which runs counter to prevailing ideology among a group is strongly discouraged, unless they are being a jerk.

2.11 Single issue posters / one-trick ponies
The Forums are not intended to furnish people with a venue for single-mindedly promoting their personal agenda. Staff may ask users to limit or refrain from posting on a certain topic.

The intent of the rule isn't to stifle discussion and debate, but to keep people from derailing or hijacking threads by constantly posting about their pet topic.

2.12 Cranks
Users that consistently exhibit crank-like or kook-like behavior (posting about conspiracy and tinfoil hat theories, ludicrous beliefs, and so on) may be suspended or banned.

2.13 Bigotry and hate speech
Hate speech, race baiting, and demonstrations of bigotry are not permitted. This includes inflammatory comments directed at a particular race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.

This rule are not intended to stifle sincere and civil discussion and debate of issues related to race, gender, religion, class, sexual orientation, subculture and so on.

2.14 Dissenting opinions
There are some people that register not to participate, but to disrupt civil discourse and promote a personal agenda. Posts phrased in a confrontational manner ("All paso fino trainers and owners are abusive crack heads and should be hung.”) are not permitted. Users with a history of making such posts, even on other message boards or Usenet, may be banned.

These rules are not intended to stifle sincere "devil's advocate" type discussions.

2.15 Trolling
Trolling is posting with the intent to incite controversy or cause offense. Trolling is not permitted. Polemic and devil's advocacy are welcome, but discussions should not deteriorate into Usenet-style shouting matches.

2.16 Profanity
Foul and offensive language in posts and thread titles is not permitted.

2.17 Sexual content
Explicit or pornographic text is not permitted. The veterinarian approach is okay, the Penthouse Letters approach is not.

2.18 Religion, proselytizing and witnessing
Discussion and debate of religion and personal spiritual beliefs are welcome. Proselytizing, preaching and evangelism are not permitted.

2.19 Illegal activities
Material intended to clearly provide means, instructions, or guidelines for violating the laws of the United States or Canada is not permitted.

2.20 Message board invasions and e-mail campaigns
• Starting or encouraging a malicious message board invasion, or email or phone campaign, is not permitted.

2.21 Personal information
The privacy of other users must be respected. Personal information of another user (real name, employer, email address, etc.) cannot be revealed unless they made the information public. Content of -mail or private messages must not be revealed without consent of the sender.

2.22 Linky linky

2.22.1 NSFW sites: Direct links to potentially not-safe-for-work (NSFW) content is not permitted. The URL of the NSFW content with no hypertext link, or a link to a page that provides another link to the NSFW content, is permitted. A warning about any NSFW content is required.

2.22.2 Intrusive sites: Links to pages with sound and/or pop-up windows must include a courtesy warning.

2.22.3 Prohibited links: Links to the following types of Web sites are not permitted.
•Sites featuring primarily racist content, or operated by racist and hate organizations.
•Screamer or shock sites.
•Warez sites, or sites spreading viruses and/or malware.

3 Images
________________________________________
3.1 Attached images
Images may be attached in a post. Attached images may be 500 pixels or less in any dimension, and 50 KB or less. Attached images will be deleted after the thread has been inactive for more than three months.

3.2 Hotlinked/leeched images

3.2.1 Hotlinked images (displayed with the vBcode [ img ] tag) should be smaller than 800 pixels horizontal.

3.2.2 Hotlinked images should be hosted on Web space controlled by the user, or an image hosting service that allows hotlinking. If not, the Web site hosting the images must allow leeching, or permission to leech from that site's owner must be granted. Without permission, the [ url ] tag must be used instead of the [ img ] tag, so an image does not load every time the thread is read.

3.2.3 Hotlinks to Web bugs are not permitted.

We do not approve of bandwidth leeching and forcing other people to pay for bandwidth consumed by images in your post. Imageshack, Photobucket and other free services should be used instead of leeching.

3.4 Animation
Animated images are not permitted.

3.5 Work-safe images
All images displayed in posts must be safe for work (SFW). Images not safe for work (NSFW) in the typical workplace are not permitted. This includes nudity, adult themes, graphic and macabre content, and inflammatory content. Goatse, Tubgirl, or similar images in a message or profile field, whether intentional or accidental, will result in immediate long-term suspension or banning.


4 General behavio(u)r
________________________________________
4.1 HaCk0rZiNg!!!!!1!!!one
Hacking, flooding, vandalizing, or otherwise screwing around with APF.com will not be tolerated. Malicious hackers will be banned, and reported to their Internet service provider and local law enforcement agency.

4.2 Harassment
Harassing other users through email, instant or private private messages, cyberstalking or other means will not be tolerated.

4.3 Scamming
Scamming or deceiving other users, phishing, or persuading another user to reveal their password for any reason is prohibited and will result in immediate banning.

4.4 Misrepresentation
Impersonating or fraudulently representing another user, person, or party is prohibited and will result in immediate banning.

4.5 Spam outside of posts
Sending spam (unsolicited multiple commercial and non-commercial advertising, announcements, and other one-way messages akin to broadcasting) to other Forums users through private messages, or email targeted to other Forums users, is prohibited and will result in immediate banning.

4.6 Creating an inclusive community

4.6.1 Be friendly and inviting to new users of the Forums. Give them a reason to stay and become “top posters.”

4.6.2 Cliques are natural, but should not intimidate new users or make others feel like they're "on the outside looking in." Popularity contests and similar posts that may make some feel like "less of a APFer" than others are strongly discouraged.

[Terry Wallace]

Mel.. you are way to "hip" for me..what do these terms MEAN?

sockpuppet, astroturf, ad hominem attack, post padding?

[Mellifluous]

Mel.. you are way to "hip" for me..what do these terms MEAN?

sockpuppet, astroturf, ad hominem attack, post padding?

sockpuppet = someone creating another username on the forum and uses it to support/back up their posts.

astroturf = a fake grassroots campaign for something.

An ad hominem argument, also known as argumentum ad hominem (Latin: "argument to the person", "argument against the man") consists of replying to an argument or factual claim by attacking or appealing to the person making the argument or claim, rather than by addressing the substance of the argument or producing evidence against the claim.

post padding =
1) The information must be meaningless; and
2) The sole purpose of posting is to increase the post count.

[Pasogirlz]

define jerk

[Mellifluous]

define jerk

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/legado/steve-martin-jerk-780978.jpg

[Pinto Paso]

I'd like a large popcorn (with butter), oh oh - some jujus, and dos cervaza please...

There I should be set for the upcoming festivities....... this IS where I place my order right????


All in fun of course :D not trying to be a jerk

[Pasogirlz]

I'd like a large popcorn (with butter), oh oh - some jujus, and dos cervaza please...

There I should be set for the upcoming festivities....... this IS where I place my order right????


All in fun of course :D not trying to be a jerk

Oh...I invite you ALL to be your normal lovely selves. :twisted:

[appyday]

•Don't be a jerk.




:lol: you broke your own rule...

[PFRydr]

Holy Cow Mel!
I used to think I was fairly bright, but after reading your rule list I am not quite sure any more. Could you please send it in english. Half of what you have listed..... I haven't a clue what you are talking about. Good thing I don't post often. I could be in trouble and not even know it.
:D Rikki

[Carol Nelson]

Boy this is gettin' pretty good.... :lol: :lol: :lol:

[PLEASURE PASOFINO]

NO SPANISH!!!! new forum name AMERICAFINESTEPS.COM

[ErinC]

CALI-bUTT YOU ARE A BRAT! ;-)

[PLEASURE PASOFINO]

Sorry!!! cant change!! life is to short and no one worth while to CHANGE jejejejejejeje

[PasoVicki]

Do you accept suggestions?

Since some people won't even attempt tp read the full rules, you might consider adding "Post your thread in the correct forum with a meaningful title" into your executive summary. It's one of those things we tend to forget.

Also, you might want to add the Sales Forum to the exceptions to this rule, since sales posts are announcements:

2.3 Threads and interactivity
New threads should elicit member participation and discussion. New threads started with posts that are intended as one-way announcements are strongly discouraged outside of the General Chit Chat.

Overall, I think your rules are good ones (even though I didn't understand some of the cyberspeak without doing a little digging).

[Cindy]

NO SPANISH!!!! new forum name AMERICAFINESTEPS.COM

And we will have to discuss our fine horses and our long horses. Not to mention our short, short horses. :twisted:

[PLEASURE PASOFINO]

Well, those are the RULES!!!! and WE ALL MUST ABIDE!!!! BY THEM!!!! :roll:

[paintedhorizon]

No excessive use of punctuation. For example, !! is just fine, but !!!!!!!! is not.

hahaha Just kidding Felix! hahahaha

[Mellifluous]

I just need to understand what people post. No need to be smart about it. If it makes you feel better I will change it. :hug

I slept through Spanish class in high school. I do remember that the name I picked for Spanish class was "chica." how original.:roll:

I will slim down the rules and translate the cyberspeak stuff. I think it is safe to say that if you do not understand what it is, you are not guilty of doing it.

;-)

[PLEASURE PASOFINO]

I just need to understand what people post. No need to be smart about it. If it makes you feel better I will change it. :hug

I slept through Spanish class in high school. I do remember that the name I picked for Spanish class was "chica." how original.:roll:

I will slim down the rules and translate the cyberspeak stuff. I think it is safe to say that if you do not understand what it is, you are not guilty of doing it.

;-)

IDEA!!! can we have a SPANISH Topic?

[Terry Wallace]

Whew...

O.k......

"NEXT"


I boldy step up to the plate and NOMINATE Camilla !!!

[PLEASURE PASOFINO]

I will nominate TERRY WALLACE

[Pasogirlz]

Nominations must be accepted by that person. Anyone nominated needs to let me know if they are up to the task.

[Laura S]

NO SPANISH!!!! new forum name AMERICAFINESTEPS.COM

And we will have to discuss our fine horses and our long horses. Not to mention our short, short horses. :twisted:

I love it!! :lmao :lmao :rofl

[Mellifluous]

Thanks for the suggestions PasoVicki. I made changes to the rules!

[Pasogirlz]

Ok ppl....I'm off for the weekend. Enjoy. 8-)

Mel will be announcing her Mod team later on today.

[Mellifluous]

I am starting to feel like Bear Grylls.

I have had myself dropped off in the wilderness and now I have to survive and find my way out. I hope no wild animals get me in the process.

[pnalley]

Mel,
I created another account a few days ago, just so I could test and see if the front forum/sales area was working. It was, you can delete it if you want. I think it's something like PaulaN?

[appyday]

I just need to understand what people post. No need to be smart about it. If it makes you feel better I will change it. :hug

I slept through Spanish class in high school. I do remember that the name I picked for Spanish class was "chica." how original.:roll:

I will slim down the rules and translate the cyberspeak stuff. I think it is safe to say that if you do not understand what it is, you are not guilty of doing it.

;-)

At least you had a spanish class...more then I had..you are an expert... :lol:

[motorgypsy]

The rules are fascinating!! What I find the most interesting is that things people have been doing for many years that are most annoying, now have a special internet forum name complete with critical attributes!!

I know you'll do a great job Mel and have fun doing it!!!

[Mellifluous]

Paula - I don't know that I have the power to delete duplicate usernames/profiles???

I don't see that on my cool new dashboard of buttons.

[Pasogirlz]

Ok, I'm looking for the next volunteer to start on Friday with their Mod Team. Who is up for the challenge?....I know there are plenty of you who ideas about how the forum should be run. ;-)

[Jane Hurl]

Oooooh! Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! (JUST KIDDING!) I wouldn't know how to use Mel's "cool new dashboard of buttons".

Besides, I'd choose Barbwire and Appyday for a Mod Team and then you'd REALLY regret your decision. *giggle. snort.*

[Pasogirlz]

Oooooh! Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! (JUST KIDDING!) I wouldn't know how to use Mel's "cool new dashboard of buttons".

Besides, I'd choose Barbwire and Appyday for a Mod Team and then you'd REALLY regret your decision. *giggle. snort.*

Jane, you were at the top of my list to Guest Admin. ;-)
Right next to Fuego.
Sure you won't reconsider?

[Mellifluous]

You can threaten to extend me for another week. That should bring out some volunteers!

[motorgypsy]

I nominate MEL for a second term!! Even presidents get two terms! ;-) ;-)

[Pasogirlz]

You can threaten to extend me for another week. That should bring out some volunteers!

Don't worry, I considered that as my next threat. :lol:

[PLEASURE PASOFINO]

You can threaten to extend me for another week. That should bring out some volunteers!

Don't worry, I considered that as my next threat. :lol:

I volunteer!!!!!!!! TO STAY AWAY !!! :rofl


Peace, Love and Happiness!!!

[Jane Hurl]

Fuedo! (Can I nominate you, Fuego? YOu'd be great ... as long as you're better than I at figuring out new buttons!)

[motorgypsy]

Jane I know you'd do a great job also by the way.

[PasoPerson38]

JANE JANE JANE! LOL and her herd of "special duty officers" Barb and Appy!!

[Jane Hurl]

I love your enthusiasm, Steph (and wouldn't it be a party if I could drag my "dream mod team" along?) ... but I have to demure.

I'm getting married in ten days. Live is gonna get busy around here ... so now I'll go announce it in a separate thread so we don't hijack this one.

[Carol Nelson]

MARRIED???!!! Well, you shur do keep it secret from yer BB family here, don't ya???? CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That's awesome, Jane!! I hope you know we will expect photos of the happy event!!! :D :D