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1. Moderation on VGChartz. VGChartz uses a progressive moderation system. This means that repeats of the same offense result in harsher penalties, starting with a warning and working up. Generally permanent bans are only handed out for extreme rule breaking, a whole lot of repeat offenses of the same rule, or actions that threaten the site’s ability to function. However, the administrators and moderators reserve the right to permanently ban your account at any time if they feel you are a threat to the site. This will only be done through a consensus among the moderating staff. Brand new accounts (less than 200 posts) that do nothing but troll or spam will also be permanently banned immediately, at the discretion of the individual moderator. You are subject to moderation for breaking any of the following forum rules in addition to anything in the Terms of Use.
   
   
2. Thread titles must be work safe, descriptive and on topic. Keep the language in thread titles clean. We don't restrict language usage in posts (up to a point), but thread titles are a different matter. Whatever luridly foul things you wish to say about Luigi, you can find a work safe euphemism for the title. Also, letter substitution fools nobody, but strings of unpronounceable symbols are acceptable. Now for the descriptive and on topic bit. It's very simple - use the thread title to sum up or describe what you are saying in your post. Do not use the title as a deceptive hook to lure people in. Do not post something useless like "How do I..." and have the question in the post. Use a game's full name rather than just a abbreviation of it. Starcraft instead of SC. Star Control 2 instead of SC2. Soul Caliber 3 instead of SC3. SimCity 4 instead of SC4. Abbreviations mean different things to different people, so Be Specific. Also, be careful about using the word "official" or "perpetual." Do not simply declare your thread official by fiat. Threads are only "official" or "perpetual" if management says so. In a decision between two threads on the same topic, the thread with the most clear thread title will take priority over the thread with a more obscure topic, even if the latter is posted first.
   
   
3. Avoid thread duplication. As a general rule, moderators allow a good latitude for threads on closely related subjects. However, at moderator's discretion, threads may be consolidated if they are not sufficiently distinct from other active threads. To help avoid having your thread locked, always review the thread titles on the first page VGCharts before posting. If you are going to post a subject that is similar to that of an ongoing discussion, take great care that your thread topic and your post body clearly show how your thread differs from the others out there.
   
   
4. Avatars. All Avatars must be safe for work. Whether or not an avatar is appropriate is subject to moderator approval.
   
   
5. Signatures. Signatures will be no longer than to the end of the time stamp (which is under your avatar) in a single line post. Quotes in signatures are subject to the approval of the quoted member. You must remove a quote of a member from your signature if they ask you to do so. All content in a signature is subject to moderator approval. Failure to comply with these standards will result in moderator action.
   
   
6. Work safe content. Some suggestive content is allowed, within limits, but it must be clearly marked before the image appears. This means if it’s in a topic, it needs to be marked in the thread title. If it’s in a post, it needs to be marked with space before the image. We aren’t trying to stop you from having fun, but people of all ages view this site, as well as people at work, so please keep your content appropriate and clearly marked. Pornographic content is never allowed. All judgments on work safe content will be at the discretion of the moderator.
   
   
7. Substance. Content is king. Threads lacking content can and will be locked. Some tips to keep you and your posts out of trouble:
   • Do not post just a link. Links have context - expound upon that context. For example, Mario Piano Videos. Post a link, but also give some background on what the link is to, or better yet, comment on how Mario has influenced pop culture. This way, it's not just a link and run. Remember: the reader's interest is not only in the link, its in what you have to say about it, how you make sense of what would otherwise be a blind link (and a subsequent poor thread). The only exception to this rule is for game patches - bearing in mind rule 2, go ahead and get that link posted as fast as possible.
   • Do not post only that Item A sucks, or that Item B is better than Item C. Give reasons why, post links to documented problems, of screenshots, or whatever you can. Similarly, do not reply to other posters with "you're wrong." Explain why you disagree, and perhaps point to the correct answer.
   • No "In Before The Lock" (IBTL) posts. Repeat offenders will be warned, and disciplinary action will be taken if those warnings are not heeded.
   • No spoilers in threads which are not clearly marked for them. One year is the cutoff under which a 'spoiler' becomes 'general information', which can be discussed in any thread at any time.
   • Spam, or multiple short replies in a row without any substance, is not allowed. Explain and justify your opinions. If you have nothing to add to a topic, then go to another topic and post in there instead. Similarly, even if it's well defended, repeating your opinion about a console or game multiple times is also spamming.
   • Keep posts on topic as much as possible. Threads do sometimes naturally transition into other discussions, but coming in and posting about a completely different topic in order to start arguments is not okay. Stay on topic, and if you have something different to talk about make your own topic.
   
   
   
8. Flamebait and trolling. Posts slamming a particular platform without basis - be it a specific console, macs, windows, or anything similar - will not be tolerated.
   • The forums are here for gamers of all persuasions, so unless you're in a thread specifically geared towards platform comparison/discussion, keep your anti-platform comments out of the thread. Note that there is a difference between having a reasonable argument in the correct thread and trolling.
   • Similarly, do not create threads just to bait people of a specific fan group. Bait threads without basis will be locked and you will be moderated for them. If you spend a lot of time making hit-and-run negative threads about a specific platform you will also be moderated at the discretion of the moderators.
   • Do not call a game that is not exclusive an exclusive. This is considered trolling. This includes PC and console multiplats. For full details on this read this topic. Mods will be lenient about accidentally mislabeling a game you were uninformed about to some extent, but know what you are posting about. Repeat offenses of this will result in moderation.
   
   
   
9. Website criticism. Do not attack the website with out basis. Reasonable debate based on facts is acceptable, but repeated attacks and negative comments about the website will not be tolerated. People are here to discuss games and sales, and doing nothing but attacking the site is disruptive to those who are trying to participate in a discussion.
   
   
10. Multiple accounts. Creating a new account can result in your old account being permanently disabled. Any bans that were being served under the previous account will be applied to the new account. If you would like to make a new account, let a moderator know so that they can ban the old account. When you are banned you are expected to serve the ban. Repeatedly creating new accounts to dodge a ban can result in the lengthening of the ban and in extreme circumstances a permanent ban for all accounts (both present and in the future).
    
    
11. Insults and flaming. Attacking other users for any reason is never acceptable.
    • Do not insult someone's religion, race, sex, sexuality, nationality, political beliefs, or gaming preferences. Debate is encouraged, but respect the beliefs and opinions of others.
    • Do not personally insult other users. This includes calling them fanboys or trolls.
    • Report it when another user insults you instead of insulting them back. If they report you and no one reported their post guess which one of you gets banned? The moderators do not have time to read every post in a thread, so they will often miss things that are not reported.
    • In general try to treat other users with respect and courtesy. We understand debates get heated, but don’t lose yourself in them. Remember you can’t continue the debate if you’re banned, so be respectful of your fellow forum members.
    
    
    
12. Do not post links to or requests for warez. This is pretty well black and white - posting links to or requests for warez can and will get you banned posthaste. When we say warez, here is what we mean: copies of games, ROMs of console games (not including wholly from scratch creations, subject to any licenses said creations may have), leaked versions of non-yet-released games, even ones that will be freely available in the future. Just because you've got your hot little digital hands on a copy of the Duke Nukem Forever open beta a few years early, doesn't mean that you can share it here.
    
    
13. Reporting Content. If you think a thread or post needs moderator attention tell us by clicking "report this post" and telling us what the problem is. If things need to go further, send a PM to any of our fine moderators. Naturally, we as moderators do not read every post in every thread, and appreciate a helpful head's up from readers when something untoward is going on. If you have a problem with a moderator, email mods@vgchartz.com with your issue and you will get a response from the community manager. If you are having trouble getting through on mods@vgchartz.com, you may message npantazis@vgchartz.com. Do not post these issues in the forums - doing so may result in moderation action against you.