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1. 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.


2. 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.


3. Avatars. All Avatars must be safe for work. Whether or not an avatar is appropriate is subject to moderator approval.


4. Signatures. Signatures will be no longer than to the end of the time stamp 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.


5. 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 posts specifically to to say that a poster or the thread sucks, either with words or pictures.
   • When introducing a new game to the community, give context. What is the game about? Is it part of a franchise? Does it share similarities with other games? What does it do in a new or different way?
   • 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.


6. Platform criticism. 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.


7. Website criticism. Just as with platform criticism, do not attack the website with out basis. Reasonable debate based on facts are acceptable, but repeated attacks and negative comments about the website will not be tolerated. People are here to discuss sales numbers, and doing nothing but attacking the site is disruptive to those who are trying to participate in a sales discussion.


8. 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).


9. Insults. Attacking other users for any reason is never acceptable. This includes racism and bigotry. 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.


10. 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.


11. 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 it will be considered by the head moderators. Do not post these issues in the forums - doing so may result in moderation action against you.