Forum Rules
Global Communication Site Rules [Forum/Wiki/IRC/Teamspeak]
Summary
These rules were written in an effort to help everyone to discuss the specified subject areas, to allow everyone to participate without prejudice or intimidation, and encourage everyone to address debate points to the topics, not to the people.
General Rules
1. Treat everyone with respect. Do not use insulting, derogatory, or any other disrespectful language, even if you disagree strongly, and even if another person has used such language or violated the rules first.
2. Do not engage in ad hominem attacks (arguing by attacking the person instead of addressing a topic), and try not to respond to such attacks, except to redirect the conversation to the topic.
3. Respect the category deginations such as forum categories, irc channels, Ventrilo rooms, and their descriptions. If you cannot find an appropriate category for something, and you feel that it relates to The Zeitgeist Movement, post a thread in the "Using the Forum Software" category, in the thread "New Category Suggestions - Submit Here," suggesting that a new category be created, here. For IRC and Ventrilo, contact an operator or admin.
4. Respect a moderator's decision to lock a topic, move a topic, delete a topic, prohibit further chat or move to another room in IRC or Ventrilo. If a moderator moves a topic, it is usually because they feel that the discussion is not relevant to the category in which it was started. If you disagree, take your discussion to the "Using the Forum Software" category, and present your argument for creating an appropriate category for the topic, or contact an operator or admin in IRC or Ventrilo. Moderators lock a topic, rather than deleting it, out of respect for users. Deleting causes confusion, and removes valid content as well as the discussion that they locked. Always remember that the moderator could have just as easily deleted the topic, and may do so if people continue to bring it back. If a topic is deleted, the administrator felt that it was way out of bounds, and it should not be re-introduced. When topics are deleted, a placeholder will usually be left with the same or a modified title, and a note stating that it was deleted (so if you cannot find a topic, that usually does not mean it was deleted).
5. Do not "bump" threads (adding a word at the end to update the time), or repeat posts in IRC or Ventrilo. Users check the "Recent Discussions" to see recent topics, not the topics that you want them to see. If you feel a topic deserves to remain visible, either post a suggestion to the "Using the Forum Software" category, or create a page for it in the wiki. Threads that are bumped may be locked. Similarly, try not to duplicate threads.
6. Use the forum's feedback system only for signifying that you feel that a post is relevant or irrelevant, and only in extremes. If a post if obviously spam or completely inappropriate, use the thumbs down button. If a post is unusually helpful and relevant, use the thumbs up.
7. Do not post individual's contact information unless it is publicly available (such as for elected officials), or you have explicit permission from the person to do so. Use caution before posting your own contact information such as phone numbers. The private messaging system is the best way to allow people to contact you.
General Advice
1. If there is a "sticky" thread at the top of a category, read it before posting any new threads to that category.
2. Before starting a new topic, search the forum for previous threads on the same topic
3. Avoid "hijacking" another user's thread. Hijacking is taking their thread, and posting your own unrelated reply to it. If you have a new topic, then create your own thread. Similarly, if you create a thread, and decide to introduce a new subject, create a new thread. Doing to will make it easier for others to find relevant topics.
4. Before you ask general questions about The Zeitgeist Movement, the movies, Peter Joseph, or The Venus Project, please read all of the Q&A; content on the main website, www.thezeitgeistmovement.com, and zeitgeistmovie.com.
5. Many other websites have been created, some of which claim official connection to us. The only web entities produced by us are zeitgeistmovie.com, and thezeitgeistmovement.com.
Enforcement
These rules apply to posts, chats, emails, and any other activity conducted on thezeitgeistmovement.com web site, IRC chat, Ventrilo, the BlogTalk radio chat, and any other medium designated in the future as an "official" platform.
When a user is believed to be in violation of these rules, they will first be warned, publicly, in the platform on which the violation occurred, when the nature of the violation does not require immediate action, and when the violation does not appear to be intentional. They may also be warned privately, by personal message, chat, or other means. If violations are repeated after an initial warning, the user will be suspended. Any suspension on any official platform will result in suspension from all platforms. The length and requirements of a suspension are at the disgression of the administrator acting. Reinstatement will generally be granted when the user acknowledges the nature of the infraction, makes an necessary amends, and agrees not to repeat the violation. Repeated violations and suspensions, which are deemed to indicate an unwillingness to respect the rules, will result in indefinite suspension.
In cases where a user believes that a suspension has occurred due to a misinterpretation, or when a user requests reinstatement, the standard contact form on the main page should be used. Creation of additional accounts for the purpose of disputing or avoiding enforcement of the rules will be considered intentional violation, and may result in indefinite suspension.
Notices of action taken will be posted here
Rules updated 30 August 2009
Global Communication Site Rules [Forum/Wiki/IRC/Teamspeak]
Purpose:
The Zeitgeist Movement's free Forum/IRC/Voice Chat is made available for Members of The Movement to share ideas. The term "Member" is defined as: "One of the persons who supports a social group and shares common values and initiatives." Please understand that this is not an "open-forum" environment, and that these communication mediums are not intended for the expressions of any persons other than those who support The Movement and communicate in the context of issues related. While constructive criticism with positive intent is always welcome, it is to be "respectful" of The Movement and its Users at all times. The definition of "respectful" lies with the judgment of the Moderators and Administrators in the interpretation of our rules (see below).
We make this explicitly clear because since the inception of this Website and its communication mediums, a relatively large degree of hostile opposition, harassment and spam has occurred. In order to stop our members/users from being abused and their time wasted, we must make it clear that anyone acting in an outright negative capacity against the social direction denoted in our materials will be removed. If you are new to The Movement's ideas and are unclear; have questions or curiosities- then these communication mediums are not provided for your interaction until you agree to “Membership/User” status; this means you have read the materials - watched the videos - and honestly support The Zeitgeist Movement overall, and you would describe yourself as a “Member” to others.
Once again, these services are provided free of charge to those who have positive and supportive intents. They are tools for The Movement Members, not the public at large. Those using these services, which do not reflect this basic disposition, will have access removed.
Overview:
These rules were written in an effort to assist/protect members in our communication mediums, to allow everyone to participate without prejudice or intimidation, and encourage everyone to focus on civil communication methods.
Please note that all communications may be logged for reference.
Information Flow:
Information flow within The Movement's communication mediums ( IRC, TeamSpeak, Forum,Wiki) works in a Tier System, moving in responsibility from the USER, to the general MODERATORS, to the GLOBAL MODERATION TEAM. The Global Mod team's central role is in navigating/applying administrative issues related to policy. This team is trusted with the privileged Administrative Access
Information flow within The Movement's communication mediums ( IRC, TeamSpeak, Forum,Wiki) works in a Tier System, moving in responsibility from the USER, to the general MODERATORS, to the GLOBAL MODERATION TEAM. The Global Mod team's central role is in navigating/applying administrative issues related to policy. This team is trusted with the privileged Administrative Access
required to work with problems such as User Suspensions.
Moderator Enforcement Protocol:
The above rules apply to posts, chats, emails, and any other activity conducted on The Zeitgeist Movement's website, IRC chat; Teamspeak.
Summary:
When a general user is believed to be in violation of these rules, and the user has an honest record of prior use, they will first be warned, publicly, in the platform on which the violation occurred, when the nature of the violation does not require immediate action, and when the violation does not appear to be intentional. They may also be warned privately, by personal message, chat, or other means.
(See below - “Type 2 User”- regarding malicious users, or “trolls”.)
If violations are repeated after an initial warning, the user will be suspended. Any suspension on any official platform will result in suspension from all platforms. The length and requirements of a suspension are decided by the administrator/mod acting. Reinstatement will generally be granted when the user acknowledges the nature of the infraction, makes all necessary amends, and agrees not to repeat the violation. Repeated violations and suspensions, which are deemed to indicate an unwillingness to respect the rules, will result in indefinite suspension.
In cases where a user believes that a suspension has occurred due to a misinterpretation, or when a user requests reinstatement, email globalmods@thezeitgeistmovement.com
*The creation of additional accounts for the purpose of disputing or avoiding enforcement of the rules will be considered intentional violation, and may result in indefinite suspension. See below for more specifics.
Regarding Suspensions:
The following is to show how Moderator decisions are made as far as suspensions. There are typically three types of Users who becomes suspended either permanently or temporarily:
“Type 1”: A seemingly well meaning User who has a “bad day” and becomes abusive. This type of action can be considered a temporal emotional response and likewise a temporary suspension can be initialed. Very often, based upon the discretion of a Moderator, a warning is given in advance, privately or publicly. If this given warning is thus violated, then a suspension will then occur. The length and requirements of a suspension are at the discretion of the Global Moderation Team. Reinstatement will generally be granted when the user acknowledges the nature of the infraction, makes necessary amends, and agrees not to repeat the violation. Repeated violations and suspensions, which are deemed to indicate an unwillingness to respect the rules, will result in indefinite suspension. Also, the creation of additional accounts for the purpose of disputing or avoiding enforcement of the rules, will be considered intentional violation, and may result in indefinite suspension.
The following is to show how Moderator decisions are made as far as suspensions. There are typically three types of Users who becomes suspended either permanently or temporarily:
“Type 1”: A seemingly well meaning User who has a “bad day” and becomes abusive. This type of action can be considered a temporal emotional response and likewise a temporary suspension can be initialed. Very often, based upon the discretion of a Moderator, a warning is given in advance, privately or publicly. If this given warning is thus violated, then a suspension will then occur. The length and requirements of a suspension are at the discretion of the Global Moderation Team. Reinstatement will generally be granted when the user acknowledges the nature of the infraction, makes necessary amends, and agrees not to repeat the violation. Repeated violations and suspensions, which are deemed to indicate an unwillingness to respect the rules, will result in indefinite suspension. Also, the creation of additional accounts for the purpose of disputing or avoiding enforcement of the rules, will be considered intentional violation, and may result in indefinite suspension.
In cases where a user believes that a suspension has occurred due to a misinterpretation, or when a user requests reinstatement, they can email globalmods@thezeitgeistmovement.com for review.
“Type 2”: This is often a New User who registers and immediately posts anti-movement rhetoric, spam or insults. This type of user is suspended immediately. The obviousness of this type of offense is typically very clear and requires little review. An example of such a post/statement would be “The Venus Project is Garbage”. Anyone posting such biased rhetoric will be suspended immediately, without warning, based upon the judgment of the Moderator/Global Mod Team.
“Type 3”: This user is simply a more clever version of Type 2. This type of User works to establish credibility for a given period of time, claiming to agree with The Movement, only to later start undermining affairs that alienating others. This type of user is often difficult to diagnose, so the protocol is the same as with the Type 1 User (above).
Public Notice:
All Suspended users are listed in the Moderator's “Public Moderation Discussion” Category
in the sticky thread called “List of Suspended Users “.
Each entry will give an explanation/example of the violation/action taken.
In some cases, multiple suspensions which are believed to involve the same person may be summarized into one entry.
Conflict Resolution/Reporting:
-USER to USER: Report the user to the Moderator of the medium. For the forum, this can be done by selecting the “report to mod” button at the bottom right of each thread post.
-USER to USER: Report the user to the Moderator of the medium. For the forum, this can be done by selecting the “report to mod” button at the bottom right of each thread post.
-USER to MODERATOR: Send any complains about such issues to globalmods@thezeitgeistmovement.com This team will review your issue and work to resolve it.
General Advice:
1. If there is a "sticky" thread at the top of a category, read it before posting any new threads to that category.
2. Before starting a new topic, search the forum for previous threads on the same topic
3. Avoid "hijacking" another user's thread. Hijacking is taking their thread, and posting your own unrelated reply to it. If you have a new topic, then create your own thread. Similarly, if you create a thread, and decide to introduce a new subject, create a new thread. Doing to will make it easier for others to find relevant topics.
4. Before you ask general questions about The Zeitgeist Movement, or The Venus Project, please read all of the Q&A; content on the main website, www.thezeitgeistmovement.com.
