Chatterbox Conduct

Updated, September 10, 2008 to clear up some confusing wording, and to include the new cb ban information.

Above all, the chatterbox is a venue for site members to get together in a friendly atmosphere. Let's all work to keep it that way, and please keep the drama out of the CB.

What is NOT allowed -

1.  Swearing, profanity and using asterisks to disguise a swear word. (if it is not censored, then it would depend on 'intent'. Saying "My ass hurts" would not be swearing. Calling someone an ass/arse... that would be swearing. "I pricked my finger" not swearing. "You're a prick" .. swearing.) Some words, although not censored, would not be allowed regardless of the intent. Mainly, 'other terms' for body parts that double as swear/insult words.

2.  Web addresses (URL’s), messenger and e-mail addresses. For the protection of the chatter, these are not allowed in open forum.

3.  Using the chatterbox to
promote any posted item...(also known as spamming).  The feature and spotlight areas are there for a reason. Discussing problems with a story is okay, as long as it doesn't take over the CB, or work into wanting people to "check out my story to see what I mean".

4.  Arguments involving harassment, flaming, name calling, personal insults, threats or derogatory/prejudice/racially offensive comments aimed at other members. Also includes insulting in other languages.

5.  Using Storywrite to sustaining arguments with other site members. Keep the drama out of the CB, please.

6. Chatter of an explicit or disturbing nature. Chatterbox conversations are to be PG-Rated. Subjects of a sexual or violent nature are against policy. This includes cutting and talks of suicide, or drugs. (if you wouldn't say it to a 9 year old, then don't post it in the chatterbox.) From the Powers that Be - "Also, sorry folks but no references to alcoholic beverages (getting drunk ect.), no references to drugs (such as, snorting blow, shooting up, smoking weed or maryjane ect.) or weapons such as guns, knives, bombs, and violent behaviors or blood and guts in the cb."

7.  Trying to force your views on others and harping on and on about a single subject restricts chat and causes negativity. Trolling is frowned on.

8.   Posting things that disrupt the flow of the chatterbox, such as excessive song lyrics, constantly posting in another language, or jibberish(jsirujhfhjjshf....like that). 

    • Although there is no site policy against using other languages in the chatterbox, it can be annoying to those chatters that do not understand that language. If a few members are chatting in that language, or just posting random words, then they will be asked to take it to Instant Messages.

9.  Constantly posting with your 'Caps Lock' key on. Posting in capitals on the internet is CONSIDERED AS YELLING, and kind of rude. S O  N O  S P A C I N G to get around this rule, please.

10.  Discussions on politics or religion usually get heated, so they are usually discouraged. If you want to debate either, invite someone to private chat or IMs. Just chatting about religion is allowed...as long as it doesn't turn into a debate or argument.

11.  Excessive discussions involving site policy or management.  In the forum area, there is a 'Suggestions, Errors and Policies' forum. - "Have a suggestion or experiencing a problem with the site? Upset about one of our policies?" This is where your complaints should be posted so they can be addressed by Kevin, or another member of site management.

12.  Abusing the Moderators -These folks are here to keep peace on the site and deserve to be treated with respect, just like any other member of the Storywrite community. If they warn you against something in the chatterbox, please listen to the warning and stop whatever you are doing. They do have the authority to remove you from the chatterbox for breaking these rules.

13.  Constant role playing that interrupts the chatterbox, and also typing in another language constantly(not 'not allowed', but to do it to interrupt the flow is not nice).

  • Question: Is Role Playing allowed in the CB?
    From
    Chatterbox: General Rules and FAQ's

    Answer:
    At this time there is no policy against role playing in the chatterbox. However, if the role playing breaks ANY of the above rules OR there are excessive complaints regarding its disrupting other chatters, you will be asked to remove it from the cb immediately.

    What does this mean to those that role play?
    Basically it means that your role playing must be kept suitable. No killing, bloody gashes, swirling daggers/talk of weapons, biting, kicking, fighting, sex, arguing etc. It really is best to do your role playing in a group chat room or via personal IM.

14.  It is against site policy to engage in sexually explicit talk with children under the age of eighteen. It is also against policy to make explicit comments about them regarding their sexuality, desirability and or physical attributes including trying to encourage, lure or attempt to attract a child under 18 into private conversation that contains any sexual comments/discussion.

 

If, during a chat ban, you return to the chatterbox under an alias (other name), your ban will be modified to include the alias, and will be extended.

When you break a chatterbox rule, you will receive a warning, either posted to the CB, or IMed to you. It may be a general one, "please stop spamming", with no name attached. If you continue, you will get another warning. The third time will be a CB ban of 1 hour. This time will go up (24 hours, then one week) if you continue your behaviour upon your return...or, if you log back in under another name during your ban. 

If you have received many warnings...then, you should actually know not to: swear, spam, harrass....and, if you continue, you may NOT receive any warning the next time. It could be an automatic CB ban.

Just because a moderator is not online is no excuse to break the rules, we can (and will), go through chat logs if something is brought to our attention.  Since site members now have the opportunity to 'complain' about another chatter, the CB is at times self-moderated.

 

View the long version of the Chat Rules

 


Remember, Storywrite is a privately owned site, and you agreed to the rules when you joined.  The Chatterbox is a privilege, not a right.

 


 

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Comments

1 - 78 of 78

  • Nicole100 percent
    September 30
    Edit | Reply

    i odnt like rules

    i ve been banned it sucks

  • cskohrs
    August 1
    Edit | Reply

    huh!

    peoples have called me on flooding, i don't see that in the rules. They say they're gonna report me. It's just cuz i type fast and like 2 talk alot. AAAAAAAUUUUUGGGHHH!!!!!!


    • Barbara Moderators member
      August 1
      Edit | Reply
      These are the main overall rules of the chat.... like most site based chats, things like flooding or spamming (considered the same thing at times) are never allowed

  • Ya know... I'd never actually read this, but as it stands...these are all pretty common sense. xD
    Though, I feel better knowing that I'm basically doing everything right.

    Wish more members read this, though.


  • jolly rancher
    April 15
    Edit | Reply

    sorry error

    didnt mean to post three of 'em

  • jolly rancher
    April 15
    Edit | Reply

    help!

    ok, like i had put **************** obviously cannot be an actual word, and added ity at the end and was reported 4times!!! my first "offense" and 72 hour ban!!! help?

  • jolly rancher
    April 15
    Edit | Reply

    help!

    ok, like i had put **************** obviously cannot be an actual word, and added ity at the end and was reported 4times!!! my first "offense" and 72 hour ban!!! help?

  • i would rather read the rules


  • ForThePlague
    January 27
    Edit | Reply
    thank you! I am getting fairly sick of promoting T_T


  • Rockin Writer
    January 25
    Edit | Reply
    Ok! Thanks, Barbra!


  • Play Pretend.
    January 24
    Edit | Reply
    So is discussion of religion/politics technically allowed if it stays calm and friendly?

    • Barbara Moderators member
      January 25
      Edit | Reply
      "Discussions on politics or religion usually get heated, so they are usually discouraged. If you want to debate either, invite someone to private chat or IMs. Just chatting about religion is allowed...as long as it doesn't turn into a debate or argument." (just copying so that it's easier than scrolling up to see )

      Technically, it would be allowed, but since it usually ends up with someone arguing (or taking offence), it is prefered that it be taken to IMs, etc. And, if someone is preaching, or quoting passages to get a point across, then that would not be discussing. There's a very fine line that is involved, which is why most times it may be better to private chat in that regards.

  • lilly-billy32
    January 1
    Edit | Reply
    oh gosh thank you i needed to read the rules of the chatter box


  • Bernice DeLucchi gold member
    October 14, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    HI, I'm new ...

    Hi everyone
    I'm new on this site and would like some feedback on my stories. I don't know if this forum is where to ask, but I'll give it a try, thanks.
    Hernice DeLucchi

    • Barbara Moderators member
      October 14, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      This would not be the forum to ask. This is a column on the rules for the chatterbox.

      There is another column http://storywrite.com/column/show/514 that gives hints on how to receive comments, and lets you know what is within site policy on asking.


  • wassay
    October 10, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    thanks

    it will help me in story write


  • Living.Disaster
    September 18, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    Thank You

    this was a help..well ginormas help.because im new to this place and now i know to be nice...i hope i can be nice,.....yeah i'll be nice


  • B Chandler Greeters member
    September 12, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Being a former CB Mod on AP, Im familiar with the rules very well since they are the same for both AP and SW


  • Kagoshima
    July 8, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    :(( Barbara

    Ummmm.... I might have at least broken a rule or two. Sorry about that. We get a ticket for saying tiger? I mean a warning. Thats weird.

  • Paper20Angel
    July 3, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    agha

    aehtbasrdgh


  • Patchwork Comedy
    June 29, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    :O:O:O

    !!! YOU CHANGED IT!!! NOW ITS A 5 YEAR OLD KID!?!?!?!!? glad i came to look again.... *glares at barb as he leaves*

    • Barbara Moderators member
      June 29, 2008
      Edit | Reply


      Chatterbox conversations are to be PG-Rated. Subjects of a sexual or violent nature are against policy. This includes cutting and talks of suicide, or drugs. (if you wouldn't say it to a 9 year old, then don't post it in the chatterbox.)

      That would be for normal conversation... however, role playing is a different concept all together, and is treated differently: "Basically it means that your role playing must be kept suitable for a 5 year old. No killing, bloody gashes, swirling daggers/talk of weapons, biting, kicking, fighting, sex, arguing etc. It really is best to do your role playing in a group chat room or via personal IM."


  • Cecilia Marlana
    June 10, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    wow

    There are a lot of rules.....I have broken several lately too...I did not know any of them though


  • Vampire MnMs
    March 29, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    Barbara

    I think I'm going to have to thank you somehow. I know what I'll do. It'll be a surprise.

  • Vampire MnMs
    March 28, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    Uh oh.

    Oops, I messed up the first time I commented. Anyway, I forgot to go and read the rules and I messed up. But I'm not banned yet, but I am worried I might be banned if I lose my temper. Could someone help me?

    • Barbara Moderators member
      March 29, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Think before you type. A lot of people even type in the insult they want to say, then backspace it out (I do this a lot ) . You also have to think if it's worth it, really. Getting mad and typing mean things does nothing but ban you, really.

      On the internet, you have the choice to reply to someone who is annoying you, or just ignore them (and sometimes ignoring scores the sweeter victory for you).


  • Vampire MnMs
    March 28, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    Uh oh.


  • Alone And Afraid
    March 15, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    thx 4 the rules. I'm new, so yeah


  • SageSyren Greeters member
    January 2, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for the clarification.


  • B Chandler Greeters member
    January 2, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Ayeaye


  • Kylia Skydancer Greeters member
    January 2, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    darn tootin'!


  • yoshi97 silver member
    January 1, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Read the updated version

  • Lan514
    December 7, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    thank for the rules


  • Dillweed
    October 27, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    wow. the updates make the rules more awesome! I read these once before, but I like the updated rules better!

  • D-3v
    October 26, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    yeh...sometimes i lose my temper cus people find it ok to cuss me cus im small, im only 10.

  • D-3v
    October 26, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    erm....pretty hilarious rules


  • riasme
    October 24, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    thank you so much for posting this!! now chatterbox is safe for me to look at!!!

  • Kylia Skydancer Greeters member
    October 24, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    oh btw...about that capslock rule....you can't actually type in all capitals anymore in the cb as far as I know. Kevin changed the code so it converts your capitals to lowercase.


    • Barbara Moderators member
      October 24, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      W H I C H
      M A K E S
      T H E M
      T Y P E
      L I K E
      T H I S.

      And that is so annoying that I go


      • Slash-Hydosho
        July 31, 2008
        Edit | Reply

        *Nods*

        I understand what you mean about that... We have someone on another place I visit that does the same thing every time she's on... And unfortunately, it doesn't break the rules there...


  • Oblivion Kitty God silver member
    September 23, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    I've read this a few times before, but just checking for any recent updates. Anyway, yeah, this is very useful. Thank you for posting it.

    -OKG-


  • pathetic
    September 23, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    alot of people still need to read this, was really helpful.

  • EmothTaurusBoy
    August 18, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    um

    i only used the suicide to get someone to talk to me
    do you actualy count that as talking about suicide?


  • Andy Stephenson gold member
    July 23, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    Well Explained

    This is a very good column.

    Andy

  • Fragments Of Dreams
    July 10, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    This helped A LOT!!!

    Thanks for the help. I'm new, and I was breaking rules left and right, and most of the time I didn't know it. Once again, thanks!

    ~Chel


  • horseluv101
    May 25, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    I'm sorry.

    I lost my temper because everyone was pointing finger at me. It hurts to beargued with someone older than you. I jus didn't know and for them to be saying mean things to me like that hurts my feeling, because I think I can somethimes be a SENSITIVE 10-year-old.


  • Sharon is me
    May 15, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    this is very usefull

    Thanks beacuse now i know.


  • Hinata-is-me silver member
    April 26, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    Thanks

    I never knew the rules and i always kinda got in trouble. Someone once banned me for 5 days is that aloud?ning sucks but it keeps the cb clear of bad things. thank you!


  • Sunless Spirit
    April 21, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    Finally i read the rules! Someone banned me
    and i acnt use the c hatter box. HEY i didnt read the rules.

    • Barbara Moderators member
      April 21, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Not reading the rules is not really a reason to misbehave in the CB. People are never banned until after they are warned.


  • playjazz67
    April 3, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    Saw no reason to state these common sense rules but that may tell you it is not adults (hopefully) who are using the Chatterbox. Never noticed anyone trying to get a minor to talk about sex but then never noticed a subject discussed either, the reason I now ignore that area of my screen.


  • Chibi-chan
    February 14, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you for this column; too often I have to hid e the chatterbox b/c the topics are inappropriate.


  • Mikeypilk
    December 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    what does sex mean? (12 year old) and why cant i know about it? i dont understand why people of my age are seen as immature honestly im the maturestest person in the entire universe


    • Sunless Spirit
      April 14, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      WAIT FOR THE TIME! shheeesshh

    • Sunless Spirit
      April 3, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Wait in time ok???????
      Just wait and one dasy you will be told! Ok?
      Or face the devil because you didn't listen to God.


    • Chibi-chan
      February 14, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      if you don't know what it is, you won't do it.


    • AlohaDolphinLover
      February 11, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      I am 12 too! I no what it is!


    • February 3, 2007
      Edit | Reply

      hi

      look abviously if you don't know what sex means you don't need to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


      • Sunless Spirit
        April 14, 2007
        Edit | Reply

        you are right!

        bECAUSE THEN WHEN THEY KNOW THEY WILL SAY
        oh no why did i have to know
        RIGHT?


    • Barbara Moderators member
      December 12, 2006
      Edit | Reply
      The chatterbox is G-rated, and that means that the subject of sex is not allowed.


      • HeatherRoseBrown
        December 20, 2007
        Edit | Reply
        Oh...ermmm...I thought the chatterbox was PG rated.

        • Barbara Moderators member
          December 20, 2007
          Edit | Reply
          The original post is over a year old. SInce then, it's been bumped up to a PG-9 rating.. which would be 'if you wouldn't say it to a 9 year old, then it doesn't go in the CB'


  • December 11, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    hi

  • Dinky Di
    December 4, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    Thank you

    I agree with Kie-Aira this should definitly be featured on AP.


  • k3nny silver member
    November 27, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    ohh... That's good!!! I really think that such rules should be enforced...


  • The Shadow Knight
    November 27, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    Yeah...

    It's a pity rules like these have to be set up... Oh well, good they are easily and firmly laid out.


  • Violet Moodswing Greeters member
    November 22, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    Thanks Barbara

    I hope that the link is going to remain clearly visible for all. I think it clearly states the rules for CB that sometimes we writers have a strange mental block about


  • Pray For Me
    November 20, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    You are right.

  • Kei-Aira
    November 20, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I'd love to see this featured on AP or on the help-page. Great resource. Thanks.


  • Kokaze
    November 18, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I very much agree. Thank you for this, and I'm glad it was written.


  • Kari gold member
    November 18, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    Thanks

    Barbara I appreciate this very much. Some rules and more guidelines really need to be made clear here in SW.
    Kari

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