Definitions
Purpose
General Rules
Warnings/Kicks/Bans
Technicalities
Suspensions
Procedure for Disciplining OPs
#Chatterz Database
Further Information
Access Levels in #Chatterz
Channel Conduct
Advertising (Spamming)
Caps/Channel Notice/Control Codes/Scripted-Speech Abuse
Flooding/Repeating
Gibberish
Op/Patron Abuse
OP/Voice Begging
Profanity (Swearing)
Sending Virii
Trout (Slapping) Abuse
Out-of-Channel Conduct
Definitions:
Rules
- n. (pl) a set of laws as a response to observed behaviour
OP
- any member of the current #Chatterz Database
Patron
- any non-OP present in #Chatterz
Members
- OPs and Patrons
#channel
- an arbitrary Channel
Purpose:
The �ideal� #Chatterz would be a place free from rules, a place where courtesy would abound and manners be superfluous. This is our dream, however, as yet, not a realised dream. #Chatterz is a place for everyone to chat with their freedom of speech uninhibited though with this right reasonably restricted to not offending others.
With every right comes an equal responsibility, and as patrons of #Chatterz it is our duty to maintain #Chatterz as a good, wholesome family environment; a place suitable for all age groups.
Thus it is that rules must be instituted, not so much as a crime and punishment system but as a set of guidelines to help us all create the environment we envisage.
General Rules:
Rule 1: [Members]
- #Chatterz will be fun!
Rule 2: [Patrons]
- If you disagree with any rule(s), please feel free to raise the issue in Private Message with an OP (/query <nick> <message>), and/or to leave #Chatterz (/part #Chatterz).
[OPs]
- If you disagree with any rule(s), please feel free to raise the issue in Private Message with a higher OP (/query <nick> <message>), and/or to delete yourself from the #Chatterz Database (/msg ChanOP delme #Chatterz <nick>).
Rule 3: [OPs]
- If you have a dispute with another OP, take it to Private Message (/query <nick> <message>), or take it to #ChatterzOPs (/join #ChatterzOPs) and ask for an Administrators help in resolving it. #Chatterz is not to become a debating ground for personal agendas.
Rule 4: [OPs]
- If you�re on AustNet, please join #Chatterz (/join #Chatterz). Having Operator Access isn�t a right, it is a privilege. Please respect this privilege by patronising #Chatterz.
Rule 5: [OPs]
- OPs will endeavour not to break any of the #Chatterz Rules. The best way to enforce a rule is to lead by example. This also eliminates the possibility for Patrons to label you hypocritical.
Rule 6: [Members]
- (Especially OPs) If you can be of assistance to a user (especially new users), please do so.
Rule 7: [OPs]
- If you are away from #Chatterz for an extended period of time or not paying attention, please De-OP (/msg ChanOP deop #Chatterz).
Rule 8: [Members]
- All Members should use their discretion when chatting in #Chatterz. If you believe something you are about to say or do may unnecessarily offend or hurt somebody, refrain from saying or doing it.
[OPs]
- Operators are to use their discretion at all times. Whilst the #Chatterz Rules are black and white, you will often encounter situations which are not. During such situations, allowances need to be made one way or another, and ultimately your discretion will effect the outcome.
Rule 9: [Members]
- All other rules of AustNet apply in #Chatterz (/motd or /motd services.austnet.org).
Warnings/Kicks/Bans:
- (Only applicable to OPs)
If a Patron fails to abide by the Channel Conduct, they are to be Warned. Failure to heed this Warning is to result in a Warning in the form of a Kick (/msg ChanOP kick #Chatterz <nick> <reason>). Failure to heed this second Warning is to result in a Ban (/msg ChanOP ban #Chatterz <nick> <reason>).
Technicalities:
- If any section of the Channel Conduct specifies a different system of dealing with a breach of rules (eg. no Warning necessary, simply Kick, then Ban), that Breach-method overrides the standard method mentioned above.
- Reasons for Kicks are not to be excessively abusive, reasons for Bans are simply not to be abusive.
- If a Patron continues with their unacceptable behaviour before a Kick can be performed, it is acceptable to Kick them without stating a reason (to save time and maintain the peace in #Chatterz) so long as the Patron is told (if and when they return) what it is they were Kicked for.
- If a Patron continues with their unacceptable behaviour before a Ban can be issued, it is acceptable to Ban them without stating a reason; given that this Ban is promptly removed and replaced by a similar one that states a reason.
- If a Patron breaches any rule(s) excessively or repetitively, a Ban for a longer period of time that the usual one hour may be issued (/msg ChanOP ban #Chatterz <nick> -hours <value> -mins <value> <reason>). The duration of the Ban should be proportional to the degree and extent of the offence, according to the judgement of the issuing OP. Although, OPs with an Access Level of less than 150 should limit the period of any Ban to a maximum of one week (/msg ChanOP ban #Chatterz <nick> -hours 168 <reason>).
- A Patron who has been Warned, Kicked or Banned repetitively or for extended periods of time for a given offence will be assumed to be farmiliar with the #Chatterz Rules concerning this offence. If this patron is to commit this offence again, it is at the discression of the disciplining OP as to whether a Warning, Kick or Ban is in order.
- No-expire Bans (/msg ChanOP ban #Chatterz <nick> -noexpire <reason>) are not to be issued by OPs with an Access Level of less than 150. A reason must always be stated when issuing a No-expire Ban, and (as with lesser Bans) this reason must be valid and proportional to the seriousness of this Ban. Examples of offences that would warrant such a Ban may include: repeated breaches of rules even after Bans for extended periods of times have been issued; an attempt to undermine of create permanent or serious damage within the framework of #Chatterz.
- If an OP with an Access Level of less than 150 wishes a No-expire Ban to be issued, they are to approach an OP with an Access Level of at least 150 and request they issue the Ban in their stead. It will be necessary to provide the issuing OP with accurate evidence of the offences, which may take the form of .log files or other forms if necessary.
- OPs generally should not overturn other OPs� Bans, unless they believe the Ban to be unjustified, excessive, or overly subjective. OPs should not overturn the Bans of other OPs where the Access Level of the issuing OP is greater than or equal to their own. If they have a legitimate grievance with such a Ban, they should approach the issuing OP regarding it, or failing this, approach a higher OP.
- When a No-expire Ban is either issued or removed by an OP, this OP should send a NoteOP to #Chatterz stating why (/msg NoteOP send #Chatterz <nick> was No-expire Banned for <reason>).
- No-expire Bans on inappropriate Nicks and Idents (ie. Those containing Banned words) should be left in place on the #Chatterz Ban-list.
Suspensions:
- (Only applicable to OPs)
Suspensions (/msg ChanOP setuser #Chatterz <nick> suspend <time in minutes>) are to be issued to OPs who refuse to abide by the #Chatterz Rules. Suspensions are, however, to be used sparingly. A Suspension is the equivalent of removing an Operator�s Access for a given period of time.
Procedure for Disciplining OPs:
1st Offence
- Warn offender that they have breached a rule.
2nd Offence
- Warn offender that they will be Suspended if they persist.
3rd Offence
- Issue 2 days� Suspension (/msg ChanOP setuser #Chatterz <nick> suspend 2880).
4th Offence
- Issue 1 week�s Suspension (/msg ChanOP setuser #Chatterz <nick> suspend 10080).
5th Offence
- (If they have a higher Access Level than 100, else proceed to 6th Offence.)
- Return offender�s Access Level to 100 (/msg ChanOP setuser #Chatterz <nick> level 100).
6th Offence
- Final Warning that if they persist they will be Deleted.
7th Offence
- Deletion from the #Chatterz Database (/msg ChanOP deluser #Chatterz <nick>).
#Chatterz Database:
To have Operator Access on the #Chatterz Database is to be in an esteemed position; thus achieving and maintaining it is the responsibility of every OP, not the right. The higher one�s Access Level, the more they must endeavour to step up to this position of responsibility. The OPs of #Chatterz are to be regulars in #Chatterz, and are to be well versed in their Operator skills.
Three qualities above all others are looked for in OPs:
1) They are to be good OPs:
Being a good OP isn�t as simple as knowing every Service and Raw Command; although for senior OPs this is also essential. Being a good OP is about knowing what to do when, and how best to handle any situation without unnecessary conflict. Being a good OP sometimes requires putting others� feelings above your own pride, and even accepting their outlooks over your own. Being a good OP is demonstrating just, fair and prudent qualities, but over and above all, adhering to the first rule of #Chatterz: #Chatterz will be fun!
2) They are to be loyal to #Chatterz:
Loyalty is the greatest way of demonstrating the respect one has for a Channel they are part of. Loyalty takes many forms, but being an active Member in #Chatterz is one of the easiest to see. Good examples of loyal Members are those who are in #Chatterz regularly, and have been with #Chatterz for an extended period of time. This sort of commitment is rewarded with higher Access Levels where seen fit.
3) They are to be part of the #Chatterz community:
#Chatterz isn�t just a collection of OPs, it�s a community of people. Being an OP isn�t as simple as being in #Chatterz and knowing when to Kick or Ban someone, it requires one to get to know the people around them also. An OP should endeavour (whenever possible) to get to know the other OPs on the #Chatterz Database. #Chatterz should be a friendly environment, where we know each other on a first-name basis, and where we have some general knowledge about just who everyone else on the #Chatterz Database is. A commitment to the #Chatterz community can be as great or as little as you wish to make it. Examples of extending this commitment include meeting up in real life with other OPs and/or Patrons, getting to know one another on a much deeper level, and being support for one another through times of difficulty. #Chatterz should not just be a Channel, it should be a home.
Further Information:
- OPs have earned their privilege, and are entitled to respect. Patrons will respect an OP�s authority, OPs will respect a more senior OP�s authority. Failure to respect this authority is considered OP Abuse (please refer to Channel Conduct).
- Any person wishing to become an OP on the #Chatterz Database should possess all three of the above mentioned traits. When the higher OPs of #Chatterz feel you are ready to become an OP in #Chatterz, they will approach you and ask if you would like the honour. Subsequent to this, it will be necessary for you to fill in an Operator Application Form
- If you feel you possess the above mentioned traits, and are ready to become an OP in #Chatterz, but have not been approached, you may fill out an Operator Application Form. Do not complete an Operator Application Form if you have not yet asked three (3) #Chatterz Operators for their support and received an affirmative answer! Also, do not complete an Operator Application Form if you have not been a regular in #Chatterz for a period of at least one (1) month.
- OPs with an Access Level less than 175 are neither to Add any new member to, nor Delete any existing member from the #Chatterz Database. If they wish a new member to be Added, or an existing member to be Deleted, they must approach an OP with an Access Level of at least 175. The one exception to this is if an existing OP wishes their Operator Access to be changed to a different Nick which they also own. In this case, an OP with an Access Level less than 175 may Add the new Nick to the #Chatterz Database at the same Access Level (/msg ChanOP adduser #Chatterz <new nick> <level>), then Delete the old Nick from the #Chatterz Database (/msg ChanOP deluser #Chatterz <old nick>). This OP must then immediately proceed to NoteOP #Chatterz saying so (/msg NoteOP send #Chatterz I have changed <old nick>�s nick on the #Chatterz Database to <new nick> at their request).
- OPs who no longer wish to use their Operator Access or join #Chatterz, please Delete yourself from the #Chatterz Database (/msg ChanOP delme #Chatterz <nick>). If you decide to return to #Chatterz, and demonstrate commitment to #Chatterz once again, you will be welcomed back and re-Added to the #Chatterz Database.
- OPs with an Access Level less than 150 must have their AOP (Auto-OP) turned on.
Access Levels in #Chatterz are:
200 - Ivy2 (Channel Owner);
199 - nex (Channel Founder), Jarin (Channel Co-Founder), Reow (Channel Co-Owner);
190 - Channel Manager;
175 - Channel Administrators;
150 - Database Operators;
125 - Experienced Channel Operators;
100 - Channel Operators.
Channel Conduct:
Advertising (Spamming):
Breach-method:
Deliberate: Ban with reason.
Unintentional: Kick with Warning, then Ban with reason.
Example: <ijk123> join #channel
(It is at the presiding OP's discretion as to whether they believe the offending party has committed the prohibited act deliberately and with prior knowledge of AustNet's intolerance of Advertising. All Flooded, Repeated, or Privately Messaged Advertising should be Banned immediately.)
Advertising is not only prohibited in #Chatterz, it is prohibited on AustNet. Nobody in #Chatterz is to ask any other person in #Chatterz, either in Channel or in Private Message, to join any other Channel. Other Channel names are permitted to be mentioned in general conversation:
Example: <lmn456> yeah and then he banned ijk123 from #channel;
or if specifically requested by someone in general conversation:
Example: <pqr789> what channel did all this take place in?
<lmn456> in #channel;
however, are not to be used excessively or unnecessarily.
Caps/Channel Notice/Control Codes/Scripted-Speech Abuse:
Example 1: <ijk123> SOMEBODY HERE MSG ME!!!
Example 2: -ijk123:#Chatterz- hi everyone!
Example 3: <ijk123> no don�t talk to them! talk to me!
Example 4: <ijk123> ���p�|�g 15 50 |337
Excessive use of Caps (capital letters), Channel Notices (/notice #Chatterz <notice>), Control Codes (bold, underline, colour and reverse) or Scripted Speech (speech where numbers or other characters replace letters) will not be tolerated in #Chatterz. It is annoying, unpleasant on the eyes and sometimes considered rude under the laws of netiquette (net-etiquette).
If no OPs are present and a perpetrator is annoying/disturbing/offending you, place them on Control Code Ignore (/ignore -k <nick> 3) for Control Code abuse, or Channel Ignore (/ignore -c <nick> 3) for Caps and Scripted Speech abuse, or Notice Ignore (/ignore -n <nick> 3) for Channel Notice abuse.
Flooding/Repeating:
Example: <ijk123> Hello! talk to me!
<ijk123> Hello! talk to me!
<ijk123> Hello! talk to me!
etc.
Flooding/Repeating is not only annoying, it creates unnecessary consumption of bandwidth. Flooding/Repeating will not be tolerated in #Chatterz.
Pop-ups (pre-designed ASCII pictures which may be stored in various IRC clients and displayed by clicking or typing something) of a maximum of 5 lines will be tolerated; excessive or repetitive use of Pop-ups will not be tolerated.
If no OPs are present and a perpetrator is annoying/disturbing/offending you, place them on Channel Ignore (/ignore -c <nick> 3).
Gibberish:
Example: <ijk123> afdklhaeanafsdpuoiuj afds
Gibberish is unnecessary, and there are better ways of seeking attention. Speaking in languages other than English will be tolerated, but is to be kept to a minimum.
If no OPs are present and a perpetrator is annoying/disturbing/offending you, place them on Channel Ignore (/ignore -c <nick> 3).
Op/Patron Abuse:
Example: <ijk123> lmn456 is a gutless bastard and should go to hell!
Patrons who are Abused may not return, OPs who are Abused may feel unappreciated. Abuse should not be directed towards any undeserving party. Light or jocular remarks which do not offend should not be punished. Abusive remarks should not be made in Private Message either; however, are not to be punished via #Chatterz.
Another form of Abuse is disrespect of OP authority.
If no OPs are present and a perpetrator is annoying/disturbing/offending you in #Chatterz, place them on Channel Ignore (/ignore -c <nick> 3). If the perpetrator is annoying/disturbing/offending you in Private Message, place them on Private Message Ignore (/ignore -p <nick> 3).
OP/Voice Begging:
Example: <ijk123> hey can someone op me please?
OPs in #Chatterz earned their privileges the hard way, and so will the Patrons have too. Begging for OPs/Voice can be offensive to the legitimate OPs, and is against the entire #Chatterz ethos that Operator Access is about servitude, not status. Begging does not have to (as the name suggests) involve some form of plea; any form or request for OPs/Voice that is illegitimate is considered Begging.
If you are legitimately interested in applying for Operator Access in #Chatterz, please refer to the section on the #Chatterz Database.
Profanity (Swearing):
Example: <ijk123> shut the fuck up!
Swearing is unnecessary and immature, and is to be kept to a minimum in #Chatterz. Use of the words "fuck", "cunt" and "cock" (in sexual, derogative and/or emphatic ways) is prohibited, as is the use of any similar words containing them. The use of these words is not just prohibited in speech, it is prohibited in Nicks, Idents and Quit Messages as well.
The use of these words in other ways is not prohibited:
Example: <lmn456> the cock crowed twice ;
nor is the use of moderated versions of these words, or the use of other profain words:
Example 1: <lmn456> for f**k�s sake!
Example 2: <lmn456> oh shit!
so long as they are used only for emphasis, and are kept to a minimum.
Example 1: <ijk123> suck my c*ck
Example 2: <ijk123> he�s a bloody c*** ;
are not simply used for emphasis, therefore are prohibited!
If no OPs are present and a perpetrator is annoying/disturbing/offending you, place them on Channel Ignore (/ignore -c <nick> 3). Swearing in Private Message is not an offence; if a perpetrator is annoying/disturbing/offending you in Private Message, put them on Private Message Ignore (/ignore -p <nick> 3).
Sending Virii:
Breach-method: Ban immediately with the reason "You have a virus! Please go to #AVA!" or similar.
Example 1: -ijk123- DCC Send LIFE_STAGES.TXT.SHS (203.164.65.21)
Example 2: When you join #Chatterz, a DCC Send initiates from a person in #Chatterz.
Virii are often not the fault of the sender, rather something they themselves have picked up through ignorance. Banning them from #Chatterz helps to stop the spread of the virus they are sending, and directing them to #AVA (AustNet�s Virus Assistance Channel) and/or to their website at http://www.avassist.cjb.net helps to rid the person of that virus.
If no OPs are present when a perpetrator initiates a Viral DCC Send to you, stop the transfer immediately (by holding Shift and clicking on the DCC Send listing in the Channel Toolbar; or by selecting the DCC Send and clicking on the Close-button). When stoped, place them on CTCP Ignore (/ignore -t <nick> 3), and delete the file which was sent. Do not open any Virii sent to you!
Trout (Slapping) Abuse:
Example: *ijk123 slaps lmn456 around a bit with a large trout
Trout Slapping is one of the most annoying built-in features of mIRC and needs no further promotion. Whilst it isn�t normally offensive, it is pointless. People who have modified their "Slap!" Pop-up:
Example: *lmn456 slaps pqr789 over the head with a Godless rubber chicken ;
should not be punished for using it unless it is abusive or used in excess.
If no OPs are present and a perpetrator is annoying/disturbing/offending you, place them on Channel Ignore (/ignore -c <nick> 3).
Please note: ijk123, lmn456, and pqr789 are arbitrary Nicks in #Chatterz and are in no way intended to implicate people using or owning such Nicks of such conduct as shown above.
Out-of-Channel Conduct:
OPs don�t just represent #Chatterz while in it, they represent it everywhere else on AustNet, and sometimes elsewhere on the InterNet and even in real life. For this reason it is essential they remain prudent in what they say and do. Aspersing #Chatterz or its Members is not tolerated, nor is association of #Chatterz with any defaming or detrimental publicity. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE IS AN OP OR NON-OP EVER TO SPAM #Chatterz ELSEWHERE ON AustNet! Such conduct will result in the Deletion of any Operator Access that person may have had in #Chatterz, and a No-expire Ban placed on them. It is imperative that such action be taken so as to ensure that #Chatterz is not Suspended as a Channel and its reputation tarnished.