The Policy (aka "The Rules")


Your Account

You are allowed one account on the JavaDesktop Forums. Anyone who is found to be posting under multiple identities will be banned. If you forget your password, do not create a second account. Instead contact the admin, who can help you regain access to your account.

Forum Etiquette

There are many different types of people who are members at the JavaDesktop Forums. One of the primary goals of our cyber community is to foster an intelligent, enjoyable, and civil exchange of thoughts and ideas about desktop client Java and its related topics between our members.

We expect you to respect the opinions of your fellow forum members. Please curb any urge you may have to flippantly dismiss someone's opinion (Examples: "that's stupid", "that's ignorant", "that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard").

Likewise, vicious attacks on an individual *outside* of the forum are not allowed. (Example: "John Doe is a jerk!").

In addition, don't put words in people's mouths. If someone didn't say something explicitly, don't assume what they meant. Instead ask them *politely* for clarification.

Harassment

Harassment occurs when a member insults, attacks, or denigrates another member. We realize that discussions can get intense, but we have zero tolerance for taking an argument to a personal level.

Example: The use of terms such as "idiot, moron, stupid" and other derogatory terms constitutes harassment. Likewise, telling a forum member to "go <bleep> themselves" is also unacceptable.

If a personal attack occurs, the offender with be notified and depending on the severity of the attack, may be suspended.

If You Are Harassed

If you feel that you have been harassed, notify a moderator or admin.

Whatever you do, absolutely do not respond to the person by posting a retaliatory personal attack, even if "they did it first".

Thread Crapping

"Thread Crapping" occurs when a person comes into a thread and posts something contrary to the intent of the thread, often derailing the discussion or turning it into an argument.

If you feel the need to turn a discussion into a debate, start a new thread instead.

Profanity and Slurs

Profanity will not be tolerated on the forum. Forum members who make excessive use of profanity will be notified and asked to tone it down.

Profanity aimed directly at another forum member or their opinion is considered a personal attack (see above section) and will result in a suspension. For example, we consider calling someone's opinion "b*llshit* a personal attack.

Sexist and racist slurs are strictly prohibited and are not allowed.

Unacceptable Post Content

Please do not post any of the following type of content, it will be removed:

• Links to warez (pirated software) or warez sites
  
  
• Nudity / pornography / blatantly obscene material
  
  
• Political / religious discussions - please take them elsewhere.
  
  
• Spelling / grammar corrections. If you feel you must correct another member, contact the person via email.
  
  
• AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, PLEASE DO NOT POST MESSAGES USING ALL UPPER CASE! THANK YOU! :-)
  

Removal of Threads and Posts

We reserve the right to remove any topic for any reason. If and when we do so, we will try and send the relevant parties email letting them know why we had to shut the thread down.

However, at times the moderators are overloaded, and don't have the time to send email. In cases like this, we apologize beforehand. Just send us email, and we'll explain why the post was removed.

Suspensions and Banning

We will work very hard with forum members before a suspension is issued, usually in the form of a warning to cease and desist a certain behavior. Repeated offenses will result in a one-week suspension. Multiple suspensions may ultimately lead towards the user being banned from the forum.

Note that a very serious first offense might warrant a suspension with no prior warning. Don't rely on having a "one time shot" to make a personal attack, thinking that you'll just get a warning.


Updates

This policy may be updated from time to time. Please check the Site Announcements area on a regular basis for any updates. Thank you.


Questions?

If you have any questions about the above policy, please feel free to contact us at any time. We're glad to clarify.

email to webmaster @ javadesktop . org