I'm afraid of the answer, but I must know. What makes rules mean, and are the following too mean??

[ the green are canon quotes ]

I don't think they're really "mean." You're just being very up front. Only two parts seem borderline to me. The first is "take pride in your profile" -- is that a passive-aggressive way of saying only use nice graphics? Tsk, tsk. And the final section kind of sounds like you're setting yourself up for a lot of "but you said in the rules you would let me break the rules" which would then make you look like a mean Admin.

I think it's tough, but not outright mean. I do like the little blurb at the very bottom, in particular; you're letting people know right up front that they can make little goofs when they're new, but as they get used to it, you'll expect more out of them. All in all, I'd say that those are excellent rules, and you shouldn't worry about them.

Hmm. OK. Thanks.

With the take pride in your profile thing, I meant like, because a whole lot of people I've had on sites have ignored them... I can fix that. Thanks.

They look pretty good to me, though I'd be editing the bottom bit. Don't let them ever think they can get away with it, or as has already been said before -- you'll have people claiming the 'but you said you'd look the other way!' defence.

Don't be afraid to make your expectations absolutely clear from the start. Let people know that if they've gone outside your boundaries, they will be told! They're not difficult rules to follow, so I don't think you'll have too much problem if you take away the newbie card.

I don't think they sound mean at all. They're done in a very professional, objective-sounding manner. So, they're not exactly "nice" but they're definitely not "mean." I'd say you're fine. :]

LOL! I love the last one. It looks really good to me. Very well thought out and to the point. You don't want too much fluff. If yo ugive off the sense that you're lenient, people will take full advantage of that. I'veh ad it happen to me and that's how I learned to be strict with my rules. When I first started, the rules were rather lenient. I didn't want people to see a forum full of rules, so I gave the basics. And things like posting format nad whatnot. What they needed to be a part of the game. but, people took advantage and I didn't give a second chance. Which I'm famous for doing. The rules may be blunt, but they are there for a reason. You can be 'nice' in other forums. ;)

The titles are a bit wierd. It's like character bio meets rules outline. Very strange. Maybe make each heading a bit clearer? Like: Application, Graphics, Board Rating, etc.

If I was skimming the rules to see whether I was interested in joining, I would want to be able to see what I was looking for. And often members want to check back on the rules after they've registered to make sure they're not breaking them.

I also agree with what others have said about the final paragraph. If you're going to go easy on people they don't need to know. I've just written that rule-breaking will be dealt with on a case by case basis and that punishments can vary from an ic. detention to an ip ban.
I'd be much more likely to give members who've behaved themselves well in the past the benefit of the doubt than a newbie who for all I know is only there to agitate people.

I actually like the titles. It's fresh and unique in a way. It also shows that you're creative and put a lot of thought into your forum. But Vanity's right. The titles don't exactly scream Look here for infor about Graphics! You know? Perhaps have your titles with the subject matter in bracets or something. Like this:

Oh, that's kind of a gray area. (Graphics and Sig Banners)

Hmmm...

Ok, so... I'll add a subtitle to my dividing quotes, so they are easier to navigate.

I will also fix the final paragraph to be less lenient...

Does that cover it?? :) Thank god I haven't opened yet. :)

ETA: How's this? I also removed the comment about taking pride in one's profile.

Do I need anything else in the end paragraph? I can't think of anything more at the moment...

I would change the wording here. Something more like: "Please use the provided template, for our convenience and yours." Makes it less like an order and more like a service.

This stipulation is a bit stiff, if you ask me. Summertime is all well and good, but as a working college student I can attest to the fact that once school starts, it's hard to post that often (assuming you require a coherent standard). I would probably lower it to once a week, if you feel it necessary to require something like that at all.

Other than those two things, I think it looks good!

I get what you mean, and will try and amend those problems. One thing I must say, however, is that I have heaps of commitments too. School, drama, peer support stuff... and I manage.

But its cool. I get it. I will fix that.

Yeah, I didn't mean that that level of activity's unheard of. It just comes easier to some people than others, and you don't want to turn off slower but accomplished posters with a requirement like that. :)

That's true. Thanks for the response. I'd never really thought of that. So, once a week, or can I go more? *blushes*

Haha. Well, it's your board; you have the final say. Why not compromise and say at least twice a week? ;)

Compromise? Suits me. Thanks for the help. :p

Honestly Sam, I don't find your rules mean at all. Because I also make rules like yours. You get right to the point plus you make your rules short and simple. Which is what every one loves.

So you don't care how much creativity goes into a character? I could ramble on for 3,000 words with perfect grammar and spelling and give you the biggest Sue you could ever imagine, and you would be completely cool with it? Or! My character could be completely and thoroughly disheveled but as long as it's the right length, it's okay?

Bob likes to do drugs because drugs taste good. He likes to sing and dance and play the maracas. He's also the most handsome guy in school; he has large, gorgeous chocolate orbs in his face and a five o'clock shadow on his sturdy, muscular, lightly-bearded chin. He has more muscle than any guy in his grade and he's really, really smart and gets As all the time. Every girl wants him; even the ones who don't think they want him really do. All of the girls drool over him and they all pass out when he walks by.

You may want to reevaluate your rules there. ;]

Hahaha, Touche`. Shall do.

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