Code of Conduct
1. ADVERTISING:
Rule: Advertising to other users inside the CoDz Forum, whether it be via a post, personal message, or profile/signature links, to buy or view any products, websites, or other service non-relating to CoDz Forums is strictly prohibited. Non-intrusive links in signatures; such as to personal YouTube accounts may be allowed, but will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and each will be reviewed individually.
Consequence: The infringing user will be warned and the advertisement removed. If the user continues to infringe, the account will be banned, as well as the IP address. Any post with the intentions of advertising will be immediately and permanently deleted. Spam Bots will be banned immediately. If you see a user advertising, and believe it may infringe the CoC, please press the report button so that Staff are aware and can take any necessary action.
Example: Signing up and making your only post a promotion for your YouTube channel is breaking the rule; as is creating an account purely for the purposes of advertising work on another site, whether Zombies related or not. However simply sending links to a fellow forum goer who wants to know where to buy a capture card is not breaking this rule, PMing your buddy a link to a funny YouTube video isn't, etc.
2. DOUBLE ACCOUNTS:
Rule: Creating another account when a user already has one account on CoDz is not allowed. There is little to no need for a second account. If you've forgotten your password and need access back to your account, use the “I’ve forgotten my password” link on the login page. Should there be a logical reason outside of forgetting credentials for the double account, contact a staff member immediately with details of the situation.
Consequence: The secondary account created by the original user will be permanently banned and the user will be warned. Using the secondary account to avoid a suspension/ban on the main account will result in an increase in suspension, or a permanent ban on the user infringing. In the case of a permanent ban, the IP will also be banned.
Example: A user creates a double account because they've been banned. If that account matches up to the original user and no case has been made to the staff about the reason for the double account, both accounts will be banned after contacting the user.
3. SPAMMING:
Spamming is defined as many things, and all of them aren’t allowed. Below you will find a list of different types of spam, and how to avoid infringing.
Duplicate Posts -
Rule: Creating a thread that discusses a topic that has already been discussed in another thread is generally frowned upon, as each user is responsible for finding the pre-existing thread and making their remarks there. The “Search” function is in place so that a user may search the forums to ensure they are not breaking this rule. Completely copying another users post is also an infringement of this rule, and will be severely punished.
Consequence: The infringing duplicate thread will be merged (with the original thread), locked, or deleted, depending on the situation. When dealing with two duplicate threads, the staff will exercise their own personal judgement with regard to the thread’s posts, to avoid conversations being broken up and posts losing their cohesion, as all the comments in both threads are merged and arranged by the date they were posted. In the event of copying another user’s thread and claiming the work as your own will result in an official warning, and potentially a temporary or permanent banning.
Example: If two threads are created that both discuss the exact same element of a newly released Zombie Map trailer, they become ‘duplicate posts’, as they consist of identical, or very similar, material. However, if someone makes a thread about, for example, who they think the Pentagon Thief is, and then someone else makes a thread in which they argue that it is actually someone completely different, they would not be breaking the rule.
Moreover, if someone made a thread that came to the same conclusion as the first user’s thread did, it still wouldn’t necessarily break the rule, as long as they brought new evidence to the table (or re-evaluated old evidence) while doing so. If they reach the same conclusion, then they will be merged, in which case the older thread will remain, and the newer thread will become a reply to the older post.
Post Pumping –
Rule: Any user that makes a post just to increase their own post count is considered disruptive to the community, and is interfering with the other members’ usage of the CoDz forum. Post Pumping includes posting “non-responsive” posts that add no content to the thread in question.
Consequence: Violations will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis - some users will be warned verbally by PM, others may receive an official warning, and posts/threads may also be deleted (thus lowering the user’s post count). Repeat offenders will suffer consequences up to, and including,a Permanent Ban of their account on the forum.
Example: If a user makes a post saying merely saying “I agree,” or something similar and they do not further the conversation or productivity of the thread, that would be grounds for deletion of the post. The specific details of post pumping are left for staff to decide case-by-case, as there are a broad range of possibilities, which are quite dependent on the circumstances.
4. FLAMING:
Rule: Posts, signatures, avatars, or PMs that are intended to harass, threaten, embarrass or cause the distress or discomfort to another member of the CoDz Forum Community or any other individual or entity is unacceptable. If you see any potentially offensive flaming on the forums, please press the report button so that Staff can deal with it.
Consequence: One-off offenders will likely receive a verbal warning, however for persistent flamers official warnings will be issued at a minimum, but is also likely to result in Temporary or Permanent Banning. Once again, each infringement will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and the user in question dealt with accordingly. Be careful with sarcasm and sarcastic comments; it is often difficult to portray sarcasm through text and can easily cause offense to another user. Whether you meant to flame or not, this will still be an infringement on the CoC and will be dealt with on the same level as purposeful flaming.
Example: If a user says to another on the forum that they are stupid, dumb, illogical, incompetent, etc., that is an example of a user tearing another down, and is considered to be ‘flaming’. Any post with the purpose to insult, or portray a user in a derogatory manner is considered flaming and breaks the CoC.
5. OFFENSIVE CONTENT:
Rule: Use of offensive language, pictures or content in any context is not allowed here at CoDz Forums. Included in this would be racism, sexism, homophobia, religious discrimination or any other form of discrimination that may end up causing the distress or discomfort of a user or any group in general. Along with offensive language, displaying or linking to offensive content is not allowed at CoDz. Please be sensitive towards others and how they may react to sensitive material. Use of curse words is generally frowned upon, however usage will be taken on a case by case basis.
Consequence: Posts, signatures, or profiles containing use of offensive language, content, or links will be edited and/or deleted by the Forum Moderators and Warnings will be issued as appropriate. Repeat violations of this policy may result in more severe actions, up to and including Permanent Banning.
Example: Examples of offensive links include Pornographic, Racial, Defamation, or any other derogatory content. If it does not pass our CoC do not link to it on our site. The excessive use of vulgar language is also prohibited on the forums, and will likely result in the removal of the word(s) and a verbal warning to the user. Repeat offenders may suffer a banning.
6. LEAKED INFORMATION:
Rule: Under no circumstances should you post leaked information on CoDz, whether it be about a new map pack, music, or the new game at all. Leaked content has never been, and never will be, allowed on these Forums. Avoid it at all costs.
Consequence: Posting leaked content will result in the Topic/Post being promptly deleted & warnings being issued. Repeat offenders will be temporarily banned, and then, if the Staff feels it is necessary, Permanently Banned. This is for your own good as others have lost their YouTube channels & such due to copyright infringements. If in doubt DO NOT POST IT and if you have any concerns you can contact a staff member to see if it’s ok to post.
Example: Pictures, articles, videos, or links to anything relating to a non-released game or game add-on that has not been officially backed by Treyarch or any other studio, is considered leaked content.
7. SIGNATURES:
Rule: Signatures of a user must NOT be too large, contain any content violating any of the above rules, or contain a large or distracting GIF image that will put off another user. Smaller, more subtle GIF images are allowed. We currently have restrictions of 10 lines and image size of 1100x300.
Consequence: If a user creates a signature that violates the above rules, they will first be contacted and asked to change their signature. If they do not comply, someone will change it for them. Particularly horrid offenses will be dealt with by staff in an appropriate manner.
Example: A “good” signature could contain a few links to some threads (as long as they follow previous rules), zombie round numbers, a small image, or something personal, such as a saying or quote. A “bad” signature would contain any annoying “flashy” .GIFs, or any content that would not comply with previous CoC rules.
8. Avatars:
Rule: As with signatures, a user’s Avatar MUST comply with all rules in the CoC. However, GIF images are also prohibited in Avatars.
Consequence: If a user’s Avatar violates the above rules, they will be asked via PM to change it. Failure to comply will result in the Staff removing it and a verbal warning being issued. Repeat offenders and particularly horrid offenses will be dealt with by Staff appropriately.
Example: An Avatar will likely reflect a user’s name, personality, or something that they enjoy. Make your Avatar personal, something to represent who you are, just make sure it doesn’t violate the CoC.
9. Forum Etiquette:
1. Read the forums rules and guidelines before posting for the first time.
2. Search the other posts to see if your topic is already covered.
3. Use a meaningful title for your thread.
4. Do not use a forum to promote your product, service or business.
5. Be civil. Personal differences should be handled through email or IM and not through posts displayed to everyone.
6. Stay on topic.
7. Ignore spammers, respond to them personally and not through the board, or report them.
8. Do not submit a post that requires readers to download a large attachment. Either explain the attachment or, better yet, provide a link to the information.
9. Use plain text over HTML if you want your post to be readable by everyone.
10. In order to be understood by most people, use correct spelling, grammar and avoid slang unless you know the word or phrase will be understood by other members.
11. Do not double post (post the same message twice in one thread) or cross post (place the same message across several forums).
12. Act in a give and take manner; help others as often as or more than you ask for help.
13. Do not use all caps or SHOUT in your posts. In addition, one exclamation point is enough.
14. When replying to a post, do not quote more from the previous post than you have to.
15. Do not post new problems on someone else's thread and interrupt a topic of discussion.
16. Do not use someone else’s thread for a private conversation.
17. Topics or posts offering or linking to warez, cracks or illegal downloading of software and similar topics is prohibited. The post / topic will be deleted immediately.
18. Watch your sense of humor, posts may be read by people from a variety of backgrounds and ages.
19. Do not use a huge and annoying signature, a modest signature is fine, moderators may remove large ones anyway.
20. Do not post any information that you want private. Posts should not contain personal, identifiable information or content embarrassing to others.
21. Do not post content that violates copyright.
22. Do not post “empty” or useless responses, such as just “lol” or “cool.” Only post responses when you have something to contribute.
23. Write concisely and do not ramble.
24. Do not use words like “urgent” or “important” in your subject line, be patient.
25. Do not chastise newbies.
10. HAVE FUN!