[robert]

Folks, when we started out, we wanted a place where we didn't have heavy rules and expected the members to police themselves. In the early days we got away with it but over the last year or two, it has become harder and harder to operate without having some basic rules. I have become annoyed with some posts and even disillusioned at some others.

To get us back on track, it’s important that we all remember the idea that first prompted us to start the forum. Maybe that’s been lost over the last few years because it’s been so long since we started out, so I’d like to remind everybody about the way they are expected to conduct themselves while they’re on here.

Respect other members. (The most important rule of all)

If there is a debate going, don’t try to win it by shouting the other person down. Anytime a thread deteriorates into a slagging match any good points that could have been raised are lost. Just because a person disagrees with you, doesn’t mean they are wrong. By all means, say what you feel but don’t step into the personal attack territory. If we witness any personal attacks, we shall step in and deal with it. This may be in the form of asking a person to reconsider their post or if we feel that it shouldn’t be left on the forum, we’ll either edit it ourselves or remove it.

It gives me no pleasure having to do this, so I’d rather have you folks use your head when posting. If something has upset you, then count to ten before you post a reply. Don’t call anybody names or throw insults. Win an argument based on sound judgement and facts. If you can’t respect the people here, then it’s time to move on.

No avatars will feature large breasts or other images, which would be deemed unsuitable for viewing by family members of all ages. Remember that although we have an adult membership, there are people who view the site at work or with their kids around. The same thing applies if you are posting a thread, which contains dodgy material. Put a warning in the title stating that it is not work safe or that it should not be viewed with the kids around. This does not mean that anything can be posted by using the warning as a disclaimer. Again use your heid..

If you have a problem with a post, contact either myself or Tinka. Don’t get yourself into the predicament of fuelling an already heated situation.

Try to keep the swearing down. Although it is sometimes appropriate to emphasize a point, nobody wants to see every thread contain multiple swear words, the usual swear words are fine in moderation, but if you wouldn't use it in polite conversation, please don't use it here.

Members are not allowed to advertise. We ain’t running the free ads.

This place is supposed to be here for people to enjoy themselves and have a laugh. The motto that we started out with was, ‘We don’t take ourselves too seriously’. That still applies to all members. We’re not here to have fighting or bad feeling. We’re here to make friends and have a chat. We’ve got this far by sticking to the ideals that started the forum and I don’t want to have to start changing them now. This was supposed to be a place where people could ask any question without fear of being ridiculed by others. Maybe that’s why we have so many novice builders and owners. It’d like to think they know they can ask a question and get a decent answer back without someone trying to be patronising to them. We all have to learn at some stage and we are all still learning. The day we stop learning is the day we die....

Get a grip folks and lets get back to the original concept. Every forum seems to go downhill because nutters infest it. I’m not going to let that happen without a fight. I’ve seen it too many times to let all the hard work go to waste. Remember though, we will only manage to keep the forum at the level we’ve previously attained, if all the members work with us.

Remember folks.. Keep your head whilst those around you....

Your comments are welcome.. If people disagree with what I’ve said, then make your opinions known and tell me why.