Avid Writers Unite

These rules are global, hence, they apply everywhere in, on and around this entire board. No exceptions.

They are not in any particular order as well, so bear with me. I will attempt to catagorize rules if they are similar, but I can't promise it will be perfect.

1. Respect:

A. Do not attack another user's beliefs opinions. Politely disagreeing and a healthy debate are fine, but do not, I repeat, do not become personal. We are all entitled to our say. If you do not agree with it and you cannot portray that in a mature and considerate manner, then do not reply to that particular topic.

B. Do not attack another user's style or preferred genre of writing. We all have our comfort zones, even if they are not what others would choose for themselves.

C. Do not attack the spiritual beliefs of another user simply because you may not accept them. Just don't do it.

2. Excessive profanity is prohibited. Now I understand everyone lets the brown word slip now and then, but please be considerate of our younger members who have parents that can bann them if you begin traumatizing them with your trucking-sailor vocabulary.

3. Please attempt to post relevant topics in their proper catagories. The mods know sometimes it's a bit difficult to decide what should go where, so don't worry if you misplace something. It will be moved for you and you will be notified of the change. However, don't be plain silly and post a roleplay thread on the fantasy fiction boards.

4. Conflicts with other users:

A. If you are having a conflict with another user, please attempt to resolve it maturely. If this is impossible, then feel free to contact one of the mods to step in.

B. Do not start threads to abuse or flame a particular person or person's character. This is grounds for an immediate bann.

C. If you and user X are having problems, please keep it off the boards. Nobody wants to be dragged into your drama.

D. Any abusive or harassing PM'S, if brought to the mods' attention will be dealt with swiftly and harshly.

E. If you threaten or otherwise take abuse to a point that skates the law, expect to have your post/PM forwarded to sparklit and possibly the police. We are not kidding. We want this board to run smoothly and trolls will receive zero leniency.

F. Any harassing of the mods will see you banned so fast you won't know your knickers from your nosehairs.

5. When posting to the boards, please do not tlk like dis just 2 save u sum time. It's not cool, and if you are a serious writer, it is irritating as nails upon a chalk board. Let us know you actually passed fifth grade, okay?

6. If you have questions, please post in the FAQ relating to the board you are confused over. There will be a post with every new catagory that is created. Please utalize them.

7. Plagiarism of famous authors to fellow avids is strictly prohibited. You do it, you're gone, and the proper steps to ensure you receive the maximum punishment will be undertaken immediately. It is illegal, vile, wrong and despicable. Just don't do it.

8. Explicit material is strictly forbidden. If you are roleplaying with someone and your characters wanna do the horizontal tango, you can elude to it in a PG13 fade-to-black post before taking it off the boards and onto a chat program of your choice. Any posts caught violating this rule will be removed and the user shall receive a warning. Again, please keep the younger members of this forum in mind.

9. Questionable topics such as plots discussing slash/femslash, gay marriage, incest, ETC. are allowed, but you must place "Questionable" in the subject line of your thread or topic post and provide a hint as to what is contained within. I.E. "Questionable": Child Abuse Question.

9. Have fun. No, really, this is a rule. If you don't, you will die a horible death by excessive exposure to avid smiles.

Please keep in mind that these rules are subject to change at any moment, so it would be wise to periodically check back here to see if any alterations have been made.

(Note: We will post a news item if the rules are updated, but it is still wise to pop back in once every couple of weeks or so. "I didn't know the rules were updated!" isn't an excuse for breaking them.

And with that said, enjoy yourselves, aviters!