Rules and Consequences - How you do?

[¡Lance!]

So when I was revising and retooling my site's guidelines(Rules) I was looking around a bunch of other sites for inspiration into how they managed it such as formatting, length, and style. (Actually written out; or just lists) A few things I noticed is either an extensive list of consequences or none at all in a site's rules. So when making your site and rules do you list out the consequences of rule breaking or no and what's your thought process behind it?

Myself personally; I did not list out a bunch of consequences, in my rules/guidelines I specifically stated what the staff does and doesn't allow, what players(Members) are allowed to do and not allowed to do, and what is and is not tolerated on the forum. I myself and the admins I work with have all taken a very... "**** Around and Find Out" approach. 

[Kami]

Apr 29, 2021 15:33:41 GMT -8 ¡Lance! said:

So when I was revising and retooling my site's guidelines(Rules) I was looking around a bunch of other sites for inspiration into how they managed it such as formatting, length, and style. (Actually written out; or just lists) A few things I noticed is either an extensive list of consequences or none at all in a site's rules. So when making your site and rules do you list out the consequences of rule breaking or no and what's your thought process behind it?

Myself personally; I did not list out a bunch of consequences, in my rules/guidelines I specifically stated what the staff does and doesn't allow, what players(Members) are allowed to do and not allowed to do, and what is and is not tolerated on the forum. I myself and the admins I work with have all taken a very... "**** Around and Find Out" approach. 

I used to list out consequences, but tbh I think that winds up disrespecting folks by laying it out for them like they're kids. I think folks who are 13+ as required to sign up know the difference between right and wrong and how to follow the rules, and listing out a laundry list of consequences feels very parent-y to me nowadays and I'm not here to parent anyone.

Plus, I think this also gives staff a lot more flexibility to take each issue on a case-by-case basis and decide what that situations warrants. Posted consequences leave a lot of loopholes for arguing that X didn't deserve Y because technically Z situation; I advocate for clarity in expectations and in communicating out any sort of results/consequence, but leaving exact process more vague to the general public. At the end of the day, behavioural issues should be between the staff and the person in question, and not blasted as a public shaming.

[Retread]

Apr 29, 2021 15:33:41 GMT -8 ¡Lance! said:

So when making your site and rules do you list out the consequences of rule breaking or no and what's your thought process behind it?

Here's my take on the matter ...

Each forum has different needs regarding Rules and Guidelines.

This is because each community serves a different purpose. For instance the Rules regarding a role-playing community will necessarily be more numerous than an informational community.

In my opinion, Rules serve a slightly different function than Guidelines.

Rules tend to be lists of unacceptable actions or behaviors. Guidelines tend to focus on preferred behavior. Guidelines might suggest taking the high road if any disputes arise in the public space. Or proper selection of the most appropriate board for a new thread a member might create. Deviating from Guidelines is generally not met with punitive actions by the staff. However, there might be corrective actions such as moving a thread to a more appropriate board and an informative PM advising the member of how to select the proper board. Guidelines promote positive attitudes and preferred behaviors.

In contrast, hard Rules such as "Flaming and Harassment will not be tolerated." imply punitive actions will taken.

Specifying the punitive actions taken for breaking rules should be done sparingly.

There are some rules that can and should result in permanent and immediate bans, if broken. In most situations, breaking of rules should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Corrective actions, such as staff editing of offending posts or removal of offending posts from public view, tend to be consistent. Punitive actions, such as official warnings or bans, might applied differently depending on the situation.

Context matters.

If a particular member has a history of operating near the limits of the rules, it makes sense to apply a punitive action for breaking the same rule for which a member with a stellar posting history only received an advisory PM.

[¡Lance!]

Apr 29, 2021 22:47:06 GMT -8 Kami said:

I used to list out consequences, but tbh I think that winds up disrespecting folks by laying it out for them like they're kids. I think folks who are 13+ as required to sign up know the difference between right and wrong and how to follow the rules, and listing out a laundry list of consequences feels very parent-y to me nowadays and I'm not here to parent anyone.

Plus, I think this also gives staff a lot more flexibility to take each issue on a case-by-case basis and decide what that situations warrants. Posted consequences leave a lot of loopholes for arguing that X didn't deserve Y because technically Z situation; I advocate for clarity in expectations and in communicating out any sort of results/consequence, but leaving exact process more vague to the general public. At the end of the day, behavioural issues should be between the staff and the person in question, and not blasted as a public shaming.

I'm kind of in the same boat, but I usually tend to not list out consequences because like you said doing that allows members to come up with loopholes and doesn't allow for staff to take a very case by case basis when dealing with problem members; which may make other members feel as though the staff aren't following their own procedures or showing favoritism to people if they don't follow the letter of the law when it comes to delivering consequences.

At the same time I've always felt like having it posted and available for other members to see is sort of an intimidation attempt, like holding a really big stick over everyone's head and making threatening gestures towards them.

Apr 30, 2021 7:42:24 GMT -8 Retread said:

Apr 29, 2021 15:33:41 GMT -8 ¡Lance! said:

So when making your site and rules do you list out the consequences of rule breaking or no and what's your thought process behind it?

Here's my take on the matter ...

Each forum has different needs regarding Rules and Guidelines.

This is because each community serves a different purpose. For instance the Rules regarding a role-playing community will necessarily be more numerous than an informational community.

In my opinion, Rules serve a slightly different function than Guidelines.

Rules tend to be lists of unacceptable actions or behaviors. Guidelines tend to focus on preferred behavior. Guidelines might suggest taking the high road if any disputes arise in the public space. Or proper selection of the most appropriate board for a new thread a member might create. Deviating from Guidelines is generally not met with punitive actions by the staff. However, there might be corrective actions such as moving a thread to a more appropriate board and an informative PM advising the member of how to select the proper board. Guidelines promote positive attitudes and preferred behaviors.

In contrast, hard Rules such as "Flaming and Harassment will not be tolerated." imply punitive actions will taken.

Specifying the punitive actions taken for breaking rules should be done sparingly.

There are some rules that can and should result in permanent and immediate bans, if broken. In most situations, breaking of rules should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Corrective actions, such as staff editing of offending posts or removal of offending posts from public view, tend to be consistent. Punitive actions, such as official warnings or bans, might applied differently depending on the situation.

Context matters.

If a particular member has a history of operating near the limits of the rules, it makes sense to apply a punitive action for breaking the same rule for which a member with a stellar posting history only received an advisory PM.

I like that you elaborated a lot on this. I get exactly what you mean too, personally I tend to veer away from the word rules, and I've actually opted to more so call the rules the forum's "Personal Terms of Service" So this way I can take the time to elaborate on things such as do's, don't's, and what will and won't be tolerated as for behavior. Honestly we actually just dealt with a long time member of the whole role playing group that usually forms the base of 'story creators and directors' because of some of their actions coming to light.