PDA

View Full Version : The FORVM rules discussion thread



C.Coronato
06-19-12, 4:28 pm
It seems some have lost track of these. Please re-read and familiarize with them.



INFRACTIONS, BANS & FLAGGING POSTS
An important word about "infractions"... If you break one of "The Twelve Rules", you will open yourself up to receiving an infraction. Think of these like points on your driver's license. You accumulate enough infractions in a certain period of time, and you will earn yourself an "automatic" ban. Some of the more serious infractions will result in immediate bans, so pay attention to the rules. One last point--if you, as a member, see a problem post from another member, "flag it" and bring it to the attention of a Watchman. To do this, just click on the image under the member's name that looks like a triangle with an exclamation mark inside. We'll take care of the rest. So, here are the rules. Read 'em.



1) Your Membership Dues...
The cost of membership in this place ain't free, make no mistake about it brothers. It'll cost ya. Your payment will come in the form of Responsibility and payment will be due each and every time you sign in. First, you have a responsibility to yourself to reach your goals. Second, you have a responsibility to your fellow members. Last but not least, you have a responsibility to this place. When you see a member out of line, we're all responsible for showing him the error of his ways. Likewise, when you see a member down out out, we all share a responsibility in picking him up, dusting him off and pointing him in the right direction. This, do not forget--this is not just any forum. It is The FORVM. It is home. So be respectful. Be useful. Show humility. We got nothing to prove to one another, just ourselves.

2) Leave Your Ego At The Door ...
ILS... ELS... Lifters cheating with more weight than they can rightly handle... We've all seen it out there. Hubris? Insecurity? Who knows why and who fucking cares. It's not our place to judge. Live and let live. In here, we don't need any of that. We don't need the egos or the attitudes... We don't need to hear how you're better than everyone else in your gym, how you're more hardcore. There is always someone bigger and stronger than you... In here, we expect humility and respect... We expect an atmosphere of support and positive thinking. In here, the underdog will have his day. Cuz in the end, the only person that matters, the only one you need to impress, is the one looking back at you in the mirror.

3) A Few Words On Intolerance...
Let this ring loud and clear... We will not tolerate hate, bigotry, sexism, racism or discrimination. We will not take personal attacks, threats, or insults lightly. Those who engage in this kind of behavior--in posts, PMs, emails, or wherever--will be shown the door, no questions asked. We are all equals here, so we will insist on mutual respect. This is the glue that will keep this place together.

4) On Talking Shit & Airing Dirty Laundry...
Life is full of discord. In this game too, there's a lot that stands between you and your destiny. To move mountains, we need dynamite. But let's leave the TNT for busting up rock and iron. In here, we don't want short fuses or hot tempers. So you got a beef with someone's ideas or posts? Good. We like that. But debate the merits of the argument. Discuss the issues that are presented--respectfully and with civility. That's what we expect. We want members talking up the issues, not talking down other members. If you can't do that or don't know the difference between the member and his arguments, then move on. As the saying goes, if you got nothing good to say, don't say it. Don't talk shit. Nobody wants to see that. This ain't elementary school. If you have to, take it to PMs and resolve it peacefully, mano a mano. If you still can't, then you take it up with a Henchman, or if that doesn't work, a Watchman. Under no circumstances will we tolerate the bullshit found elsewhere. Transgressions may result in bans. So act like adults, not children. Respect, cooperation--these are the cornerstones of this place. Do not forget that you are a member of The FORVM, and counted among The Legion... Therefore, we fully expect you to stand tall and rise above the mud and muck. Handle the problem, in private. If you can't, we'll handle it for you...

5) Trolls, Spammers & Other Bullshit...
Trolling and spamming are two behaviors that we will not accept. Not only does it take up bandwidth (see Rule #6), but it undermines the community here. Also, a word about promotion... This forum doesn't exist so that you can promote an enterprise, event, business, non-profit or whatever (in posts, PMs or in signatures, whatever)–either yours or for someone you know. We allow this then everyone'll want to do it. So if we see that, we'll shut threads down, delete them, and consider any additional actions including bans. Remember, this is not a public forum but a private one owned and operated by Animal. Finally, you are allowed one member name. If two are discovered for the same individual, appropriate punishment will be meted and could include an automatic ban.

6) Expressing Yourself...
Shit, we all got something to say... We all want to get our points across. How? Through the "clever" use of emoticons? Yeah, right... By using an image as a "witty" or "humorous" response to a post? Fuck that... Here, there are only two ways to express yourself. First and foremost, through well-reasoned and informed posts. Second, through your signature. If you elect to use a "sig", use it wisely. Use it to express yourself, to share a vital insight into your your philosophy, to point to your training log here in the F O R V M. Sigs are most certainly not for posting links to other sites, commercial or otherwise. This is a bodybuilding site run by Animal. It's not for you to promote your personal "agenda" whatever that might be. You also won't be allowed to post in color, make fancy pictures out of words, or promote anything other than yourself--unless you have specific, express permission from Management. Break these rules, and your sig will be automatically removed or modified. Bottom line, wanna make a name for yourself here? Get your weight and stats up and be a solid member.

7) Sucking Up Bandwidth...
We wanna run this forum lean and mean. Translation? No fluff. No bullshit. This means no stupid, off topic pictures, irrelevant threads, inappropriate graphics, or attachments. No avatars either, save for a select few. Save our bandwidth for relevant physique and lifting-related posts, threads, pics and such... Cuz if you don't we're taking that shit down and handing out infractions. There is one off topic (OT) thread (http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=1297). If you must, use it.

8) Off Topics & Off Limits...
We all come from different backgrounds. From all walks of life… Race, creed, color, nationality, economic background. What brings us together is our love of the lifestyle and the fact that we all have committed our lives, in varying degrees, to the call of iron. This is a place to unify, to come together, to learn and to grow as a community. There are divisive issues in this world, no doubt about that, and many of us have very strong opinions. But those opinions have no place here and very little relevance. We here at Animalpak.com believe that it is good to feel strongly about these type of issues... However, matters of religion, politics, discussions about sex or lifestyles, and talk of drugs are officially off limits.

9) Conflicts of Interest...
The FORVM is a forum run by the brothers at Animalpak.com, a website dedicated to all things Animal. Animal is more than a lifestyle... It is a way of life, a relentless pursuit of iron. Yet Animal also represents a line of supplements--a solid fucking one at that. So understand that the "Packs" section will be devoted exclusively to Animal supplements. Now if you wanna talk about other supplements in general, post in the "Supplements 101" sub-section. But like we said before, this is a forum run by Animal. So we do not want to see the promotion of our competitors or their products. You can talk about supplements generally (creatine, whey protein, NO products), but not by specific name. We don't want this community filled up with reps or shills for other companies promoting their wares. At the same time, we will not condone the bashing of other companies, stores, or anything related to this industry. There will be no condescension, no talking down or berating. Treat all members with the utmost respect. Do not undermine the Animal brand, the marketing that supports it or sabotage directly or indirectly any business enterprises related to Universal Nutrition.

10) Be On Point...
You're inspired... Yeah, great. But chances are, the thread you're gonna start or the question you're about to ask has already been posted here... Shit, and probably more than once. So do us a favor and use the search function. Trust us, we don't want to see another thread asking what music you listen to when you train or how much protein you should take... Understand? We also want you to pay attention to where you're posting. When you post in the wrong section, we gotta move that post and this will keep us from what we really want to do--contribute here on this forum. And we don't like that. Post appropriately.

11) Be Above The Fray...
You're hardcore... Great. You're bigger than that kid training in your gym. Super. You're stronger than anyone in the room... Fantastic. So what? There's always gonna be someone bigger, stronger and more hardcore than you. So there's no need for you to post your exploits about you showed someone up here. No need to rub it in the faces of other members. We're all here to help one another become better individuals. Be yourself. If that chip on the shoulder, that attitude, is what defined the true Animal, then The Pros here would look down on the rest of us with nothing but scorn and disgust... Yet they do not. They are here and they help. They are here and they support. They are here and they are role models for the rest of us. Being an Animal is about showing respect and humility. We are ambassadors of this great sport and we are role models. We do not want to become a negative bodybuilding stereotype. So, posts that ask this kind of question, "I'm more hardcore than you because..." or "I'm more Animal than you because..." will be locked and deleted. This place is not for chest thumpers or bellowers. It's not for you to prove how tough you are. If someone in your gym annoys you, ignore it. If someone here irritates you, move on. You're better than that. It's also not the place for you to vent or whine about how hard life is. Life is fucking hard. Yeah, so get over it. Complaining ain't gonna get you anywhere. If you want to vent, do it elsewhere, or take it to PMs, but don't clutter up the FORVM with it.

12) Debating vs. Arguing
As many of you know from your time here, the FORVM is unlike any other. It's a supportive community of like-minded lifters who are serious about achieving their goals. But a community is not strong when dissenting opinions are stifled. We are individuals and we all bring a unique perspective to the table. We all want lively discussions as well as a passionate exchange of ideas. That said, we believe there's a right way and a wrong way to express opinions. You can present your ideas in a forceful, well-thought, and persuasive way, and back them up without insulting others. When done respectfully and rationally--like adults--it's "debating". This is what we encourage and like to see here. Arguing is when you start slinging insults and resort to name calling. When discussion devolves into schoolyard bickering. This is something that's best left for children. This is the F O R V M, not the playground. We want intelligent, rational debates. We don't want petty arguments or posts where members are in it just for the sake of winning. It ain't a pissing contest. Win, lose, who the fuck cares? It's all about furthering our knowledge and understanding, and not about ego. Realizing the difference between "debating" and "arguing" is what will set us apart from the rest and make the FORVM stronger. See also Rules #2 and #4.

J-Dawg
06-29-12, 1:08 pm
Opening this thread for comments/suggestions.