PPC Constitution

Affectionately known as Da Rules, this list of proper Boarder behavior has been an effective guard against the chaos and infighting that often pervade other message boards. Believed to be written by Saphie, this Constitution can be found here and gives us guidelines about how we should treat out fellow boarders.

Here are the most basic rules:

The PPC Board Constitution (a.k.a. Da Rules)

 * Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. So be nice! Treat everyone else on the board with respect!


 * Respect other people’s opinions, especially when it comes to controversial issues, like religion, homosexuality and slash, or witchcraft. You don’t have to agree with anyone, of course, and stating your own opinion is encouraged, but no telling other people that their opinion is WRONG. It’s kind of hard for an opinion to be wrong, considering that it’s how that certain individual sees a certain issue.


 * This sort of goes along with Number 2 . . . No Flames Allowed! (The definition of flame used here is "A verbal attack/insult on an individual.") It’s one thing to say "I don’t agree with your opinion," to a person, but entirely inappropriate to say, "You’re such a flipping idiot for thinking that, you flipping moron!"


 * Thou shalt maketh your posts legible. Spell correctly and use good grammar to the best of your ability. Mistakes will be forgiven, of course, but it’ll be hard for everyone to understand you and respond to your posts if you go, "OMG! I cant belive taht newst movie is out! Its so gr8!"


 * Posts should be kept from the G to PG-13 range. Keep it clean people. If you have to say something over the PG-13 level (like if it includes cursing or something) give a warning at least.


 * Silliness and insanity are welcome here — even encouraged. Feel free to leave your sanity at the door. Most of the Regulars do.


 * Serious discussion is ALSO welcome here. Odd, ne?


 * Feel free to shamelessly plug stories and websites to your heart’s content, if you think they’ll be of interest the people on the Board. We’re in dire need of good fanfic and entertainment. Also feel free to post links to badfics. Remember that part of our mission is to help authors improve. Most people on this board post constructive criticism in an attempt to help the authors improve their writing style, so please consider this when you go review someone’s story. See far below for definition of flames and for more details.


 * Newbies should post at least once to introduce themselves (and to receive a bumper sticker from the Official Bumper Sticker Giver or the Deputy Bumper Sticker Giver.) After that, lurking is fine, although lurkers are likely to get BADLY lost because we ramble a lot, so we encourage you to join in and become a regular yourself. There’s bound to be someone here who likes the same stuff you like (since we’re such a diverse group.) And we LIKE new people and fresh meat — er, opinions. Don’t worry, the Regulars’ barks are far worse than their bites. (Although we DO bark A LOT, I can tell you.)


 * If you don't understand something, don't be afraid to ask. We won't point, laugh, and go "Ha-ha!" when you don’t know something. We'll help.


 * If you have a problem with a fellow PPC Boarder, please try to work it out in private emails. Don’t turn the Board into a free-for-all Flamefest.


 * If you can’t respect others’ opinions or things get too heated, please try to keep political/theological arguments to a minimum. Hopefully, that won’t be a problem, though.


 * If a political/theological and/or controversial subject starts out okay, but winds up heated, and starts going out of control, everyone should step back and calm down, and possibly abandon the discussion if it seems that it can’t be continued calmly and civilly.


 * If someone says something that seems offensive, but you’re not sure exactly what they meant, ASK them first, before jumping down their throats. They probably didn’t mean to offend anyone. (If they DID mean to insult people, go ahead and jump down their throats if you like.)


 * There is no rule 15.


 * Randomness is seldom a bad thing, as long as Da Rules are followed. (For an example, see Rule 15.)


 * Mary Sues are generally despised and though most of the Regulars will (probably) treat you with respect if you like them, this Board is not the best place for you.


 * If you hate Lord of the Rings, this Board is definitely NOT the place for you. You’ll find pretty much everyone here in disagreement with you.


 * Trollers will be ignored or mocked for entertainment.


 * Remember to have FUN.


 * "Do not meddle in the affairs of assassins! They are heavily-armed and quick to anger. And not noticeably subtle."

Signatures
Once upon a time, the PPC Constitution was signable, but regrettably, P@L is no longer answering her Oddlots e-mail. Should the PPC ever gain an updated website, an editable constitution would be very desirable.