Rules
In general, we like to think ourselves as exceptionally forgiving and patient. We value our users' freedom as much as we value ours and unless a channel is topical and with heavy traffic we let them argue, vent, sort it out with one another, reach understanding and do not just leash and gag them on the least disturbance. We can also take light insults and do exactly nothing about it unless it reaches unacceptable, floody levels. We don't encourage it, of course.Surely, channel ops are free to enforce their own rules, which aren't going to be disputed unless they are downright unethical and offensive, but everyone must comply at least to what comes below.
Starting with more or less habitual stuff:
- No spam/flood. Aggressive advertisement and random, mindless typing/pasting. Also, try not to paste huge walls of text with code and whatnot even if pertinent, use the correct services like Pastebin.
- No excessive nickname change. Not only it technically falls under spam/flood category, it can also be rather confusing and irksome.
- No improper nick- and channel names. We would like to keep it clean, please. If you are not sure what is appropriate and not you may contact us for clearance.
- Do not impersonate other users. Whether it is trolling or just a joke, it is never a good idea.
- Do not abuse services. Namely, NickServ and ChanServ. Typically, people do not need more than one account unless they have a secret and more often than not malicious agenda. Also, try not to register and abandon channels shortly thereafter. If you are not sure you can maintain it then take your time and think it through. And if you really did change your mind then, please, clean after yourself.
- Configure your client/connection properly. It is not uncommon to see clients connect/disconnect or part/join randomly, which is something we probably can't fix for you nor can we look into every existing client there is to help you fix it. Therefore, it is best that you do it yourself or just find an alternative ASAP.
- Respect one another. We do not want to lecture anyone, but try to get along.
And now for something completely different:
- No petty complaints. Please, do not bother us because you have been called F or N words. Try to grow up instead or use /ignore. Besides, it's because of people like you and those who indulge you with "protection" that these so-called bigots and racists (bored people in our book) exist in the first place. At the end of the day, it is only you who perpetuate it and make it worth their while. And just for the record, we don't promote gay rights.
- No public reports/snitching. A good example would be someone calling someone out on a public channel for using /invite on them, even if repeatedly. Please, understand that /invite is a kind of a notice message, which in effect is a private message and as such should be addressed accordingly. If you are so much bothered by it try PM'ing the person in question and ask them politely to stop or simply use /ignore.
- No malicious PM to public channel dumping. This is even worse. We despise this kind of activity very-very much and equate it to doxxing. Please, refrain from it even if you think the person whose text you expose deserves it. The rule of a thumb is, what is meant to be private should remain private. Period. Besides, any such paste could be easily faked, so it is never a good practice. If you believe there is a reason for alarm, do kindly report to IRCops.