Page 1 of 1

Rules and Guidelines

Posted: Wed Oct 09, 2024 11:31 pm
by mandarin
Welcome to the WGAF Forums

To keep our community friendly, informative, and fun for all members, please adhere to the following rules and guidelines. Failure to follow these may result in warnings, suspensions, or permanent bans.

1. Respectful Behavior
    • Be polite and respectful to all members.
    • No personal attacks, harassment, or bullying.
    • Avoid inflammatory comments and arguments; disagreements should be civil.
    • Respect differing opinions on fishkeeping techniques and setups.
2. Keep It Fish-Related
    • Ensure your posts are related to fishkeeping, aquatic life, or related topics.
    • Off-topic discussions can be taken to the appropriate section or private messages.
3. No Spamming or Self-Promotion
    • Do not post spam, advertisements, or unsolicited promotional content.
    • You may link to helpful external resources, but excessive self-promotion is not allowed.
    • Do not send unsolicited private messages for promotions or sales.
4. Post Content Responsibly
    • Use descriptive titles when starting new threads to help others find relevant content.
    • Check if your question or topic has already been posted before starting a new thread.
    • Stay on topic in threads and avoid hijacking discussions with unrelated topics.
    • Avoid "bumping" your own threads unless there is new, valuable information.
5. Media and Images
    • When posting pictures or videos, ensure they are clear, relevant, and appropriate.
    • Do not post graphic or inappropriate content, including cruelty to animals or overly disturbing images.
    • Credit any borrowed images, articles, or external resources.
6. No Illegal or Inappropriate Discussions
    • Do not discuss or encourage any illegal activities, such as the illegal sale of protected fish species or importing banned fish.
    • Topics involving animal cruelty or mistreatment will not be tolerated.
7. Usernames and Profiles
    • Do not impersonate other users, moderators, or administrators.
    • Choose appropriate usernames; offensive, abusive, or vulgar names will be removed.
    • Avoid using fish-related titles like "Expert" or "Professional" unless you hold such qualifications.
8. Respect the Moderators
    • Follow any instructions given by forum moderators or admins.
    • If you disagree with a moderator's action, raise the issue politely through private messages rather than public posts.
    • Do not create multiple accounts to evade bans or restrictions.
9. Sales and Trading
    • Sales posts must be placed in the designated Marketplace section.
    • Do not sell prohibited species, and follow all legal regulations for buying, selling, or trading fish and equipment.
    • All transactions are at your own risk; the forum is not responsible in any way for deals between members.
10. Privacy and Safety
    • Do not share personal information like phone numbers, addresses, or financial details publicly.
    • Be cautious of sharing personal information with others through private messages.
    • If you encounter any suspicious behavior, report it to the moderators immediately.
11. Language and Etiquette
    • English is the primary language of the forum. Use proper grammar and spelling where possible.
    • Do not use excessive capital letters (considered shouting) or internet slang that is hard to understand.
    • Swearing and offensive language are not allowed.
12. Reporting Issues
    • If you see a post that violates any of the rules, use the “Report” button to notify the moderators.
    • Do not engage with users violating the rules—let the moderators handle the situation. Doing so may inflame the situation and lead to your account also being punished.
13. Account Security
    • You are responsible for all activity on your account.
    • Do not share your password with anyone.
    • If you suspect someone has gained unauthorized access to your account, contact an admin immediately.
Consequences for Rule Violations:
    • Warning: For minor or first-time violations, you will receive a warning.
    • Temporary Ban: Multiple or more serious violations will result in a temporary suspension.
    • Permanent Ban: Continued or severe violations may lead to a permanent ban.
    • You may also be banned at our discretion.
Thank You for Being a Part of Our Community!

We aim to provide a safe and informative space for all fish enthusiasts, from beginners to experts. By following these rules, you'll help ensure the forum remains a positive place for learning and sharing knowledge about fishkeeping.

If you have any questions or need clarification on any of these rules, feel free to contact a moderator or administrator.