The main purpose of a forum is the sharing of knowledge. This forum is a private space open to the public, subject to the whims of the proprietor - not public property. By all means enjoy yourselves - just remember what the Planet Gong is all about. Let's make this the best Gong forum on the web.
No personal attacks. Rude, obnoxious or abusive posts will be deleted. Repeat offenders may be banned. Please do not post under multiple names. Do no harm. Do not discuss warez, cracks, illegal file sharing or related topics. Take no notice of spammers, flamers, trolls, etc.
The first post should explain the intention of the discussion. Try to stay on topic. Place new topics in the appropriate section, or they may be moved. Keep them relevant to the forum as a whole, or they may be deleted. Do not hijack someone else's thread. Do not start 'private' or non sequitur conversations in someone else's thread. Don't try to build your post count by replying to every comment.
Keep them tight; minimal white space, short signature. No attachments; announce the file's full URL instead. Think globally; avoid 'chat lingo' and shorthand. Actual words and sentences are more accessible to international or blind readers, as is proper spelling and punctuation. Think multi-culturally; what you find humorous others may find crude or offensive. 'ALL CAPS' is viewed as a raised voice.
When replying to an earlier post, trim the quoted message. Rule of Thumb: Don't include more quoted text than new text. Convention suggests you place your reply after the [/quote]. Although visible to anyone, you should generally address your reply to the person to whose comment you are responding; this makes a better impression, and focuses you on the fact that there is a real person on the other end of your message.
Two moderators have the final say as to what constitutes infringement, and reserve the right to edit or delete posts, move, close or delete topics, and ban or block guests, all possibly without warning, and as they see fit. Guests may e-mail the moderators privately if they feel a need to explain a position, report abuse, or make suggestions on improving this document. All visitors are assumed to have read and agreed to the whole of the above.
