Sunderland Forum - Original And "Family Friendly"
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Rules

Sunderland Forum - Rules and Code of Conduct

Here at the Sunderland Forum, we need a set of guidelines to help keep the message boards running smoothly. The job is difficult enough for all staff. But we also have rules which we need to abide by too. Therefore, the rules and guidelines here help the boards tick over. We have successfully done for many years and will continue to do so.

If you feel as if you can't abide by the rules, then please do not sign up because we will enforce them - we have to!

Forum Information

The Sunderland Forum is a family-friendly platform which anyone can view, whether a member or not. Indeed, this is one of the reasons why we don't allow swearing.

Please note that there are a few forums which non-members can't see because they are less moderated. In such cases, swearing may be permissible.

We promote local values, of course. Therefore, you may use the Mackem language or any local dialect in your posts. But, we don't allow "txt spk". Please leave that to your mobile phone conversations.

The Sunderland Forum is about quality, not quantity. We also have a ranking system based on the number of posts you make. However, please avoid using smilies as a reply to increase your number of forum posts. Try for at least one or two lines as a minimum but if you want an easily found thread, place a lot of original content in it.

We operate a city-wide forum which has many topics. Football is a small part of the Sunderland Forum but is not the main subject. However, we do recognise that SAFC is close to the heart of many people. As such, The Lads have a forum of their own. Therefore, if you support the Black Cats, promote your team here!

All members are fully responsible for their posts. The Sunderland Forum or anyone associated with it does not accept any responsibility for anything said or posted here. All posts here views of individual members of this forum. They are not necessarily the views of the Sunderland Forum team, Wearside Online, The City of Sunderland, SAFC or any other organisation. They are merely views of individual members of this forum.

Here are the main rules which are subject to change and varying discretion:

Joining Requirements

J01) Most people can join the Sunderland Forum, but you must be at least 13 years old. However, we will ban those who play the fool.
J02) People from outside the Wearside area can still join in as long as they have an interest in the area or are SAFC supporters etc.
J03) You must treat all members with respect - we don't allow flaming of other people.
J04) We also don't allow members to wind up others or troll the forum. However, if you are the sort that is easily offended, walk away to avoid confrontation.
J05) You visit the Sunderland Forum at your own risk. Occasionally there will be things you find offensive or insulting. Unfortunately, the moderating team cannot read every post. If you see something offensive - report it for consideration. However, we do encourage free speech as long as it is legal. We will delete anything that we think is offensive such as racist or homophobic posts etc. Posting illegal or offensive articles will result in a warning or banning order.

Posting Rules (Rigidly Enforced)

R01) We don't allow pictures or videos of an extreme nature.
R02) Sexually explicit pictures are not permissible, but legal sexy images are - there is a difference!
R03) We don't allow links to either sexually explicit sites or other extreme imagery.
R04) We don't allow spam, of course.
R05) Please do not copy and paste vast amounts of material from other sources because some text is copyrighted. However, it may be acceptable to copy and paste one or two lines and then a link to it so others can view the original text themselves. Repetition like this is no good for the boards in other ways so is always discouraged.
R06) To further prevent repetition, you should not reproduce a whole post when replying to it. If you can't copy one or two lines, then use the "mentions**" option to alert the original poster to which you are replying. If you wish to address individual points, this is a different matter. But ensure that you separate the text. Then you should address each one individually.
R07) No swearing - show respect for others by using another word!
R08) When you begin a new thread, you should try to pack in as much content as possible. For example, don't post the thread title, "I Like" then open the post with "Apples". The mods will delete all threads like this and all replies as well. Therefore, your opening post should be crystal clear and to the point. In other words, what are you trying to say? One-liners have their place, but lots of content can stir up a conversation far better!

** Use the @ and type in the first letter or two of a member's name, then highlight the one you wish to alert.

Posting Rules Continued (Enforceable Using Discretion)

R09) These Wearside message boards have many categories, so please use the appropriate forum for your topic. Each one is self-explanatory.
R10) Please don't hijack a thread or go off-topic too much. If you must go off-topic, then make a new thread!
R11) Try not to advertise businesses, products for sale or personal sites on the forum. All advertising of this nature should go in the free Sunderland classified adverts site (part of our network). You will need to join that, but this way you remain anonymous and your forum identity will stay safe.

Posting Guidelines (Advisory)

G01) Try to be clear about anything you post. We are not concerned about spelling or grammar and suchlike just as long as others can understand your message. However, please pay particular attention to rule 08 above!
G02) Separate lines for individual sentences can sometimes help to keep things tidy, but this is your decision.
G03) You may post images and videos as long as they are legal. We encourage users to do this, especially YouTube videos which are always acceptable.

Finally:

When you sign up as a member of the Sunderland Forum, you are accepting the rules and terms associated with it. You also acknowledge that our policy can change over time and will attempt to keep up-to-date with any changes.

Behind user names are real people who may have different opinions or orientation to yourself. Indeed, they have feelings as well and is one of the reasons why we encourage respect for others.

Sour grapes

Please don't take offence, but the decisions of an Admin or Moderator are final on all matters. Also, please do not argue with them. They have already given up much of their time to moderate the boards.

For more information about the Wearside Online Network - click here.

Updated 02/11/2020