On Rules on BZPower

[-Windrider-]

I'm creating the above poll to try to get some discussion going about BZPower's subforum-specific rules; i.e., those found here in GD, in G&T, in COT, etc. As such, this doesn't really concern the global rules found in the Reference Desk.

 

I've heard complaints over the years that there are too many rules to follow on BZPower, some found only in one forum, and others in another, and that this can be discouraging, frustrating, and confusing for new and old members alike. Since subforum rules are supposedly related in some way to the global rules, how can the former be condensed and streamlined? The extreme example would be doing away with subforum rules topics altogether - but I think, as has been brought up to me, that some places have needed guidelines that can't be found in the Reference Desk.

 

We also want to avoid a situation where "unwritten" rules are enforced, which might arise if things are condensed too much. What kind of balance should the staff be aiming for? Is there anything we could be doing better when it comes to these subforum rules topics?

 

So, please vote above, and share your thoughts below!

Edited March 11, 2016 by -Windrider-

[Makuta Luroka]

Generally, when posting a topic or when I'm not clear on something, I'll consult that subforum's rules topic, and, personally, I find them very clear on the matter.

[fishers64]

I rarely look, mostly when I'm just getting into a new forum or don't remember a particular thing, or when I'm not sure which forum a certain topic idea goes in or if it is allowed. 

 

I find them to be very clear. 

 

I think we have the right amount of rules. Sometimes I think the entire internet should abide by some of BZP's rules, particularly the ones against trolling and flaming. 

[Kopekemaster]

I read them all (or most of them, anyway) sometime shortly after joining BZP, and haven't really ever looked at them again, except when I'm checking for something specific (which happens pretty rarely). They've always been pretty clear to me.

In the past, I would've said there were too many rules, but I think they've been cut down a good amount and are fine how they are now.

Edited March 11, 2016 by Kopekemaster

[Sumiki]

I occasionally take a look at the rules, especially before reporting something in a forum in which I don't assist or for double-checking reports from forums where I do assist. I like double-checking in that regard.
 
I've always found the rules—both of the site and subforums in general—to be very clear.
 
I've never found that there are too many rules. I feel as if we've done a good job in recent years to cull unnecessary rules and I think we've achieved a nice balance for present-day BZPower.

[Rahkshi Lalonde]

I check them when making a topic juuuuuuuust to be sure i don't get some hideous consequence for doing something wrong by mistake. x:

 

they're pretty clear,  a lot of  the more obtuse ones (no youtube links, no mention of outside forums, the inability to use certain mundane words due to insulting potential, etc etc etc.) have been cropped out and those that remain (no porn no cursing etc) seem like reasonable things to expect on a Bionicle site. o:

[Taria Pakari]

I only ever look at them when I need to refresh my memory on them after long periods of absence, and I'm happy with the way they are.

[Toatapio Nuva]

I never look at the rules anymore, but I've been on Bzpower for 12 years now so in that time I've pretty much learned the most relevant ones by heart.

 

I voted that the rules are somewhat clear. I haven't encountered problems with them in a long time.

 

In the past there used to be way too many rules on Bzpower, but since then things have become better in that regard. For one, we're finally allowed to link to other sites with forums etc. I still voted that there are too many rules though, and I think the forums should be a bit more liberal with regards to leaks. I know the reason for those rules existing though, so I can't really complain, and all in all I think Bzpower is taking a smart approach to those things.

[Toa Smoke Monster]

1. I occasionally look at them, but only if I need to double check something before I made a post or post a topic. 

 

2. The rules are very clear to me. 

 

3. I believe we have just the right amount of rules. Especially since we can now post links to Youtube videos, to which I've taken complete advantage of.

[Lyichir]

I really only refer to BZP's rules when I'm doing something I don't usually do, like start a topic or post images. Sometimes it can be hard to find what I'm looking for, like what image sizes are permissible. But in general I think BZP's rules are effective; I just wish certain topics were easier to find in a pinch.

[Ehksidian]

I rarely, if ever, look at forum-specific rules, though I do consult main site rules every so often.

 

The rules are fairly clear, really.

 

Good amount of rules right now, especially since certain ones (No youtube...no other forums ever...etc etc) are gone. If this was posted a few years ago I would have said too many rules, but now it's good.

[-Windrider-]

This is all good data, and I agree that had I posted this a few years ago, we'd be looking at a different skew.

And I know the poll's anonymous, but I would be interested to hear from those who think there are too many rules. For example, I think what I wrote up for the Off Topic Culture forum is pretty excessive. I should get around to those, actually.