Rules/Conduct
About the ML
Fics and pics are welcomed. Fics may be posted to the list, while pics (for those who don't have/maintain a website) may be uploaded to the group page at yahoo. The only requirement is that all content be labeled correctly (death, lemon, non-con, incest, etc). This is not to point out any particular fic or genre, but only so readers who may/may not read a particular type (I for example avoid deathfics) don't get a nasty surprise, or get to read types they prefer. All warnings should be clearly marked in the head of the fic, before the main body. In cases of pics, mark the warnings in the announcement email or before the link is given.
No ML can run without certain rules in place. I hope you'll take the time to read and familiarize yourself with them. Ignorance of rules is no excuse, as they are freely accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a browser. They are as follows:
1: No flames Period. Anything that is insulting to another party with little to no helpful content is considered a flame. Blatant flames will result in immediate removal from the list (though some flames are easier to see than others). This also applies to trolls/trolling, which is considered to be the act of inciting trouble and/or flame wars.
2: No Spam Spam is the email equivalent to junk mail, especially if it's sent over and over again. Spam includes (but is not limited to): chain letters, virus hoaxes, ads to purchase items/services, etc.
There has been an increase of members joining only to promote their own group/site/auctions/sales/etc to MLs with large number. A co-mod suggested, (and I've agreed), that from now on any person who doesn't ask a list mod permission before posting will get removed from the list, no questions asked. Sending a short note doesn't take a lot of time, and is simply polite.
For any virus warnings, again, email me. Even if you think it's a high priority, will wipe your HD clean type of virus, ask the mod first. I will personally check any and all virus warnings sent to me. If it is a threat, then I will post it to the list, along with possible prevention/cleaning methods. However, most virus warnings are a hoax, in which case, I will let you know offlist.
3: When posting possible spoilers for the game, use spoiler space. As odd as it may seem, not everyone on the list has finished the game, and may not want to know the outcome ahead of time. If posting fics with spoilers, please make a notation in the warning/head of the fic itself.
4: Limit off topic and one-line messages. This is for those who have limited time and/or email space. This is especially true of off-topic messages.
5: When replying to a message, cut/edit the original message. If all you have to say is two sentences, and the original message is 10kb, obviously you don't need to leave all of that in there. Please be considerate of others and edit the original message, including only the part you're actually replying to.
6: C&C is by request only. Therefore, feedback should be positive unless the author specifically requests C&C for a posted fic/pic. To authors: Please consider carefully when requesting C&C. This means you want objective comments and are thereby giving permission for your work to be critically reviewed. As I do not believe in work being freely/publicly criticized on list, nor do I believe in a reviewer being flamed when C&C is asked for. To readers: If a fic requests C&C, please make any such comments private. C&C is for the benefit of the writer and to help them improve, so it doesn't need to be read by everyone.
And because I've had such problems with this one, I'll explain it a littler further.
a. Not every single writer has developed a thick skin. Some exceptions should be made for new fanfic writers, given that fanfics are nonprofit and done for fun.
b. Some fics aren't posted for critical review, and don't need to be critiqued.
c. Some writers post for fun. Nobody's getting paid for fanfiction, after all (least to my knowledge). These writers post for the enjoyment, and don't need criticism. They already know they aren't the worlds most affluent writers, but simply wish to share a story that someone else will enjoy purely for entertainment's sake.
d. Frankly, if a group of people want to sit around patting each other on the back for fics that aren't making them any money whatsoever, they should have the privilege of doing so.
7: No character bashing Of course you can say you don't like a character. That should be enough, however. Fics are usually marked so that readers can choose what to read and what not to read. Bashing a character is pointless and a waste of energy, be the chracter male or female. Not to mention, not everyone is going to share the same views, which may lead to negative feelings from someone who likes the same character. In short, bashing is nonsensical, and the energy can be better spent admiring the characters one does like instead.
8: Respect for others style Don't know what I mean? Simple, not everyone writes or draws the same way. How person A writes one character may not be how person B writes it. Neither one is wrong or right. Nobody is holding guns to anyone's head to read anything, so simply avoid any style of writing one does not like and move on.
9: Personal disputes will be taken off list and (by request) settled by the mod. So if it looks like an argument is starting, the admin will instruct both parties to move it to a private email discussion. In cases of disagreements over a member's conduct, the admin will try to be fair and settle any such incidents off list (or else call in an unrelated arbiter).
10: (and one of the important ones) Everyone has the right to their favorite couple Period.
11: No attachments. The settings have been fixed, but still it should be noted. (Also, it's wise not to open any attachments unless the person notified you beforehand of when and what they're sending.)
12: When a thread has been closed by a moderator, there is a ten minute window for those who's mail may be delayed, then no further posts on that thread nor to the admin post are allowed onlist. Any person who fails to cooperate will have their post removed and run the risk of ejection from the group.
These rules may be adjusted as the need arises, but all will be enforced. Note, with the exception of the first rule, a first offense will result in a warning. Second will result in another warning plus a temporary ban (usually 1-2 weeks depending on offense). Third offense gets a permanent ban.