Last Updated: June 22, 2009

Welcome to the MechScape World Forums. We have various rules in place to help us maintain a clean and friendly community. All we ask is that you follow them at all times.

1. Appropriate Content / Spamming
Please keep all posts appropriate for a PG13 audience. There is to be no spamming. Definitions of spamming may include:
1.1 Duplicate posts or topics.
1.2 Meaningless off-topic posts.
1.3 Double posts.
1.4 Single-Word posts.
1.5 Excessive use of smileys, images, exclamation points, capital letters, punctuation, or bad grammar and spelling.
1.6 Hijacking threads.
When members post in other people's topics in an attempt to change the subject or advertise for their benefit.
1.7 Advertising.
You are not allowed to advertise commercial websites, referral sites (for cash or game points), or any website that is related to hacking, warez, pornography or is otherwise unsafe.
1.8 Begging (directly or indirectly).
1.9 Foreign Languages.
MechScape World is an English-speaking forum. Posts entirely in a language other than English will be treated as spam and deleted, as our moderators cannot be expected to learn all languages. However, foreign-language media sources are acceptable.


2. No Flaming or Flame-Baiting
We will not tolerate arguments created for the sole sake of arguing, or any posts created only to invoke anger.

3. No Illegal Content
The forum is strictly 13+ and no pornography is allowed.
Pornography is defined as pictures, video or text depicting sexual intercourse.
Artistic nudity is not allowed.
Warez is not allowed.

4. No Solicitation of Private Details
Any user must not use these forums to solicit information regarding another user's full name, physical address, physical web address (internet protocol), bank or credit information, government identification, passwords or other personal details that will compromise the personal security of another user. Asking a minor for information regarding the name of their school or local club they attend may be considered solicitation. We will keep in mind that some personally identifiable facts are discussed on a daily basis and this rule serves as a warning. Users must be vigilant in the protection of their own personal data as MechScape World is not responsible for the content any user posts, including personal information which they wish to share.

5. No Advertising
- You may NOT advertise any other website or forum in your posts, via PM or encourage any member away from MechScape World.
- "Discreet advertising" is prohibited and may result in an instant ban. This is where relevant discussion masks the advertising intent.
- Referral links are not tolerated whatsoever, and may result in an instant ban. If you are an experienced member, you will receive a formal warning.
- You may include a personal or non-profit website in your signature PROVIDING that it is not a competitor and/or registrable website (e.g. contains a forum); it is discreet; and does not make an attempt to direct members away from this website. E.g. "Leave MechScape World, visit my website instead!".
- For any MechScape or RuneScape-related website you include in your signature, the owner MUST link back to MechscapeWorld.com. If not, you are not permitted to include the link in your signature.

6. Plagiarism & Art Theft
All creative work you are claiming to create must be your own, or derivatives of existing work where you have given credit. Plagiarism or Art Theft is a serious crime and will not be tolerated.

7. Signatures & Avatars
7.1 Signatures
We allow any amount of text, spacing and images. However, the dimensions must be kept to 500x250 or less and the file size must be kept to 500kB or less. Signatures must not contain any content against the forum rules, and should not be distracting. Do not use anyone else's signature without the owner's consent, and do not steal anyone's work or take credit for it. We reserve the right to remove your signature if it breaks these rules, and you may be warned. If you have text in your signature, please do not make the size too big as this can be both distracting and annoying for members.

The following is an image containing some of these guidelines:



7.2 Avatars
Avatars should be 100x100 pixels or smaller, with a filesize of less than 300kB. It must not break the forum rules, or be unsuitable for other members.

8. No Multiple Accounts
Members are permitted to have a maximum of ONE account per person. Excess accounts will be removed or merged without warning.
You are not permitted to create another account if you have been banned.
If you share an internet connection or have a sibling using the same computer or connection, contacting us first will remove any possibility of accidental account deletion or merging.
If we are in doubt, we reserve the right to investigate any and all account data.
Note: Staff are allowed a secondary account for use in public places.

9. Complaining About Rules/Mods/Actions
Members have the right to question a moderator's action if kept civil. If you see someone breaking the rules then use the report facility or contact a moderator/administrator. Do not post on a thread just to state that a rule has been broken. If you see an off-topic post then don't make another off-topic post just to complain about it, and instead post something relevant to get the thread back on track.


10. Jagex Rules
Please follow the basic rules set by Jagex. This includes real world trading and scamming. You can find them here.

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Age Allowance (Added December 1st)
This forum is strictly for ages 13 and older. Underage users will be suspended until their birth date shows they have reached age 13. There is absolutely no appeal for this rule, and we do not accept COPPA waivers or parent signatures for underage users. We are not responsible for content that is not appropriate for children 13 and under.

The rules are subject to change without notice. Please check back on a regular basis. We will include the date of which it was last updated at the top of this post, and details on what was changed below.

Thanks,
MechScape World Staff.

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Note from Ren (31 May 2009): Please see also our position regarding clan advertising.

UPDATE (JUNE 8) :: Single-Word Posting is now a punishable offense.
UPDATE (JUNE 22) :: Solicitation is now punishable.