Rules of Infractions

[codeexploiter]

I would like to know more details about the rules of Infractions in the forum. I've got one but didn't know about that until today. I was unable to find the rules in the posting rules of the forum. I think I've missed lots of new rules in the forum..

[djr33]

Your particular infraction was for poor formatting. Looks like you just didn't put the code in code tags and/or had some other strange formatting.
As you know, formatting well really can help someone answer the question you ask.

Infractions are just, mostly, a reminder. After 20 points, it does become a permanent ban. However, this is very rare, as most users don't do things wrong repeatedly enough to reach those 20 points. Also, they expire after a month.

You have nothing to worry about personally as you are a contributing member on the forums, unless you change your posting patterns significantly. Don't worry about it, I'd say.

As for the rules:
1. Infractions are points like this:
--4: non-descriptive title
--5: most infractions
--7: strong infractions, like self-promotion
--automatic ban for spamming (this is for bots or new users with under 5 posts, in almost all cases)

2. Infractions can be given as just a warning, but that's usually only for someone who really doesn't know, like on their first post (and this is up to the mod's discretion as to whether or not it should be a warning or points).

3. Infractions are basically to keep the board orderly and they are a very easy way to inform a newer user of something, or to remind another user as well. They're not punitive and don't do anything to your privileges on the board, etc.

4. If a user actually accumulates 20 points, it's because they are not abiding by the rules at all, and really aren't a beneficial part of the community. The mods are also aware of when a user may be banned for an infraction, and we're careful not to do it unless it really is deserved.


Of course, if you do have a question about an infraction or the rules in general, you're welcome to ask.


Infractions vary, from posting somewhere you should not, phrasing something badly, using the wrong formatting, posting twice with one question, thread hijacking, etc. to flaming, spamming or self promotion.

[Twey]

Infraction list is:

Non descriptive or meaningless title                            4
Cross posting in multiple categories                            5
General infraction (moderate)                                   5
Grossly irresponsible advise [sic] or response                  5
Not following the proper posting format (DD scripts category)   5
Thread hijacking (disrupt a thread with your own inquiry)       5
Very poor grammar, spelling, or formatting                      5
Vulgar or inappropriate Language                                5
Flaming or insulting other members                              7
General infraction (strong)                                     7
Self promotion or advertising (moderate)                        7
Signature Rule violation                                        7
Spammer (banned)                                                20

Points expire after thirty days; twenty points is an automatic ban.

[djr33]

Note, though, that the rules are up to interpretation by the mods, furthered by the "General infraction" options.

[codeexploiter]

Thanks mods for the details. Yes I agree with you that proper formatting makes the posting more readable. I'll remember this point.

[ddadmin]

As Daniel has so nicely summed up, infractions are basically a way for mods to quickly notify a member of any problems in his post or behavior (with just a couple of clicks). While the list of infractions is explicitly defined, it's up to each mod to interpret what constitutes and what doesn't constitute an infraction when handing one out. So the process is both objective and subjective. A member can be banned if he accumulates too many infraction points within a month, but that rarely happens (the spammers get banned outright).

[BLiZZaRD]

Ermm... where dost thou show these points?

[djr33]

I believe you can view these points in your profile. As a mod, we can see infractions for any user, but this isn't visible to everyone. I don't have any infractions, so I'm not sure where to look. However, I do believe you are notified upon receiving an infraction, and you can certainly as one of us to check if you can't find it.

[ddadmin]

On the member profile page, you should be able to see a past history of all the infractions you've received. Like Daniel says, it's visible only to yourself and mods.

[codeexploiter]

However, I do believe you are notified upon receiving an infraction

In my case I haven't got any notification. I've noticed it when I opened my user control panel section, which is not a frequent visiting section from my side.

I would like to know what kind of infraction notification a user will get. As there is no point in using something without notifying the actual culprit(s).

Like from user point of view these kind things may not be intentional and one fine day when (s)he tries to open the forum he is getting a message saying that (s)he is banned from the forum due to infractions.

As a user I personally feel that a more appropriate notification needs to be send either via mail or a PM (If that is possible). So that ordinary users can understand what caused the problem.