Forum Rules

We have a very large group of members who use this web site on a daily basis. This comes with some challenges for both administrators and members when trying to maintain a cohesive and easy-to-use web site.

Please remember that some of our forums are viewable by the public, while others are restricted to just members. It is also good to remember that, barring a disaster, these forum posts are permanent and may be read by others years from now. Please take the few extra minutes to read these over and incorporate them into your posting habits.

Our moderation team reserves the right to edit any post that deviates from these rules. Please see "Moderation", below.

• 1General Rules
• 2Finding Information
• 3Posting Replies and New Threads
• 4Images and Avatars
• 5Post Events
• 6RSVP for Events
• 7Moderation

[top]General Rules

• Do not publicly participate in any personal disputes. You are to treat each other with respect and kindness, even when you disagree. Take any personal disputes into private messages, or in-game tells. This includes every member of this kinship, from the Founders down to our newest recruits.
• Rude and inflammatory posts damage the atmosphere we strive to create. Posts of that sort will be considered as drama, and members must not contribute to it.
• If you have a question or comment for the leadership team, please use the Suggestion Form, or send a Private Message.
• Limit the content of all posts and uploads on our Website to subjects which directly pertain to the Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien, or Middle-earth.
• Leadership policies and actions are not up for public discussion, and posts questioning leadership actions, motivations, and intentions will be seen as causing drama for other members. Personal disputes must be handled privately.
• Do not post a message that is only intended for a few people. Threads should be open and inviting to all kinship members. Personal discussions among a select group of members should take place via private message or in-game tells.
• Please stay on-topic. Re-read the thread's subject and designated forum, and decide if it is still relevant. If it isn't, then please do not post! It would be more appropriate to start a new thread.
• Please do not "hijack" a thread by starting a new topic in the middle. This can be especially frustrating to the original poster (OP), who has previously designated the topic for the thread. Hijacking a thread is also confusing to new members, as answers and information may not be in the spot that they expect. Please help others by staying on topic!
  

[top]Finding Information

• Please use the Search function, found at the top of each page, before posting a new question. Chances are, your question has been asked and answered before!
• Please read the "stickied" posts at the top of each forum. They usually contain more helpful information and pertinent announcements!
  

[top]Posting Replies and New Threads

• Make sure that you choose the correct forum when posting your new thread.
• Choose clear and informative subjects for your new threads, avoiding subjects like "Help!", and "My Character". Conversely, do not use overly-long subjects. Try to keep them to 7 words or less.
• Try your best to post clear and easy-to-understand messages. This includes using English to the best of your ability, using correct capitalization, punctuation, and grammar.
• Do not use chat/SMS lingo (l33t speak) in your posts. Most members will understand your post better if you use full words.
• Do not type your text in all capital letters, as this is considered "shouting" and rude. If you accidentally type something in all caps, please use this web site to convert your text back to normal (sentence) case.
• Please use the built-in spell check before posting. Click the icon in the upper-right of your message. If you use FireFox, the browser's built-in spell check works very well with our forum.
• When you are replying to a post, please quote only the necessary text. If you find that you are quoting more than you are contributing, please try and trim more of the quote.
• Please do not quote the post directly above yours, as it is assumed that you are replying to the one directly above yours if you do not quote.
• Aside from trimming a quote, please do not edit or format others' text. If your reply is clear enough, there will be no need to emphasize the portion of text you are referring to. Trimming a quote correctly can accomplish this.
• If posting information from other web sites, your post must also include a link to the original source.
  

[top]Images and Avatars

• This web site is specifically geared toward LOTRO and Tolkien's works. To provide the best browsing experience for all members, we ask that avatars and images be related to the game or Tolkien's works in some way.
• Many pre-set avatars have been provided for you. You may opt to upload your own image, but your custom image must also pertain to LOTRO, Middle-earth, or Tolkien. If you use an image that is unrelated, moderation staff may remove or change your avatar to something more appropriate. Err on the safe side and use an in-game screen shot, and avoid real-life pictures or references for your avatar. You may use a real-life picture of yourself as your profile picture.
• We allow limited posting of images in your forum posts. We ask that these images also adhere to the rules, above.
• You may insert images from other web sites if they conform to the above rules, but we ask that you either own the web hosting where the image is stored, or use an external image hosting service such as Flickr or ImageShack. Linking to someone else's image is considered Hotlinking, Inline_linking, and is frowned upon (just don't do it!).
• When using Flickr to host your images, click on View All Sizes and choose an appropriate size to insert. Then scroll to the bottom and copy the URL at the bottom (not the HTML one).
  

[top]Post Events

Members are welcome to schedule non-raid events, which conform to the following guidelines:

• Must not be posted less than 18 hours before the scheduled start time.
• Must not conflict with an official raid (see Charter for schedule), unless the sponsor has received prior permission.
• Must only include the name of the instance or quest (i.e. 16th Hall, Epic 2.7.4) in the title. Additional information should be in the event details.
• Must include the start and end times, and any requirements which will be taken into consideration.
• The event sponsor must post a list of attendees or a cancellation notice, no less than one hour prior to the scheduled start time.
• Must receive prior consent from leadership to organize or schedule raid events.
  

[top]RSVP for Events

Members and recruits are welcome to RSVP for events in accordance with the following rules:

• Only RSVP "yes" if you meet all of the attendance requirements (listed in the event description), and are able to participate for the entire duration. If you're unsure, please RSVP as "maybe", and state why in your comment.
• Only one RSVP per player is allowed per calendar event. Please sign up with the single character you prefer to bring. Please list any other characters (alts) you're willing to bring who also meet the event requirements in your RSVP comment using the following format: Alt1 (Class), Alt2 (Class)
• Update their RSVP and comment when applicable. Posting in the event thread is not a substitute. Please note: Changing RSVP comments also changes the RSVP time, unless you use the form indicated in the event listing. Please be sure to read the instructions first.
• Be logged in and ready to start, by the scheduled time.
  

[top]Moderation

• Opinions that are expressed in a harsh, unproductive, and dramatic way will be seen as disrespecting fellow members and causing drama. These types of posts are not tolerated.
• If you have any suggestions for making the web site better, please submit them via the Suggestion Form or via Private Message. We do value member suggestions and consider each of them, but please realize that additional features may require more upkeep or resources, and, sometimes, even wonderful idea may not be implemented.
• Administrators and moderators reserve the right to move or edit posts so that they adhere to the above rules. You may find a log of actions taken on your threads and posts in the last 30 days by visiting your UserCP.
• Please be respectful and heed the requests of forum administrators and moderators. Remember that their job is the never easy, and often thankless task of providing a pleasant atmosphere for everyone.