Rule 1: Respect
1a) Respect others, whether they are a member of DF, a member of another community interacting with ours, or really just anyone in general. Shit-talking is fine, but if the other person starts to get upset, or does not want to be involved in the shit-talking, then disrespect aimed towards them will be treated as an insult and punished as such (Also note that nobody is to be shit-talked without an indication that they are willing. Think of it like 'Innocent until proven guilty'.) This rule encompasses the following: Direct insults, defamation of character, harassment, and invasion of privacy.
1b) This rule also extends to any post which includes vulgar or defamatory reference to any person, or person's idea without their consent or which upsets them. (Constructive criticism is exempt to this rule. Non-constructive criticism is not.)

Rule 2: Posting Etiquette
2a) Try to give all of your posts some substance. The character limit on the forums is 10 for a reason. Don't post pointlessly with messages like "LOL! /10chars" or "Cool! /10chars." If you enjoyed someone's post and just want to express that, tell them on the IRC, or use the reputation system and leave a comment, or even send them a Visitor or Personal Message. If you were just looking to converse, take it to VM or PM.
2b) Also refrain from just saying "I agree" or similar posts which do not add to the discussion. We don't need an account of every person who agrees or disagrees with someone's statement. Only post if you have something to add.
2c) Do not bump a thread which is already slated for deletion. "Inb4void" posts fall into this category of 'spam comments.' Use the report button, instead.
2d) Profanity is acceptable, but keep it under control. There may be minors or people in public places visiting the forum. You are expected to be your own judge on what is 'too much' swearing, so if someone is uncomfortable with the amount of profanity you are using, you are expected to change it.
2e) Do not double post. If you have something to add to your post, and nobody's posted yet, just edit your previous post.
2f) Heated arguments are allowed as long as they abide by rule 1.

Rule 3: Thread Etiquette
3a) Do not derail or hijack threads. If you have a new topic to discuss (or a branch topic off of a discussion from an existing topic) just create a new topic for it.
3b) Also be sure to post relevant threads. Make sure to post any threads in their proper place (IE Technical Support is for forum suggestions and such; Final Fantasy Discussion is for discussion on Final Fantasy.)
3c) Use General Chat for discussion on subjects that don't fit into any provided category. Use the spambin for forum games, or general chat-type threads. Also make sure to read The Spambin Unwritten Rules.)
3d) Before posting a thread, use the search function to see whether your thread exists already. Any thread created pointlessly, or duplicates, are subject to deletion.
3e) Conversely, do not necrobump threads if you do not have anything to add to the discussion.

Rule 4: Piracy
4a) Do NOT post any links to sites that endorse or provide the means for piracy. Do not post links to pirated or illegal content.
4b) Discussions on CFW and ISOs are allowed but to be kept to a minimum. Any talk that glorifies CFW and ISOs as a method of pirating content is absolutely forbidden. Providing links to getting the CFW and ISOs is also strictly forbidden.
4c) Regarding the Dissidia Modding Suite: By using the modding suite endorsed by the Dissidia Forums, you agree to use this software to modify only legally obtained ISOs, and also to only modify your own copy.

Rule 5: Forum Mechanics and Etiquette
5a) Don't abuse Thread Tags and the Tag Cloud. Keep Tags related to the thread's and its posts' subject. They exist for convenience, not for your enjoyment.
5b) Don't abuse forum privileges (eg Signature, Avatar, Custom Title) in a way that negatively affects forum browsing. This includes over-sized/over-dimension and animation-heavy images, and text that incites racism, sexism, or general hate.
5c) Signatures may not exceed a size of 250 pixels high, by 700 pixels wide. (This is the total dimension, including text, not per image!) Think of the fixed forum width and the members with slow internet connections.
5d) If using any animated gifs for the signature, the total file size of all the gifs combined must not exceed 500 KB.
5e) Do not abuse the reputation system. Do not make topics asking for more (positive/negative) reputation, and do not use the reputation system as a way to anonymously insult other forum members. All comments must adhere to rule 1.

Rule 6: Content Rules
6a) Do not post pornography, or any links to pornography. Sometimes it is unavoidable to link to a site which may house pornographic content separate from your link (IE Kotaku or Danbooru.) In these instances, encase the link in spoiler tags, and mark it as NSFW. Also do this with any 'sexy' images or other content which might be inappropriate for minors or public viewers.
6b) Keep the discussion level at PG-13 rating. The odd mention of breasts and whatnot is harmless, but let's not start a discussion about it. Any talk of an overly sexual nature is to be kept off of the forums. This rule also extends to excessive mention of sexual or otherwise inappropriate subjects.

Rule 7: Regarding other sites
7a) Do not advertise, or provide links to sites which may be harmful to users. This includes sites which offer, or may potentially offer pyramid schemes, free or paid software or goods, potential scam or phishing sites, or other sites which are known to be unsafe.
7b) Do not advertise, or provide links to websites or forums that oppose or are in competition with DF. If you require special exception to this rule, or feel as though your site should be exempt from the rule (IE you offer a different service/are aimed at a different audience,) take it up with Mass Zero BEFORE posting anything.

Rule 8: Miscellaneous
8a) Do not create more than one account. If you are banned, wait patiently until you are unbanned. If you have any other good reason, contact a staff member in the irc channel #dissidia to pass your message along to one of the administrators for permission FIRST.
8b) Do not share accounts with anyone(especially banned users). Doing so can result in infractions for both members, and possibly a ban of the shared account if it's used to cause trouble.
8c) Don't ask to become a moderator. Moderators are chosen by the staff team depending on certain qualities. We don't need you to tell us you'd be a good moderator. You are, however, free to nominate someone you feel would make a good team member. PM one of the existing staff with nominations, but be prepared to supply good reasons for your nomination.

Rule 9: Regarding the Staff
Each staff member is hand-selected and is entrusted to carry out these rules to the best of their ability. The staff are to be treated with the same respect outlined in rule 1. If an issue arises regarding one of the staff members--whether a rule has been applied out of place, a rule neglected, or there is a personal issue--it is to be taken up with the staff member in person and in private. There is no reason to make a scene over something that may just be a misunderstanding. Should the need arise, any issue can be requested to be presented to the rest of the staff by another staff member, but the decision made under the collective will be final.

Rule 10: Regarding these rules
10a) By using these forums, you agree to abide by the rules outlined here. Ignorance, therefore, is not an acceptable excuse if you are found breaking these rules. The staff reserves the right to deal with each violation on a case by case basis. Depending on the grievousness of the offense, penalties for violating these rules range from a verbal warning to an infraction to being potentially banned. If you are unclear about any rule, it would be a good idea to PM one of the staff for clarification before taking any risks.
10b) Any and all temporary banned members will be prohibited from entering any forum-wide event for a month starting on the day the ban occurred. Any returning banned members won't be allowed to enter one upcoming major DF-hosted tournament for a month after their ban, as well. Violating this rule through the use of creating a new forum account will lead to the loss of more privileges.
10c) Do not attempt to persecute any member who is violating these rules. If you see a post in violation, simply report it and move along.
10d) These rules are subject to change at any time, so be sure to keep yourself updated. Major changes will be announced.
10e) All previous rules extend to the IRC chatrooms that are known to our userbase as a whole and moderated by our staff.

In the event that a situation or issue is not covered in these rules, the moderating team will assess the situation in question and come to a reasonable conclusion. In these instances, the decision does not specifically need to be supported by the rules to hold weight and decision(s) made by the moderating team will be final.

Forum Rules updated on 04-10-2012