Hello Everyone,
Welcome to the Forum. We sincerely hope you have a great time here. We take this opportunity to share the rules and regulations developed specifically for this section with all our members to ensure a peaceful atmosphere. Therefore, members are requested to abide by these rules at all times in the forum.
No Bashing: India-forums.com Code of Conduct strictly forbids members from bashing fellow members, DT members and celebrities. This includes the use of foul language, as well as any personal remarks, i.e. how the actor looks like, as they have no control over it! We welcome members to share their constructive criticism on the absurdity of the series's storyline and character, as well as to discuss the actor's talents, however, please refrain from engaging in any kind of bashing, which may have severe consequences
What some of you are doing is breaking the COC.
- Bashing Dev. Team Members is strictly against IF Rules. Warning Levels will be raised of members found bashing the Dev. Team. If you have any issues contact the GMs.
- No personal attack direct / indirect, abusive / sarcastic, within or outside the forum shall be tolerated.
Personal attack: Each and everyone are entitled to having their own point of view, likes and dislikes. Differences in opinions are bound to exist in a forum like India-forums.com. However, this does not permit one to attack their fellow members for not sharing the same point of view. Let us respect our fellow members and refrain from making any provocative statements, which may only lead to unnecessary quarrels.
Members come here to relax and unwind. Quoting someone's post and making a harsh comment begets displeasure. You have no right to post any abusive, derogatory, insulting or sarcastic comments which are enough to hurt the sentiments of your fellow member. All these fictions are not worth hurting a fellow IFian. Please do remember that!
Character Bashing: Everyone has a favourite character and some people prefer unpopular characters due to the actor playing such characters. And for them, it's incredibly offensive to see bashing of such character to the extreme. Character bashing frequently occurs when the hated character is seen as a threat to the fan's preferred ship or main leads. The act of depicting a character in a negative light for the purposes of blatantly showing fans and viewers how bad or terrible the character is but not to restore filthy or abusive words. Filthy language and cheap words leave a bad taste in people's mouths and create an unpleasant environment for the members and fans. Please remember the serial is a fictional story with various plots and subplots. The actors and actresses are merely professionals who are enacting their respective roles. So, the actor/actresses are different from the characters they play. If you do not like a character, criticize the character but NOT the actor. The same goes for fans too. If you see criticism against a character, please do not jump in to defend the actor/actress, for it is only the character that is getting criticized. If anyone is at fault then it is the story plot.
There is a fine line between bashing and criticizing. It's one thing to be an analyst but another to instigate and mock. Things can be said in a more civilized manner rather than being brutal. Also, there's a difference between real and reel. You cannot abuse the actor citing character references. Insulting real people crosses a line, so if your character bashing entails bashing the members who like the character will not be tolerated. Additionally, while criticizing, remember to not post anything unsavoury that you wouldn't like hearing about yourself spoken by others. Please do not take the liberty to stereotype any fan bases. This will not be accepted at any cost. At the same time, members should also not resort to personal attacks or cyberbully other members just cause the other person has a different view than yours. Any derogatory references or name callings against actors /characters/members/Dev team members are strictly a NO NO here
Indirectly Mocking Opinions and Pinpointing: You all know exactly what we DT mean. It's been happening way too frequently here and will not be entertained. You are free to express your opinion and have a healthy debate with one another. However, mocking and posting instigating remarks on one's opinion will not be tolerated. If you are going to make a topic and mention "Oh, I don't get how many people think XYZ/ABC are ___" or "I have been seeing that many people are opening topics based on _____" or "WTH? How can people not understand that ___ isn't ____ and like do they not understand the show?" That means that you cannot mock/mention other member's opinions on your topics. If members want to speak they can do it themselves. You cannot be like - How mature or immature fans think, or how their opinion says a lot about them, how stupid and whatnot. All these shall not be entertained anymore. You want to express your opinion, please do so in a civil way and do not bring in Freedom of Speech as Human Rights when the whole meaning is simply misinterpreted according to one's benefit. We DT respect Freedom of Speech but one should also be well enough to judge if they have used their Rights of Freedom of Speech responsibly. Any individual and topic seen mocking opinions and pinpointing will see a direct warning level increase of 20% and the topic shall be closed.
Name Calling: While criticizing something, there are times when members tend to go overboard and use certain derogatory and downright offensive words which shouldn't be used for any celebrity/member/DT member. Please remember that any derogatory references, comparing celebrity/member to animal or name-calling any person [celebrity/member/DT member] is against forum rules, and strict action will be taken against those who indulge in it. Name-calling is allowed only and only if it is used to describe a character or his/her behaviour. Also, names used in the show can also be used given it is used in the context of the show or particular scene it was used for and not otherwise to take dig/mock the character. Any abusive names are not allowed and will be edited or removed at the DT's discretion.
No Slangs/Swear words/Curses/ Profanity in Posts: The use of foul language is STRICTLY PROHIBITED on the forum. Whether the word is written in its complete format or abbreviated, it is still not allowed under any circumstances. This is a family-friendly forum. Hence, anyone found using swear words, curses, slang's or profanity will have to face serious action. If members do come across such language please do report the post. The use of such language will lead to warnings and warning levels raised for repeat offenders.
Counter-Posting: Refrain from making counter posts on the forum, for example, if you see a post which you feel you do not agree within belief to be insulting/provoking or abusive, DO NOT then go an create another topic in relation to it counter arguing the post maker, this only leads to further unrest and more arguments breaking out in the forum. Don't say another fan group/member started it and what you did was in retaliation to that. You are responsible for your own actions and the circumstances are insignificant there. If you have any issue with regards to any member contact the section Dev Team. If you come across any posts which you believe are not in accordance with the IF COC just REPORT and let the Global moderators handle the situation.
No Moral Policing: Everyone is welcome to express their opinions within the forum rules and IF COC. We would prefer members to stop preaching on the forum telling members what to do whatnot. Let the moderators decide what is needed on this forum and what is not or what one member is allowed to do or not. You cannot stop someone from posting in any topic or making new topics. Do not become moral police on the forum. If you find anyone breaching rules, please Report the topic and or contact the GMs. We will deal with the issue at the earliest possible.
India-Forums is a platform to allow everyone to express their opinions freely within the COC and respectable limitations. Members have the freedom to express their own perspective, which may disagree and or contradict someone else's point of view.
Disclaimers: Any posts that we see with people telling others what to do, to leave the forum because they belong to one fan group or anything along those lines, will be removed. Any posts that we see with a "PS: Bashers stay away", "Only for ____ fans", etc. containing disclaimers will be edited by Dev Team. If member is found doing the same even after reminders/warnings it will lead to warning level raise.
Editing Post: As you all must be aware by the forum as well as IF rules, please abide to them while making comments. Sometimes certain thread reaches many pages before coming to DT attention. On such threads MODS are not liable to edit each and every comment which is against the rules. Members should be accountable themselves on what they post and NOT hold the DT responsible for not editing such comments and closing the topic. Additionally, any post made with a sole intention for mocking and instigation which leads to ruckus in the forum will be trashed without a note. Additionally, when a title has been amended by a Dev Team or a note has been put into a members posts, please refrain from editing such posts, this will be seen as going against the code of conduct and the members will be reprimanded.
Before posting: Before starting a topic please check the first 3 page of the forum. If a similar topic is already opened, comment there. All the similar topics opened later will be merged with the one opened first!
Morphed Pictures and Signatures: Please refrain from posting fake or morphed images intended to defame/ ridicule /abuse any celebrity &/member. This includes posting animal images with the intent to be sarcastic and bash any member/celebrity. Any morphing OR merging faces of celebrities onto existing (original) pictures from other sources are STRICTLY prohibited on India-forums.com. It highly violates the copyrights of the original picture and such activity will not be tolerated! If anyone is seen to engage in such activity will receive raise in W/L without any further question. Furthermore, those morphed creations will be removed from the posts, immediately once it comes into the development team's attention. Signatures attacking taking dig at any fandom will not be tolerated. At all times *ATTN.- Guidelines/Rules/Specifications/etc* rules will apply towards any creations.
Use of Caps: Avoid using caps and big font for an entire sentence or post as it represents shouting on a public forum. You can use caps to emphasize a word or two. But Using CAPS in all your post is not allowed.
Multiple ID (MID): India-forums.com Code of Conduct strictly prohibits members from having multiple IDs. Please refrain from making MIDs, especially to bash celebrities, characters and/ or member. If ever convicted with having MIDs, all except the most active ID will be inactivated, followed by a raise in W/L to the active ID. And not every newbie is an MID - some are genuine members so do NOT attack members who belongs to newbie ladder by generalize them as MIDs. If Members suspect MID they are requested to contact DT. We DT will look into the matter but under no circumstances are members allowed to bully newbies or groupbie claiming then as MIDs in the Forum. In addition, we kindly request members to refrain from creating MIDs purposely to cause chaos and fights between the members. If anyone is seen to engage in such activities, the original ID will get a warning level raise and MIDs will be banned, without further question.
Having said that additional ids for FFs, ATs and creation galleries will be taken in consideration as long as it is used for the specified purpose only and not otherwise.
Past Shows and Comparisons: No discussion on past shows that the actors of this show have been in can be discussed. This also means no discussion on how a previous actor(ess) that has acted with the actor(ess) in BALH3 can be discussed or compared upon. This is a brand new show and has its own dedicated forum. So members are expected to discuss fictitious characters and the plotline shown in the show! Do do not bring in irrelevant topics/characters/comparisons with other fictional shows and their actors, unless it has relevance to the current story!
Bringing physical attributes into the discussion: Such negative posts are strict NO as far as IF rules go. Anyone now onwards found making negative posts on physical appearances of a character/actor/fellow member will face strict action, even indirect mention of the matter will not be entertained.
Personal lives & Non Show Topics: This section is only intended for the discussion of the show, and topics related to it. Any topics or posts about the personal lives of the actors or makers outside the show will NOT be allowed unless it has a clear and direct relationship to the show. Any topics or posts judging or commenting on the personal life of the actors will not be allowed. Actors personal life can be discussed ONLY if its published in media and members do have a source to verify it. Any other baseless speculations about the actors private life or link ups between co stars will not be TOLERATED.
Accounts, email addresses and personal pictures/information of actors are not allowed to be posted or revealed unless they themselves give it. Remember it is their personal life and they would not feel comfortable. Also, posting your email address on open forum is not allowed - it really isn't safe as it gives an open invitation to spam attacks on your Email ID.
In addition to these, discussion of reality shows where actors of this show have participated or will do so in future are not to be discussed in the forum. Members are requested to use either the allocated forum of the show or CFC forum or their respective ATs for such discussions.
Issues on External Sites: We understand that social networking sites are an integral part of communication in the cyber world. And therefore we understand that Twitter/Facebook /Instagram accounts of celebrities are religiously followed by fans for news/updates. But please understand that while posting show/character related content from cast/crew, production house and official sources accounts is allowed, there is absolutely NO need for members to be posting their own discussions from these said external websites onto IF. Any personal discussions/issues occurring between members on external sites will NOT be allowed on IF. Personal tweets/Instagram/facebook updates of the actors/actress can only be shared in the respective ATs which is irrelevant to the show. And any fights between different fangroups will not be allowed to be discussed here from social networking sites!
Please refer here for further clarifications: External Content from Social Networking Sites.
Sharing Personal Information and Privacy: You are welcome to discuss PROFESSIONAL updates by the celebrities and production house associated with BALH3 but any PERSONAL photographs and updates will NOT be allowed on IF either. They may be celebrities but everyone is entitled to their privacy and as such that right will be respected.
Additionally, Do not share your personal information with others on the net. If you are sharing any information with an unknown person you are doing that at your own risk. The conversation that takes place in private messages, face book, messenger between two people is between them and not to be shared in the open forum. Privacy and safety of members is of the prime importance in IF. If anyone is found sharing members private and personal content from other social networking site on IF, they will be held responsible for breaching privacy and should be prepared for the consequences.
Forum and Development Team related Issues: Do not bring forum issues into the threads under any circumstances. If you have any problems with any of the threads on the forum either report them or PM the Development team members of the forum. DO NOT create posts to discuss forum issues and DO NOT start discussing forum issues in threads already open.
The DT is not allowed to disclose what we are doing with certain threads or what action we are taking so please don't try to make judgments on our decisions because we just don't go through the topics you guys report but through EVERYTHING in that particular thread. Just because we don't highlight step by step as to which action was taken against which member, it doesn't mean action wasn't taken. If you have a problem, PM the Dev Team members. Also once a DT member has posted a note on a thread regarding rule breaking, please refrain from further dragging the matter in the thread.
Moderation: Not everyone on the Development Team has moderating powers. Coolbies do NOT fall under the category of moderation as they only provide timely updates to the forum. The moderation chain is as follows: Viewbies > Moderators > Channel Moderators> Global Moderators. Your first point of contact would be the section Viewbie or Moderator as they take care of the day to day happenings in the forum. If you have any issues regarding moderation, you can escalate them to Global Moderator ( shruti )
., but any other issues need to be brought to the Section Development Team Viewbie ( if any) first.
Any issues regarding Moderation or Warning Queries will be entertained only by PM to DT. Do not argue about rulings on the threads/open new posts regarding moderation and disrupt the atmosphere of the forum. Following the moderating Chain, approach Forum Viewbie () for any concerns. If that is not solved contact the section Channel Moderators (Koeli). Finally if the matter is still not resolved you are free to approach the Global Moderator ( shruti ). By no means, whatsoever it is, one is not supposed to open threads on the forum questioning the actions of a particular member of the DT or decisions taken pertaining to issues that have taken place, If such a thread is opened, it shall be closed immediately, asking the members to contact the DT via PMs. Strict action will be taken against repeating offenders.
Reporting an Issue: Please do not report the same post more than once. Member reporting the same post multiple times will receive PM warning and if it continues there will be raise in Warning Level too. This rule certainly does not intend to discourage the members from reporting but often same post is reported multiple times from the same member. Please do understand that DT needs at least 24-48 hrs to work on the reported post and simply pressing the report button multiple times will only delay the process. Some situations demand the time and consultation of people and hence take time to get back.
Report Button/Response Time: Please keep in mind that the Moderators are also members like yourself. We would also want to have the time to make posts like yourself and discuss with our friends; and we also have a personal life. Meaning, we cannot be around to babysit the forum 24/7. Please allow a reasonable time frame of 48 hours. We try to address issues and respond to PMs and Reports as soon as we can get to them, but we request you to grant us some leverage as well. Instead of mass PMing it would appreciated if one person PM's the concerned DT with regards to the issue.
Appreciation Threads:
Appreciation threads are to be used to praise and appreciate particular favorite actor/actress/characters. All discussions related to actor's/actress performance, looks, style and personality can be confined to ATs.
Any negative(bashing/filthy language) comments/opinion on other characters/actors or on storyline that are not relevant to the thread's topic, scene or actor/characters scene with other characters should NOT be discussed here. Members can discuss relevant scene where other characters are involved but no speculation or hint about non-existent couple/love angle! We are forced to implement this restriction because many members asked for a place where they can discuss about their favorites while being free of the negativity towards them that they might encounter elsewhere in the main forum. Main purpose is bond here with other members who likes the same thing, while being free of negativity towards what they likes.
Chatting -Members seem to be more into chatting so please reduce the personal chatting because we do have a chat club for that purpose so keep that in mind. However, we do allow minimum chatting in ATs, provided it is related to this AT alone. Additionally Do not spam with just emotions/numbers to increase post count/pages. Do not quote long quotes. You can quote three posts maximum and they should be small.
ATs are open for everyone, however, do not invade the AT with the purpose to rile up the fans or instigate them. Everyone has their right to voice out their opinions and should NOT be judged/generalized based on their likes/dislikes. If any of your fellow members/friends fails to follow the rules, kindly ask them to edit out or tell them its wrong rather than joining them and aggravate the issues further and equally responsible for carrying forward an unfavorable situation. Hence be responsible and take responsibility because that way you may prevent action taken against your AT thread!
ATs/discussions threads can NOT be used to target other members and NO pinpointing activity/mock or taking digs here toward other fan groups.Any derogatory references or name callings against actors /characters/members/Dev team members are strictly PROHIBITED here.
Report - If you see anyone breaching the rules in any of the threads in the main forum, you will not come here and rant it out about it and snowball the issue further! Instead make use of the "REPORT" button and report the thread by stating the reason clearly. As soon as the Dev Team comes online they would take the necessary action.
We can assure you guys that we only takes action where it's legit reason. However, here is a little catch for the stalkers who just want to report in order to get the AT closed down - If you report any post/comments that has no legit reason, you will be reliable for action against you for stalking.
Penalties: If the DT sees more than 3 people breaking the AT rules constantly for a week, the effects of violations will kick start, which go as follows:
First Violation - Warning Note
2nd - Another Warning Note
3rd - Another Warning Note
4th - Close the AT for 24 hrs (1 Day)
5th - Close AT for 72 hrs (3 Days)
6th - Close AT for 1 week (7 Days)
7th - Get rid of AT completely from the BALH3 Forum/Shift it to Celebrity Fan Club Forum!
The rules are applicable for multiple violation and not single post as it will be dealt individually! Having said that, please do not assume that every report submitted by opposite fan group will be entertained. We will go through the reports and only if we find the report valid based on above rules, then we will speak to the Admins of the AT and action will be taken accordingly as stated above.
Avatar/Signature rules:
India-forums has got many great talents and their creations tempt us to adorn our signature boxes. We want every members to take a look at the following new rules and abide by it:
*ATTN.- Guidelines/Rules/Specifications/etc*
Anyone who doesn't abide by the rules, will be asked to take down their signatures and may face consequences by the Development Team!
Refrain from posting fake or morphed images intended to defame/ ridicule /abuse any celebrity &/member. This includes posting animal images with the intent to be sarcastic and bash any member/celebrity. Signatures attacking taking dig at any fandom will not be tolerated. At all times Avatar & Signature Shop Rules rules will apply towards any creations.
Fan Fiction - Adult contents:
This topic has been extremely controversial at this forum for both the writers and the Dev Team members. Due to the increased problems the DT has to face regarding the mature content, FF DT has wrote details here about what and whats not allowed:
RPF (Real People Fiction), is a genre of fan fiction written about actual people, rather than characters potrayed in a book, movie, or TV show. We do understand fandom love their preferred actors so much that sometimes , they write fictional stories based on supposed real life events/history/articles. Example : RPF writers build a fictional universe , where in a celebrity is involved in a supposedly real relationship with another celebrity/costar. India-Forums DOES NOT find such RPF acceptable in any manner. Members may write about the Characters based on a TV show but NOT about the actors who portray them.
Note:
Please understand that freedoms in the forum are accompanied by an expectation of MATURE behaviour and CIVIL discourse and if these two are seen lacking, then such freedoms will also be revoked. Our primary concern is to keep the forum open for HEALTHY discussion and if members do not demonstrate a capability to indulge in healthy discussion with the present liberties than rules WILL be redesigned to help us all in reaching that healthy environment.
ADDITIONAL RULES
In addition to the above-mentioned rules, the following rules apply to this forum:
Regarding Fun Names/Nicknames: There will be no allowances given for the use of nicknames, unless it is a nickname that is already being used in the sure. Regardless of whether the term being used is as a form of entertainment or abuse, it will not be allowed. The use of nicknames/fun names is very much subjective and what one member considered a name to be fair use may not be taken in the same manner by others.
No Fanbase Groupism Or Instigating/Bullying any Member/Fan base: No single fan group will try to dominate or create a ruckus on the forum. Tolerate and learn to respect other's choices. Please do NOT rile or instigate any fan base group or member. Name calling or code names are NOT allowed towards any member or fan group. If found, strict action will be taken against the offender/s in question.
No Provocative Signatures or DP Wars Allowed : Signature/DP war is NOT allowed among members. So please ensure that your signature or DP is directly or indirectly not pointing to any member on the forum, fan base or actor on the show.While posting signatures/videos ensure that none of the content carries any hate speech towards any Nationality/religion/region/ethnicity/race/community. No one is allowed advertising external blogs, sites using their signatures on IF, as that breaches forum rules. Similarly, using offensive signatures, in a manner to rile fan bases and start a signature war of sorts, is strictly prohibited. Any signature or DP which is derogatory or meant to create chaos in the forum will be removed immediately and if the member continues to display it then the offender will receive an increase in the Warning Level.
Also, please refrain from passing comments against a particular fan group: Comments such as "Oh fans of XYZ actor are always bashing ABC, and they expect us to sit and listen" are NOT allowed. Such comments do nothing except create animosity between the members and disrupt the atmosphere of the forum. If you do feel that certain members are acting in an unruly manner, please feel free to present your POV via PMs to the DT, and let the DT intervene and take the needed action.
Regarding Abusive/Threatening PMs : Abusive and/or threatening PMs should be taken up directly with the DT or higher admins. Please do not make PM's public knowledge or use the forum as a way to target another member. It will not be tolerated and you will be held equally responsible as the other member.
In addition to the above mentioned section guidelines, at all times India-Forums.com- Participation Guidelines & Rules will be in effect. We hereby hope that all of you will abide by these rules.
We hope to have everyone's understanding.
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