Forum warning points and why - updated 26/02/2014

Ectar: Greetings Commanders,   Due to recent changes in our warning point system, we wanted to update you all with what has changed and why.   Automatic warning point removal Since about October 2013, the majority of warning points added to a forum account for rule violations have a limited time period.     If a player is given 1 warning point, this will be removed automatically after 3 months. If a player is given 2 warning points this will be removed automatically after 6 months. If a player is given 3 warning points, this will not be removed automatically.  3 warning points are for major rule violations and it's very unlikely they would be removed manually by Community Staff. you have to do something pretty bad to get 3 warnings points for a single violation that that's something which will stay with you.   A players individual warning points will only be visible to themselves. (No other players can see your warning points). All active warning points and expired warning points will always be visible to Moderators and Community Team Members. This information can be used when applying sanctions to accounts. (If for example a player has had multiple warnings for the same reason or constantly picks up new warnings when the old one expires for example, the next warning point could be upgraded to a more severe warning).    Educational warnings Educational warnings are normally applied before players get a warning point for a minor rule violations. It's important to understand that in most instances these are situations where Moderators are doing you a favour and cutting you some slack.  If a player has broken a rule which is classed as medium (2 warning points) or severe (3 warning point), educational warnings do not apply and players will be suspended.   The educationals are there to act as a warning and a request to please change your ways and not carry on posting what has been highlighted.  In the past these minor violations could lead to players getting warning points and suspensions right away however we want to educate players first and give you a chance to learn from your mistakes. Players are given multiple educational warnings before we start applying warning points and suspensions.   Swear filter Since October 2013 a swear filter has also been activated on the forums to help cut down the amount of reports/minor offences. We would like to remind players that everyone should be capable of getting their point across without having to resort to swearing or insults. Players found to be deliberately miss-spelling words to get around this filter will pick up educational warnings or warning points and suspensions depending on their individual circumstances.  Basically please don't swear at each other Commanders, you're here because you like playing our game and we don't want an unnecessary hostile atmosphere because people are taking things too seriously.  If something upsets you then get up & take a walk, play another game, read a book, watch a movie and chill out.  Don't post when you're emotional/angry as that never ends well.  *Please note we don't need people testing the filter or suggesting words. Just know it's there as an extra cover and please try to avoid using harsh language when talking on the forums.*   Warning point appeal/review If you have been warned recently by a Moderator and wish to appeal against the action -  Please follow the instructions as detailed in question 22 of our forum FAQ If you are warned by a Community Manager or Community Coordinator and wish to appeal against the action, - Please send a PM to Mr_Kubrick    If you have picked up warning points before October 2013 and wish to have these removed/reviewed, please contact a senior Moderator or the Lead Moderator Mr_Kubrick who will be able to assist you with this. Please send a PM with the message title "Warning Point Review". Please note that it must be at least 3 months since you picked up your last warning points.  Senior Moderators:
EilaAurora
BigBadVuk
ElTRIC   We cannot guarantee that all of a player's warning points will be removed if they were gained prior to October 2013, each account is reviewed on an individual basis and it depends on the reason for your previous warning points. Sometimes for examples players may be asked to wait a few more months without picking up new warnings.   For moderation purposes, players can have a total of 9 active warning points. When you get 10, you'll be given a permanent forum "read only" suspension.  This means you will still have access to your forum account, you're able to read topics, but you can no longer reply. Before a player is given their 10th warning point they will be given a very clear "Final warning". This is your last chance to change your ways, there is no 2nd chances after a final warning. (As by that stage you've been warning more than enough times). If a player continues to abuse the forums rules via PM's or content posted on their profile page, they will then be permanently suspended. This means you no longer will have access to your forum account. *Please note it's possible for a players to go straight to permanent suspension rather than read only depending on the reason for their suspension and their warning history.*   Alt accounts The use of alt accounts on our forums is permitted.  Making an alt account however just for the purpose of trolling or trying to avoid picking up warnings for your main account isn't permitted. This will result in that alt getting forum banned pretty quick.   We want our forums to be a welcoming place for all of our players to come and ask questions, interact and discuss with each other and share helpful information and stories. You will encounter thousands of players from different countries who share different experiences and come from vastly different backgrounds. While certain language and images may not be offensive to you, consider the fact that that same language and images may have a completely different meaning to someone else.