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Nov 9, 2012 10:08 AM
#1
Lead Admin
Faerie Queen

Offline
Aug 2007
6255
Site & Forum Guidelines

The following guidelines were written so that you, the general user, can get an idea of what you can expect and what is to be expected of you during your time on the forum and other parts of MyAnimeList.net.

These have been written as general guidelines only and are superseded by any more specific rule threads on a particular section of the site written by a staff member that say otherwise. The administrators and forum moderators reserve the right to make exceptions to any of these rules whenever they feel it is necessary to do so to maintain proper decorum.

Failure to abide by these rules will result in various consequences, ranging from PM warnings to temporary to permanent bans. Recurring, willful transgressions will result in a permanent ban.

If you have any questions regarding any of the aforementioned rules, feel free to message one of the forum moderators or community moderators. If you find any content that does not meet these criteria, please report it using the Report links (in the case of forum posts, comments or PMs) or report them here.

Section I: General Site Guidelines

The following rules are secondary to the Terms of Use.
  1. Providing or requesting links to copyrighted, non-fair use material is not allowed.
  2. Do not upload any NSFM (Not safe for MAL) content to the site (including user and club images).
  3. Trolling, abuse and/or harassment of any community member (user or moderator) will not be tolerated.
  4. Impersonating another member of the site is not allowed.
  5. Do not spam or advertise on MAL.
  6. Please report rule violations to the staff using the Report links or this form. Do not attempt to address or correct the situation yourself.
  7. Do not post moderator PMs on the site.

Section II: Signature Restrictions

Images placed in forum signatures must not:
    a. exceed a total file size of 300 kB.
    b. be NSFM.

Section III: Forum Guidelines
  1. All posts in the main forum must be in English.
  2. Posts which fall into MAL's definition of spam may be removed without notice.
  3. Stretching the forum layout with text or images is not allowed. Please use spoiler tags or your post may be edited/removed.
  4. Spoiler tags should also be used when discussing key plot elements (spoilers).
  5. NSFM content may not be embedded into forum posts. However, NSFM images falling into the Erotic category may be shared by posting a link to the image in spoiler tags and labelled;
      i.e.: NSFM: [spoiler="NSFM"]URL link[/spoiler]

  6. Before making a new thread:
    1. Use the search function to ensure your topic has not been created before. If the topic exists and is:
        - factual, you should post in the original thread.
        - conceptual, you should post in the original thread, unless:
          a. the possibility of unique discussion exists, and
          b. the last post is more than one month old.
    2. Ensure your topic is in the correct board by reading the board descriptions on the forum index.
    3. Read the specific rules of the board where you are going to post your topic.
    4. Give your thread a clear title, without typos.

    If you have not followed the previous steps, your thread may be: moved to a different board, locked, removed, merged with another thread, or have its title edited. If you are unsure, please ask a forum moderator before posting the new thread.

Section IV: Club Guidelines
  1. The following clubs are not allowed under any circumstances:
      a. Racially/ethnically offensive clubs.
      b. Hate clubs for specific individuals, MAL users or groups of people.
  2. Anti-anime/manga/character/genre clubs are allowed. If you disagree with it, then don't join.
  3. Clubs with 18+ themes must be set to Secret and the club admins must ensure all members are not underage. Failure to do so may result in the removal of the club and/or temporary bans.
  4. Clubs in honor of specific MAL users will be removed if the user requests it.

  5. Please report threads that reach 10k replies.
  6. Do not upload NSFM content or embed them into the club information section.
  7. A creator who has left his club will always be re-admin'd upon request. For other admin requests or club problems, please see here.

Section V: User Profile Guidelines
  1. Refrain from participating in cyber sex in profile comments. No one needs to read this.
  2. Cybering with users under 18 will result in permanent bans.
  3. NSFM content may not be embedded into profile "About Me" sections or blog entries. However, NSFM images falling into the Erotic category may be shared by posting a link to the picture in spoiler tags and labelled; i.e.: NSFM: [spoiler="NSFM"]URL link[/spoiler]
  4. Offensive usernames are unnecessary and will be changed.
  5. One account per person. Duplicates will be banned and/or removed.
TenshoJul 12, 2023 2:37 AM
This topic has been locked and is no longer available for discussion.
Nov 9, 2012 10:23 AM
#2
Lead Admin
Faerie Queen

Offline
Aug 2007
6255
Definitions

NSFM: Content that might be considered offensive or too sexually explicit for the wide range of age groups on MAL's user base. This includes, but is not limited to: erotic, excessively violent, bigoted and harmful content.

  • Erotic: Sexually explicit content. For images, this includes intimate body parts i.e. nipples, areola, genitalia, and butt cracks. These must be covered by normal-sized clothing/swimsuits (e.g. not bandaids, strings, etc.) and must not be visible through clothing (e.g. cameltoe). Sexual acts, implied sexual acts, and body fluids are also not allowed. This includes ahegao.
  • Violent: Gore, disembowelment, dismemberment, torture, extreme violence.
  • Bigoted: Irrationally hateful content aimed at, or relating to, any group or individual.
  • Harmful: Seizure content, including rapidly flashing images, extremely loud sounds.

Note that constantly trying to push the boundaries of the NSFM rules with borderline content may result in warnings/bans. If you are unsure whether your content is acceptable or not, please ask a forum or community moderator before posting it.

Spam:

  • Content without any purpose, coherency or relevance whatsoever.
  • Off-topic posts that derail a thread from its original topic.
  • Chatting with other users. Please use your profiles, PMs, or our IRC channel for this purpose.
  • Reaction images/videos and other images with no relevance to the discussion.
  • Quote-chaining (with or without +1/I agree/this/yes/lol/ type comments).
  • Bypassing the minimum character requirement for posts.

Trolling: Starting arguments or upsetting users by posting inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages with the intent of provoking users into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion. (Source: Wikipedia)

Insults (abuse): An insult is a derogatory remark that labels an individual or group of users. Name-calling is not productive and typically derails the topic by turning the discussion to the credibility of the user(s). It never convinces the other party and often provokes a similar reaction from other posters. The resulting commotion is ineffective for the offender, offensive for the target, distracting for spectators and tiring for moderators.

Advertising: Posting content with the intent to attract visitors to another location, either an external site or another location on MAL.

Impersonation: Intentionally posting as another user or staff member by copying their signature, avatar, profile picture and/or choosing a username that may be confused for another.

Spoiler: Any remark, comment, summary, or description of a series that reveals plot elements which will give away the outcome of an episode within the series or the conclusion of the entire series. (Source: Wikipedia)

Factual Topics: These threads discuss topics limited to an individual's experience and are unlikely to promote new thought or ideas.  They do not expire and new posts may be added to the original discussion.
E.g.: What is your favorite xxx? What is the best/worst xxx? What was your first xxx?

Conceptual Topics:  These threads contain topics larger than oneself and may promote new thoughts or ideas.  If the possibility of unique discussion exists and the last post of the existing thread is more than one month old, the thread may be created anew.
TenshoJul 12, 2023 2:39 AM
May 1, 2014 1:05 PM
#3
Lead Admin
Faerie Queen

Offline
Aug 2007
6255
Violation and Ban Policy

Rule violations are organized into a number of distinct categories and the ban policy applies to each category individually. If a user violates multiple categories simultaneously, he will receive the subsequent stage on all categories.

Consecutive rule violations within each category will be handled as follows:
    Warning
    Ban #1: 2-5 days
    Ban #2: 1 week
    Ban #3: 2 weeks
    Ban #4: 1 month
    Ban #5: permanent
Furthermore:
  • If the first violation is severe, the moderator may decide to skip the warning and proceed to the first ban stage.
  • Users will be notified on their fourth ban that the next ban within the same category will result in a permanent ban from the site.
  • "Unban upon appeal" occurs when the moderator needs to speak with the banned user before allowing him to return to the site and counts for the next ban stage in the progression list.
  • One violation stage will be removed for each 6 months the user has demonstrated good behavior (no warnings/bans within that specific category).
    E.g. If a user who is banned for 1 week (Ban #2) for spam does not violate any rules contained within the spam category for 6 months, a new spam ban from the site will again be 1 week.

If you are banned:
  • Do not evade your ban. Creating/using alternative accounts is not allowed. If you are found to have evaded your ban, your ban sentence will be lengthened (best-case) or your account will be permanently banned (worst-case).
  • Temporary bans will be lifted automatically according to the date shown on the ban page. If you believe you received a ban in error, please contact a Community Moderator after the ban is lifted.
  • Some bans will prompt you to open a Zendesk ticket to discuss your situation with a Community Moderator. Follow the prompts on the ban screen to open a ticket. The ban may not be lifted until you do so.
TenshoMay 21, 2023 8:24 PM
May 1, 2014 1:19 PM
#4
Lead Admin
Faerie Queen

Offline
Aug 2007
6255
Rule Violation Categories

Spam


Abuse


Harassment


Trolling


Copyrighted, non-fair use material


Advertising


NSFM


Backseat modding


Uncategorized
TenshoJul 12, 2023 2:40 AM
Apr 22, 2018 9:37 AM
#5
Lead Admin
Faerie Queen

Offline
Aug 2007
6255
Abuse Rule Violations Expanded. The section now includes examples of Terms of Use (Section 4) violations. Please note that content which violates these Terms of Use points will now be moderated more strictly than before.
Aug 24, 2018 2:16 AM
#6
Lead Admin
Faerie Queen

Offline
Aug 2007
6255
Section VI: People Database Comment Guidelines Added. Please note that comments which do not follow these rules or the General rules (Section I) will be removed without notice and may result in warnings or bans.
Oct 12, 2019 11:11 AM
#7
Lead Admin
Faerie Queen

Offline
Aug 2007
6255
Rules I.3 and I.7 Modified. Trolling, abuse and/or harassment towards moderators will now be considered regular category violations. Repeat violations of I.7 (after being warned) will be considered trolling.

NSFM: Erotic Definition Expanded. Please note that constantly trying to push the boundaries of the NSFM rules with borderline images may result in warnings/bans and the need to get mod approval before using new images in the signature/profile areas.

Spam Definition Expanded. To be clear we consider bypassing the minimum character requirement for posts as a spam violation.
May 21, 2023 8:24 PM
#8
Community Admin
sunny moment

Offline
May 2010
2687
Section VI: People Database Comment Guidelines Removed. With the closure of the People Comments Section, these former guidelines no longer apply.

Section III.5: Double Posting Removed. This behaviour is no longer explicitly referenced in our guidelines. Please note that consecutive posting may still incur Spam and/or Trolling violation(s) depending on the contents.

Rule Violation Categories: Uncategorized Modified. Double posting is no longer explicitly referenced in our guidelines. Please note that consecutive posting may still incur Spam and/or Trolling violation(s) depending on the contents.

Section II: Signature Restrictions Modified. The total image dimension limits of 600px width by 150px height no longer apply. Images that exceed the total file size and/or are NSFM will continue to be removed.

Violation and Ban Policy: If you are banned Expanded. There is additional guidance on steps to take with the Zendesk Support ticket system depending on the nature of the ban.
TenshoMay 21, 2023 8:31 PM
Jul 12, 2023 2:41 AM
#9
Community Admin
sunny moment

Offline
May 2010
2687
Section I, III, IV, V Modified. NSFM-relevant sections now refer to all forms of content across these guidelines, rather than only images.

NSFM Definition Modified. Minor clarity changes in line with NSFM now referencing all types of content.

Rule Violation Categories: NSFM Modified. Minor clarity changes in line with NSFM now referencing all types of content.
This topic has been locked and is no longer available for discussion.

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