GamersVault Charter

Updated January 05, 2007

This document is authorized for public release, revisions are updated to the forums and website at www.GamersVault.net.


I. INTRODUCTION.


The basic rights and safety of our users is the single most important concern to GamersVault network staff. Without users there is no network. No IRCOp will use network status to take action against a user without sufficient reason, EVER.

GamersVault was established in the far-fetched idea of creating a safe environment, free from the egos and rudeness of other nets, for people to come and chat. We have as few restrictive rules as possible, but they are a necessary part of keeping the IRC network running and operating smoothly. Our key is freedom of speech, we believe in it, and allow it. However, there has always been a controversy over what exactly is allowed and what isn't. Freedom of speech is limited when the speech is threatening or otherwise unwanted comments, such as slander or harassment. We will not allow the degrading of other users or the network.


GamersVault is a network created for users to collaborate freely, most of the topics centered around internet gaming. Gaming is supposed to be fun, and that's how we want the network to be also. At GamersVault, when a decision is made that effects the users, we believe that they should be allowed to have a say in that issue. Time permitting (meaning the issue does not require urgent immediate attention), users will be allowed to take part in a poll on an open forum to discuss and vote on various issues effecting their IRC experience. We feel that by giving users a say in such issues we allow them to be just as much a part of our network as we are. Our users help form the policies that make GamersVault what it is, a safe haven to relax and enjoy gaming.


II. Basic Guidelines for Users.


Users are free to operate thier own channels once they have been approved by staff, but remember that as the channel owner/operator it is your position to handle issues relating to that channel, network staff will not intervene unless absolutely required. We feel this gives you the freedom to run your channel as you see fit. You are encouraged at any time to contact a HelpOp (#help) if you need advice resolving channel issues, or have any questions regarding channel administration whatsoever.

Spam is NOT allowed on GamersVault, just don't do it.

GamersVault does not support the distribution of pirated software (i.e. warez), warez channels will be immediately locked.

Excessive flooding and/or constant harassment of other users is detrimental to network morale and may result in the violator(s) being banned.

If another user or even staff member is harassing you in any way that makes you feel uncomfortable, notify a senior staff member IMMEDIATELY, harassment is not tolerated here. If the form of harassment is a type of heckling or name-calling, please utilize the ignore feature to quickly stop such actions.

If you see something that seems wrong morally or legally happening on this network, notify staff IMMEDIATELY and proper action will be taken.

While this network is considered a family network, we do not censor or take responsibility for any foul language used here. Users and parents of users are encouraged to obtain and use profanity filters if such language is offensive to them. Any offensive language in regards to race, religion, nationality, or sex will be dealt with according to the judgement of the staff member(s) who witness it.

III.

A. Basic rules for Network Staff.

Opers will not walk bans or any other channel mode meant to restrict their access unless on official business. Official business includes a request for help by a SOP or above in the channel, or problem(s) arising in the channel that may be considered detrimental to network connectivity. You are not authorized to break up or include yourself in fights in private channels.

As an IRCOp, you may be a target of ridicule or harassment. You do not have to take this. Allow the user three chances to cease the activity, place him/her on ignore, and notify a network administrator or above. Users who harass network staff constantly will be banned indefinitely at the discretion of the reviewing authority.

You are not authorized, in any situation, to give information about other users or the network that is obtained by your having access to the information by being an IRCOp. This will result in immediate suspension pending review. Our user's privacy and network security are top priorities.

Any oper that places an akill or gline longer than 6 hours will place a brief report on the forums of the website. The report will be reviewed and logs will be asked for if necessary. Any complaint against a placed akill/gline will be sent to a Network Administrator for consideration, any complaint received will be forwarded to the oper who placed the akill/gline. The Oper who placed the ban will be the final say in action taken, considering the advice of the Network Administrator.

A Help Committee will be formed to oversee user support activities. HelpOps should be well-versed in the games that our network supports and have excellent people skills. This will be formed from current opers or dedicated users. Note that users wishing to be HelpOps will only receive the HelpOp flag (+h).

B. In regards to user-operated channels.

You will not answer any questions in regards to channel access beyond relaying the proper services help commands. If someone needs to know about their access on a channel, they may contact channel staff.

User-operated channels are just that, user operated, the founder(s) and staff of a channel are responsible for it's upkeep and it is their job to resolve any issues that occur within their own channel.

If requested, staff may mediate channel issues, leaving the final decision up to the ranking staff members of the channel.

IV. In regards to other networks.

There are IRC networks and websites which offer the same type of service that we offer, which is understood and should be respected, but just because a service is offered, it does not mean that it matches the quality service that we offer. Please remember that just because we are better than everyone else, there is no reason we should make attempts at further degrading the reputation or otherwise smearing other networks.

Staff members will not spread unfounded rumors in regards to other networks, but all attempts to defame or outright attack our network will be met with passion and prejudice. In the past, we have attempted to form loose bonds and truces with other networks, only to later realize that it just caused more of a headache for us. This will no longer happen, and any adverse action against us will result in aggressive legal reprocussions.

Users are encouraged to stay away from other IRC networks, but this is NOT a requirement, wherever you are from, you are welcome here unless you do something to have yourself removed. If there is something that they have that we do not, ask us to get it.

In the past (perhaps some still do), other IRC networks have used bots, server-side software, and sneaky tactics to spy on their own users, we will never be so paranoid. Not only is it immoral and useless to watch over users in such a manner, it is very illegal to do so without their knowledge.

In short, we have no affiliation with other networks, and we do not care about them or what goes on therein. If you as a member wish to stay on every network, it is not our business or place to tell you you cannot.

V. Policy.

New policy will be created by Network staff and posted to the forums for users to view and comment on. When enough time has passed a poll will be initiated and users will vote on the policy. A 2/3 vote by the users is required for any policy change or addition. Only the Root Administrators can overturn a policy change if it is deemed detrimental to the success of the network, and he/she will provide a detailed description of why the action was taken and it will be posted within one hour of the decision to the PUBLIC forums for users and opers alike to view.

VII. Notes.

As you can see, the rules for users are very few and much less restrictive than the rule set for network staff. We at GamersVault like it that way. User activities determine the changes made in this charter. Use common sense and respect other users/Network staff. This network was made for fun and we plan to keep it that way.