Forum Guidelines
Sonic the Hedgehog is a series created for all ages with a story rooted in strong principles of freedom and respect for life. As a community built around the series, we believe the same values should hold true for our forum. As such, our one requirement is that members treat each other with respect. We don't believe that social standards on the Internet should differ from traditional written or spoken communication. Regardless of the medium, you are still communicating with other human beings who have the same rights and internal experiences as yourself; they are not there for you to take out your aggressions on, or for your personal amusement.
(1) Personal attacks (flaming), harassment (trolling), threats of violence, theft, and deception are all violations of this respect and are prohibited.
(2) As an all-ages forum, posting and linking to pornographic or excessively violent content is prohibited.
(3) Respect also means being considerate of other people's time and energy. Members should keep their contributions relevant and substantive. Spamming is prohibited.
The forum has a small staff composed of the site administrator and a team of moderators appointed by the administrator. The staff are also members of the forum, subject to the same standards and privileges as the rest of the community. The staff may issue warnings and edit/move/lock threads for any of the above violations. A single violation will result in a warning. More than two warnings will result in a 1-month temporary ban from the forum. Additional violations may result in an indefinite or permanent ban. The staff may also edit/move/lock threads (but may not issue warnings) for content posted in the wrong forum, repeat topics, and formatting issues. Members are encouraged to communicate with the staff if they have any questions or concerns.
We openly welcome all new members and trust that they will use common sense and good judgment when posting on the forum. Everyone starts here with a clean slate, so please leave personal disputes at the door. We're not here to attack or bash other web sites, fans, or versions of Sonic; we're here to discuss and support SatAM. Hate only breeds more hate; respect breeds respect. We believe that the best way for SMS to positively affect the community is to set a good example, work toward our own goals, and generally mind our own business.
Conflict of opinion is inevitable, but how you respond to it is a choice. Don't mistake a disagreement for a personal attack. We welcome and encourage debate as long as it remains civil and all parties listen and seek to understand each other. Instead of criticizing, contribute. It is possible to disagree without being dismissive of someone. This ability to “agree to disagree,” also known as tolerance, is the foundation for all free thought and speech.
Remember that opinions are not facts. While facts consist only of provable objective assertions (dealing with the nature of reality), opinions may consist of any combination of objective assertions (whether provable or not) and subjective assertions (dealing with personal feelings and preferences, which vary for each individual). We are all entitled to hold and express our own opinions, as well as to critique the opinions of others if they contain or imply objective assertions we believe to be false. In the end, we may only be able to approximate truth using our limited means and relative terminology, which is why there is so much room for legitimate debate.
Respect is a two-way street; you cannot expect to receive what you are unwilling to give of yourself. Members have a right to defend themselves and others when that respect is violated. That being said, two wrongs don't make a right. If you retaliate out of revenge, you may also be held at fault. Be the better person.
Finally, remember: it's only Sonic. Let's not forget why we're here. We're all passionate about the subject, but it's not a matter of life or death. Let's not get bogged down in trivial matters. Relax! Come ready to have a good time and enjoy each other's company.
