We'll start with the good news! I've just added RMXP.org's own custom emoticon set! :toot:
I made them myself to be used exclusively on this forum. I know they might not be the best emoticons in the world, but they're certainly better than the defaults, and I think they really add a touch of uniqueness to the forum. And remember, there are more than the ones that are displayed above the post box- click the [more] link to check them all out.
One note: I've set it so that the forums don't automatically parse text smileys into the graphical ones. Click on an icon and it will be inserted into the post. That will show you the code that corresponds with the icon. They're pretty easy to learn so it won't be difficult to type them into the quick reply box after you get used to them. This was a necessary change, and while it might inconvenience some people, it will make things easier in the long run. I've seen a post here and there get distorted because of the way smileys were parsed.
If you have any issues with them or any suggestions for new ones to be added, let me know in this thread. We're totally open to ideas and feedback.
Moving on...
One of the best things about this forum is that you members do a great job reporting posts that deserve to be handled. At the same time, there have recently been a lot of reported posts that didn't have to be reported in the first place. I just want to remind you guys of a few things when it comes to reporting. Some of this is a change from the past that may not have been very clear recently. I apologize for that. Hopefully this will set things straight.
In more detail: for the most part, there is no reason to close topics that are resolved, especially when it comes to RMXP support. When a member's question is answered, the topic would naturally sink towards the bottom of the forum. When a member sees that his topic has been locked, he might think that he has done something wrong. Similarly, members with similar problems wouldn't look at topics with a locked icon- topics that very well may already have an answer they are looking for. Reducing the amount of locked topics will also reduce the amount of redundant topics.
Secondly, we don't close or delete topics on command. The moderators here aren't your personal "close" button. A lot of members have asked that their topics be locked simply because they don't want it open anymore. If you abandon work on your game, then say so in a post and let the topic fall off the page as time goes on. There is often no need for such topics to be locked by moderators. Similarly, members have asked that their topics be locked/deleted because they want to cover up some kind of mistake or embarrassing behavior. That isn't the responsibility of the moderators, either.
Worth mentioning: Sponsors have the ability to close their topics because in return for their donation, they are trusted to self-moderate. If the ability to close your own threads is really important to you, donate to the forum. For more information on sponsorship, PM an administrator or ask about it in the #rmxp irc channel.
In short: The purpose of closing topics is a way to prevent further rule violations where they have already begun- that's all.
I hope this announcement has clarified some issues. As always, thanks for making this forum great. Have a great New Year, everybody. 2008 is starting off strong! :cheers:
I made them myself to be used exclusively on this forum. I know they might not be the best emoticons in the world, but they're certainly better than the defaults, and I think they really add a touch of uniqueness to the forum. And remember, there are more than the ones that are displayed above the post box- click the [more] link to check them all out.
One note: I've set it so that the forums don't automatically parse text smileys into the graphical ones. Click on an icon and it will be inserted into the post. That will show you the code that corresponds with the icon. They're pretty easy to learn so it won't be difficult to type them into the quick reply box after you get used to them. This was a necessary change, and while it might inconvenience some people, it will make things easier in the long run. I've seen a post here and there get distorted because of the way smileys were parsed.
If you have any issues with them or any suggestions for new ones to be added, let me know in this thread. We're totally open to ideas and feedback.
Moving on...
One of the best things about this forum is that you members do a great job reporting posts that deserve to be handled. At the same time, there have recently been a lot of reported posts that didn't have to be reported in the first place. I just want to remind you guys of a few things when it comes to reporting. Some of this is a change from the past that may not have been very clear recently. I apologize for that. Hopefully this will set things straight.
- Do report spam, flaming and trolling.
- Do report topics that are in the wrong forum.
- Do report necroposting.
- Do report private message spam.
- Do NOT report topics that are "resolved".
- Do NOT report topics after another member has replied saying that he has already done so.
- Do NOT report your own topics to be closed or deleted.
In more detail: for the most part, there is no reason to close topics that are resolved, especially when it comes to RMXP support. When a member's question is answered, the topic would naturally sink towards the bottom of the forum. When a member sees that his topic has been locked, he might think that he has done something wrong. Similarly, members with similar problems wouldn't look at topics with a locked icon- topics that very well may already have an answer they are looking for. Reducing the amount of locked topics will also reduce the amount of redundant topics.
Secondly, we don't close or delete topics on command. The moderators here aren't your personal "close" button. A lot of members have asked that their topics be locked simply because they don't want it open anymore. If you abandon work on your game, then say so in a post and let the topic fall off the page as time goes on. There is often no need for such topics to be locked by moderators. Similarly, members have asked that their topics be locked/deleted because they want to cover up some kind of mistake or embarrassing behavior. That isn't the responsibility of the moderators, either.
Worth mentioning: Sponsors have the ability to close their topics because in return for their donation, they are trusted to self-moderate. If the ability to close your own threads is really important to you, donate to the forum. For more information on sponsorship, PM an administrator or ask about it in the #rmxp irc channel.
In short: The purpose of closing topics is a way to prevent further rule violations where they have already begun- that's all.
I hope this announcement has clarified some issues. As always, thanks for making this forum great. Have a great New Year, everybody. 2008 is starting off strong! :cheers:
