Recommended forum rules

[funkybutt]

I'm working on a community forum and I'd appreciate your ideas for administration. If there is a broad standard list of rules, please point me in that direction. If you have your own personal ideas and ideas for how to word these rules would be very helpful. FYI the forum I'm referring to has very little political discussion, and even less confrontation. Unfortunately, the need for basic rules still exists.

[dubeskin]

1. Obviously the basic ones

Which age group is it geared toward, and what is the main discussion. I mean, if it is a forum to talk about music, a good rule may be to not post links to download music(though BitTorrent and Limewire are lifesavers ;)), but some general ones are no bad language(again, age group), no "adult pictures, possibly no links to outside sites(depends), no personal information, obviously no thread derailing, and no verbal attacks. Basically just read the rules of some forums you visit, like DU to get an idea.

[Omphaloskepsis]

2. Make the rules up as you go along...

Keep it as brief as possible, you know nobody reads those lists. When someone fucks up add a rule about it.

Basically, it might be bad idea to start with a huge list of things you cant do/say. Listen to the community, allow them to help set standards.

[BikeWriter]

3. The number one rule on my forums and blogs is...

no overt promotion of other forums or blogs without my prior approval.