++++Meep for sweeping code of conduct change++++

Basics

By using DebateArt.com, you are bound and agree to be bound by this Code of Conduct and the Privacy Policy, as well as any other rules that may be published from time to time. If participating in debates, you are also bound by the Voting Policy.

In essence, treat others as you wish to be treated. If someone makes a wholly reasonable request of you, please try to comply.

User Accounts

All users must be a minimum of 13 years of age when creating an account, or older to help comply with any local laws pertaining to Internet usage.

You may not use hateful, harassing, or obscene language or imagery in your username or avatar.

Multi-accounting and any action indistinguishable from it is prohibited. Dispensation may be granted on a case-by-case basis, such as for multiple users within a single residence; but they will have certain restrictions applied (e.g., never voting on each other’s debates).

Users are free to transition a new account or back to a former, so long as they demonstrate no exploitative intent, and inform moderators to ensure only one is active.

Account bans may be appealed by emailing: [email protected]

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Extravagant lies, not to be confused with mere context issues, may rise to the level of constituting impersonation.

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Harassment

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Creating threads to call-out specific users qualifies as targeted harassment, as does obsessive attempts to derail unrelated topics with impertinent grudges. However, criticizing statements within an ongoing discussion, is fair game.

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If a member politely requests that you leave them alone, do so. Repeated failure to comply, is a clear aggravating factor regarding the content of said posts.

Violence and Criminal Behavior

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Objectionable Content

You may not post or link to media that is excessively gory or violent.

You may not post or link to pornography or other explicit adult sexual material.

You may not engage in commercial advertising anywhere on the site.

Spam is prohibited, and any overtly repetitive nonsensical posts are considered spam.

Unwarranted systemic vulgarity and invectives, which may include off topic personal attacks and/or hate speech, are subject to disciplinary actions

[RationalMadman] Just so  you are both aware and future voters are aware, this entire following text is being deleted and what's in the OP is replacing it:

Moderators have the right to rename a thread or debate title if it is deemed to be offensive or inappropriate. This includes any title or thread that is harmful or offensive to a particular individual or group.

We do not permit the worst forms of trolling, such as spamming, posting irrelevant or inflammatory content,

As for more access for moderators, I don't know. I can't say I trust any of the moderators, i've talked little with only one moderator. It's not that they are or aren't doing a good job or aren't worth trusting, but how would I know? Further down the line, I will. But as of right now, like said, I don't know.

As some people are learning in the real world the hard way, there is no set of rules that can't be warped by a sufficiently dishonest judge (or mod). You have no choice but to trust them regardless, the reason to put the rules in precise language is so abuse is obvious and demonstrable.

The part you quoted is indeed vague, but so was the previous CoC. This has less basis that can be used to arbitrarily justify a ban.

Let me clarify one restriction. I know most of Debateart doesn't engage in rap battles that diss one another, but its still something others may want to try. With these rules, dissing another with personal attacks would be considered 'wrong'. Unless there is a modification with this, it restricts engaging in rap battles freely.