Important! Planet Arkadia Forum Rules

1. ACCOUNTS​

a) – Age Requirement
To qualify for membership at Planet Arkadia Forum, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are not 18 years old but you are at least 13 years old, you may still apply for membership, but only with approval of your parent or guardian.

If you are a parent or guardian of a prospective or current "minor" member and wish to discuss anything regarding your charges membership, please Contact the Forum Staff.


b) – Multiple Accounts
You may only have ONE account on Planet Arkadia Forum. Multiple accounts will be deleted, and the original account may be permanently banned.

The only exception to this rule is for "special role-playing" during officially sanctioned events (be they community or company initiated) and at the discretion of Planet Arkadia Forum Staff or Arkadia Studios representatives. For further information regarding exception to this rule, please Contact the Forum Staff.


c) – Account Conduct
You are responsible for any and all activity that originates from your account. It is therefore inadvisable to share your Planet Arkadia Forum account details.


d) – Banned Accounts
Members that have received a ban, may not create new accounts. Any such new accounts will be deleted, as will all threads or posts made with such accounts and the original account may be permanently banned as well. If you wish to discuss a ban, please Contact the Forum Staff.


e) – Account Impersonation
You may not impersonate other Planet Arkadia or Entropia Universe users, Planet Arkadia Forum Staff, Arkadia Studios company representatives, MindArk company representatives, or any other Planet Partner company representatives. People caught doing so will receive an immediate ban and depending on severity, this may be permanent.


f) – Account Names
Account names may not contain any offensive (racist, sexually explicit, profane, abusive or generally objectionable) terms or words. You may not use confusing or intentionally misleading account names, an account name that is intentionally similar to that of another existing user account, Planet Arkadia Forum Staff, Arkadia Studios company representative, MindArk company representative, or any other Planet Partner company representative.

 

2. FORUM USE​

a) – English Language Forum
Whilst we understand that not everyone is a native English speaker, Planet Arkadia Forum is primarily an English language forum. Please ensure that all content posted in open public areas of the forum, is written in English where possible. If you do have a specific need to post in a language other than English, please make all possible effort to provide an English translation as well (such as Google Translate).

This rule does not extend to any Private Message correspondence you may wish to have with friends.


b) – Unacceptable Behaviour
Personal attacks, insults, rudeness, racism, threats, name calling or unconstructive, inflammatory posts are not allowed. Such posts may be deleted by the Forum Staff and may result in disciplinary action being taken (i.e. Infractions).

Common courtesy, politeness and respect for fellow members, Planet Arkadia Forum Staff, Arkadia Studios company representatives, MindArk company representatives, or any other Planet Partners company representatives is essential. While we all understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion, they are at the same time not entitled to force that opinion upon others nor present it in an unruly and offensive manner without fear of recourse.

Additionally, posts written to deliberately "bait" another user into making an emotional responsive post will be judged in the same manner and may receive the same disciplinary action being taken. This includes posts made with subtle, stealthy or cleverly worded language.

As a general rule of thumb, try and treat other members as you would like to be treated yourself. In other words, be excellent to one another....and PARTY ON DUDES!


c) - Revealing Real Life Information
Revealing real life information about another Planet Arkadia or Entropia Universe user, Planet Arkadia Forum Staff member, Arkadia Studios company representative, MindArk company representative, or any other Planet Partner company representative, is strictly prohibited and violation will result in an immediate ban.


d) – Real-world Controversy
Discussion of real world politics, nationalism, religion, war, or other similarly controversial topics is generally not appropriate for this forum.

Planet Arkadia Forum is a globally diverse community and as such, discussion of such topics is almost always a disruptive sensitive issue depending on the origin/beliefs of different members.

Therefore, please refrain from starting or participating in such discussions, as they may be closed and/or deleted from the forum.


e) – Personal Issues with other members
Personal issues between members, services, businesses or societies should not be debated in the open forums. These threads may be closed and deleted at the discretion of the Forum Staff.

The only exception to this rule is if they are of a role-playing nature, all parties are aware of such and they still fall within the forum rules.


f) - "Naming and Shaming" other players
Posts or Threads made with the intention of "Naming and Shaming" other players are not allowed in the open/public areas of the forum.

Whilst we all understand the dislike of certain aspects of allowed gameplay within the Entropia Universe (e.g. lootable PvP in Space/ aka "Piracy") they are, nonetheless, currently accepted and accounted for aspects of use of the Entropia Universe. If you have particular issues with the way something in Entropia Universe works then please direct your complaint to Entropia Universe Support.

Accusations of "scamming" that name specific avatars or forum members are not allowed in the open/public areas of the forum. Such examples will be moderated and repeated instances may result in an Infraction.

If you are witness to an act that you feel warrants a warning to the community in general, make the post/thread as generic as possible in order to convey the general information, but avoid posting the person(s) name(s) (this also extends to the posting of screenshots). If you have proof of behaviour that is clearly against the EULA/ToU then you should direct your complaint to Support.


g) – Posting Private Content
Posting the content from private messages, chat logs, private forums, instant messengers, emails or the reputation system in an open/public area of the forum is not allowed, unless all parties involved, agree. Any examples of this may be deleted upon receipt of complaint. Complaints should be directed to the Forum Staff at the earliest opportunity.


h) – Swearing/Profanity
In general, swearing/profanity should be kept to a minimum. Excessive content may be moderated, and may result in an Infraction depending on severity and/or complaints received.


i) – Advertising/Solicitation
Advertising items, services (real or virtual) or websites unrelated to Planet Arkadia or Entropia Universe is not allowed on Planet Arkadia Forum.

Solicitation, in the form of "click-to-earn-PED" Websites offering PED from clicking affiliate or referral links, posting of any other form of solicitation both in the public areas of the forum, your signature and profiles is also strictly forbidden without approval/clearance from MA.

If you have prior approval from MA for the "service" that you are running, then forward the details to the forum staff so that they can be cross-checked with Arkadia Studios/MA (Examples of official approval can be either an email or support ticket (including ticket number)).

If you would like to advertise on Planet Arkadia Forum or have any questions regarding existing websites, please Contact the Forum Staff.


j) – Active Recruiting
Attempts at actively recruiting Planet Arkadia Forum members to leave Entropia Universe in favour of other computer games, virtual worlds or MMORPGs is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. This does not include promotion of events, shops or other such examples within the Entropia Universe.

Threads and posts made with the intention of encouraging Planet Arkadia Forum members to permanently leave Planet Arkadia in favour of another Entropia Universe planet are also discouraged and may be moderated at the discretion of the Planet Arkadia Forum Staff or Arkadia Studios representatives. Repeated violations of this rule may result in further administrative action being taken.


k) – Entropia Universe Terms of Use (ToU) and End User License Agreement (EULA) Violation
Any thread, post, signature or publicly viewable content that violates the Entropia Universe Terms of Use (ToU) or the End User License Agreement (EULA) may be deleted.

Repeated instances of this may result in a permanent ban.

 

3. POSTING ON THE FORUMS​

a) – Spamming/Flooding/Trolling
Spamming, Flooding and Trolling are not allowed on Planet Arkadia Forum. Definitions of each are below:

• Spamming - Posting the same thread in multiple forums, posting the same post in multiple threads, or sending spam content in private messages to members.
• Flooding - Posting many times in succession in a single thread or creating multiple threads in a forum.
• Trolling – The constant harassment of a member, or repeated off-topic and/or rude posts in a thread.

b) – Off-Topic Posts
Please take every opportunity to keep your posts relevant to the active thread topic. Off-topic posts usually take a thread wildly off course, and invite others to do the same, ruining the original premise of the thread. Such posts may be moderated.


c) – Thread Location
Please try to post new threads in the correct area of the forum. Posting threads in the correct area makes the forum easier to browse for all members and visitors. It also lessens the workload for our Forum Staff. If you are unsure where to post a new thread, take the time to read the forum descriptions. If you are still unsure, Contact the Forum Staff. Threads posted in an incorrect forum will be moved.


d) – Cross posting, Cross threading and Duplicate posts/threads
Creating redundant or duplicate threads that link to or are intended to promote an existing thread, for the purpose of gaining extra visibility, is generally forbidden. Such threads may be deleted and/or merged. This includes posting the same or similar threads in different forums. If you are unsure if your thread violates this rule, please Contact the Forum Staff.

An exception to this rule is for "special", "rare" or "interesting" items being sold in shops. There is no need to include a link in the post to your shop thread, one in the signature block is sufficient with a comment such as "See my sig block for more details".


e) – Necro Posting
A thread is considered inactive if there have been no new replies in the last six (6) months. Posting in such a thread is strongly discouraged. If you feel an issue or topic from an inactive thread deserves renewed discussion, please create a new thread in the appropriate forum and provide a link to the original thread for reference. Members who repeatedly necro threads will be slapped with an infraction.

Exceptions to this rule are generally threads in the New Player Area (due to the ongoing updates and new tips etc - i.e. they are being built over time), certain threads in the Off Topic Forum (the stuck threads at the top of the forum), Activity Logs (such as Hunting or mining etc) and any other threads at the discretion of the Forum Staff (such threads will be looked at and considered upon their own merit).

If you wish to post just for the sake of upping your post count past six (6), then please use the tailor made threads (such as the Number Game thread) in the Off Topic subforum.

If you are not sure where your next post sits in regard to this rule then PM one of the Forum Staff for advice.


f) – Posting for Banned Members
Current members are forbidden from posting on behalf of any member permanently or temporarily banned from Planet Arkadia Forum. Members are forbidden from allowing any banned member to use their Planet Arkadia Forum account to circumvent a ban (See Rule 1c). Such conduct may result in an additional ban not only for the originally banned member, but also for the member allowing use of their account.


g) – Quoting other posts
Quoting very large posts in their entirety is generally discouraged. Please limit quotes of other posts to those portions that are directly relevant to your reply.


h) - Reporting posts
If you read a post that you feel requires reporting due to breaking any of the forum rules, then please click the "REPORT POST" button located at the bottom of each post, represented by a small black triangle. The Forum Staff will be notified and take any action deemed necessary. However, this system may not be abused or used in order to target another user. Abuse of this system may be grounds for an Infraction.


i) - Posting "Loot Sucks" threads and excessive complaining/whining
Posting “Loot Sucks” threads without any actual evidence is neither welcome nor remotely helpful, nor are threads or posts continually bashing MA in favour of a particular Planet Partner(s). Incessant and immature whining, flaming or just general trolling (including insulting the mental capacity of other members) is NOT the appropriate way to express your dislike or dissatisfaction with the way the universe or planets are being developed. Any of these types of threads/posts found, particularly in the New Players Area of the forum, may be moderated without notice.

The correct and acceptable way to communicate your feedback (be it positive or negative) is by providing constructive criticism in an appropriate manner (i.e submitting support cases, posting in the Suggestions/Wish List and Bug Reports forums etc.). Posting logs of your exploits and providing figures and factual evidence is an excellent way of showing not only other players, but the developers themselves, how the system is working for you. Posting your well thought out opinions of new content and/or system balancing as well as suggestions for new things you'd like to see, are all welcome and encouraged.


j) – Discussion of Space/Other Planets/Other Planet Partners
Discussions of space, other planets or other planet partners within Entropia Universe should take place in the “Entropia Universe” subforum. This does not include advertising for events or shops/services which have their own specific areas within the forum.


k) – Critique of Forum Rules and Administrators/Moderators
We are open to any and all constructive criticism. If you wish to give feedback, please do so in one of the following ways:

• Post a thread in the About Arkadia Forums section. Please note: Your thread must not violate Rules 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2g or 2h. If they do then they will be open to moderation, as would any other thread in any other section. Keep it civil and as non-personal as possible.
• Send one of the Mods a Private Message. For details, please see here.
• For issues regarding the current Forum Rules, post in Arkadia Forum Rules Discussion.

l) - External Sites/Blog Leader Threads
If you maintain your own external site, such as a blog or a privately administrated forum of your own etc and you wish to place "Leader threads" here at PAF then you may do so providing you add at least a decent amount of content to the OP and that any and all images used conform to the relevant PAF rules. Posting nothing more than a single line and an link is not acceptable. Whilst PAF does encourage its members to share information, it is not to be used as a means to deliberately drive traffic to your own site. PAF was and is designed to provide the Arkadian community with one place to go to find all the information they need without having to trawl through multiple sites/forums/blogs.

A PM will be sent to you asking you to correct the thread within 48 hours. If no action has been taken during the 48 hours, the thread may be deleted.


M) - Unnecessary posts for upping your "Post Count"
Posting for the sake of getting your Post Count up, specifically the first three (3) posts to get rid of the red banner for New Users, IS NOT ALLOWED. Posts such as "2nd Post" and "3rd Post" in a Greetings thread are good examples of what NOT TO DO. Trawling the forum and necroing old threads for the same purpose is also NOT ALLOWED (and this is covered in Rule 3e).

If you wish to up your post count legally, then either participate properly in a current and relevant discussion OR use one of the two (2) purpose made threads in the OFF TOPIC section: Number Picture Game thread or Tea, Coffee, or other? thread. Useless and/or deliberate posts such as the above examples, will be deleted and continued instances will result in an Infraction.


n) – Objectionable Written Content
Objectionable written content (Pornographic, sexually explicit, excessively violent or of an otherwise deliberately offensive nature), is forbidden on Planet Arkadia Forum. Any content that receives a complaint, or the Forum Staff deem inappropriate will be deleted, and repeated instances may result in a ban. This rule also applies to avatar, profile and signature text in concert with Rule 4b - Objectionable Imagery. In most cases, a member will be sent a private message requesting that the content in question be replaced or removed. If the material is extremely offensive it will be immediately removed without prior warning or consultation.

 

4. IMAGES, AVATARS AND SIGNATURES​

a) – Posting Images
All posted images (in posts or blog entries) should be uploaded directly to PAF either via the "File Attachments Manager" found in "Advanced" posting/editing functions or using the Image Attachment tool. See the Learning Centre for further information and instructions. Images posted that disrupt the website layout will be moderated.

The ONLY exception to this rule is where people are providing a link to their externally hosted "gallery". For example: Linking to a portfolio for a business or service they provide (such as posts like this and this).


b) – Objectionable Imagery
Objectionable imagery (Pornographic, sexually explicit, excessively violent or of an otherwise deliberately offensive nature), is forbidden on Planet Arkadia Forum. Any content that receives a complaint, or the Forum Staff deem inappropriate will be deleted, and repeated instances may result in a ban. This rule also applies to avatar, profile and signature images. In most cases, a member will be sent a private message requesting that the content in question be replaced or removed. If the material is extremely offensive it will be immediately removed without prior warning or consultation.


c) – Signature Images
Please limit graphical signatures to 1 larger or 2 smaller sized pics and refrain from using larger than standard forum text unless absolutely necessary. Please keep your signature to as few lines as possible, since large signatures clutter the forum and cause unnecessary amounts of scrolling when reading threads. If you are unsure about your signature, please Contact the Forum Staff.

The general signature image size limit is as follows: 440 pixels wide x 100 pixels high.

Variations on these sizes may be made with PRIOR approval from the Forum Staff.

 

5. TRADE and SERVICE​

a) – Forum Auctions/Selling Threads
If an item is listed in the Entropia Universe auction system, you are forbidden from posting a sales thread for the same item on Planet Arkadia Forum. The Planet Arkadia Forum Trading section is not provided as a means to circumvent the Entropia Universe auction. Threads violating this rule may be moderated.

An exception to this rule is where the item is one of the following:

• "Unique"
• "Rare"
• "Named"
• "Special" - such as Arkadian "Smuggler" edition items
• "Mentor Edition"
• "Limited Edition"
• "Ancient"
• "Adjusted"
• "Improved"
• "Modified"
• "Mothership"
• "Privateer"
• "Unlimited" - such as UL version of current L vehicles (e.g Quad or VTOL)
• "Large Estate" - This does not include shops/booths/apartments
• "Other" items at the discretion of the Forum Staff

In such cases, if the item has been placed in the Entropia Universe auction then you are only allowed to post a notice as such here so as to draw peoples attention to it. No prices are to be listed nor bids given and/or accepted. If people wish to gain information on these items they can PM the member or go to the auction.


b) – Auction Etiquette
It is the responsibility of the original posting member to maintain their Trading threads (this includes keeping threads up to date if you are receiving bids on like threads on other forums). It is common courtesy to respond in a timely manner to other members who submit bids or offers. Thread starters should make a post in their thread to indicate if an item has sold or has been withdrawn from sale. Please Contact the Forum Staff (including a link) when an auction or sale is cancelled or concluded, or post "This thread can be closed" so that the Forum Staff can close the thread and keep the forums tidy.


c) – Trading Threads
Please try to make your thread rules and procedures simple. Planet Arkadia Forum wishes to give its members flexibility in creating Trading threads. If you feel another member has acted unfairly in a Trading thread, or does not honor an agreement finalized, please contact the Forum Staff explaining the situation (including a link to the related thread). If you require any assistance or advice, please Contact the Forum Staff.

Additionally, trading threads need only be BUMPED once in a 24 hour period. People found to be abusing this and bumping multiple times a day will find their bumping posts deleted and repeated offences may incur an infraction.

That said, there is a difference between BUMPING and UPDATING a thread. Bumping a thread is done for no more than keeping it visible at the top of the thread list and increasing the likelihood of people seeing it on their NEW POSTS search. Updating a thread is done because there is genuine new information being disseminated (such as a Sales thread where the number of items or resources available has changed from one moment to the next) and not updating the thread in a timely fashion could directly impact on prospective customers.

The basic rule of thumb though is use your head. If you have no new information, then one (1) BUMP every 24 hours is the go. If you have new information then posting that information is fine (and don't forget to update your OP as well!) but don't abuse/flood it or else you come under Rule 3a


d) – Trading Thread Abuse
The only types of posts permitted in Trading threads are the following:

• Bids or Offers;
• Requests to the thread starter for additional information directly related to the item(s) or service(s) or regarding the auction/bidding/offer procedures;
• Retraction of a Bid or Offer; and
• Thread starters reply to one of the above.

If you wish to discuss the market value of an item or service, please create a thread in the appropriate forum. Any member found to frequently ignore or abuse this rule risks a ban.


e) – Shop and Service Threads
Make your threads as simple and clear as possible to avoid any misunderstanding by your potential customers. If you have issue with the contents of another members Shop or Service thread please contact the Forum Staff explaining the situation (including a link to the related thread). Do not post abusive or accusatory posts in Shop or Service threads as they may be moderated (See Rule 5f).

Additionally, unlike Trading threads, Shop and Service threads do not require daily bumps, and instead must only be bumped for legitimate periodic changes, such as periodic alterations to terms of service, available items, pricing or offered services (e.g. A business changing/updating its prices at the beginning of each month). If you have any queries, as always, please contact the Forum Staff.

Lastly, we don't mind shops or services being promoted that are not solely conducted on Arkadia. We support business and commerce from all corners of the Universe.


f) – Shop and Service Thread Abuse/Pollution
Shop and Service threads are designed so that a person can advertise a business within EU. Therefore, the only legitimate types of posts permitted in Shop or Service threads are those pertaining to the business/service being provided.

Examples of legitimate posts are:

• Periodic updates (e.g. changes to service or prices etc);
• Requests to the thread starter for additional information, directly related to items or the service(s);
• Constructive feedback or testimonials; and
• Thread starters reply to one of the above.

Whilst feedback is nearly always welcome, deliberate off topic and non-constructive posts that pollute the threads, are NOT allowed. If you have issue with something that has been posted as a Shop or Service by another player, please contact them via PM, instead of ruining the format of their thread.

Posts that contravene this rule may be moderated. Additionally, such posts can be deleted ON REQUEST of the thread starter. If you require assistance please contact the Forum Staff. However, as always, legitimate concerns will be investigated fully before any action is taken.

PLEASE NOTE: The Service threads mentioned in this rule INCLUDE Mentoring service threads.


g) - Cross-Forum/External Sites Threads
All threads under the Trading and Business forum, must be "fully" maintained here at PAF. Threads hotlinking to other forums or sites for the full thread or item list must be corrected within 48 hours. A PM will be sent to you asking you to correct the thread. If no action has been taken during the 48 hours, the thread will be closed until such maintenance has been completed.

Posting across multiple forums is allowed under these conditions only:

1. You must post the complete content on the forum here, not just a link (this includes external sites as well).
2. Images hosted on the other site must be uploaded here also. (No hotlinking)
3. You must maintain your thread, for example, if you sell an item in a selling thread, you must post when the item has sold, or if you have sufficient access, you may close your own thread.

h) – Currencies
All prices must be expressed in PED. Sales threads or links with prices expressed in real-world currencies are STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. Contravention of this implies a transaction for cash outside of Entropia Universe and is therefore a violation of the EULA/ToU. Such posts will be deleted and recurring instances may result in an Infraction.

 

After an extensive review, the Forum Rules have been Updated.

Please take the time to read them through carefully.

Also take the time to read through the new Forum Rules Enforcement Policy - Warnings and Infractions WEF 13/5/2013

If you have any feedback regarding the Forum Rules then please post in Arkadia Forum Rules Discussion

 

Rule 2i has been updated in light of recent "Click-to-earn-PED" websites appearing on the forum. Please see this notice for further information.

 

Rules 5e and 5f have been updated

 

:soangry:

The metric crap-load of Rule 3e - Necro Posting violations lately is seriously giving me a case of the "seasonal irritations", to put it mildly. Therefore, to lessen the likelihood of you merry lot giving me a brain aneurysm for Christmas, I have decided to change the period of time qualifying a post as Necroing, to six (6) months instead of the current three (3).

That said, people who then still proceed to necro a thread, run the risk of receiving an instant infraction, instead of the usual nice and fluffy worded PM from one of the Forum Staff asking them to re-read the forum rules, quoting the relevant rule and asking them to take note of the date stamps.

So be nice instead of naughty, or you'll find more than just a lump of coal in your stocking!

 

Rule 4a has been updated

 

Rule 3e) - Necro Posting, has been updated

 

As I'm running my own sales thread atm, I have come to a couple of revelations in regards to Trading threads. Now I think of them, they seem pretty obvious too :huh: so I have updated the rule to make life a bit easier and flexible for us forum trading types

 

Hi All,

We've had a fair number of new people joining the forum lately and this generally makes me a Snape.

However, the number of frivolous and unnecessary posts recently, for nothing more than upping a post count past 3 (or 6), is really making me a:soangry:Snape.
In case you are wondering, :soangry: Snape is bad as it may very well result in :banhammer2:, or even :banhammer:.


Therefore, please cast your attention to the following, particularly you newer people.

Additionally, when you register on this forum, you receive an email advising you that there are rules governing your membership here and also providing a link to this thread so you can read them. There is also a link at the top of every forum page for this thread, so there is really no excuse for not being aware of the rules.

Granted, we can't force you to read them, but rest assured, we will enforce them whether you choose to read them or not.

 

Due to a number of complaints received recently, these rules have been updated with effect from today.