The Coffee Shop's policies

Though we hold the Freedom of Speech-principle close to our hearts, there are restrictions to this subject. Invisionfree.com has been kind enough to host 'The Coffeeshop' - therefore we ask for your attention on the next couple of matters :

1. Restrictions : "the big no-nos"

Racism, threats, abusive and offensive language bordering to libel and slander aren't tolerated. Treat each other with the same respect you would like to be treated with. Respect one another and the privacy that goes along with the territory

Also - refrain from any illegal activities such as drug trafficking, gambling, handing out hacking tips and any other criminal activities (pretty self-explanatory, right?)

2. Plagiarism

Copyrights darlings, keep them in the back of your head at all times!

Every single aspect on this site - from the lay-out to the posts are copyrighted and aren't to be taken out unless stated otherwhise.
This rule goes both ways - you cannot take stories someone else created and post them here, claiming them as your own.

Keep in mind that the copyright isn't solely limited to the stories, poems or lay-outs. Any other topics or threads that violate rules concerning copyrights or trademarks of mp3s, Games, CDs, DVDs or any other programs aren't tolerated.

3. In case of problems

When confronted with one of the matters above - do not take the situation into your own hands.

Granted, sometimes a 'friendly' but curt post won't stop the violation - but posting profanity as a response isn't a solution. Then you're just doing the same as the other person and the circle keeps going....

Instead, report your problem via PM or email to the administrators and/or moderators. After all, that's what we are here for. We will do our best to handle the situation as quickly as possible and in the best way for all parties.

4. FAQ : Can administrators/moderators delete posts?

Though we strive towards peaceful solutions - extremely offensive / abusive posts can be deleted, but this is one of the more ultimate measures.

5. Sanctions

The Administrators and Moderators reserve the right to penalize those who fail to keep to The Coffeeshop's policies.

Violating posters will receive a private message concerning the problem/complaint and the possible punishment.

This first PM serves as a warning - ignore this and you might face a strict punishment.
But in case of severe violation, the administrators are authorized to immediately (temporarily) suspend the violating poster from the board.

Sanctions depend on the type of breach, and may vary from a 'Suspension' for a limited time to a lasting 'Banishment' from The Coffeeshop.


Do not take these matters lightly - we offer you a wide posting-possibility.
We ask you to not abuse this privilege - or we will see ourselves forced to review our policies...


For your consideration :

These are some points we would like to pull your attention to. You are not obligated to take this rules into account, but you might want to have a look at these as they might help make everyone's stay here more pleasant :

Posts

Keep your posts orderly and easy to read - especially when posting stories : paragraphs are a wonderful invention ;)

lay-out

Alternating captital and minimal writing ( fOr eXaMpLe LiKe ThIs) can get quite sore on the eyes after a while.

Net-speak

Please refrain from netspeak! We'd also like to ask you to keep 'shouting' to a strict minimal.
Only use full capital print when this is needed. DON'T TYPE WHOLE POSTS LIKE THIS!

As stated up above - these rules aren't obligatory. Meaning that slip-ups in this area won't lead to sanctions.
However if there should be problems/complaint. The moderators reserve the right to step up and edit your post (eg. transferring capital into low print, etc ...) but they shall not delete! (cfr. Coffeeshop-Policy, Rule 4.)