1. NO Spamming/Site Plugging: Please do not register at the message board for the sole reason of posting a link to your website and/or begging for material for your website (i.e. photos, stories, etc.). This includes sales and advertising - it isn’t allowed here. To do so, your post will be deleted without notice; if you continue to spam/plug your site, you will be banned without notice. For advertising purposes, you are invited to use the SpiritKeep Banner Exchange and/or add your website link to our Bravenet Links page. Participating message board members may share a link to their website in the 'Cool Links' forum; they may also include a link in their personal profile and/or signature.
2. Formatting: Please do not type your posts (titles included) in ALL CAPITAL letters (aka CAPS). On the internet, typing in this fashion denotes yelling and it also makes your posts difficult for others to read, plus, it looks ugly. So, unless it is a particular word or phrase you wish to emphasise (i.e. YES, NO, LOL), please do not type in all caps.
3. Starting New Topics: Please limit starting NEW topics to no more than three (3) per day, board-wide (this means all forums). Keeping new topics posted per member/per day to a minimum ensures that other members’ new topics will be read and replied to as well. However, you are welcome to post replies to as many topics/threads as you like.
4. Smilies/Emoticons: We’ve provided several icons (emoticons) you can use in both your message board posts, but please don’t over-do it within a single posting. (Exception: several smilies for a birthday wish, etc. is alright). We’re just saying don’t do it in every post.
5. Language: We do not allow messages posted with racist, sexually explicit language, posts that are hateful, abusive, defamatory or harassing in any respect. The same applies to links within a post. Posts containing such material will be edited or deleted without warning, although in most cases, we’ll contact you to let you know why your post has been edited or deleted. This contact will also serve as a warning.
6. Fighting/Arguing/Flaming: While this isn’t a problem we normally encounter at SpiritKeep, please keep in mind that it is expected that you remain civil to other members, even if you do not agree with their stated viewpoint(s). Given the nature of this forum, many topics that are discussed may have several different viewpoints. Give yours (without being rude or demeaning) - and if you disagree with another member's stated viewpoint, please use tact in stating your position. Remember, in many cases, there are no right or wrong answers. Abuse of this policy may lead to banning without notice.
7. Inflamatory Topics: Some sensitive topics (i.e. war) are discussed from time to time at SpiritKeep, but in keeping with rule #6, you are expected to remain civil, should you decide to join a sensitive discussion. Off-color or inappropriate comments will be removed without notice. Furthermore, if you are found to repeatedly start inflamatory topics or post inflammatory replies, it will be viewed that you’re trying to start fights among members. If this becomes a concern to us, you will first be warned; if you continue, you will be banned without notice.
8. Privacy/Personal Info: For your own personal safety, and particularly if you are under 18 years of age, do not give out any of your sensitive personal information when posting or in your member profile. (i.e. your last name, exactly where you live, phone numbers, or other sensitive information, such as the name of the school you’re attending). It is also inappropriate to ask another member for the same type of information. Posts or profiles with such information included will be edited out or deleted entirely without notice. Always keep in mind that anything you post or make available for public viewing, others (even non-message board members) can see. We want you to stay safe!
9. Regarding Advice Given: Many of our members are happy to offer advice to any given question/matter/situation, including those that have to do with the paranormal realm (ghosts/psychic), but please remember, none of us are experts or scholars. Use your own good judgement when heeding advise, and use it at your own risk.
10. Regarding Religion: We at SpiritKeep respect all religions. While some topics on this message board could possibly touch on the subject of religion, this is not the place to debate theology, 'spread the word', attempt to convert others or tell them they are on the wrong path. Religion is a private matter. That said, we ask that you do not post about religion, unless you are attempting to help someone with - for instance - a ghost hunting/protection prayer, but never to be condescending toward another religion. Please respect that.
11. Administrators/Moderators: We are all participating members on the board, but we’re also here for another reason -- to keep things running smoothly and to keep SpiritKeep an enjoyable place for all. We have final say on what goes on. If one of us asks you to stop doing something - please, stop. When/if we contact you to advise why your post has been edited or deleted, it will also serve as a warning NOT to do it again. Ignoring our requests/reminders may result in your posting privileges being suspended or possible banning. Upon further infractions after being warned (or has been made clear by an edit or deletion), or arguing with/abusing administrators/moderators, you will be banned without notice.
12. And Finally....: Any other actions not addressed here that will affect your membership at SpiritKeep will be discussed with you when/if a problem arises. In most cases, you will be notified before any serious action is taken (i.e. banning), but blatant violations or continued violations occuring, you may be banned without notice or explanation. Don’t worry too much about this clause; we use it to reserve our right to remove your membership if you blatantly disregard our house rules. Most importantly..... have fun!
Additional notes about posting on the Tag-board:
1. What is the Tag-Board for?: The Tag-board is designed to allow members who are online together at any given time to relay "small talk" messages to one another, or have a short chat. Please use our regular chatroom for more in-depth and/or personal conversations.
2. Asking Questions: As stated above, the Tag-board is used for small talk with other message board members who are online at the same time; it is not a resource center. If you have a question about something in particular (i.e. “What are orbs?”) or stories to tell (i.e. about ghosts, hauntings, etc.), please register at the SpiritKeep message board (if you haven’t already) and make a post about it in the appropriate forum. If you don’t wish to register/post at the message board, try a search engine such as Google.com to find answers.
3. Using Smilies/Emoticons: As stated above in #4 of the board guidelines, we’ve also provided several icons/emoticons you can use in your Tag-board postings, but please don’t over-do it within a single posting or conversation. They are a fun way to convey emotion, and we encourage you to do so, but please don't use them if you are just posting icons "for the fun of it" (i.e. your own amusement).
4. Membership Questions: If you’ve just registered for membership to the SpiritKeep Message Board and are awaiting approval, please do not post on the Tag-board and ask when you’re going to be approved. Be patient. The administrator checks the registration queue regularly and as soon as you’re approved, you’ll receive an email telling you so. No one else on the Tag-board will be able to answer questions regarding your membership application. If after 24 hours you haven’t received approval, or have a question regarding your registration, contact Kell. Be sure to include the login name that you chose at registration and your correct email address.
4. Introductions: If you’re a new SpiritKeep message board member (have registered for the message board) and wish to introduce yourself to the community, please do so in the Introduce Yourself forum, not on the Tag-board. Many members don’t always look at or even use the Tag-board and will miss your introduction entirely if it isn’t in the Introduce Yourself forum. We want to greet you properly! =]
5. Names Used/Impersonating: Please use the name/nickname you are currently using or are known by on the SpiritKeep message board (typically your member name) when you post to the Tag-board so we know who we’re talking to. Example: If your nickname on the message board is ‘Night’ and we also know you as ‘Tom’, you may use either name - just don’t call yourself ‘Bob’ when you’re really ‘Night’ or ‘Tom’.
6. Abuse: As with the rules/guidelines governing the SpiritKeep message board, blatantly disregarding our rules or abusing the Tag-board will result in banning without notice or explanation.
Questions? Email us.