General rudeness
So I’ve been briefed on a recent situation where a mod was flamed over e-mail, and the user’s ban term was increased as a result. So, first, attacks on anyone is frowned upon at HG. It doesn’t matter who’s doing the attacking and who’s at the end—it’s just flat out wrong. “Attack the idea, not the person,” the common saying goes.
If reading about the latest iDrama is your thing (yuck), then read on.
Our staff of volunteers are here because they like what they do, and they definitely aren’t being paid to be abused on the forums, over e-mail, or IM. They are, like you, humans and have feelings as well, a concept that is sometimes lost in heated debates/flames.
If you flame them, expect to be eventually warned or banned. If they flame you, they can expect some disciplinary action on HG. Both of which have to be proved to have taken place, with supporting evidence, of course. Everyone at HG is required to abide by the Code of Conduct . The relevant sections in this instance are quoted below:
Ad-Hominem:
Ad Hominem comments/personal attacks towards anyone – staff, forum member, or a visitor who is likely to view it on the forums – is subject to the message being deleted and action taken against the user, regardless of how pertinent or thoughtful the rest of the message might be.
Harassment:
You may not use terms or audio/visual materials referring to ethnic/national origin, ideological/religious beliefs, gender, or sexual preference in a demeaning context.
We have no tolerance for discrimination. You are in violation of this rule if the nature of your post discriminates, promotes hate, promotes violence or advocates hatred or discrimation against individuals, groups, races, cultures or organizations because of their ethnic/national origin, skin color or culture.
Derogatory Terms:
If you use any terms in an offensive context against a person, race, culture, group or organization, as determined by our moderators, you are in violation of this rule.
Please note that words carry different meanings in different cultures, and that while a word may be acceptable use in one part of the world, it may not be in another. In addition, any one can invent their own derogatory terms, unfortunately. Because of those factors, we will evaluate the context in which the term was used to determine whether a violation has occurred.