Rules
Age Limitations
The United States Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) went into effect on April 21st, 2000. In order to comply with that law, any one that is under 13 years of age that chooses to visit NintendoGlobal.com must have parental consent or is subject to any consequences set forth by this law. Global Nintendo is not responsible for anything that happens to a user under 13 years of age in regards to COPPA.
Flaming, Bashing, and Fighting
Hate posts and personal attacks will not be tolerated on Global Nintendo Forums. While some things are all in good fun, be careful not to cross the line. Moderators will make the decision. Friendly n00b-bashing is allowed, but do not go too far. If it is decided that the comment(s) made went too far, a warning will be issued immediately. If you strongly feel the need to bash/fight/argue, then feel free to leave.
We will warn you three times, after that the administrators will issue a punishment or ban you from the forums.
Insulting or threatening members of the staff will result in suspension or permanent ban.
Profanity and Racial Slurs
Profanity and racial slurs are strictly prohibited. Though most words are not censored on Global Nintendo Forums, fiercely derogatory words are not tolerated, and do not attempt to beat the built-in censors, as they are there for a reason. If a censor is dodged purposely, a warning will be issued.
Obscenity
Any obscene images or vulgar statements are absolutely not tolerated. If they are posted, the member in question will immediately receive warning(s) depending on what is posted. This includes banning if it is vulgar enough.
Impersonation
Using a NintendoGlobal.com forum username or other methods intending to appear as someone that you are not is not allowed. This includes account names that mock or insult other forum members regardless of the circumstances of the creation of the account. Creating or changing a username to impersonate or mock another member is grounds for immediate deletion of a user's account.
Spamming Posts
Although members are obviously encouraged to be active posters, purposely spamming a forum to gain post counts is not allowed and unfair to all the users who have earned their post counts legitimately. This includes such things one or two word 'lol,' 'I agree,' 'cool,' or quote-only replies and image only posts. Topics made regarding you leaving on a trip, or that you'll simply be gone, or 'I'm back!' topics are only allowed in the 'Introductions' forum. 'Happy birthday' topics are prohibited. These are all considered spam posts. Do not post in a topic that has not had a reply in 65 days or more. Chances are, if a topic has not been replied to in that amount of time, the discussion is complete. Members who commit any of these infractions will be dealt with accordingly. A warning will first be issued, but the if the problem persists, any Moderator reserves the right to remove a fair amount of posts from that member.
Spam Advertising
Spamming to advertise a website or products and services is not permitted, no exceptions. Non-profit or personal websites may put a simple link in their signature or a banner (one that fits the limits of 550x375 pixels). Usernames or displayed names are not permitted to be a website name. If you wish to affiliate, please e-mail an administrator, do not make a topic about it.
General Posting and Off-Topic Posts
We require all posts to be positive, constructive, and on-topic. We will edit individual posts that may ruin a good topic, and a warning may be issued. Although posting off-topic isn't the end of the world, it is still not allowed. There are many other varied Global Nintendo Forums subjects available to post in. Please look at the various forums to find what would best suit the topic you wish to post about. If you feel the need to be 'off-topic,' then please keep it under control, or go spam some other [not nearly as nice as Global Nintendo Forums] forum.
Do not reply to any topics that are older than seven months, unless you really feel that it is necessary. Most of the time, if a topic hasn't been replied to in a long time, it is because the topic is no longer interesting or relevant. Generally, if a topic becomes valid again, a brand new topic will suffice.
Illegal Substance or Illegal Activity Discussion
Drug talk, or talk of any illegal activity is strictly prohibited. Positive statements warning against illegal activities are allowed. This includes the posting of links and/or discussion relating to other sites which would include adult content, hack sites, warez sites, and other related sites.
Signature, Avatar, and Posted Images
Signature images should be no larger than 375 pixels high by 550 pixels wide, and no larger than 75 KB. If the image is a bit larger either way we will make an exception, but do not go too high over the size limit! Large images can cause scrolling on smaller monitors, it expands the topic page, and if it violates these rules, the signature in question will be removed. Avatar images must be within 100 pixels high by 100 pixels wide. The same rules apply.
Images posted in forum topics may not be any larger than 375 pixels high by 550 pixels wide, with a 35 KB limit. If a posted image is above this size, the image tags will be removed. Note that attached images automatically turn into thumbnails that links to a larger image.
PLEASE NOTE: Do not upload images unless they are absolutely necessary. Images not related to the posts they are attached to will be deleted and the user will be warned if they continue.
Moderators, Senators and Representatives
Moderators and Senators are chosen and elected by the Global Nintendo Senate, and only occasionally will Moderators of a single forum be selected.
Please respect all of the moderators. Insulting, or back-talking with them will earn you a warning.
Moderators are chosen based on the user's performance on the forums. Such performance includes post history, respectfulness to others, helpfulness to others, low spamming, and a good attitude. Note also that we only select new Moderators when we need them. Obviously, the user must also be active.
Representatives are chosen when they win official contests.
Do not PM, e-mail, shout or post to Moderators, Senators, or the Administrator asking to be made a Moderator, Senator or Representative. If you are chosen, you'll be contacted.
Private/Restricted Forums
We have a number of private/restricted forums on Global Nintendo. Do not ask for access to any of these forums. If you are picked/chosen/elected you will gain access to some or all of these boards.
GN Shoutbox
Please note that all the above rules for posting on the forums also apply to the GN Shoutbox. Misuse or abuse of the shoutbox can lead to a ban from the shoutbox, and possibly the forums.