Forum Rules (Updated 06/16/2021)

Because I believe that rules for a forum such as this need to be short, simple, and to-the-point, I don't want to rewrite the Magna Carta here. So, in the spirit of keeping things simple, I'd like to better explain the "why" behind the rules by discussing the Scambaiting Forum philosophy before going into our Mission Statement, Terms of Use, and the forum rules.

Philosophy:
The short version: Because everyone here at Scambaiting Forum is an adult, we expect everyone to act like adults.

The longer version: Since we want to maintain a libertarian, non-dictatorial site philosophy (and we hope no one gives us a reason to change this), we aim to keep the site as free-speech-friendly as possible, and members should not be afraid to speak their minds … within reason:

• On topics related to baiting, scams, baiting ethics, etc (ie, the purpose of the site) – go for it.
  
• We do not think dissenting opinions are heresy, and all we ask is that you are able to back up your statements. Just, please, no name-calling or contrariness for the sake of being contrary.
• Obviously, we will not tolerate racist statements or other types of discriminatory comments.
• Due to the strong feelings they engender, please avoid potentially divisive topics such as politics and religion. If you have a burning need to debate topics such as these, there are plenty of other forums out there dedicated to their discussion.
  
• No spam. Please do not use our forum to sell your products or to promote your website/social media account.

Our Mission Statement: 
We want Scambaiting Forum to create a community that informs and educates the general public about internet fraud, encourages people to engage in scambaiting, makes life more difficult for scammers, shares resources and lessons learned with other baiters, and co-operates with anyone with the same missions (the authorities, aspiring baiters, other baiting / warning communities).

Terms of Use:
We would like to keep our terms of use as non-onerous as possible so, in consideration for access to Scambaiting Forum (the "Site") and the ability to post herein, each user acknowledges and agrees that:

• They are of the age of majority in their jurisdiction.
• They have read and agree to all rules of the Site.
• They understand that updates and amendments to the rules of the Site may (from time to time) be posted here, and they acknowledge that their continued usage of the Site indicates acceptance of these rules.
• They grant the Site a non-exclusive, perpetual, and transferable license to publish and retain any and all posts that they may make on the Site.
  
• They understand that the Site: (i) is not responsible for the content of any posts made by its members; and (ii) does not necessarily agree with or condone any statements made herein.
  

Forum Rules:
1) We all choose to be here. While we might not all be friends, we are a community.

• As our members become more active within the community, it’s going to be natural that they learn more about each other. However, since this is an anonymous forum, no member should ever publicly release any part of another member’s personal information.
  
• There is to be no disparaging mention of other baiting sites, baiters, YouTubers, etc. (Scammer websites being the exception, of course.)
  
• As long as the post is not a blatant attempt at promotion or poaching, we allow members to link to other websites (with the exception of those websites/fora who have requested that they not be mentioned on our site) for purposes of making a point or illustration. Even if the site in question does not share our ethics, we do not have the right to force anyone who is not a member of our site to adhere to our rules and beliefs, nor should we make negative statements regarding them, their missions, or their activities. As we wrote in our Mission Statement, Scambaiting Forum wishes to cooperate with anyone with the same general purposes we have and, as such, we seek to be inclusive and to promote harmony with anyone engaged in the fight against internet scammers. However, we do reserve the right to err on the side of caution in regard to self-promotion or websites with extremist views.
  
• If you are happy here and want to spread the word about us to others, please feel free to do so – we love making new friends and appreciate the recommendations! However, all we ask is that you contact your friends and acquaintances through private means (emails, instant messages, etc.) and not via public postings on social media or PM’s on other forums. Not only is this bordering on spam but, just as we do not want people using Scambaiting Forum as their recruiting ground, we do not want to be seen as poaching on someone else’s territory.
  
• We know that conflict can arise between members but, if you are going to feud, please have the courtesy to keep it out of the public eye. If there is a problem, bring it to staff attention and we will handle it.
  

2) Leave your personal baggage at the door.

3) Members’ code of conduct:

• The Golden Rule: Don’t be a dick. Yeah, it might be a bit crude but (as long as you keep this rule in mind) you will have very few problems on the site.
• There is no justification for a member to ever publicly attack or make personal criticisms of another member. Constructive criticism should be polite and reasonable.
• Remember that our members come from all walks of life and English may not be everyone’s native language.
  
• New members should be treated with dignity and respect. Their questions should be answered with politeness and forbearance.
  (But … there is a line to be drawn at stupid/redundant questions and obvious trolling.)
• Members are not moderators; there should be no backseat moderating.
• • There is a big difference between giving advice and playing moderator.
    
  • When in doubt, stay quiet and report the post or PM a moderator.
    
  
  

4) Moderators’ code of conduct:

• The moderators are intended to act as organizers, librarians and (if necessary) referees; they should not need to be police or censors.
  • Their primary duties should be to keep the site running, to deal with scammers and obvious trolls, to make sure site rules are being followed, to help new members acclimate, and to prevent conflicts from getting out of hand.
    

• Since baiting is an independent activity and doesn't really need oversight, the moderators' (non-site regulatory) opinions shouldn’t go any further than that of any other member.
  • Other than when they are enforcing site rules, moderators have no right to tell members how to bait, what tasks to perform, to stop/start other duties, etc.
    
  • Moderators’ suggestions on baits should be appreciated (as should those of any other member) but do not need to be followed.
• Being named a moderator should be seen a privilege, but not a status symbol. If you are offered such a position and you accept it, then you agree to help with the work required to run the site.
• As the public faces of the site, moderators need to remember that they set the tone for the site. As such, they need to be firm but fair and should never encourage a mob mentality by bullying or insulting others.

Additional rules
The Rules and Ethics of scambaiting
Safe baiting
Linking to other sites
Rules for promoting Youtube Channels / Sites
Signature Icons
Posting pictures at SF
Posting bank account and mule information
Baits involving animals
Appropriate Quote Function Usage and Double Posting
No Duplicate accounts
The rules for posting scammer information
Don't post phone numbers
Line spacing and empty lines in posts, a request
Easy way to format chats for posting