COMICS ECHO RULES
                     LAST UPDATED JULY 20, 1996
This is the FIDO COMICS ECHO.  The Moderator is David LeBlanc.  This
conference is devoted to discussion of comic books and comic strips in
their various forms and their adaptions in film, video and television.
Note the distinction of things based on comic books is not the same as
discussing a particular actor's entire career because he once played
Batman or discussing your favorite TV show because it once had a comic
book about it.  Think of it this way, Star Wars comic books are on
topic, Star Wars movies, cards, figurines and the like are not.
Superman comics are on topic, and so is "Lois & Clark" because it is
based on comic book characters.  If you stray too long from comics you
will be asked to get back on topic.   All other subjects are off topic.
The moderator also reserves the right to end any topic thread at his
discretion.   When you are told to drop a thread you are expected to
just stop, no response to the moderator or anyone else should be posted.
Aliases are allowed in FIDO COMICS.
The other rule specific to this conference is the use of SPOILER
WARNINGS.  Since everyone does not get, nor choose to read, their comics
the minute they go on sale, we ask that you not reveal significant plot
developments or cliffhangers for 10 days or so after the comic goes on
sale.  The proper way to begin a discussion about such elements is to use
the word SPOILER *IN ALL CAPITALS* either in the Subject line or at the
top of the message, along with the Title and Issue number you are
discussing.  The body of the message should then be followed by 20 or so
blank lines before typing any plot details.  This will allow those who
choose not to read it to skip the message.
CONDUCT:
The rule to live by is "Don't be annoying, or easily annoyed."  This
means no flaming, even if you don't like what someone else has posted.
Any user found to be slandering others, being abusive, discriminating
against a person because of their Race, religion, color, sexual
preference, culture, or sex; or if they are just plain arrogant will be
warned to cease immediately.  This also includes attacks on character,
intelligence and physical characteristics as well as the use of slang or
slurs on any ethnic or social group.  Attempts to disguise a personal
attack as one against a message or a third party not directly addressed
will be regarded as a personal attack all the same.  You may debate or
dispute facts or opinions but you must treat others with respect at all
times.
The use of profanity is strictly prohibited, as is explicit language not
normally used in polite company.  *Overuse* of edited text with symbols
like %$#@ to disguise foul language is also discouraged.   We want
everyone to feel comfortable about what they read.  NEVER quote back
language that is offensive to express your displeasure.  Wait for the
moderator to handle it.
No illegal activity or discussion promoting illegal acts is allowed.
Let the moderators moderate.  If you can't wait for the net lag factor
direct your complaint to the moderator, preferably by Netmail (or Email
which is faster).  Do not reprimand others who break the rules, doing
this makes you an offender as well.
The single best thing you can do to help us do our job is to *not*
respond to any off topic message.
BUYING & SELLING:
Buying, selling or trading messages are not allowed in FIDO COMICS.
Do not post them, even to leave a method to contact you out of the echo.
Do not respond to such messages, it only perpetuates the problem.  FIDO
has established the CMX4SALE ECHO for this activity.  Ask your Sysop to
get that echo for you.
Likewise, BBS ads are not on topic and we also ask that you limit signatures.
QUOTING:
Quote just enough of the message to which you are responding to let
people understand your response.  Quoting 20 or so lines just to say "I
agree" is wasting space and adds to the costs of the member SysOps to
move the mail.  If you quote messages or articles from outside the echo
you are requested to give credit to the original author.
WARNINGS:
If you violate the rules of the echo you will be warned to stop.  Frequent
violators may be excluded from the echo for periods of time deemed
necessary or permanently in the extreme case.  It is natural to protest
moderation, but arguing about it excessively in the echo is not helpful.
Such discussion must be taken to Netmail, if you must pursue it.  NETMAIL
is a way to communicate in FIDO privately one on one.  Your SysOp can
explain whether you are allowed access to the NETMAIL conference and what
it might cost you.  If you cannot access Netmail I can also be reached
via Email at  DavidLeB@ix.netcom.com and by voice on (508) 829-0511 day
or night.   My NETMAIL address is 1:322/743.1
CO-MODERATORS:
The Co-Moderator is Tamara Hodge.  Any official action taken by the
Co-Moderator is to be considered sanctioned by me and she is authorized
to enforce all rules.
 David LeBlanc
 COMICS Echo Moderator
 Fidonet: 1:322/743.1
 Internet: DavidLeB@ix.netcom.com
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...---====*David LeBlanc>     ComicBkNet@aol.com
       http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet
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 X OLX 2.1 TD X Carpe testiculum.
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