INTRODUCTION TO OUR GUIDELINES
These Guidelines are provided to help make usage of the VZones a positive experience for all members. The virtual communities are created by VZones.com staff, and are tended by the In world Staff who include: Acolytes, Oracles, Remote Staff and VZones employees.
INTRODUCTION TO ZONES AND THE COMMUNITY
Participation in our virtual zones is not a game. It is real life, lived through your avatars in a virtual online community. The avatars you will meet in these worlds ("inworld") are real people, not programmed game opponents. Members are part of a living and growing community. We are much more than a collection of people or a virtual chat room. We have our own history, culture & stories. VZones and our web forums provide an opportunity to explore and experiment with our social skills while enjoying the community found here. This exploration, however, should not come at the expense of other community members' enjoyment.
INTRODUCTION TO OUR GUIDELINES
Actions that are subject to being excluded from our worlds include:
Abusing other members or staff verbally, via ESP, screen text, gestures, or any other means of communication. This includes ESP-bombing and interruptions during events.
Impersonating another member or staff member.
Knowingly disrupting an event.
Stealing the inworld possessions of other members.
Slander of other members. (See verbal abuse above.)
REMEMBER, WE'RE ALL HUMAN
The most important thing to remember at all times in this or any online community is the person behind the machine. Just as you sit at your keyboard, communicating with other community residents through your online persona, there are real human beings all over the world communicating in the same manner. Approach others online with the same courtesy and respect that you would expect in real life. Always remember that online actions can have real world effects, so think for a moment, "What would I do if we were face to face?"
Consider the feelings of those other people in all you say and do. Respect others requests to refrain from behavior they or others may find offensive, and be forgiving of others mistakes. Take care to show consideration and respect and treat others as you would have them treat you. Think before you speak or act, or you may make mistakes that will prevent you from making friends and becoming a part of the community. After all, being a part of the community is what this world is all about. Just because you *can* do something, doesn't mean you *should*.
COMMUNICATIONS
The majority of human communications are nonverbal. Remember that through this electronic medium much of what you wish to communicate may not come across through words alone. Very often a different life or a different language can add a different meaning to the words or expressions you use or hear. Make the extra effort to understand one another's meaning or point of view.
Before you speak, think, and refrain from obscene or offensive language. This applies to a public message. Remember that typing in all caps is SHOUTING, use *asterisks* or _underlines_ to emphasize a word or your words alone to convey the emotions.
ADULTS AND MINORS
Recognize that the VZones Communities bring together people of all ages. Follow traditionally accepted rules governing contact between peers, and between adults and minors (anyone under 18). These include restraints on language and behavior, and respect for privacy. Traditionally accepted rules prohibit improper overtures, sexual activity, and prying questions in exchanges between adults and minors. With on-line interactions, it is difficult to know with whom you are truly interacting.
RESPECT ONE ANOTHER AND RESPECT THE SERVICE
Please respect the rules, others with whom you share the service, and the staff members who work hard to improve upon and provide you these services. Adherence to these guidelines will help to make your and others use of the service a positive experience.
PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
You must recognize your own responsibility in having access, and allowing others access to your accounts. The person to whom the account is registered is responsible for any actions from their account.
USE OF THIS SERVICE IS PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT
Use of VZones is a privilege, not a right, and those privileges can be revoked at our discretion. Failure to comply with the guidelines detailed herein can lead to warnings or your account(s) being denied access to (locked out of) the world areas temporarily or permanently.
AGREEMENT
By choosing to become a member of VZones, you agree to follow these Guidelines.