Necroposting & Spam Options

[Holder]

Well I said we'd be bringing some changes and this is the first of more to come.

This announcement concerns two things so I'm going to break it down into two parts, surprising isn't it?

Necroposting

Something that a lot of people mentioned is the way we handle people posting in topics that are old, well we're dropping this rule from all but a few sections which wouldn't need it. The list will follow. This means that if you've found a topic via a pinned topic then it's fine for you to continue that discussion (Like topics from a Theory and Design Discussion) if a script submission is something you've always wanted then you're free to reply giving loads of praise for their hard work, also topics within general/serious that have some more points you'd like to bring up or even reply to previous points made, sometimes topics within the Game Lounge fall down the list and people are still interested in them then don't fear bringing them back and getting people talking about it again is now fine.
Just remember to add relevant content into your post and not simply 'bump' these topics up.

Now I mentioned forum sections which are exempt from this, necroposting is still in effect - though it's going to be extended, within the following sections:

[Show/Hide] Don't revive topics from

• Introductions and Farewells
• Site / Forum Feedback and Help
• Games Under Construction
• RPG Maker VX
• RGSS2 Script Requests
• RGSS2 Script Support
• RPG Maker XP
• RGSS Script Requests
• RGSS Script Support
• RPG Maker 2000 / 2003
• Game Maker
• Resource Requests
• Fun and Games
• Noteworthy Topics
• Topic Disposal
• Ad Plaza

So it's basically the help/support/instant sections which don't need bringing back from the dead.


Spam
We're now also going to be more relaxed on what we consider to be spam. Sometimes in the past people have pointed out that moderation has been too harsh and warnings served, so we're going to ease up and allow general conversation along the lines of the Original Topic without warnings - though a moderators duty will be in place to inform people when to get back onto topic if it drifts.

General comments for a topic are now also fine, by this we mean if someone is offering to do music tracks for people and someone posts saying how great they are and recommends them, this wouldn't be spam. Praise, Thanks, C&C, general responses like this are fine.

This can be used as a dual announcement because finding that script/resource/tutorial you've liked then you can freely comment and thank the original creator without fear of the bluenames

Use common sense, don't be an idiot.

[Atoa]

I think that the support/request areas should also be freed from the "necroposting rule".

Let's say, someone post an question 6 months ago and wasn't answered, today someone have the same question. What he should do? He can't expect people to post on that old topic to solve it, since it would be an necropost too, and also the topic is lost on the back pages. So his only option is to make an new topic with the same question.
So it's preferable 10 topics asking the same questions, than bringing up an old unsolved question?
The same apply to solutions, if there is an one year old unsolved topic, someone can't bring up this topic to solve it?

IMO necroposting isn't really an problem, if the post is ON TOPIC it's ok, but if the post is off-topic, it can be considered an flood/spam, so the no-spam rule would apply.

[X-M-O]

I think that the support/request areas should also be freed from the "necroposting rule".

Let's say, someone post an question 6 months ago and wasn't answered, today someone have the same question. What he should do? He can't expect people to post on that old topic to solve it, since it would be an necropost too, and also the topic is lost on the back pages. So his only option is to make an new topic with the same question.
So it's preferable 10 topics asking the same questions, than bringing up an old unsolved question?
The same apply to solutions, if there is an one year old unsolved topic, someone can't bring up this topic to solve it?

IMO necroposting isn't really an problem, if the post is ON TOPIC it's ok, but if the post is off-topic, it can be considered an flood/spam, so the no-spam rule would apply.

While I think many people may share a problem, sometimes the answer/solution isn't always the same for every person. Thus having individual topics for each person with a problem is sometimes a better idea.
It can be said both ways though, because some problems are with the source rather than the users. =]
Interesting point to bring up, just thought I'd mention that.