Important New Policy - Toxicity and Drama

Community,

We are releasing a new policy that will enable us to be able to better keep our community a fun and comfortable place. We wish to make it clear that this is not meant to censor anyone, but rather to allow our administration the tools they need to effectively handle a variety of situations. We are truly appreciative of all feedback and criticism! However, with our current rules players have abused the system to their own benefit. This policy is a result of people mistreating good faith and leniency, and this sort of behavior goes against the core values on which this community was founded. A significantly minor amount of players have ever and will ever be effected by this. None-the-less, these players do exist.

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Constructive criticism is always welcome, but if you turn to berating and belittling with back-handed comments, it will not only hurt your arguments but also invalidate them. All players have an equal voice and will be listened to, but those who are not here to help us and just cause problems will not be welcome.

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Forum Offense -

First Offense: Warn via private message
Second Offense: 3 month ban
Third Offense: 6 month ban
Fourth Offense: 1 year ban

Shoutbox Offense -

First Offense: Warn via private message
Second Offense: 3 month ban
Third Offense: Indefinite revocation of SB privileges

*A shoutbox offense may also count as a forum offense. For example; if you received a warning via PM for a shoutbox offense, but proceed with the same behavior in a thread, a 3 month forum ban may be enforced at admin discretion.
*Punishments can be lifted early via Admin discretion, in which a player will enter a probation period upon an early lift. Privileges to post and rate can be revoked at anytime during the probation period. Lead admins can permanently ban at their discretion if a player qualifies.

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FAQ

So if I harass or instigate someone one time I'm going to qualify?
No, we already have a protocol for harassment. This is a new rule on it's own, not a bonus on-top of our current rules. So you're not going to see this applied for the common harassment offenses or anything minor. It does take from those offenses, however, and gives us a better understanding of what kind of player we're investigating. This policy is meant for those who are just here to give us a hard time. We intend to only use this policy on rare occasions.

Why are you really pushing this policy?
The purpose is to allow the administration the ability to punish players who continually act up and refuse to change. Our current rules aren't perfect, but that doesn't mean the people who abuse them can stay comfortable. We've decided to take action against those who aren't here to be a good sport.

So we're going to see mass bans incoming?
Mass bans are not incoming. A very small percentage of players will ever qualify. This policy is meant to be used in excessive and severe cases. We do not expect to use this policy often, but it's also not unlikely we will use it.

Okay, if I have a problem with a staff-member am I going to get banned for reporting them?
Nope! If you have any issues regarding another player, staff-member, or even something about the rules we'd still very much like to hear your concerns. However, there are players who want to just create reports that obviously aren't going anywhere or make threads about things that can't be helped. These players are not all the same, but there is a group within these players that just want to troll and waste our time.

So how does the ban process work?
Upon potential qualification you will be reviewed by the admins. The admins will debate to see if you should be banned or not with their own opinions and experiences. Should at least 3 admins provide sufficient evidence that you qualify, and agree a ban is in order you will be issued a formal warning in your private messages. The bans will follow if you commit more offenses after our warning.

3 months is kind of strict. Why so long?
We are being stern with this policy enforcement. What qualifies for the policy will be very difficult to achieve. Essentially, if you qualify you're not here to do any good.

Can I appeal?
Yes and no. There will not be an appeal process as of now, but rather you can approach an administrator with your evidence/debate.

So I'm screwed if I get wrongly banned?
Our process is transparent and will not be from out of nowhere if you get banned. A formal warning will always precede a forum ban. Rather than waiting until a ban is issued, contest the warning if you feel your behavior does not fit our protocol and needs to be reevaluated.

Nazi admins just wanna shut me up?
Yes. Jokes aside, our primary focus is to allow the the community to understand that this is not a censorship policy. We want to hear everyone's voice. This is meant for problem players who want to ruin both our time and yours. These players look for alternative methods in getting the staff-team on their side to use us to their benefit or get the staff-team against them, but we're unable to take action because they know how to dance around the rules.

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The SGM community was founded for people to have fun and make friends in an environment with serious, well-defined rules. It was not formed so that people could incite gossip, relish in drama, or possess open hostility and outspoken ridicule for a community which they are a member of. Such attitudes and actions - which promote enmity, malevolence, and more - directly contrast with the reason these servers were created in the first place and will not be tolerated. We're here to enjoy ourselves over Garry's mod, not participate in a high school simulator. We truly appreciate everyone here at SGM, but please try to understand our intent behind this.

Highwon