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MAG Forums New User Guide.
(July 7, 2010 - Revision: 9.X.0)
If you have questions on how to use a specific feature of the forums, please see the forums manual here or by clicking "help" near the top of the forum.
Table of Contents
1.0 Getting Started
Welcome MAG fans!
Welcome to the MAG forums! You've made it this far, so you're obviously interested in participating in this exciting friendly & safe community. Before we get started with the basics of the forums, please familiarize yourself with the message board rules of conduct as well as our section on forum netiquette. If you've never been on a forum before or never to these ones, it is highly recommend you read these two very important documents in addition to our New User Guide. Once you've done this, you're ready to begin participating!
2.0 Forum Conduct
The Rules
Below are the community rules of conduct. Read them, know them, obey them. You can find the complete rules here.
In addition to the Official Rules of Conduct, the MAG.com Forums Moderating Team may choose to implement additional forum policies at their discretion for day-to-day matters which are not explicitly covered by the Official Rules of Conduct. These policies are usually posted on the forums and are most often Floated For All Users as to make them known to all members. All information contained within this New User Guide is considered Forum Policy unless otherwise specified in the Official Rules of Conduct or in the PlayStation.com Terms of Service. Posted Forum Policies may be enforced similar to how the Official Rules of Conduct are enforced and at the discretion of the MAG.com Moderating Team. Before participating in a forum, please read any applicable floated threads to become familiar with any additional posted Forums Policies.
Flaming
Flaming refers to posting insulting comments towards other users. These comments may be direct (e.g.: "you're an idiot!") or indirect (e.g.: "are you an idiot?"). Flaming has no place in the community and should not be done for any reason. In short, if you wouldn't like it said about you then you shouldn't be saying it about others.
Flame Wars
Everyone appreciates a good heated debate. It could be about anything, the weather, a certain type of food, computer parts, a game, a car, or what have you. Debates are a wonderful aspect of communities. That's what makes up a community, enthusiasts discussing the finer points of a hobby or an interest. Unfortunately, it is all too easy for these debates to degrade into something that isn't welcome in most communities and that is a "Flame War". A flame war is a situation in which a group of users are flaming each other or a group of other users.
Spamming
Spamming refers to many different things. It can include, but is not limited to, making off topic or redundant threads or replies, posting multiple times in a row, and adding nothing of value to the thread. Whatever the form of spam may be, it's just plain disruptive at the end of the day. Those looking for legitimate content will have a harder time finding it and spam generally is not appreciated by just about everyone.
This especially applies to posts that do little or nothing to contribute to the forums. Some examples of this may include:
Please keep in mind that this community is intended for users of all ages. Inappropriate content can take many forms, from language to references to images to videos. When it's all said and done, none of them really have a place in a community with both younger and older viewers. Note that the below also applies to in-game content posted on the community. A few things to steer clear of:
Threats of physical violence have absolutely no place in the community. Nothing makes a good day go bad like someone stepping in and taking things way too far. Anyone found making threatening remarks will be banned immediately for a period of time to be determined by the moderating team. However, threats don't stop at physical threats. It can also include threats of hacking, threats of theft, and so on. These kinds of comments aren't necessary, even if they are made in jest.
Trolling
Trolling is an act of intentional disruption. Someone who is trolling is generally looking to cause problems in the community by doing things like posting content that is entirely false, knowingly posting content that will upset others, intentionally spoiling the plotline for a game, being intentionally hostile or rude towards others, using veiled insults to provoke others into flaming, and so on. Trolling is disruptive, unnecessary, and just plain not appreciated. People who are trolling may have their posting privileges revoked without warning.
Controversial Topics
There are a number of topics which are too controversial for this community. These topics will often degrade into flame wars with no productive content resulting. These topics include but are not limited to topics such as religion, politics, and sexuality. These topics may be restricted from posting at our discretion, especially when a thread is getting out of hand. Please try to avoid such controversial topics when possible. Remember, this is a PlayStation forum after all!
Advertising and Soliciting
Advertising and soliciting can take many forms. However, all of those forms are prohibited by the Rules of Conduct. Advertisements or solicitations of a commercial nature are not permitted. Please note that in addition to commercial advertisements and solicitations, the following things are not permitted:
This is first and foremost a PlayStation community. As such, discussions on our gaming forums should be PlayStation-oriented. Topics related to other gaming platforms may be deemed off-topic and removed at our discretion. Furthermore, platform vs. platform threads never end well, often resulting in a flame war. Please refrain from creating such threads on the forums.
Online Cheating
The discussion of cheats, glitches, hacks, or other types of activities that may give an unfair advantage in online gameplay is strictly prohibited. These types of activities detract other gamers' online experiences and are not appropriate for discussion here. On the same token, it is not appropriate to accuse others of cheating on the forums. Please use the appropriate means for your respective game to report suspected cheaters. Please note that this does not prohibit the discussion of cheats, codes, and easter eggs that are used exclusively offline.
Spoilers
When conversing on the forums, please be sensitive to the fact that other gamers may not yet have gotten as far in a game as you have. No one wants to have the entire plot of their favorite game told to them before they play it! If you're going to be discussing important pieces of the game's story on the forums, please give your fellow gamers a heads-up that your post may contain spoilers.
Controlled Topics
In order to curb the posting of duplicate threads for the same topic, the MAG.com Moderating Team may from time to time designate a topic as a "Controlled Topic". When a topic has been designated a "Controlled Topic", we ask that you refrain from creating additional threads on the same topic, and instead post in the thread that has been designated for that topic. Such threads are usually designated by the "One and Only" prefix in the title and/or being floated at the top of the forum. As such, we ask that you refrain from using this prefix in your posts. Discussion goes a lot better if everyone is in one central location rather than a dozen different places, so we ask that you please comply with this policy. Duplicate topics may be locked or deleted at our discretion.
Rules
Each community you participate in is going to have rules to abide by. Some will be different than others, but generally all of the rules can be observed by showing some common sense and courtesy towards others. Making the effort to do so will make your experience as well as other members' experiences much more enjoyable. The PlayStation.com Rules of Conduct can be found here.
Report a Rule Infraction
If you feel a thread or post violates forum policies or the Rules of Conduct, then please report it to a moderator. Reporting a post gets you noticed by the moderators. Those who help out around the community are more likely to be hand picked for special activities such as beta testing new forum features & programs, and it'll give you some pride in knowing that you help to keep the community a fun & clean place for everyone. To report a rule infraction, please follow these steps:
Linear View
If you would like to dispute a ban please email scea.moderators@lithium.com. When emailing this address, please provide us with the username you use on the forums and the email address you used to sign up. Please note verbally abusing the staff because you were banned won't get you anywhere and can lead to the length of your ban being extended. We're far more likely to listen if you're polite and courteous. Note that we respect the privacy of those banned. We do not discuss the bans or warnings of forum members with the general public.
3.0 Introduction to Netiquette
What is this "netiquette" I keep hearing about? Well, netiquette is just what it sounds like: "network etiquette". The way you behave in a public forum, the way you treat others in a chat room, the way you act and the way you carry yourself while online. Quite simply, it is all about behaving properly online. Netiquette is no different than real life etiquette and common courtesy. When participating in an online chat or in a forums conversation, a little common sense goes a long way.
There are a lot of netiquette articles online for you to peruse, some more advanced than others. This is just a basic overview. If you are new to the Internet, or more specifically forums and chats, then this is for you. If you're a bit of a net veteran, then well... read it any way! You might pick up something you didn't know before. What this document will aim to do is give you a brief introduction to the best ways to go about conducting yourself online, how to become involved in the best possible way and above all else keep things fun and interesting.
Everyone's Human
Respect
Everyone's human. Respect and treat others in the same manner that you'd like to be treated. People who frequent a community and gain ranks based upon their experience on the forums demand a certain amount of respect. They've been there for quite some time; they know their stuff and are an integral part of the community. "Insulting the elders" does not go over well. Treat them with respect and they will show you the same courtesy in return. This is not to say that members with higher ranks have special privileges. All members are held to the same rules and policies of the community.
Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes. People post things on a forum or a chat that may be inaccurate, or said in the heat of the moment. Be forgiving when it comes to these mistakes. Flaming a person or laughing at them doesn't do anything except anger someone else; it's not productive. The day will come when you make the same mistake. It will pay off in the long haul to be polite and go easy on the mistakes others make.
Opinion
Everyone has their own opinion. The people you interact with in a community come from all walks of life, many different religions and beliefs, different family income levels, different points of view on many of today's hot topics of discussion. In a nutshell, each person is entitled to his or her own opinion. Discussion about it is the best thing to do, after all that's what communities are for. If it turns into some kind of sparring match, agree to disagree and move on.
Privacy
Everyone has the right to privacy. Posting personal information about another member in a public forum is completely inappropriate. Private issues between two people should be left as that, private. Discussion of these types of things should be taken to the instant messenger or somewhere else that is not viewable by the public.
Conversing
ASCII Characters and Capitals
Using ASCII characters in either your login name or your posts is considered childish by many. It makes it difficult to type out the username, it is a headache for admins to do routine tasks with such characters in place. Typing your messages in all capitals is along the same lines. Online, all caps is considered shouting. Doing so will annoy others in the community.
Share some Wealth
Everyone has something to contribute. After all this is the point of an online community! Do share ideas, thoughts and points of views with many others. Don't be afraid to share what you know, it may be a lot more valuable than you think.
Proper Posting Habits
The forums are structured such that they provide specific gaming discussion forums for a variety of popular games. These forums are meant solely for discussion about the game in the forum title. Discussion of these games should only be done on these forums. If they're done in the "General Discussion" areas of the forums then your post will be moved to the appropriate location or deleted. If you see a post that is on the wrong forum, please report it to a moderator by using the options menu and choosing "Report Inappropriate Content".
Good Posting Habits guide
The Good Posting Habits guide was created by members of the community to provide helpful tips to make sure your posts are constructed in an eye-catching and meaningful way. Make sure you check it out!
RFC Guidelines
If you want more detailed information about Internet Netiquette, it can be found in the RFC 1855 Document.
4.0 Forums Moderating Team
Moderators are your own guides to the forums. They're there to steer the conversation in the right direction, keep things on topic and provide a stimulating atmosphere for its participants. Moderators are not police; they are members of the community just like everyone else and have tools "just in case" something goes awry. If you have questions, concerns, or issues feel free to approach your forum or chat's moderator. They're there to help you and to make sure your stay and participation in the community is enjoyable for you.
Listed below is your MAG.com Forums Moderating Team. Administrators are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the community. Much of their work is behind-the-scenes, but they also try to maintain a good level of interaction with the members of the community. Moderators are in constant interaction with the members of the community. They make sure that the content of the community remains appropriate for members of all ages and that the content is in accordance with the Rules of Conduct. Genre moderators are just like regular moderators; however, their powers and concentration are focused to only one section of the community. If you have a concern or question, please feel free to contact any member of the moderating team. You can send them a message by going to their profile and clicking "Send This User a Private Message".
Have a complaint about something, a concern about the community, or just a question in general? RazorBlade07 is the go-to guy for all matters relating to the community, including moderator disputes. You can contact him via the forum's messenger or by e-mail at scea.moderators@lithium.com. Without further ado, here is your PlayStation.com Forums Moderating Team:
5.0 Community Structure
The forums are organized into several different categories. When deciding where to place a post, you should first look for a most specific forum. Posts that are considered off-topic for a board are subject to deletion or movement.
Annoucements
6.0 Forum Rankings
The Ranks
Forum Ranks are a fun and neat way to show off who you are in the community. Rankings can be based on a variety of criteria such as post count, page views, message views etc.. On MAG.com we base ranks on a few factors, mainly post count and registration date. Different ranks come up when you meet a post count level and you've been a member for a certain length of time. How many posts and how much time since registration is required for each rank? Well that's a surprise! If we gave up all our secrets there'd be no fun in any of this!
Even the list of the rank names and their order are a closely guarded secret, known only to select members of the Moderating Team who have been sworn to secrecy. Have fun discovering the ranks as you participate in the community!
7.0 Signatures
Signature Overview
What is a signature? Well, quite simply a signature is a pre-defined bunch of text in your profile which shows up at the end of every post you make. It saves you the hassle of having to type your name or other closing statement for each post. You can use limited HTML to display graphics & formatted text. Typically a signature is designed to be used as a device to relay your contact information to the reader in the event that they'd like to get in touch with you outside of the forums. To create a signature, you go to My Settings, then scroll down to the Signature section. Notice the box out to the right of "Signature." If you are only going to use text in your signature, go ahead and put it in there. If you're going to use an image, you will need to get the image, upload it, then use the proper HTML to display it. Once you are finished creating your signature, click "Save Changes." Modern forums allow complex signatures, images, fonts, colors and interactive features making each user's post unique! See below on how to go about customizing your own signature. Be sure to keep the forum signature restrictions in mind.
Using an image in your signature
If you're going to use an image, you have two options, you can create an image of your own or you can use an existing image. Be sure to keep the forum signature restrictions in mind.
Using an existing image in your signature
If the image you want to use is stored on your hard drive, you will need to upload it to a host of your choice. You cannot simply use the location of the image on your hard drive. If you simply link to an image on your hard drive, you will be able to see it, but no one else will be able to, and that's generally not what you want to accomplish with a signature. If you find an image online that you would like to use in your signature, make sure you have the permission of the author before using the image and/or linking to the image. If you decide not to get permission, at least upload the image to your own host. You should not use other peoples' bandwidth without their permission. It is recommended that you save the image to your hard drive and then upload the image to your host. To save the image, simply right click on the image and click "Save as". You are now ready to upload.
Creating an image for use in your signature
Creating an image for your signature can be a bit more work and a bit more complicated. You will first need to determine what image editing program you are going to use. For simple images, Microsoft Paint could be sufficient. For more advanced image editing, you may need to get a program such as Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop. Some image editing programs cost quite a bit, so find one that suits your needs and your financial situation. http://download.com might be a good place to start looking for an image editing program if you do not already have one. This guide will not discuss how to use various image editing programs since there are too many of them and there is too much information to cover for each. Once you have your image editing program, you create your image to your needs, save it, then upload it to your host.
HTML
HTML stands for "Hyper Text Mark-up Language". HTML is the language behind web pages on the internet. It is used to format text and images into an attractive format for the reader. As mentioned above, you can use HTML in your signature to display colored text, images and limited formatting. Please note that only members who have attained the rank of Junior or higher will be able to add HTML to their signature. While this guide will give you some basics, it is not intended to be an HTML manual. If you'd like to learn more HTML, there are many references online. Below, the guide makes use of the term "URL" or "Uniform Resource Locator." A "URL" is the "address" of a file on the internet. This file may be an HTML document, an image, or various other things. URLs are usually in the form "http://www.myhost.com/myfolder/myimage.jpg" or "http://www.myhost.com/myfolder/mypage.html". The first part "http://www.myhost.com" is the domain name of your host. If your host was angelfire, for example, this would be "http://www.angelfire.com/". The next part "myfolder/" is the folder(s) that your file is in on the server. You will often see your username in this part of the URL. For example, if your username on your host is "user", the URL up to this point might look like "http://www.angelfire.com/user/". Next, the last part is the name of the file that you are using. If you are using an image, this might look like "image.gif" or "image.jpg", or it might look like "page.html" if you are using an html document. If you are wanting the URL for an image named "mysig.jpg" for example, your URL might look like this: "http://www.mysighost.com/user/mysig.jpg". Each host is different, so you may need to consult the documentation for your host to find out how to determine the URLs for your files on that host.
Like anything in life, it's possible to have too much of a good thing. To keep things neat and tidy, we've implemented some restrictions on signature size, and the content which you're allowed to post. Please keep in mind that signatures are privileges, not rights. Violation of the restrictions outlined here can result in your privileges being revoked. Please read through and make sure your signature conforms to the rules below.
Once you have your image ready, or any other file for that matter, you need a way to get it from your computer to your host's server. To do this, you will use a process called "uploading". To upload an image, you first need a host. Below you will find a list of various hosts that many people on the forums use. This is just a small list of the hosts available. If you do not find one that fits your need, a simple search on google.com will turn up many other options. You will need to consult the documentation for your host to determine how to upload an image. Depending on your host, you may need an FTP program to upload your image. You can get a free version of WS_FTP here.
Hosts
Below you will find a list of various hosts that many people on the forums use. This is just a small list of the hosts available. If you do not find one that fits your need, a simple search on google.com will turn up many other options. Please be sure to verify that your host supports external linking. Many hosts do not allow images to be used on pages that are not on their server.
8.0 FAQ
Signature FAQ
Q: When I try to add a signature, why does it tell me that I don't have permission to use HTML?
A: This error is usually a result of invalid or improperly formatted HTML. Please refer to the Signature Restrictions portion of the New User Guide for a list of HTML tags that are permitted and examples of how to properly format your HTML.
Q: When I try to link to an image on GeoCities.com, Tripod or Angelfire the image doesn't show up, what gives?
A: The image doesn't show up because these hosts prevent external image linking from their servers. Therefore you should try to use another host that allows this. Usually your ISP will provide you with some webspace so you can host your own web pages, try using that.
Q: Why I can't use HTML when I post? It shows up as the code?
A: You might experience this if you are using the "What You See Is What You Get" (WYSIWYG) editor. To disable the use of the editor, go into your profile and uncheck the box that says, "Use WYSIWYG".
Forum Policy and General Info FAQ
Q: My Post was deleted without warning, what gives!?
A: As per the rules of conduct, we reserve the right to delete any posting or ban any user at anytime. Chances are your post was way off-topic, or it added no valuable insight to the forums or its discussion.
Q: Will you float my post for me?
A: As a general policy, we do not grant these requests. We get asked all the time, and unfortunately floating that many posts would just clutter up the forums. We appreciate your contributions to the community, but it's just something we can't do for everyone. If we feel that your post should be floated, we will float it for you.
Q: When will I get such and such rank?
A: The exact criteria for each rank is a carefully guarded secret. If we told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, now would it... and where's the fun in that?
Q: Can I be a moderator?
A: The short answer is NO. Unfortunately, people ask us all the time if they can be a moderator. Everyone wants to have the power; few people want to do it for the "right" reasons. We choose our moderators from members of the forum when we need mods. It's not something that is done often. If you are a member in good standing, participate regularly and know your stuff about gaming, computers and the internet, we're likely to ask you directly when we need new mods.
Q: I have an idea for a poll. Where can I submit it?
A: If you have an idea for a poll, please send it to RazorBlade07. While we try to use as many ideas as we can, we make no guarantee that we will be able to use every idea we receive.
Icons
Q: How do I change my icon?
A: Your icon on the forums is the same as your icon within the PlayStation Network. You will need to access the PlayStation Network to change your icon.
RSS FAQ
Q: What is RSS?
A: The forums utilize RSS 2.0, or Really Simple Syndication. RSS allows users to subscribe to their favorite content that support such features.
Q: How can RSS improve my forum experience?
A: Now you can track your favorite messages, threads, forums, searches, and trackers with a few simple clicks of the mouse, making it easier and faster than ever to get the PlayStation content you love. As the content you subscribed to is updated, the changes will automatically be reflected in the aggregator of your choice.
Q: How do I subscribe to RSS feeds?
A: While viewing a message, thread, forum, search, or user post tracker click the Options button, and select “Subscribe to this _________ RSS feed.” Selecting this option will take you to an XML page formatted in RSS 2.0. Copy the URL of the page and add it to the feeds in your aggregator. You can now receive live content updates as they happen (depending on aggregator settings).
Q: Where can I find aggregators to view my RSS feeds?
A: Free aggregators: Firefox add-on (Firefox, Internet Explorer, Web-based), Sage (Firefox), Google Reader (Web-based), RssReader (Stand-alone Application, Windows 98/NT/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista), NewsFire (Stand-alone Application, Mac OS X 10.4 or later).
MAG.com Stuff
Q: I've forgotten my MAG.com pass, help!
A: If you've forgotten your pass or login (e-mail) or a combination of the two, you have a couple choices. You can try to retrieve your password here, or contact PlayStation.com support at 1-800-345-SONY.
Q: I am having trouble typing in the message body box of the post editor.
A: This problem is commonly resolved by emptying your temporary internet files, closing your browser, re-opening it and trying again. If you're still having difficulties it's possible it's not loading completely because of someone's signature or icon. To be able to type in the message body box, hit the ESC key on your keyboard or click the stop button in your browser. This will allow you to type in there. If you're still having problems, you may have to avoid using the Rich Text Editor altogether. To switch to the HTML Editor, click on "My Settings". Click on the "Preferences" tab. then find the option labeled "Use Rich Text Editor". Uncheck that box and click "Save Changes.
Q: Can I change my user name on the forums or can you change it for me?
A: In short, no. We used to be able to make handle changes in a few number of cases, but we are no longer able to accommodate even those requests any longer. Sorry.
Q: How do I change my e-mail address?
A: Browse to the following URL: https://store.playstation.com/accounts/manage/cam_
Miscellaneous
Q: Hey! Someone's __________ in my game online and I don't like it!
A: Generally, the forum moderator team has little to no involvement with any PlayStation online games. If someone's verbally abusing you, cheating in your game, glitching, or other inappropriate conduct we can't help you. We suggest you contact SCEA Consumer Services to voice your concerns. You may also want to file a complaint by using the PlayStation Network Comaplint form.
Q: Something's wrong with my console it's not working, can I find help here?
A: Yes & No. There is no official technical support on these forums. Any support you receive is unofficial advice coming from your peers. We recommend you contact SCEA Consumer Servcies for help with your hardware/software issue.
9.0 Tagging
Who can tag?
Anyone who has achieved the rank of Squad Member (At 15 posts) or above will be able to add tags. All users can view tags.
What is a tag?
A tag is a single keyword applied to a post that describes a topic, theme, or category of the post. Each post may have multiple tags. For example, a post about a mouse might have the tags, mouse optical wireless dpi. If you enter multiple words separated by spaces you will create multiple tags, not a phrase.
What is a tag cloud?
A tag cloud displays tags used frequently within an area of a community. Tags applied frequently will appear in a larger font. A tag cloud can give you a sense of what the hot topics are in a given area.
What can I do with tags?
Tagging items helps other users discover interesting posts. You can use tags to bookmark, categorize, or identify a post. A well chosen tag will also help other users find interesting content.
Why do people tag?
Some users will tag posts for their own convenience in finding them later. Other users enjoy helping categorize interesting posts for the benefit of the community. Users who tag lots of posts gain status by appearing on Tag Leaderboards.
How do I tag?
What is an acceptable use of tags?
Find messages you've tagged by visiting your profile and choosing the tag. You can also click on the tag on any cloud and look for the My Most Tagged Messages section.
What do I do if I find abusive or inappropriate tags?
Please click 'Report Inappropriate content' on the message with the tag and leave a message in the field explaining which tag(s) you feel are inappropriate.
How do I alter my tagging preferences?
You can alter your tagging preferences by going to the Tagging tab in your settings.
10.0 Kudos
Who can give Kudos?
Anyone who has achieved the rank of Squad Member (At 15 posts) or higher can give Kudos.
What are Kudos?
Kudos are a way to give approval to content you feel is helpful, insightful, or otherwise generally valuable to the community.
Why do people give Kudos?
People give Kudos to posts to help better highlight content in the community. The main goal of the Kudos system is to give recognition to exceptional content.
How do I give Kudos?
While viewing a message that meets the criteria for Kudos, click the Kudos symbol in the upper right hand section of the post.
What is an acceptable use of Kudos?
You can revoke your Kudos by going to 'Options' on the post in question, then by selecting 'Revoke My Kudos From This Message'. Note that you may have to refresh the page after giving Kudos for this option to appear.
How do the Kudos leaderboards work?
The Kudos leaderboards will display the top 5 Kudoed posts and the top 5 Kudoed authors based on the time range you have selected. You can see additional statistics by clicking 'View All' underneath the top 5 posts/authors.
Where can I see my Kudos?
You can see your top Kudoed posts, recent Kudos that you have received, recent Kudos you have given to posts, recent Kudos you have given to others, and recent Kudos you have received from others by viewing your profile.
Where can I change my Kudos settings?
You can change your Kudos settings by going to the Kudos section of your settings.
Credits: Ascalon, Deltan, Patriot24, Avara, PSX_Cheatster, CronoEX.
(July 7, 2010 - Revision: 9.X.0)
If you have questions on how to use a specific feature of the forums, please see the forums manual here or by clicking "help" near the top of the forum.
Table of Contents
- Flaming
- Flame Wars
- Spamming
- Inappropriate Content
- Threats
- Trolling
- Controversial Topics
- Advertising and Soliciting
- Other Platforms
- Online Cheating
- Spoilers
- Controlled Topics
- Rules
- Signature Overview
- Using an image in your signature
- Using an existing image in your signature
- Creating an image for use in your signature
- HTML
- Restrictions
- Uploading images
- Signature Hosts
- Signature FAQ
- Forum Policy and General Info FAQ
- Custom Icons
- RSS FAQ
- PlayStation.com Stuff
- Gamer Advisory Policy
- Miscellaneous
- Who can tag?
- What is a tag?
- What is a tag cloud?
- What can I do with tags?
- Why do people tag?
- How do I tag?
- What is an acceptable use of tags?
- What is NOT an acceptable use of tags?
- Where are my tags?
- What I do if I find abusive or inappropriate tags?
- How do I alter my tagging preferences?
1.0 Getting Started
2.0 Forum Conduct
3.0 Netiquette
8.0 FAQ
9.0 Tagging
10.0 Kudos
1.0 Getting Started
Welcome MAG fans!
Welcome to the MAG forums! You've made it this far, so you're obviously interested in participating in this exciting friendly & safe community. Before we get started with the basics of the forums, please familiarize yourself with the message board rules of conduct as well as our section on forum netiquette. If you've never been on a forum before or never to these ones, it is highly recommend you read these two very important documents in addition to our New User Guide. Once you've done this, you're ready to begin participating!
2.0 Forum Conduct
The Rules
Below are the community rules of conduct. Read them, know them, obey them. You can find the complete rules here.
- The www.PlayStation.Com standard terms and conditions apply to this area too (see footer).
- So does our privacy policy (see footer).
- We've promised to respect you and we need you to respect others. That means that we will remove any phone number, address or other personally identifying information posted in the Bulletin Board section if it violates someone's privacy, is harassing or could lead to harassment or is otherwise inappropriate. Also, any posting of your own phone number, address or any other personally identifying information is prohibited.
- Offensive material is also prohibited. Offensive is a pretty broad term, but we think you know what we mean. (You're going to have to trust our judgment, if you don't.) This includes any messages or material that are ethnically, racially, religiously or sexually offensive, insulting or demeaning. It also includes messages that are harassing or threatening to others. In other words, if you wouldn't like it said about you, don't say it about others. We don't want to be censors, but non-constructive negative comments may be inappropriate.
- Don't discuss any illegal activities. This includes piracy and other forms of intellectual property infringement! The guys who work here and spend most of their waking hours trying to make great games for the PlayStation game console get really bummed out when they read that kind of stuff.
- This board is being put up so we can be social and talk about one of our favorites things - PlayStation! It is not intended to help anyone start up a new business. Any advertisements, solicitations or promotional materials of a commercial nature are prohibited.
- We reserve the right to monitor the boards and delete any postings that don't adhere to these rules, our standard site terms and conditions and our privacy policy. This includes postings that disrupt or interfere with our technical operations.
- Finally, because we can't think of everything offensive or inappropriate that may be said, we reserve the right to immediately delete any posting or ban any user at our sole discretion. (Sorry, but it might be necessary.)
In addition to the Official Rules of Conduct, the MAG.com Forums Moderating Team may choose to implement additional forum policies at their discretion for day-to-day matters which are not explicitly covered by the Official Rules of Conduct. These policies are usually posted on the forums and are most often Floated For All Users as to make them known to all members. All information contained within this New User Guide is considered Forum Policy unless otherwise specified in the Official Rules of Conduct or in the PlayStation.com Terms of Service. Posted Forum Policies may be enforced similar to how the Official Rules of Conduct are enforced and at the discretion of the MAG.com Moderating Team. Before participating in a forum, please read any applicable floated threads to become familiar with any additional posted Forums Policies.
Flaming
Flaming refers to posting insulting comments towards other users. These comments may be direct (e.g.: "you're an idiot!") or indirect (e.g.: "are you an idiot?"). Flaming has no place in the community and should not be done for any reason. In short, if you wouldn't like it said about you then you shouldn't be saying it about others.
Flame Wars
Everyone appreciates a good heated debate. It could be about anything, the weather, a certain type of food, computer parts, a game, a car, or what have you. Debates are a wonderful aspect of communities. That's what makes up a community, enthusiasts discussing the finer points of a hobby or an interest. Unfortunately, it is all too easy for these debates to degrade into something that isn't welcome in most communities and that is a "Flame War". A flame war is a situation in which a group of users are flaming each other or a group of other users.
Spamming
Spamming refers to many different things. It can include, but is not limited to, making off topic or redundant threads or replies, posting multiple times in a row, and adding nothing of value to the thread. Whatever the form of spam may be, it's just plain disruptive at the end of the day. Those looking for legitimate content will have a harder time finding it and spam generally is not appreciated by just about everyone.
This especially applies to posts that do little or nothing to contribute to the forums. Some examples of this may include:
- Bumping - Bumping is the act of posting to a thread with the purpose to bring it to the top of the thread listing. Bumping pushes down other legitimate discussion and disrupts the natural flow of the forum. If you're going to reply to a thread, please make sure that you're contributing something relevant to the discussion.
- In Before The Lock - This is the act of posting things such as IBTL, IBL, IB4L, and so on, in a thread that you believe will be locked. Even if the thread is going to be locked, posting in it helps nothing and only serves to bring more attention to it. Please refrain from such actions, and instead use the "Report Inappropriate Content" feature so that a moderator may take care of it. This applies to cases where you think a member may be banned, or their message deleted/moved, as well.
- Quote For Truth - This is the act of posting things such as QFT or other 1 or 2 word posts that are intended simply to express your agreement. Please try to avoid such posts as they don't do much to contribute to the discussion. Instead, perhaps try to explain why you agree or try to add something relevant to the discussion.
- Poll threads - Polls can be a good way to jumpstart a discussion. However, the original post needs to start things off. Poll threads that do not encourage any type of discussion may be edited, locked, or deleted at a moderator's discretion. Save everyone the time and ask why people feel the way they do!
Please keep in mind that this community is intended for users of all ages. Inappropriate content can take many forms, from language to references to images to videos. When it's all said and done, none of them really have a place in a community with both younger and older viewers. Note that the below also applies to in-game content posted on the community. A few things to steer clear of:
- Language - The community has an automated language filter that will replace certain words with a **bleep**. However, please do not assume that just because the language filter does not **bleep** a term that it is appropriate. Try as we might, we cannot think of everything that might need to be filtered. Additionally, please do not try to evade the language filter. Using alternate spellings, characters, spacing, partial censoring, abbreviations, and whatever other means you may come up with to evade the language filter is not permitted. Disagreeing with a particular term being filtered does not mean you are free to evade the language filter as you please. Evading the language filter can lead to the loss of your posting privileges. Inappropriate language isn't really necessary anyways. True wordsmiths can think of a more appropriate way to express the thought!
- Images - Images can be inappropriate in varying ways. From containing inappropriate language to nudity, images that feature inappropriate content are not permitted in the community.
- Nudity - Images featuring nudity, whether it be real or drawn, have absolutely no place in the community. Any user who posts an image featuring nudity will be banned immediately for a period of time to be determined by the moderating team. It should go without saying, but this content has no place in a community accessible by such a wide variety of users, especially many that are younger. Women and men should both be wearing an appropriate bottom that adequately covers them. Women should be wearing an appropriate top that adequately covers them. Please note that intentionally posting images in which an animal's genitalia are the focus of the image may also lead to the loss of your posting privileges. If you're not sure if your image is appropriate, ask a member of the moderating team. The final call on what is or is not appropriate belongs to the moderating team.
- Graphic content - This may include, but is not limited to, images depicting blood and gore. In short, this community is accessible by younger viewers and images featuring blood and gore are not appropriate for that audience. We realize that many games feature this kind of content, but they also feature ratings that make them unaccessible by younger viewers. Please note that posting extremely graphic content will immediately lead to the loss of your posting privileges for a period of time to be determined by the moderating team.
- Language - If the language filter **bleeps** a term then an image featuring that word has no place in the community. And as noted above, a term's absence from the language filter does not necessarily make it appropriate to post. This applies to images as well. If you're uncertain, ask a member of the moderating team. Please note that partially censored words in images are not considered appropriate. Additionally, blocking out the term yourself may still lead to the removal of the image.
- References - Some images do not feature any of the above, but still may be considered inappropriate. These references might be to drugs or intercourse or other subject matters that are not appropriate for an all ages community. That does not mean they are appropriate to post.
- Video - Like images, videos can also feature inappropriate content. Please note that all policies related to images apply to videos as well (see above for more information).
- Prejudicial Content - This may include prejudiced statements about others based on their race or heritage. It should go without saying that these kinds of statements have no place in the community. Anyone found making prejudiial comments towards others based on race, heritage, or other factors that are deemed inappropriate by the moderating team will be banned immediately. It's not cool or funny to make generalized statements about others - it's just hurtful. Additionally, please note that using racial slurs may also lead to the loss of your posting privileges, regardless of the context.
Threats of physical violence have absolutely no place in the community. Nothing makes a good day go bad like someone stepping in and taking things way too far. Anyone found making threatening remarks will be banned immediately for a period of time to be determined by the moderating team. However, threats don't stop at physical threats. It can also include threats of hacking, threats of theft, and so on. These kinds of comments aren't necessary, even if they are made in jest.
Trolling
Trolling is an act of intentional disruption. Someone who is trolling is generally looking to cause problems in the community by doing things like posting content that is entirely false, knowingly posting content that will upset others, intentionally spoiling the plotline for a game, being intentionally hostile or rude towards others, using veiled insults to provoke others into flaming, and so on. Trolling is disruptive, unnecessary, and just plain not appreciated. People who are trolling may have their posting privileges revoked without warning.
Controversial Topics
There are a number of topics which are too controversial for this community. These topics will often degrade into flame wars with no productive content resulting. These topics include but are not limited to topics such as religion, politics, and sexuality. These topics may be restricted from posting at our discretion, especially when a thread is getting out of hand. Please try to avoid such controversial topics when possible. Remember, this is a PlayStation forum after all!
Advertising and Soliciting
Advertising and soliciting can take many forms. However, all of those forms are prohibited by the Rules of Conduct. Advertisements or solicitations of a commercial nature are not permitted. Please note that in addition to commercial advertisements and solicitations, the following things are not permitted:
- Petitions
- Referral links (commercial or otherwise)
- Arranging of boycotts
- Asking others to visit a site to vote on a poll. Please send poll ideas to RazorBlade07.
- Advertising your personal website in a post or thread. Please note that everyone is welcome to place a link to their personal website in their signature, provided it is not commercial in nature and otherwise abides by forum rules/policies.
This is first and foremost a PlayStation community. As such, discussions on our gaming forums should be PlayStation-oriented. Topics related to other gaming platforms may be deemed off-topic and removed at our discretion. Furthermore, platform vs. platform threads never end well, often resulting in a flame war. Please refrain from creating such threads on the forums.
Online Cheating
The discussion of cheats, glitches, hacks, or other types of activities that may give an unfair advantage in online gameplay is strictly prohibited. These types of activities detract other gamers' online experiences and are not appropriate for discussion here. On the same token, it is not appropriate to accuse others of cheating on the forums. Please use the appropriate means for your respective game to report suspected cheaters. Please note that this does not prohibit the discussion of cheats, codes, and easter eggs that are used exclusively offline.
Spoilers
When conversing on the forums, please be sensitive to the fact that other gamers may not yet have gotten as far in a game as you have. No one wants to have the entire plot of their favorite game told to them before they play it! If you're going to be discussing important pieces of the game's story on the forums, please give your fellow gamers a heads-up that your post may contain spoilers.
Controlled Topics
In order to curb the posting of duplicate threads for the same topic, the MAG.com Moderating Team may from time to time designate a topic as a "Controlled Topic". When a topic has been designated a "Controlled Topic", we ask that you refrain from creating additional threads on the same topic, and instead post in the thread that has been designated for that topic. Such threads are usually designated by the "One and Only" prefix in the title and/or being floated at the top of the forum. As such, we ask that you refrain from using this prefix in your posts. Discussion goes a lot better if everyone is in one central location rather than a dozen different places, so we ask that you please comply with this policy. Duplicate topics may be locked or deleted at our discretion.
Rules
Each community you participate in is going to have rules to abide by. Some will be different than others, but generally all of the rules can be observed by showing some common sense and courtesy towards others. Making the effort to do so will make your experience as well as other members' experiences much more enjoyable. The PlayStation.com Rules of Conduct can be found here.
Report a Rule Infraction
If you feel a thread or post violates forum policies or the Rules of Conduct, then please report it to a moderator. Reporting a post gets you noticed by the moderators. Those who help out around the community are more likely to be hand picked for special activities such as beta testing new forum features & programs, and it'll give you some pride in knowing that you help to keep the community a fun & clean place for everyone. To report a rule infraction, please follow these steps:
Linear View
- View the thread you feel contains a message with a rule infraction.
- Go to the "Options" Menu on the right hand side of the message you feel is an infraction. Make sure you're clicking the options menu for the appropriate message. Note that all messages in Linear mode have their own options menu.
- Click "Report Inappropriate Content".
- You will be taken to a new page. You can enter comments if you wish, such as "This post is flaming" or "This post should be moved to this forum: (insert forum name)".
- Click "Notify Moderator".
- View the post you feel is an infraction.
- Go to the "Message Options" Menu at the top next to the "Reply" button.
- Click "Report Inappropriate Content".
- You will be taken to a new page. You can enter comments if you wish, such as "This post is flaming" or "This post should be moved to this forum: (insert forum name)".
- Click "Notify Moderator".
If you would like to dispute a ban please email scea.moderators@lithium.com. When emailing this address, please provide us with the username you use on the forums and the email address you used to sign up. Please note verbally abusing the staff because you were banned won't get you anywhere and can lead to the length of your ban being extended. We're far more likely to listen if you're polite and courteous. Note that we respect the privacy of those banned. We do not discuss the bans or warnings of forum members with the general public.
3.0 Introduction to Netiquette
What is this "netiquette" I keep hearing about? Well, netiquette is just what it sounds like: "network etiquette". The way you behave in a public forum, the way you treat others in a chat room, the way you act and the way you carry yourself while online. Quite simply, it is all about behaving properly online. Netiquette is no different than real life etiquette and common courtesy. When participating in an online chat or in a forums conversation, a little common sense goes a long way.
There are a lot of netiquette articles online for you to peruse, some more advanced than others. This is just a basic overview. If you are new to the Internet, or more specifically forums and chats, then this is for you. If you're a bit of a net veteran, then well... read it any way! You might pick up something you didn't know before. What this document will aim to do is give you a brief introduction to the best ways to go about conducting yourself online, how to become involved in the best possible way and above all else keep things fun and interesting.
Everyone's Human
Respect
Everyone's human. Respect and treat others in the same manner that you'd like to be treated. People who frequent a community and gain ranks based upon their experience on the forums demand a certain amount of respect. They've been there for quite some time; they know their stuff and are an integral part of the community. "Insulting the elders" does not go over well. Treat them with respect and they will show you the same courtesy in return. This is not to say that members with higher ranks have special privileges. All members are held to the same rules and policies of the community.
Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes. People post things on a forum or a chat that may be inaccurate, or said in the heat of the moment. Be forgiving when it comes to these mistakes. Flaming a person or laughing at them doesn't do anything except anger someone else; it's not productive. The day will come when you make the same mistake. It will pay off in the long haul to be polite and go easy on the mistakes others make.
Opinion
Everyone has their own opinion. The people you interact with in a community come from all walks of life, many different religions and beliefs, different family income levels, different points of view on many of today's hot topics of discussion. In a nutshell, each person is entitled to his or her own opinion. Discussion about it is the best thing to do, after all that's what communities are for. If it turns into some kind of sparring match, agree to disagree and move on.
Privacy
Everyone has the right to privacy. Posting personal information about another member in a public forum is completely inappropriate. Private issues between two people should be left as that, private. Discussion of these types of things should be taken to the instant messenger or somewhere else that is not viewable by the public.
Conversing
ASCII Characters and Capitals
Using ASCII characters in either your login name or your posts is considered childish by many. It makes it difficult to type out the username, it is a headache for admins to do routine tasks with such characters in place. Typing your messages in all capitals is along the same lines. Online, all caps is considered shouting. Doing so will annoy others in the community.
Share some Wealth
Everyone has something to contribute. After all this is the point of an online community! Do share ideas, thoughts and points of views with many others. Don't be afraid to share what you know, it may be a lot more valuable than you think.
Proper Posting Habits
The forums are structured such that they provide specific gaming discussion forums for a variety of popular games. These forums are meant solely for discussion about the game in the forum title. Discussion of these games should only be done on these forums. If they're done in the "General Discussion" areas of the forums then your post will be moved to the appropriate location or deleted. If you see a post that is on the wrong forum, please report it to a moderator by using the options menu and choosing "Report Inappropriate Content".
Good Posting Habits guide
The Good Posting Habits guide was created by members of the community to provide helpful tips to make sure your posts are constructed in an eye-catching and meaningful way. Make sure you check it out!
RFC Guidelines
If you want more detailed information about Internet Netiquette, it can be found in the RFC 1855 Document.
4.0 Forums Moderating Team
Moderators are your own guides to the forums. They're there to steer the conversation in the right direction, keep things on topic and provide a stimulating atmosphere for its participants. Moderators are not police; they are members of the community just like everyone else and have tools "just in case" something goes awry. If you have questions, concerns, or issues feel free to approach your forum or chat's moderator. They're there to help you and to make sure your stay and participation in the community is enjoyable for you.
Listed below is your MAG.com Forums Moderating Team. Administrators are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the community. Much of their work is behind-the-scenes, but they also try to maintain a good level of interaction with the members of the community. Moderators are in constant interaction with the members of the community. They make sure that the content of the community remains appropriate for members of all ages and that the content is in accordance with the Rules of Conduct. Genre moderators are just like regular moderators; however, their powers and concentration are focused to only one section of the community. If you have a concern or question, please feel free to contact any member of the moderating team. You can send them a message by going to their profile and clicking "Send This User a Private Message".
Have a complaint about something, a concern about the community, or just a question in general?
RazorBlade07 is the go-to guy for all matters relating to the community, including moderator disputes. You can contact him via the forum's messenger or by e-mail at scea.moderators@lithium.com. Without further ado, here is your PlayStation.com Forums Moderating Team:
- CronoEX
- RazorBlade07
Avara- GoHerd35
Cobra1- coreno
- Carbonox_Ratchet
- DoubleOSpoon
- higherhills
- NO_FEAR
Administrators:
Admin Assistants:
Full Moderators:
Admin Assistants:
Full Moderators:
5.0 Community Structure
The forums are organized into several different categories. When deciding where to place a post, you should first look for a most specific forum. Posts that are considered off-topic for a board are subject to deletion or movement.
Annoucements
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Forum Information & Announcements - New to the community? Have a problem? Want to know something about the forums? In this forum you'll find a plethora of useful information about the forums.
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Blog Discussion - React and respond to all the latest news from the Official MAG Blog.
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MAG - Discussion - Excited about MAG and want to tell everyone? This is your first stop to discuss the game!
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MAG - Issues and Exploits - This is the place to discuss any technical troubles or bugs. Need to report a bug officially? Then make sure it goes here!
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Off-Topic Chatter - This is where MAG fans can kick back and relax. You are welcome to talk about topics not related to MAG or gaming. Please note, that this does not mean "Anything Goes." All forum policies and the Official Rules of Conduct still apply. Additionally, topics with little to no merit may be removed.
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Clan Recruitment and Discussion - Need a clan or want to add to your ranks? Just want to talk shop with your fellow clanmates? Look no further!
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Tactics and Strategies - What plans work best under fire? How do you conquer your favorite maps in no time at all? This is where you go to talk about it.
6.0 Forum Rankings
The Ranks
Forum Ranks are a fun and neat way to show off who you are in the community. Rankings can be based on a variety of criteria such as post count, page views, message views etc.. On MAG.com we base ranks on a few factors, mainly post count and registration date. Different ranks come up when you meet a post count level and you've been a member for a certain length of time. How many posts and how much time since registration is required for each rank? Well that's a surprise! If we gave up all our secrets there'd be no fun in any of this!
Even the list of the rank names and their order are a closely guarded secret, known only to select members of the Moderating Team who have been sworn to secrecy. Have fun discovering the ranks as you participate in the community!
7.0 Signatures
Signature Overview
What is a signature? Well, quite simply a signature is a pre-defined bunch of text in your profile which shows up at the end of every post you make. It saves you the hassle of having to type your name or other closing statement for each post. You can use limited HTML to display graphics & formatted text. Typically a signature is designed to be used as a device to relay your contact information to the reader in the event that they'd like to get in touch with you outside of the forums. To create a signature, you go to My Settings, then scroll down to the Signature section. Notice the box out to the right of "Signature." If you are only going to use text in your signature, go ahead and put it in there. If you're going to use an image, you will need to get the image, upload it, then use the proper HTML to display it. Once you are finished creating your signature, click "Save Changes." Modern forums allow complex signatures, images, fonts, colors and interactive features making each user's post unique! See below on how to go about customizing your own signature. Be sure to keep the forum signature restrictions in mind.
Using an image in your signature
If you're going to use an image, you have two options, you can create an image of your own or you can use an existing image. Be sure to keep the forum signature restrictions in mind.
Using an existing image in your signature
If the image you want to use is stored on your hard drive, you will need to upload it to a host of your choice. You cannot simply use the location of the image on your hard drive. If you simply link to an image on your hard drive, you will be able to see it, but no one else will be able to, and that's generally not what you want to accomplish with a signature. If you find an image online that you would like to use in your signature, make sure you have the permission of the author before using the image and/or linking to the image. If you decide not to get permission, at least upload the image to your own host. You should not use other peoples' bandwidth without their permission. It is recommended that you save the image to your hard drive and then upload the image to your host. To save the image, simply right click on the image and click "Save as". You are now ready to upload.
Creating an image for use in your signature
Creating an image for your signature can be a bit more work and a bit more complicated. You will first need to determine what image editing program you are going to use. For simple images, Microsoft Paint could be sufficient. For more advanced image editing, you may need to get a program such as Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop. Some image editing programs cost quite a bit, so find one that suits your needs and your financial situation. http://download.com might be a good place to start looking for an image editing program if you do not already have one. This guide will not discuss how to use various image editing programs since there are too many of them and there is too much information to cover for each. Once you have your image editing program, you create your image to your needs, save it, then upload it to your host.
HTML
HTML stands for "Hyper Text Mark-up Language". HTML is the language behind web pages on the internet. It is used to format text and images into an attractive format for the reader. As mentioned above, you can use HTML in your signature to display colored text, images and limited formatting. Please note that only members who have attained the rank of Junior or higher will be able to add HTML to their signature. While this guide will give you some basics, it is not intended to be an HTML manual. If you'd like to learn more HTML, there are many references online. Below, the guide makes use of the term "URL" or "Uniform Resource Locator." A "URL" is the "address" of a file on the internet. This file may be an HTML document, an image, or various other things. URLs are usually in the form "http://www.myhost.com/myfolder/myimage.jpg" or "http://www.myhost.com/myfolder/mypage.html". The first part "http://www.myhost.com" is the domain name of your host. If your host was angelfire, for example, this would be "http://www.angelfire.com/". The next part "myfolder/" is the folder(s) that your file is in on the server. You will often see your username in this part of the URL. For example, if your username on your host is "user", the URL up to this point might look like "http://www.angelfire.com/user/". Next, the last part is the name of the file that you are using. If you are using an image, this might look like "image.gif" or "image.jpg", or it might look like "page.html" if you are using an html document. If you are wanting the URL for an image named "mysig.jpg" for example, your URL might look like this: "http://www.mysighost.com/user/mysig.jpg". Each host is different, so you may need to consult the documentation for your host to find out how to determine the URLs for your files on that host.
<img src="URL" height="#" width="#" border="#"><a href="URL">stuff</a><font color="color">stuff</font><center>stuff</center>
The above code creates an image. The attributes colored red are entirely optional. If you do not wish to use them, do not put them in the img tag. The parts colored blue are parts that you remove and insert what you wish. For example, for URL you would put the URL of the image. Make sure the URL has the http:// prefix unless you are linking to an e-mail address.
This code creates a link to whatever URL you choose. This URL can be a website such as http://www.google.com or an email address. Make sure whatever URL you use has the http:// prefix unless you are linking to an e-mail address. "stuff" can be anything you want, such as text or an image.
This code changes the color of your font. You can specify the color of text using the
<font> tag. Values can be plain english such as "green", "red", "yellow" etc or you can use Hexadecimal values. You can find color hex values here. "stuff" can be anything you want, such as text or an image.
This code is used to center things. "stuff" can be anything you want, such as text or an image.
Like anything in life, it's possible to have too much of a good thing. To keep things neat and tidy, we've implemented some restrictions on signature size, and the content which you're allowed to post. Please keep in mind that signatures are privileges, not rights. Violation of the restrictions outlined here can result in your privileges being revoked. Please read through and make sure your signature conforms to the rules below.
- New users will not have the ability to post images, links, or other HTML until they attain the rank of "Junior". We hope this will not be too much of a burden for new members, but it is done with the best interest of the community as a whole in mind.
- By default the system will not display a signature that is larger than 155 pixels high by 520 pixels wide. If you'd like your entire signature to show up, it must fall within these dimensions. The sample image below shows the maximum allowable size.
- Signatures can not contain music, or flash animations.
- The maximum allowable signature size is 300 kilobytes. Please note that this size is the total size allowed. If you multiple images in your signature, the sum of all their sizes must be 300 kilobytes or less. You can find out how large your images are by right clicking them in the browser and choosing "Properties" the size is shown in "kb".
- The following HTML tags are allowed in signatures as well as the HTML post editor...
<a href="..." target="..."> <b> <p align="..."> <u> <br> <em> <hr> <ol> <li> <ul> <div align="..."> <img src="..." width="..." height="..." border="..."> <font face="..." style="..." size="..." color="..."> <span class="..."> <strike> <strong> <blockquote dir="..." style="..."> <i> <center> - Keep it clean! Just like all the other content on these forums, your signature must be suitable for people of all ages. Obscenities in any form, censored or otherwise are not permitted. No gore, blood or other disturbing imagery. Refrain from making political statements. No religion or religious statements. Excessive flashing or other obnoxious distracting animation is also a no-no. Additionally, images that are suggestive or do not show all persons properly clothed may be considered inappropriate. The Administrators reserve the right to be the final authority on what is and is not appropriate within the Community.
- Last, and most important, all other forum policies including the Official Rules of Conduct apply to signature and icon content as well.
Once you have your image ready, or any other file for that matter, you need a way to get it from your computer to your host's server. To do this, you will use a process called "uploading". To upload an image, you first need a host. Below you will find a list of various hosts that many people on the forums use. This is just a small list of the hosts available. If you do not find one that fits your need, a simple search on google.com will turn up many other options. You will need to consult the documentation for your host to determine how to upload an image. Depending on your host, you may need an FTP program to upload your image. You can get a free version of WS_FTP here.
Hosts
Below you will find a list of various hosts that many people on the forums use. This is just a small list of the hosts available. If you do not find one that fits your need, a simple search on google.com will turn up many other options. Please be sure to verify that your host supports external linking. Many hosts do not allow images to be used on pages that are not on their server.
8.0 FAQ
Signature FAQ
Q: When I try to add a signature, why does it tell me that I don't have permission to use HTML?
A: This error is usually a result of invalid or improperly formatted HTML. Please refer to the Signature Restrictions portion of the New User Guide for a list of HTML tags that are permitted and examples of how to properly format your HTML.
Q: When I try to link to an image on GeoCities.com, Tripod or Angelfire the image doesn't show up, what gives?
A: The image doesn't show up because these hosts prevent external image linking from their servers. Therefore you should try to use another host that allows this. Usually your ISP will provide you with some webspace so you can host your own web pages, try using that.
Q: Why I can't use HTML when I post? It shows up as the code?
A: You might experience this if you are using the "What You See Is What You Get" (WYSIWYG) editor. To disable the use of the editor, go into your profile and uncheck the box that says, "Use WYSIWYG".
Forum Policy and General Info FAQ
Q: My Post was deleted without warning, what gives!?
A: As per the rules of conduct, we reserve the right to delete any posting or ban any user at anytime. Chances are your post was way off-topic, or it added no valuable insight to the forums or its discussion.
Q: Will you float my post for me?
A: As a general policy, we do not grant these requests. We get asked all the time, and unfortunately floating that many posts would just clutter up the forums. We appreciate your contributions to the community, but it's just something we can't do for everyone. If we feel that your post should be floated, we will float it for you.
Q: When will I get such and such rank?
A: The exact criteria for each rank is a carefully guarded secret. If we told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, now would it... and where's the fun in that?
Q: Can I be a moderator?
A: The short answer is NO. Unfortunately, people ask us all the time if they can be a moderator. Everyone wants to have the power; few people want to do it for the "right" reasons. We choose our moderators from members of the forum when we need mods. It's not something that is done often. If you are a member in good standing, participate regularly and know your stuff about gaming, computers and the internet, we're likely to ask you directly when we need new mods.
Q: I have an idea for a poll. Where can I submit it?
A: If you have an idea for a poll, please send it to
RazorBlade07. While we try to use as many ideas as we can, we make no guarantee that we will be able to use every idea we receive.
Icons
Q: How do I change my icon?
A: Your icon on the forums is the same as your icon within the PlayStation Network. You will need to access the PlayStation Network to change your icon.
RSS FAQ
Q: What is RSS?
A: The forums utilize RSS 2.0, or Really Simple Syndication. RSS allows users to subscribe to their favorite content that support such features.
Q: How can RSS improve my forum experience?
A: Now you can track your favorite messages, threads, forums, searches, and trackers with a few simple clicks of the mouse, making it easier and faster than ever to get the PlayStation content you love. As the content you subscribed to is updated, the changes will automatically be reflected in the aggregator of your choice.
Q: How do I subscribe to RSS feeds?
A: While viewing a message, thread, forum, search, or user post tracker click the Options button, and select “Subscribe to this _________ RSS feed.” Selecting this option will take you to an XML page formatted in RSS 2.0. Copy the URL of the page and add it to the feeds in your aggregator. You can now receive live content updates as they happen (depending on aggregator settings).
Q: Where can I find aggregators to view my RSS feeds?
A: Free aggregators: Firefox add-on (Firefox, Internet Explorer, Web-based), Sage (Firefox), Google Reader (Web-based), RssReader (Stand-alone Application, Windows 98/NT/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista), NewsFire (Stand-alone Application, Mac OS X 10.4 or later).
MAG.com Stuff
Q: I've forgotten my MAG.com pass, help!
A: If you've forgotten your pass or login (e-mail) or a combination of the two, you have a couple choices. You can try to retrieve your password here, or contact PlayStation.com support at 1-800-345-SONY.
Q: I am having trouble typing in the message body box of the post editor.
A: This problem is commonly resolved by emptying your temporary internet files, closing your browser, re-opening it and trying again. If you're still having difficulties it's possible it's not loading completely because of someone's signature or icon. To be able to type in the message body box, hit the ESC key on your keyboard or click the stop button in your browser. This will allow you to type in there. If you're still having problems, you may have to avoid using the Rich Text Editor altogether. To switch to the HTML Editor, click on "My Settings". Click on the "Preferences" tab. then find the option labeled "Use Rich Text Editor". Uncheck that box and click "Save Changes.
Q: Can I change my user name on the forums or can you change it for me?
A: In short, no. We used to be able to make handle changes in a few number of cases, but we are no longer able to accommodate even those requests any longer. Sorry.
Q: How do I change my e-mail address?
A: Browse to the following URL: https://store.playstation.com/accounts/manage/cam_
Miscellaneous
Q: Hey! Someone's __________ in my game online and I don't like it!
A: Generally, the forum moderator team has little to no involvement with any PlayStation online games. If someone's verbally abusing you, cheating in your game, glitching, or other inappropriate conduct we can't help you. We suggest you contact SCEA Consumer Services to voice your concerns. You may also want to file a complaint by using the PlayStation Network Comaplint form.
Q: Something's wrong with my console it's not working, can I find help here?
A: Yes & No. There is no official technical support on these forums. Any support you receive is unofficial advice coming from your peers. We recommend you contact SCEA Consumer Servcies for help with your hardware/software issue.
9.0 Tagging
Who can tag?
Anyone who has achieved the rank of Squad Member (At 15 posts) or above will be able to add tags. All users can view tags.
What is a tag?
A tag is a single keyword applied to a post that describes a topic, theme, or category of the post. Each post may have multiple tags. For example, a post about a mouse might have the tags, mouse optical wireless dpi. If you enter multiple words separated by spaces you will create multiple tags, not a phrase.
What is a tag cloud?
A tag cloud displays tags used frequently within an area of a community. Tags applied frequently will appear in a larger font. A tag cloud can give you a sense of what the hot topics are in a given area.
What can I do with tags?
Tagging items helps other users discover interesting posts. You can use tags to bookmark, categorize, or identify a post. A well chosen tag will also help other users find interesting content.
Why do people tag?
Some users will tag posts for their own convenience in finding them later. Other users enjoy helping categorize interesting posts for the benefit of the community. Users who tag lots of posts gain status by appearing on Tag Leaderboards.
How do I tag?
- Navigate to an interesting message or comment. When you're at a place where you can read the whole message, you'll see the Tags area, in the left column.
- Type a single-word topic into the Add Tag field. You can type more than one tag - just type a space after each.
- Click the Add Tag button.
What is an acceptable use of tags?
- Tagging to describe a topic, theme, or category.
- Tagging to bookmark related items.
- Tagging to categorize messages.
- Tagging by user (e.g.: If RazorBlade07 posted in a thread, you might tag his message or the thread with "RazorBlade07", "Moderator" and/or "Administrator" ).
- Tagging with inappropriate language.
- Tagging with insults or tags meant to demean or belittle.
- Tagging messages with irrelevant tags.
- Tagging to show agreement or disagreement.
- Tagging messages with irrelevant tags ( of, and, it, is, I, the ).
Find messages you've tagged by visiting your profile and choosing the tag. You can also click on the tag on any cloud and look for the My Most Tagged Messages section.
What do I do if I find abusive or inappropriate tags?
Please click 'Report Inappropriate content' on the message with the tag and leave a message in the field explaining which tag(s) you feel are inappropriate.
How do I alter my tagging preferences?
You can alter your tagging preferences by going to the Tagging tab in your settings.
10.0 Kudos
Who can give Kudos?
Anyone who has achieved the rank of Squad Member (At 15 posts) or higher can give Kudos.
What are Kudos?
Kudos are a way to give approval to content you feel is helpful, insightful, or otherwise generally valuable to the community.
Why do people give Kudos?
People give Kudos to posts to help better highlight content in the community. The main goal of the Kudos system is to give recognition to exceptional content.
How do I give Kudos?
While viewing a message that meets the criteria for Kudos, click the Kudos symbol in the upper right hand section of the post.
What is an acceptable use of Kudos?
- Giving Kudos to a message that is helpful (e.g.: providing a helpful response to someone who is having trouble)
- Giving Kudos to a message that is insightful
- Giving Kudos to a message that is otherwise useful to the community as a whole
- Giving Kudos to a message that violates any of the rules and policies outlined in the Rules of Conduct, New User Guide, or any other forum rules/policies
- Giving Kudos to a message because it was posted by a friend
- Giving Kudos to a message just because the privilege is available
- Giving Kudos to messages for the purpose of increasing a thread/post's position on the Kudos leaderboards
- Soliciting other members for Kudos to increase your position on the Kudos leaderboards
- Creating additional accounts for the purposes of giving Kudos to yourself
You can revoke your Kudos by going to 'Options' on the post in question, then by selecting 'Revoke My Kudos From This Message'. Note that you may have to refresh the page after giving Kudos for this option to appear.
How do the Kudos leaderboards work?
The Kudos leaderboards will display the top 5 Kudoed posts and the top 5 Kudoed authors based on the time range you have selected. You can see additional statistics by clicking 'View All' underneath the top 5 posts/authors.
Where can I see my Kudos?
You can see your top Kudoed posts, recent Kudos that you have received, recent Kudos you have given to posts, recent Kudos you have given to others, and recent Kudos you have received from others by viewing your profile.
Where can I change my Kudos settings?
You can change your Kudos settings by going to the Kudos section of your settings.
Credits: Ascalon, Deltan, Patriot24, Avara, PSX_Cheatster, CronoEX.
