PvP Discussion Forum Guide *UPDATED 10/10/2014*

[LloydMajere]

Hello Everyone!

Over the past couple weeks, we've noticed that certain types of non-discussion threads are becoming more frequent in the PvP section. While MOD_BBird had an old Guide stickied here before, we felt it was time for an update to help reinforce the rules and standards.

So, first let's go over the more problematic thread topics that should NOT be created here:

- Complaints about Lag, Derankers, or another player's level of skill.
- "Look I made someone rage" or "QQ more" threads
- Threads made simply to say that PvP is terrible for ___ reason.
- Continuations of in-game arguments.
- Calling out a specific player on cable pulling or other hacks.

All of the above tend to generate zero discussion and more often then not result in flames. While we appreciate feedback, these types of threads rarely get a consensus opinion and usually end up locked. So after this post, we will be more strict on the content of threads in PvP Discussion. If it doesn't look like the thread can be productive, it will be locked.

Also, please be aware that if you defame another player by including their In-Game Names in the screenshot or video, you may be punished for breaking the Forum Code of Conduct. Reports of in-game hacking or cable pulling should be made by filing a ticket with the CS team.

Some of you may notice that the above list is slightly different from MOD_BBird's old one. After discussing it between us, we have decided that "Best of ___ Class Player List" threads and "Tier List" threads are allowed to be made, so long as they stay clean and without flames. These discussions do occur off-forum, and they can be indirectly productive, but if they get out of hand they will be locked.

Other topics that we encourage to be made include (but not limited to):

- Videos of PvP matches
- Debates on which skills are better suited for PvP
- Discussion on tactics for each class
- Requesting Free Channel matches or PvP teams
- Asking for tips

*UPDATE 8/5/2014*

Discussions/threads which fall under the topics listed below will be locked on sight.
No exceptions.

- Complaint related match ups.

To clarify, this means that if your thread is a complaint that a certain class is too overpowered and your class cannot possibly deal with it, the thread will be locked. Match up discussions are fine, but this rule is focused more so on how you, the original poster, present the thread. Don't make it into a thread that baits negative response.

- Carrying service of any sort.

To clarify, this means discussions that revolve around ranking other players up.
This is an abuse of our in-game system and will be not be tolerated on the forums.

If there are any questions or concerns regarding these changes, please notify any of the mods via PMs. Thanks!

[LloydMajere]

So, instead of a discussion, I'm going to highlight an example of the rules listed above. Please look over these if you have any concerns.

The bottom line is - we are encouraging productivity over spam, and discussion over flames. Each rule carries some subjectivity, but in general this is what we will follow.

- Complaints about Lag, Derankers, or another player's level of skill.

This is primarily when the complaint is against a player, rather than the PvP system. While these are factors of our PvP, threads concerning these tend to end up discussing whether or not the player was right or wrong, and whether or not players should do these things. Pure complaint threads will end in players taking sides, and then flaming the opposite side.

Commentary against the system can be debated and productive, as long as it is kept civil. Just don't open a thread with "OMG why does everyone lag!?" or similar, and it should be okay.

- "Look I made someone rage" or "QQ more" threads

These are self-explanatory. Threads commenting on the general attitudes of players tend to be defaming, but even worse is that they are player-specific; nothing productive can come from saying "so-and-so player said ___."

- Threads made simply to say that PvP is terrible for ___ reason.

Again, this is primarily when a complaint is made with no comments to the system. Saying "PvP is too gear-dependent" will often end in players saying "Get better gear." instead of any actual discussion. And like the one before, it will often end in players taking sides - supporting the claim or denying it, and then flaming the opposite side.

We don't mind critique on the PvP system, and an analysis from the players is good. But saying that everything in PvP is bad because of one thing is not a good analysis, and it won't be productive as a thread.

- Continuations of in-game arguments.
- Calling out a specific player on cable pulling or other hacks.

These are both self-explanatory as well. In-game arguments are not easily monitored, but coming to the forums specifically to attack another player for their words is defaming, one-sided, and completely unproductive. Hacking and cable-pulling are similar, but those CAN be policed by sending a ticket to CS. As such, threads should not be made to further highlight the issue.

I hope that clears up some debate. Again, any further comments or concerns should be sent to me via PMs. Thanks!