Updated June 11, 2008
The following is the Disciplinary Code for members of the
ShowBizPizza.com Forum. It applies to each and every member. This Disciplinary Code replaces any older versions that have been posted previously.
1.1 - Infractions
Most conduct issues can be resolved with a verbal or written warning, and we will attempt to use this method whenever possible. Forum moderators and admins may also edit troubling posts. However, repeated violations or single instances of gross forum misusage may result in an immediate infraction against a users account.
An infraction is a documented warning that will remain posted against a user for 6 months from the date issued, and after 6 months it will be automatically removed. Even though a user's account may have an infraction it will function as normal, allowing full posting and viewing rights.
1.2 - Suspensions
A suspension is a temporary banning from the forum that is received by accumulating infractions. If a member accumulates 3 infractions in a 6 month rolling period (a 2nd and 3rd infraction within 6 months of the earliest remaining infraction) they will be issued a 2-week suspension.
During this 2-week suspension we ask that the member take some time to review the Code of Conduct (COC) and understand what is expected of our members and what is not tolerated.
After the 2-week suspension has passed, a member will return retaining all infractions that haven't automatically dropped off after 6 months. During this time the account will function as normal with full posting and viewing rights. If a member obtains a 4th infraction within a 6-month rolling period they will be suspended again, this time for 3 months.
1.3 - Permanent Banning
Upon returning from the 3-month suspension, the affected member will again retain all infractions that haven't automatically dropped off after 6 months. If a user manages to earn a 5th infraction within a 6-month rolling period, a member could face permanent removal from the community.
A member may also receive a permanent ban for reasons other than the method listed here. Please see exceptions below (2.2, 2.3)
1.4 - Special Provisions
In addition to the typical issuing of infractions, some users may be placed under special moderation, having certain forum privleges temporary revoked. For instance, if a member has recieved multiple infractions for abusing the Personal Message system, they may temporarily lose access to this function. This is designed to protect a user from earning enough infractions to earn suspensions / permanent banning.
Any type of special moderation will be used only under special circumstances and only for an allotted amount of time (determined by the circumstances). Determination of when and if any special moderation is to be used is the sole decision of the SP.com Forum Staff.
2.1 - Violation of the Code of Conduct
Members who violate the Code of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary action. If negative behavior continues after a written warning is given, an infraction will be issued. Some instances of extreme misdeed may incur an infraction without a prior written warning. Infractions will be given for each violation, even if you have recieved an infraction for the same offense before (ie - continued harassment of a member). Abuses of the PM System, Flash Chat, Social Groups, and uploading of inapropriate photos can also result in an infraction.
Infractions will continue to accumulate throughout a members career on the forum, with each infraction dropping off after 6 months from the issuing date. If enough infractions occur within a 6 month period the member is subject to the disciplinary path outlined above in "Part 1".
2.2 - Violation of Registration
If a person registers with false information, that account is to be considered null and void and therefore not given the same rights as an actual forum member. Underage members will be placed on a permanent ban until they reach the proper age for forum usage (15 years of age). This applies to anyone who signs up declaring an age less than 15, and for members who are later found to be under 15 and therefore in violation of our Registration Policy.
Members who signed up younger than 15 will need to e-mail us notifying us they are of the proper age to get the ban on their account lifted. This will of course be verified against any information we have aquired of a members true age.
To request a reinstatement, please e-mail
ageofconsent@showbizpizzaforum.com.
Registering with a false location may hinder account approval. Knowing a members location is an important tool in verifying unique users accounts and the validity of members. IPs are logged by the system so general locations can be determined.
2.3 - Spamming Accounts
Any (new) user account used for spamming unrelated goods will be placed on permanent ban. This applies to accounts created solely to advertise and promote outside goods - these are usually software-created accounts and therefore not given the same rights as an actual forum member.
Suspected spam email addresses are automatically blocked. In the case that someone was wrongfully accused of being a spam account, please contact us to get the account approved.
2.4 - Multiple User Accounts
Members found to be using multiple accounts will be reprimanded by having both the multiple / alternate accounts deleted, and also an infraction posted against the users main / original account.
2.5 - Hacking of Forum / User Accounts
Members found to be hacking or otherwise trying to undermine the security and sanctity of the forum and/or member's user accounts will be dealt an automatic and permanent ban from the forum.
3.1 - Community Member Committee
As a courtesy to our members, there will be an outside Committee made up of 3 people from the community, that will act as a jury between the SP.com Admin staff and the member being diciplined. Members that have found themselves placed under a 90-day suspension or a permanent ban can request an appeal. Only the 3-month suspension and permanent ban are appealable punnishments. (Infractions are documented warnings and a 2-week ban is too short for Committee involvement.)
3.2 - Appeal of the 3-month Suspension
Members who choose to appeal a 3-month suspension will present their story in front of the Committee and the SP.com forum staff in a seperate, non-public forum. Here, the staff will present the documented instances of violation and all evidence relating to the discipline.
The Committee members will review the evidence along with the Code of Conduct, Disciplinary Code, and Registration Policy to insure that everything checks out. If the member is found to indeed be in violation of the Code of Conduct and the forum staff acted properly in enforcing the Disciplinary Code, then the punnishment will stand as issued.
However, if the committee finds that there wasn't proper violation of the Conduct or the forum staff acted improperly in issuing Discipline, then the suspension can be overturned (by Committee vote). If overturned, the member will revert to either a regular member status or probationary status, retaining any infractions not overturned by the Committee.
3.3 - Appeal of a Permanent Ban
Members may also appeal a permanent ban. This process works the same as the 3-month ban (stated in 3.2) with one difference.
If the member is found to be guilty of all infractions, yet still requests to be a member of this community a secondary vote will be held. This vote will include the 3 member Committee, and the 3 member forum admin staff (SP.com webmaster will make final decision in the event of a tie). This vote will be based on the members contributions to the community over the course of his/her member carreer, intensity of violations, member attitude, and overall benefit to the community (if any).
The result of this vote will determine whether the member is placed under permanent ban or a 1-year ban. If the result of the vote is a 1-year ban, the member will return after the year has passed to regular member status.
3.4 - Request of an Appeal
Any appeals will be the responsibility of the members under suspension or ban. If you are under 3-month suspension or permanently banned, you can request an appeal by contacting the committee head at
appeals@showbizpizza.com.