There is a subtle difference between a Rule and a Policy. When something is a Rule, harsh penalties will be brought for breaking them, and they cannot be bent. Policies, on the other hand, are simply general rules of thumb; things the Mods and Admins would like to see, but not things that we will usually get too upset about. Rules make the forum tolerable and orderly; policies simply make it a nice place to be.

This is not to say that Policies should be disregarded. They will simply not be as stringent as the Rules. Be sure to familiarize yourself with both. Indication that you have not fully read and familiarized with the Rules and Policies of the forum will usually result in a warning or a ban.

PUNISHMENT

Breaking of the Rules or Policies can result in several different punishments. Below are listings for the different varieties.

Warning - Usually reserved for a minor offense or a user who simply was not aware of the Rules and Policies. Either in a problematic post or by the messenger, a user will be alerted to their behavior. Users are expected to take such a Warning very seriously. It means behavior like that is unacceptable and future behavior will lead to a higher penalty.

Ban - The second-most serious punishment that can be dealt out, a ban means that you are never wanted back. This is achieved from initial misbehavior, an obvious callousness for the Rules of the forum, or disregard for repeated Warnings. This is reserved for serious offenses, but we are not afraid to use it if the situation calls for it.

ISP Alert - Repeated serious offenses such as ban evading will result in an ISP Alert. Using the records of the forums and the IP number of the offender, a specific user can be identified as a problem to an ISP. We will not hesitate to alert an ISP if users are large problems, and it could very well result in an raise in the expense of Internet Service or sometimes simply pulling the user's Internet Service completely.

RULES

No Spam - Spam is defined as blatant self-promotion, or sometimes simply mindless posting. It is best phrased as "Stupid Pointless Annoying Messages." It can also be seen as advertising for a major website in order to get profits from said website. Multiple posts of the same subject to clutter the forum, posts with no relevance to any subjects dealt with on the forum, or posts devoted purely to promoting one's own work will be deleted, and the user will be given a Warning or a Ban, depending on the severity of the offense.

No Unfit Material for Minors - As this is primarily a Matrix forum, many of our viewers are under 18 years of age, the legal adult age classification in America. We adhere to the laws of the country and strictly forbid any material such as pornography and erotic writing. Any user posting such things will be Banned.

No Flaming - Flaming is defined as personal attacks or insults on another person. Though we encourage healthy discussion and debate, a certain point comes in which an insult turns personal, and this is strongly discouraged via both public forums and the messenger. Reports of such abuse will usually result in a warning; multiple abuses will result in a Ban.

No Trolling - The inverse side of Flaming, Trolling is defined by trying to make others insult you. Posts such as "Matrix sux" would be considered trolling, as it is a purposeful act meant to result in arguement. Users in violation of this will be Banned.

No Warez - Posting up and asking for illegal warez is strictly prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: roms, isos, and game cracks. Violation of this Rule will usually result anywhere from a Warning to a Ban, depending on the offense.

No Spoilers - Spoilers are bits of story information that a user will not know. After a time, Spoilers become known as "common knowledge," and it is therefore alright to post about them. But near and immediately after the release of a game, a spoiler must always be marked with a spoiler tag clearly. It is generally accepted policy to wait about 2 months after the release of the game before one posts spoilers without a spoiler warning. Violation of this Rule will generally be met with a Warning. Spoilers are permitted only in specially marked forums.

No "Gurus" - There are to be no posts telling people to "ask [a user] anything." These clutter the forum and are unnecessary. If a user would like to become well known as intelligent in the community he or she can let it be known by replying to pertinent topics. Violation will result in a Warning.

sig pic limit - Signature pictures are linked to in the bottom signature portion of one's profile. They are against the rules if they are larger than 468x60 pixels, as moderating size is too large a job for us and they can easily get out of hand. Violation will usually result in a Warning.

No Censor Avoiding - Censors are in place to keep certain words from being uttered on the forum and being seen by young children that may be frequenting it. Because of this, there is to be no avoiding of the censors by using alternate figures to accomplish the same task. Users are expected to use euphimisms. Violation of this will result in a Warning.

No "1337-speak" - "1337-speak" (leet) is incomprehensible gibberish and is not welcome on this forum. Violation of this will result in a Warning,b ut repeated offenses could result in a Ban.

No Insubordinance - Insubordinance is simply not listening to the ruling of a Mod or Admin. Disregarded what we tell you to do is against the rules and will usually result in a Ban.

No Mod/Admin Begging - Mods and Admins are happy to promote fit users to a position of authority if they display the proper attitude, responsibility, discipline, and maturity. One way to show the exact opposite of all of these qualities is to ask for a position of authority. If you're fit for the position, we will find you, not vice-versa. Violation of this will result in a Warning, repeated offenses may result in a Ban.

No Ban Contesting - Though we like to have an open dialogue with our users, a ban will stay a ban. Please do not log on under a different account or send an e-mail to ask why you have been banned. If you are unable to realize why you were banned, your lack of understanding of the Rules is probably the reason itself. If you logon under a different account somehow after a banning, you will once again be Banned.

No E-Mail Abuse - It is unacceptable to use the e-mail of users found here on the forum to sign them up for junk e-mail, send them threats, etc. If you do this, you will be Banned and you will probably have your ISP Contacted.

POLICIES

Language - As a Community based around a website that deals heavily with intelligent and thoughtful summation of the Matrix trilogy, we would appreciate the same thoughtfulness from our users. Please use complete and grammatically correct sentences, and refrain from using internet abbreviations as much as possible. This is beneficial not only to have a healthy and intelligent forum community, but also to develop one's writing comprehension skills, a tool useful for later in life that is best when practiced to the point of natural ability.

Respect Your Elders - Though they're often looked at with contempt due to their authority, Mods and Admins are here to help you, and they work very hard for the benefit of the users. Though free thinking is encouraged on the forum, do try to understand the decisions of Mods and Admins as their view of the best way to benefit everyone in the Community. Show respect and appreciation for them; they deserve it.

Policies for the Fanart and Writing - Though spelled out in more completeness in the Fanart/Writing forums, it is important to remember that these are for intelligent and thoughtful critique of both, and users are expected to act accordingly. The general rule of thumb for not posting unfinished works is whether or not the length warrents its own post. Moderators and Admins will determine whether or not posted Chapters adhere to this policy.

USER AGREEMENT

By signing up at this forum, you agree to abide by the above Rules and Policies, and fully understand the consequences for disobeying them. Signing up for this forum signs you into a binding legal document in which you agree to abide by these Rules and Policies for the good of the community as a whole. You also acknowledge that Rules and Policies can and frequently will be changed or added to fit the changing times, and you are expected to abide by those as well. You understand that a message board is not a democracy, as the majority does not determine the correct course of action. If all of this is correct and you have read the Rules and Policies above, welcome to the community. Have fun on the forums, but do it responsibly. Everyone will be safer and happier. Thank you.

MatrixFans.net Website Terms of Use and Notices
(From this point forth all the MFN staff, moderators, super administrators and MFN as a whole will be known as "MFN")

Last Updated: February 2003

AGREEMENT BETWEEN YOU AND THE MFN CORPORATION

The MFN Web Site is made up of various Web sites and Web pages operated by Paul aka Specter or its affiliates (collectively, the "MFN Web Sites"). This Terms of Use and Notices applies to the MFN Web Site and does not apply to the content of third parties.

The MFN Web Sites are offered to you conditioned on your acceptance without modification of the terms, conditions, and notices contained herein. Your use of the MFN Web Sites constitutes your agreement to all such terms, conditions, and notices. Your use of a particular MFN Web Site may also be subject to additional terms outlined elsewhere in this agreement.

Consumer Disclosures and Consents for Electronic Information

Additionally, the MFN Web Sites may themselves contain additional terms, codes of conduct or guidelines that govern use of those sites, including without limitation, particular features or offers (for example, forums or chat areas).

In the event that any of the terms, conditions, and notices contained herein conflict with the Additional Terms or other terms and guidelines contained within any particular MFN Web Site, then these terms shall control.

MEMBER ACCOUNT, PASSWORD, AND SECURITY

If a particular MFN Web Site, or any product or service offered on any MFN Web Site requires you to open an account, you must complete the registration process by providing us with current, complete and accurate information as prompted by the applicable registration form. You then will choose a password and a user name. You are entirely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password and account. Furthermore, you are entirely responsible for any and all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify Paul immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security. MFN will not be liable for any loss that you may incur as a result of someone else using your password or account, either with or without your knowledge. However, you could be held liable for losses incurred by MFN or another party due to someone else using your account or password. You may not use anyone else’s account at any time, without the permission of the account holder.

MODIFICATION OF THESE TERMS OF USE

MFN reserves the right to change the terms, conditions, and notices under which the MFN Sites/Services are offered, including but not limited to the charges associated with the use of the MFN Sites/Services. You are responsible for regularly reviewing these terms and conditions and additional terms posted on particular websites. Your continued use of the MFN Sites/Services constitutes your agreement to all such terms, conditions, and notices.

PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL USE LIMITATION

Unless otherwise specified, the MFN Sites/Services are for your personal and non-commercial use. You may not modify, copy, distribute, transmit, display, perform, reproduce, publish, license, create derivative works from, transfer, or sell any information, software, products or services obtained from the MFN Sites/Services. Without the advance express written permission of MFN, you may not ‘meta-search’ the MFN Sites/Services, send, or cause to be sent, any automated queries of any sort to the MFN Sites/Services, or use the MFN Sites/Services in any commercial manner. “Automated queries” shall include but not be limited to using any software that sends queries to any MFN Sites/Services to determine how a web site “ranks” on any MFN Sites/Services.

LINKS TO THIRD PARTY SITES

The MFN Sites/Services may contain images of and links to third party Web sites ("Linked Sites"). The Linked Sites are not under the control of MFN and MFN is not responsible for the contents of any Linked Site, including without limitation any link contained in a Linked Site, or any changes or updates to a Linked Site. MFN is not responsible for webcasting or any other form of transmission received from any Linked Site nor is MFN responsible if the Linked Site is not working appropriately. MFN is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by MFN of the site or any association with its operators. You are responsible for viewing and abiding by the privacy statements and terms of use posted at the Linked Sites.

Any dealings with third parties (including advertisers) included within the MFN Sites/Services or participation in promotions, including the delivery of and the payment for goods and services, and any other terms, conditions, warranties or representations associated with such dealings or promotions, are solely between you and the advertiser or other third party. MFN shall not be responsible or liable for any part of any such dealings or promotions.

NO UNLAWFUL OR PROHIBITED USE

As a condition of your use of the MFN Sites/Services, you will not use the MFN Sites/Services for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these terms, conditions, and notices. You may not use the MFN Sites/Services in any manner that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair any MFN Site/Service(s) (or the network(s) connected to any MFN Site/Service(s)) or interfere with any other party's use and enjoyment of any MFN Site/Service(s). You may not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any MFN Site/Service, other accounts, computer systems or networks connected to any MFN Site/Service, through hacking, password mining or any other means. You may not obtain or attempt to obtain any materials or information through any means not intentionally made available through the MFN Sites/Services.

USE OF SERVICES

The MFN Sites/Services may contain e-mail services, bulletin board services, chat areas, news groups, forums, groups, personal web pages, calendars, photo albums, file cabinets and/or other message or communication facilities designed to enable you to communicate with others (collectively, "Communication Services"). You agree to use the Communication Services only to post, send and receive messages and material that are proper and, when applicable, related to the particular Communication Service. By way of example, and not as a limitation, you agree that when using a Communication Service, you will not:

* Use the Communication Service in connection with pyramid schemes, chain letters, junk email, spamming or any duplicative or unsolicited messages (commercial or otherwise).
* Defame, abuse, harass, stalk, threaten or otherwise violate the legal rights (such as rights of privacy and publicity) of others.
* Publish, post, upload, distribute or disseminate any inappropriate, profane, defamatory, obscene, indecent or unlawful topic, name, material or information.
* Publish, post, upload, distribute or disseminate any topic, name, material or information that incites discrimination, hate or violence towards one person or a group because of their belonging to a race, a religion or a nation, or that insults the victims of crimes against humanity by contesting the existence of those crimes.
* Upload, or otherwise make available, files that contain images, photographs, software or other material protected by intellectual property laws, including, by way of example, and not as limitation, copyright or trademark laws (or by rights of privacy or publicity) unless you own or control the rights thereto or have received all necessary consents to do the same.
* Use any material or information, including images or photographs, which is made available through the MFN Sites/Services in any manner that infringes any copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, or other proprietary right of any party.
* Upload files that contain viruses, Trojan horses, worms, time bombs, cancelbots, corrupted files, or any other similar software or programs that may damage the operation of another's computer or property of another.
* Use of meta tag searches on the web sites.
* Advertise or offer to sell or buy any goods or services for any business purpose, unless such Communication Service specifically allows such messages.
* Download any file posted by another user of a Communication Service that you know, or reasonably should know, cannot be legally distributed in such manner.
* Falsify or delete any author attributions, legal or other proper notices or proprietary designations or labels of the origin or source of software or other material contained in a file that is uploaded.
* Restrict or inhibit any other user from using and enjoying the Communication Services.
* Violate any code of conduct or other guidelines which may be applicable for any particular Communication Service.
* Harvest or otherwise collect information about others, including e-mail addresses.
* Violate any applicable laws or regulations.
* Create a false identity for the purpose of misleading others.
* Use, download or otherwise copy, or provide (whether or not for a fee) to a person or entity any directory of users of an MFN Site/Service(s) or other user or usage information or any portion thereof.

MFN and its Moderators reserves the right to review materials posted to a Communication Service and to remove any materials in its sole discretion. MFN reserves the right to terminate your access to any or all of the Communication Services at any time, without notice, for any reason whatsoever.

Always use caution when giving out any personally identifiable information about yourself or your children in any Communication Service. MFN does not control or endorse the content, messages or information found in any Communication Service and, therefore, MFN specifically disclaims any liability with regard to the Communication Services and any actions resulting from your participation in any Communication Service. Managers and hosts are not authorized MFN spokespersons, and their views do not necessarily reflect those of MFN as a whole.

Materials uploaded to a Communication Service may be subject to posted limitations on usage, reproduction and/or dissemination, you are responsible for adhering to such limitations if you download the materials.

MATERIALS PROVIDED TO MFN OR POSTED AT ANY MFN WEB SITE

MFN does not claim ownership of the materials you provide to MFN (including feedback and suggestions) or post, upload, input or submit to any MFN Site/Service or its associated services for review by the general public, or by the members of any public or private group, (each a "Submission" and collectively "Submissions"). However, by posting, uploading, inputting, providing or submitting ("Posting") your Submission you are granting MFN, its affiliated companies and necessary sublicensees permission to use your Submission in connection with the operation of their Internet businesses (including, without limitation, all MFN Sites/Services), including, without limitation, the license rights to: copy, distribute, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, reproduce, edit, translate and reformat your Submission; to publish your name in connection with your Submission; and the right to sublicense such rights to any supplier of a MFN Site/Service.

No compensation will be paid with respect to the use of your Submission, as provided herein. MFN is under no obligation to post or use any Submission you may provide and MFN may remove any Submission at any time in its sole discretion.

By Posting a Submission you warrant and represent that you own or otherwise control all of the rights to your Submission as described in these Terms of Use including, without limitation, all the rights necessary for you to provide, post, upload, input or submit the Submissions.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER

THE INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, AND SERVICES INCLUDED IN OR AVAILABLE THROUGH THE MFN SITES/SERVICES MAY INCLUDE INACCURACIES OR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. CHANGES ARE PERIODICALLY MADE TO THE MFN SITES/SERVICES AND TO THE INFORMATION THEREIN. MFN AND/OR ITS RESPECTIVE SUPPLIERS MAY MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AND/OR CHANGES IN THE MFN SITES/SERVICES AT ANY TIME. ADVICE RECEIVED VIA THE MFN SITES/SERVICES SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON FOR PERSONAL, MEDICAL, LEGAL OR FINANCIAL DECISIONS AND YOU SHOULD CONSULT AN APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL FOR SPECIFIC ADVICE TAILORED TO YOUR SITUATION.

MFN CORPORATION AND/OR ITS RESPECTIVE SUPPLIERS MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE SUITABILITY, RELIABILITY, AVAILABILITY, TIMELINESS, LACK OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS AND ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND RELATED GRAPHICS CONTAINED WITHIN THE MFN SITES/SERVICES FOR ANY PURPOSE. ALL SUCH INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND RELATED GRAPHICS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MFN AND/OR ITS RESPECTIVE SUPPLIERS HEREBY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS WITH REGARD TO THIS INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND RELATED GRAPHICS, INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WORKMANLIKE EFFORT, TITLE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

YOU SPECIFICALLY AGREE THAT MFN SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO OR ALTERATION OF YOUR TRANSMISSIONS OR DATA, ANY MATERIAL OR DATA SENT OR RECEIVED OR NOT SENT OR RECEIVED, OR ANY TRANSACTIONS ENTERED INTO THROUGH AN MFN SITE/SERVICE. YOU SPECIFICALLY AGREE THAT MFN IS NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY THREATENING, DEFAMATORY, OBSCENE, OFFENSIVE OR ILLEGAL CONTENT OR CONDUCT OF ANY OTHER PARTY OR ANY INFRINGEMENT OF ANOTHER'S RIGHTS, INCLUDING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. YOU SPECIFICALLY AGREE THAT MFN IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CONTENT SENT USING AND/OR INCLUDED IN AN MFN SITE/SERVICE BY ANY THIRD PARTY.

IN NO EVENT SHALL MFN BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE MFN SITES/SERVICES, WITH THE DELAY OR INABILITY TO USE THE MFN SITES/SERVICES OR RELATED SERVICES, THE PROVISION OF OR FAILURE TO PROVIDE SERVICES, OR FOR ANY INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND RELATED GRAPHICS OBTAINED THROUGH THE MFN SITES/SERVICES, OR OTHERWISE ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THE MFN SITES/SERVICES, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF MFN OR ANY OF ITS SUPPLIERS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGES. BECAUSE SOME STATES/JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. IF YOU ARE DISSATISFIED WITH ANY PORTION OF THE MFN SITES/SERVICES, OR WITH ANY OF THESE TERMS OF USE, YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY IS TO DISCONTINUE USING THE MFN SITES/SERVICES.

MFN MAKES NO WARRANTY THAT ANY MFN SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE OR ERROR-FREE.

TERMINATION/ACCESS RESTRICTION

MFN reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate your access to any or all MFN Sites/Services and the related services or any portion thereof at any time, without notice. MFN may also terminate or suspend your access to MFN Site/Service(s) for inactivity, as set forth, above. MFN shall have no obligation to maintain any content or to forward any unread or unsent messages to you or any third party.

NO SPAM; DAMAGES

MFN may immediately terminate any account which it determines, in its sole discretion, is transmitting or is otherwise connected with any 'spam' or other unsolicited bulk email.

GENERAL

Claims for enforcement, breach or violation of duties or rights under this agreement shall be adjudicated under the laws of the State of Washington, without reference to conflict of laws principles. All other claims, including without limitation claims under or for violation of state consumer protection laws, unfair competition laws, and in tort, shall be adjudicated under the law of your state of residence. You hereby irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of courts in King County, Washington, U.S.A. in all disputes arising out of or relating to the use of the MFN Sites/Services. You agree that no joint venture, partnership, employment, or agency relationship exists between you and MFN as a result of this agreement or use of the MFN Sites/Services. You agree to indemnify and hold MFN, its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers and employees, harmless from any claim, demand, or damage, including reasonable attorneys' fees, asserted by any third party due to or arising out of your use of or conduct on the MFN Sites/Services. MFN reserves the right to disclose any personal information about you or your use of the MFN Sites/Services, including its contents, without your prior permission if MFN has a good faith belief that such action is necessary to: (1) conform to legal requirements or comply with legal process; (2) protect and defend the rights or property of MFN or its affiliated companies; (3) enforce the terms or use; or (4) act to protect the interests of its members or others. MFN's performance of this agreement is subject to existing laws and legal process, and nothing contained in this agreement is in derogation of MFN's right to comply with governmental, court and law enforcement requests or requirements relating to your use of the MFN Sites/Services or information provided to or gathered by MFN with respect to such use. If any part of this agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable pursuant to applicable law including, but not limited to, the warranty disclaimers and liability limitations set forth above, then the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision and the remainder of the agreement shall continue in effect. Unless otherwise specified herein, this agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the user and MFN with respect to the MFN Sites/Services and it supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral or written, between the user and MFN with respect to the MFN Sites/Services. A printed version of this agreement and of any notice given in electronic form shall be admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings based upon or relating to this agreement to the same extent and subject to the same conditions as other business documents and records originally generated and maintained in printed form.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICES:

All contents of the MFN Web Sites are: Copyright (c) 1999 - 2003 MFN Corporation and/or its suppliers. All rights reserved.