These boards now have a warning system in operation.
(Last update- *20.03.04*)
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Q. What is it and how does it work?
A. Well, it's simple. You get 3 strikes, when you use all 3 of them, you will be temporarily/permanently banned*. If you cause trouble, your warning level will go up to 33%. This is level 1 of the warning system. If you cause trouble or break the forum rules again, your warning level will go up to 66%. This is level 2 of the warning system

The final level of the warning system is the 3rd, when you break the rules for the 3rd time, your warning level will go up to 100%. When this happens, you will be temporarily/permanently banned from the forum*
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Q. How do I know what my warning level is?
A. When you post, you can see your warning indicator below your avatar & account details (Member Group: Members, Posts: XX, Member No.: X, Joined: XX-January 04 etc etc), it is a bar with 5 pips.
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List of offences & subsequent punishment
**Note**
1st offence = When level 3 of the warning system is reached.
2nd offence = Will result in an immediate reprimand.
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1. Conducting a barrage of abuse or insulting a member/s repeatedly, be it racial, sexual or general.
1st offence = 1 week suspension
2nd offence = 1 months suspension
3rd offence = Permanent ban

2. Flaming alpha or it's members on other forums.
1st offence = 2 week suspension
2nd offence = Permanent ban

3. Posting links to sites or images containing porn (full or semi pornographic), warez, hacks, cracks or any other illegal content.(If you violate this rule, you will be warned & temporarily suspended automatically, if you do it again after that, you will be banned)
1st offence = 3days - 1 month suspension
2nd offence = Permanent ban

4. Conducting yourself in an unbecoming manner (being a general forum idiot**), depending on the severity of the behaviour.

1st offence = 1-5 days suspension
2nd offence = 2-3 week suspension
3rd offence = Permanent ban
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***Rules regarding member signatures.***

Alpha F1 forum Administrators reserve the right to remove a members signature without warining if it is deemed to be in violation of the forums signature rules.
If your signature is removed, then you can be sure that it was removed for a reason. If this should happen, do not even think about reinserting the signature. Signature removal doesn't happen by accident, it is a deliberate process.

Any member who repeatedly reinserts their signature after it has been removed may very well be subjected to the above warning system and will be classed as a GFI (see below).

There have been members at Alpha in the past who have refused to back down over deleted signatures. No names are going to be mentioned, but you know who you are. This following line applies tou you personally.

If your sig is removed, it is done so with intention, do NOT even consider putting it back. Even if you don't know why it was removed, all you need concern youself with, is that there WAS a reason.
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*Temporary/permanent bans.

Q. How/who will decide whether the ban is temporary or permanent?
A. Admin & Moderators will weigh up and discuss all the factors involed. They will then take a vote upon the severity of the ban.

** General Forum Idiot (GFI)
The term General Forum Idiot (GFI) applies to members who:

1. Insists on getting on everyone's nerves by just annoying people after the joke has gone beyond it's limit, and who won't shut up when told to do so.
2. Is someone who is only interested in stirring things up between members.
3. Is someone who is confrontational with Admin & Mods.
4. Or is someone who keeps pushing an argument until it gets out of control.

By reading these rules regarding the warning system, you hereby acknowledge and agree to abide by them. You have no excuses.

**Please note**
Forum Administrators reserve the right to amend/edit these guidelines without prior notice. It is up to each member to regularly check these rules for updates.