[UPDATE] Empire Minecraft Rules Re-Write May 2016

XD! I thought that was for realz

It did HAPPEN thou.... just that people want to conquer back the forums from me

There's one more thing I'd like to share... I wasn't going to since my cellphone is utterly annoying to type on (even though it works quite well, I just prefer using both hands on a real keyboard) but yeah; this means too much for me to ignore...

For those who might get a little overwhelmed by the amount; don't worry. The fact alone that you're trying to keep the rules in mind is a good thing. Still, I think I can actually sum them up (in a non official way of course!):

Always treat others in the way you would want them to treat you. It maybe a game, keep in mind that there are real people behind all those names and avatars. A little courtesy goes a long way.

Second; always keep in mind that this is a gaming and family friendly community. So there will always be some areas (topics) where you can't go. That is... Not in public. If you'd like to discuss that other cool server or this new way to blow stuff up using TNT there's always private chat (/invite & /ch g, or a private forum conversation). If you think something could bother other players or EMC as a whole: why not keep it private amongst yourselves?

And finally; when in doubt, why not just ask? You got admin on someone's residence, you learned of this awesome thing which is sure to improve that other players build but you don't know if they'd like it? ASK! A little bit of a spoiled surprise is always better than an unwelcome one.

But yeah... The one reason why I actually like all this and more than often "side" with staff on some things? Because they do their utmost best to make sure that their fair. I'm not claiming that this always works, nor am I saying that staff never makes mistakes. But they try really hard... The intend of the rules is sometimes much more important to them than their literal meaning, and /that/ ladies & gentlemen is something you should think about for a second IMO.

Finally... Staff aren't out there to "get us". Well, in the PVP arenas I can see that happening of course But seriously: the main idea is to make sure that the whole community can enjoy these games, and if your actions risk to spoil that enjoyment for others then yeah... They may tell or warn you about it. But seriously: they'd much rather be spending some quality time with you to enjoy this awesome server & community we're all part off.

So yeah... Had to be said

... I have done this in the past!

I know, I had actually realised over two years ago it was illegal, but I forgot about it since and remembered again now.
I guess I should've read the rules

Nice! Needed!

Hopefully with this clarity, we'll have less incidents in town chat over the rules.

Wait... so things like this also aren't allowed? I've seen a lot of people doing similar things in the past years, including myself

Thanks! Nice to update the rules every once in a while!

Tis is a two parter....

1.
ok i am a little confused on this one. I Periodical get games from a "provider" (dont want to mention the name and be in violation of another rule) of games that play on steam. Part of the payment (Real money) goes to charities and i get games to play on my laptop. would this be wrong?

2.
What if I get another Minecraft account (It would have the same IP I think) Not for use or registerd with EMC named "george", and go use it on other servers where it might be doing things, hacks real money trading and all the bad things or who knows what that are in violation of the EMC rules. Would this Violation be tracked somehow through my IP back to my EMC account Acemox2k ?

Excuse me, I might be confused on the meaning of this rule. If this is about real money and rupee transactions don't count, what does this even have to do with Empire Minecraft?
Do you simply mean you are not allowed to discuss transactions using real money using the EMC website or Minecraft servers?

The 'rmt rule' applies to EMC in-game items, not external stuff such as other games. Example: if I'd be trying to sell my Mineral Mincer to another player for $20,- while using my PayPal account then this is not allowed. If I'd try to sell it for 20 rupees then there is no problem.

The reason? Simple really: those 20 dollars would otherwise have gone to EMC (to buy rupees or other stuff which you'd then use to pay me in-game).

In your example that doesn't seem to apply.

No. These rules apply to EMC and not other servers. So to put this blunt: acting like a spoilsport on other servers wouldn't have consequences on EMC. ...sorta.

There is a system which is used by several servers to keep track of severe violators, to some extent this also applies to EMC. So if you misbehave enough the theoretically there is a chance that it could have consequences. Still: I'm sure this would only apply to really severe issues.

Also: this is obviously only my 2 cents.

Ah... then I didn't break the rule at all, phew

I see quite some problems there, I'd like to help as far as i can.

I'm not a professional, so don't expect from me to be able to explain all the details and aspects - perhaps there is someone more knowledgeable and experienced is among us here?

I'd suggest to either publish and reference the guidelines or omit them here. Stating to have secret guidelines is worse than not mentioning them - as it just reduces credibility. So perhaps you can just omit the last part of the sentence.

Punishments? This sounds like staff and rules are about punishments. This would be all wrong.
I suggest careful rewording.

You don't know that, as you just can not know that.
Better omit such statement, as it only makes the whole rules page look less credible - and childish.

Can't do that.
Here you would be requesting something that is not really doable.
Rules with invisible, arbitrary addendum are no rules at all. It would be a rule to break all rules, opening a door to the arbitrary, random, chaos.
I suggest to just omit that statement.
It goes without saying that moderators have a say and should normally be obeyed.
Avoid any such absolute, unconditional, yet arbitrary rules as they are unnatural, unhuman and can't really be complied with.

You just can't ask anyone to always unconditionally obey any person or organization as this would be in contrast with basic human dignity, freedom and responsibility.

This needs rewording so that it is clear that it means "no outside-of-game economic activity within the forum and in the game".
As it reads now, you would need to ban almost everyone (except perhaps 3-4 yrs old members if any are here), as we all do buy and sell all different things outside of EMC.

I think it is best to just mention this under "no advertising of anything outside-of-game in the forums and in the game - which includes other Minecraft servers."
As it stays there now, as a special rule, it gives the impression that you are anxious that members would leave EMC if they knew that there are other servers outside. I can tell you - they know that and they are not dumb. Even the EMC website provides indirect links to other servers through links to voting pages.
This rule also gives impression that you're not confident of EMC qualities.
If you ask me, any advertising of out-of-game anything should be prohibited, but this rule for itself is just childish.

(Ask me for RL examples that relate to this rule if you wish...)

I see several problems here.
- You can not know other people intentions, so anyone can say "it was not my intention". It is better not to use "intentionally", but to word in a different way that one shall take care not to upset people in a misleading way.
Not sure how to word that, but I guess some googling could help.
Perhaps you can try to more clearly describe the reasoning behind this rule to get better wording.

- Most of the time one can not know what will cause "public drama" with negative sentiments and what not. You have the experience

- This rule, as it is worded now, gives impression that you're trying to restrict communication and oppress people, perhaps also that you're afraid of "public drama". It would be good to reword it so it does not give that impression.

Rules are sensible field and need very sensible wording.
In the end, what counts is how you make people feel.

This is the longest post I have ever seen....