OKAMALIST POSTING RULES

We realize these rules may seem long and involved, but please read through them all carefully, as you will be expected to adhere to them in your posts. Thanks! ~Ryuen & Roku

What's On-Topic?

"On-topic" for this list means a subject relating in some way to gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered topics, such as a story of personal experience, a discussion of one's opinions towards a related issue, or the sharing of a related news story.

"On-topic" also refers to the subject of fiction writing, since we are a discussion group for writers as well. Although our focus is on the writing of GLBT related fiction or fanfiction, we feel that certain threads that deal with writing in general will benefit the members. We do urge, however, that members not "take over" the okamalist with excessive postings about writing - we would like to see a healthy representation of discussions about GLBT issues mixed in with "general writing" topics.

"On-topic" also encompasses questions and discussions by members regarding both alternate sexuality and heterosexual relationships. We intend to be a "safe haven" for both GLBT and heterosexual members to learn about one another and from each other, thus dispelling the misconceptions that we may hold about the other lifestyle. However, threads must be related to general questions seeking knowledge, opening discussions that will enlighten and benefit all members. We will NOT allow threads that benefit only one member, such as "My boyfriend just dumped me - tell me how to get him back!"

"On-topic" may also encompass discussion of certain books or movies, but only if there is some connection that links the subject to the broad world of GLBT. For example, a discussion about the X-Men movies would be allowed if its purpose was to explore the similarities between being a mutant and being GLBT. (E.g., many mutants must hide what they are in fear of being met with hatred and sometimes even violence; mutants must "come out" to their parents; etc.)

Thus. A post is on-topic as long as its subject can in some way be related to GLBT issues, fiction writing, or the enlightenment of members about alternate or heterosexual lifestyles. If there is ever any doubt in your mind concerning whether a post is on-topic or not, JUST ASK. Email one of the mods with the content or subject of your potential post, and we'll get back to you ASAP with an answer.

Off-Topic Material and Inappropriate Subject Threads

Off-topic material may be mentioned inside on-topic posts, but emails composed entirely of OT material are frowned upon and will result in a warning email from one of the mods. Posting something off-topic will not result in immediate suspension or expulsion from the list, but repeat offenders will risk being subjected to these punishments.

Inappropriate subject material refers to graphic sexual descriptions WITHIN the thread; the solicitation of members for sexual favors; promotion of child abuse or child pornography; the solicitation of members in dealing with severe psychological issues, e.g suicide or acute clinical depression; the denigration of people based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or country of origin. Such threads will be immediately removed, and the offending member will be dealt with by the moderators.

The moderators also reserve the right to judge a subject thread as inappropriate at any time. We cannot list EVERY possible objectionable subject here without making the rules longer than the okamalist itself, but if we come across a thread that is obviously offensive, (e.g. listing the joys of torturing newborn kittens), we will remove the thread and suspend or expel the member, depending on the severity of the offense.

Posts may contain adult material, but these threads must be labeled with ADULT in the subject header.

Newbies

Being a newbie is NO EXCUSE for not knowing the rules. All newbies will be expected to read through and understand the contents of the RULES folder (Files section), and may post at their own risk until they have done so. Newbies MAY post introductory information about themselves, but list members are advised not to respond with one-line greeting posts such as, "Hi! Welcome to the list!" Members are encouraged to offer greeting and welcome to these newbies, but should do so within the text of on-topic posts. Posts that reply to on-topic aspects of the newbies' introductory posts are of course allowed.

Fanfiction

Fanfiction/fiction is most CERTAINLY permitted, but must be properly identified as such in the subject header.

Example:

FIC: Radishes are Fun

While you don't necessarily have to put the title of the work after the label, all subject headers to fanfiction/fiction posts must begin with "FIC."

Fanfiction/fiction must also contain proper content warnings. Adult material may be posted to the list, but it must be labeled as such. There should be a RATING (G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17) listed before the text of the fic, and there should also be a list of the type of mature material inside (excessive swearing, sex, violence, etc.). Additionally, subject headers of fics rated R or NC-17 must say "ADULTFIC" in the subject header.

Example:

ADULTFIC: Radishes Gone Wild!

Additionally, fanfiction or posts containing SPOILERS to any book, movie, TV series, story, etc. should be properly marked at the beginning of the post, and should provide an appropriate amount of spoiler space.

Those wishing to offer feedback to a piece of fanfiction/fiction are advised to email the author personally, but if the comments could be considered on-topic, they may of course be posted. For example, if Member A wrote a fanfiction that concerned a character realizing he/she was gay and then attempting to commit suicide, Member B could write a post about why GLBT individuals are so often driven to depression, perhaps citing certain parts of Member A's fanfiction in the post.

What Will Not Under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES Be Tolerated:

Flaming or otherwise verbally abusing ANY LIST MEMBER in a post will lead to immediate suspension and--if the behavior continues--expulsion from the list.

The posting of spam/advertisements on the list OR in the links section will lead to the immediate deletion of the email/link and the suspension of the responsible party. If you have ANY doubt about a post you want to send or a link you want to put up, email one of the mods and make sure.

Conscientious Objectors:

We do, of course, allow individuals with differing views on homosexuality to join the list and express themselves, but this is ONLY if those individuals can do so in a polite, respectful manner. One cannot be truly open-minded without acknowledging differing views, but we will not allow ANYONE to make hurtful, vulgar, or insulting comments towards members of the GLBT community. Period. Doing so will lead to immediate expulsion from the list, and reinstatement will occur only if said individual sends an acceptable apology to the list and all injured parties. If offensive behavior continues after this, member will be banned.

The Chat Room

The okamalist does indeed have a chat room, and it may be used by any member at any time. A member wishing to arrange a group chat may post a list message with the date, time, discussion topic, etc., but the post should be labeled so as not to be confused with an on-topic discussion post.

Other Member Functions

Along the left side of the group page are a number of member functions (Files, Photos, Links, Database, Polls, etc.), and these may of course be used by any member at any time. However, we do ask that any images containing adult material be placed INSIDE a folder and be labeled with the word ADULT, and that no links be put up without some description as to where they lead. For example, one may put up a link to a GLBT/fanfiction-related site that contains adult material, but the description should make it absolutely impossibly clear that such material is present. Links to commercial sites are not allowed due to an insane number of spammers.

And Speaking Of Spammers...

If spam IS posted to the list, members are advised NOT TO REPLY WITH A POST. Instead, email one or both of the mods concerning the existence of the spam, and we will deal with the message and poster accordingly.