ATRL Code of Conduct

ATRL values respectful, on-topic discussion across the forum. These rules apply globally unless a specific section or thread notes an exception. Section rules (Music, Charts, etc.) must be followed alongside these global standards.

Administrators and moderators may remove, edit, move, or close any content, and issue warnings, thread bans, forum bans, or revoke posting privileges at their discretion. Posting on ATRL is a privilege, not a right. Members who ignore the rules may lose that privilege.

Staff Communication

Conduct

Members must treat administrators and moderators respectfully at all times. This includes PMs, help requests, and interactions on ATRL-related social media. Insults or hostile behavior will result in penalties.

Reporting & Help Requests

Use the report link under each post to report rule violations.
Help requests are for issues that require direct staff assistance, including warning disputes, technical problems, or account concerns.

The Don’ts

• Reports or help requests may not be sent through staff walls or PMs.

• Members may not fish for reports by baiting someone or digging up old posts.

• Rude or abusive reports may themselves be warned.

General Rules

Disruptive Content

• Stay on topic.

• Thread titles must accurately describe the content and cannot rely on hype formatting or all caps.

• Fake news must be clearly labeled.

• Mocking nicknames for public figures, brands, or members are prohibited.

• Do not bypass the profanity filter.

Offensive Content

• Do not post sexual or discriminatory content, including in avatars or signatures.

• Adult content links are prohibited.

• Graphic or disturbing content must be linked, not embedded, and must be relevant to the topic.

Sexual Content

The following are not permitted:

• Graphic sexual text, imagery, audio, video, or games

• Content involving non-consensual sexual themes

• Hentai or cartoon porn

• Explicit nudity

• Rape, incest, bestiality, snuff

• Lolita, teen-themed, or underage sexual content

• Underage dating content

Zero Tolerance Policy (ZTP)

The ZTP prohibits hateful or discriminatory speech, including racist, homophobic, transphobic, or other identity-based attacks. Violations result in immediate penalties.

Disrespectful Comments

Criticism is allowed. Personal insults toward members or staff are not.
Indirect insults through avatars or signatures are also prohibited.
PMs may be reviewed during serious investigations.
Use the Ignore List to avoid conflict.

Illegal Content

• Do not post or request illegal music, movie, or software downloads.

• Do not hint at where to find illegal files.

• Attempts to bypass this rule will be warned or banned.

DMCA compliance:
News articles posted on ATRL must not exceed 50% of the original content and must include a source link.

Unsolicited Advertising (Spam)

Posting ads or spam results in a ban.

Duplicate Accounts

Creating multiple accounts results in:

• Duplicate account banned

• Permanent points on your main

• Three-month ban
  Repeated violations may result in a permanent ban.

Penalties

Reminders

Non-point warnings for minor or first-time offenses.

Warnings

Warnings include points that expire based on the severity of the violation. Accumulated points can trigger automatic bans.

Zero Tolerance Violations

• Immediate three-month ban

• Two points (expire in one year)

• Three Offensive warnings dated June 16, 2020 or later result in a permanent ban
  Staff may issue a permanent ban earlier if warranted.

60-Day Ban

Triggered at 10 active points or receiving a new warning while already at 10. May apply even with some expired points.

Permanent Ban

Applied for severe rulebreaking such as:

• ZTP violations

• Duplicate accounts

• Harassment of staff

• Spam

• Glorifying rape, domestic violence, terrorism, or murder
  Appeals can be made via @atrl on Twitter.

Thread Bans

Issued when a member repeatedly derails or trolls a thread. Standard length is 14 days; severe cases may be permanent.

Section Bans

Applied for repeated disruption in a specific section. Usually permanent unless reviewed.

Restricted Status

Members who repeatedly behave disruptively may lose privileges such as thread creation or posting in serious news discussions.

Disputes

Members may dispute warnings or bans by contacting staff.
Banned members can request review via @atrl on Twitter.

Warning Types

Point values listed are minimums; staff may assign more for severe cases.

Abrasive — 1 point, expires in 60 days
Rude or hurtful comment.

Disruptive — 1 point, expires in 30 days
Examples:
• Spamming images or random keys
• Pointless threads or repeated posting
• Misleading or hype-based titles
• All caps titles
• Unnecessary bumps
• Posting non-English when not called for
• Disruptive formatting
• Group disruption
• Bypassing the profanity filter

Flamebait — 1 point, expires in 30 days
Posts made to provoke arguments.

Insensitive — 2 points, expires in 60 days
Disturbing or polarizing content posted without care for others.

Vulgar — 1 point, expires in 60 days
Sexually suggestive content.

Spoiler — 1 point, expires in 30 days
Posting major plot details without proper tags.

Nicknames — 1 point, expires in 30 days
Mocking or distorted nicknames for celebrities, brands, or members.
Allowed: Positive or neutral (Brangelina, Queen Britney).
Exception: Fan Base threads.

Off Topic — 1 point, expires in 30 days
Posting unrelated information or discussing moderation.

Infringement — 1 point, expires in 30 days
Posting more than 50% of an article or failing to credit the source.

Personal Attack — 2 points, expires in 90 days
Direct or repeated attack toward another member.

Trolling — 2 points, expires in 90 days
Harsh antagonism toward a celebrity, fanbase, or thread.

File Share Request — 1 point, never expires
Requesting illegal downloads.

Graphic — 2 points, expires in 90 days
Highly violent or explicit sexual material.

Offensive — 3 points, 3-month ban, expires in 1 year
Discriminatory or hateful content.

Explicit — 2 points, expires in 1 year
Posting sexually or violently explicit imagery.

File Sharing — 3 points, never expires
Posting or quoting illegal download links.

Breach of Privacy — 3 points, 6+ month ban, never expires
Posting someone's personal information or image without consent.

Duplicate — 1+ points, 3-month ban, never expires
Operating a duplicate account.

Spam — Permanent ban
Posting promotional spam.

Custom Warnings

Issued when a post:
• Breaks multiple rules
• Exceeds the scope of a standard warning
• Shows malicious intent or protest behavior
• Repeats past violations