4 The goal of FICS is to provide a friendly means for chess enthusiasts to
5 play chess games and discuss topics of interest. In order to promote a
6 friendly atmosphere, FICS follows simple guidelines and rules of etiquette.
7 FICS admins have the authority to warn and (if necessary) sanction users who
8 do not follow these guidelines.
13 Please use the various ways of communicating on this server for their
14 intended purpose: to foster chess fellowship and companionship.
16 Users should refrain from making any statements or engaging in any conduct
17 that could be considered abusive, harrassing, offensive or obscene, especially
18 with regard to nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation.
20 Please avoid having differences of opinion escalate into personal
21 confrontations and attacks. Refrain from namecalling and disparaging a user's
24 It is good etiquette to have lengthy discussions about a topic or issue
25 using channels rather than shouts. Special topics channels have been created
26 for this purpose (the "channel_list" help file lists them). There may be
27 times when you are asked to move your discussion to a channel.
29 Further examples of abusive communication are given in the "shout_abuse"
35 Users should refrain from conduct that ruins the spirit of competition on
36 the server. Such misconduct includes:
38 (a) intentionally disconnecting in order to avoid losing a chess match
39 -or- to analyze the game and resume playing it later;
40 (b) intentionally losing a chess match in order to inflate another user's
42 (c) using a chess computer to play a match without having the account
43 registered as a computer;
44 (d) registering as a "blindfold" account but using a board while playing
45 (blindfold accounts must use style 9, by the way);
46 (e) letting other people play rated matches using your registered account;
47 (f) giving assistance to a player while he/she is playing a match;
48 (g) receiving assistance from a person, book or computer while you are
50 (h) engaging in conduct that interferes with a chess match or a player's
51 being able to concentrate on his/her chess match;
52 (i) intentionally letting your clock run out of time during a chess match
53 rather than resigning or moving in a lost position.
58 Many users have finger notes that explain how they will handle certain
59 situations, such as lag and takeback. The issue of transmission lag often
60 comes up for discussion. As noted in the "lag" help file, it is not unethical
61 to flag your opponent when he/she runs out of time.
63 If you suspect that a user is abusing his/her communication privileges
64 and/or not following the spirit of competition, feel free to contact an admin
65 with details concerning the situation.
67 See Also: abuser admins blindfold channel channel_list computers handle
68 intro_playing intro_talking lag shout_abuse
70 [Last modified: December 25, 1995 -- Friar]