just noticed the rules

[*Deidre*]

Rules are a funny thing. Usually, those who should read them, don't. And something tells me that even if they did, they would still violate them. And some still don't comply, even after a temporary ban.

[Coffee Jesus]

You could do an automated PM for new users.

[Aractus]

Not only is there an actual link right there at the top right of the screen saying "RULES" but there's an entire sub-forum dedicated to rules and information.

That link is only visible when you're signed in. As it's the new members who need to know about them more than the existing members it would be helpful if lurkers could see that link as well, not just the registered members.

Here is my suggestion to change this. These are the links that appear in the top-right only when signed in:

PHP Code:

<ul class="menu panel_links">
<li><a href="http://atheistforums.org/usercp.php" class="usercp">User CP</a></li>
<li><a class="privatemessages" href="http://atheistforums.org/private.php">Private Messages</a></li>
<li><a class="rules" href="http://atheistforums.org/rules.php">Rules</a></li>
</ul> 


Alter the template so that this appears when not signed in:

PHP Code:

<ul class="menu panel_links">
<li><a class="rules" href="http://atheistforums.org/rules.php">Rules</a></li>
</ul> 


Simple.

[Napoléon]

One forum's rules are basically the same as another

Yeah, usually "Don't be a dick" is the only rule people really need to remember.

Like others have said, I think the only people who need to look at the rules are the ones who will probably break them anyway.

[Angrboda]

I'm the type of person who reads the rules, so all the caveats apply, but I get turned off of a forum that doesn't have its rules out front and easily accessible to members and non-members. If I can't read the rules before I join, I'm inclined not to join.

[Napoléon]

I'm the type of person who reads the rules, so all the caveats apply, but I get turned off of a forum that doesn't have its rules out front and easily accessible to members and non-members. If I can't read the rules before I join, I'm inclined not to join.

What's the difference with this forum then? Or do you think the rules are obvious to see for users?

[Losty]

I don't really care about rules...I just like to be myself and follow my own rules. So far I haven't been banned any place. If I'm ever breaking a rule I assume someone will tell me and I'll either stop it or leave depending on what it is.

[Angrboda]

I'm the type of person who reads the rules, so all the caveats apply, but I get turned off of a forum that doesn't have its rules out front and easily accessible to members and non-members. If I can't read the rules before I join, I'm inclined not to join.

What's the difference with this forum then? Or do you think the rules are obvious to see for users?

I don't remember.

[psychoslice]

I didn't think there was rules here, not with all the language and that ?.