ClanUK Charter |
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Why ClanUK?
- firstly let us just say that although we are not crusaders for justice, we do have standards that we adhere to
- ClanUK stand for a number of issues :
1 : We are anti-cheat; this means we do not condone or allow cheat codes to be used by our members when playing for or within ClanUK
2 : We are anti-hack; again we do not condone or use any hack programs or attempts to break games codes, cheat the game or break the servers, or use known bug exploitations
3 : We are anti PK (Player Killing), no intentional killing of other players' characters to their detriment and/or your gain
4 : We promote a desirable, enjoyable gaming environment for our members. As such, verbal hostility, slander, and abuse (of any kind) is not tolerated
5 : We are proud of ClanUK, and proud of our members. Our image matters, our reputation is important. So, abuse to gamers outside ClanUK is detrimental to ClanUK and all our membership, and is not acceptable
- we are pro UK; this is because the majority of our members are from the UK, nothing more. We therefore play with gamers from the same time zone (so can meet more readily), and the same geographical area (so internet connection/modem play is more ideal)
ClanUK Membership
- this is by invitation only
- a player outside ClanUK may approach a member and request to be in ClanUK. The member has 2 choices :
1: The member can say no, they do not wish to invite them in, and refer them to the Membership/Deputy Web Site member. They will be expected to be polite and offer a sensible reason to the player for this refusal of invitation. The player can then consider this, and can approach ClanUK at a later time if they wish.
2: If they wish, the member can help the new player. This will mean 3 things :
a : Playing with them, so the member sees what the player is like in the game
b : Sending them this Charter
c : Introducing them to other members in ClanUK including 1 Full Member
- the new player is not yet in ClanUK, and is not yet a new Trial Member
- after gaming alongside a new player for a while, and feeling they are the sort of gamer ClanUK delights in, and allowing them to see what ClanUK players are like, they can become Trial Members. This is where they are, at the invitation of a Full Member, joining ClanUK. They become Trial Members for a minimum of 2 months.
- membership is dynamic. New members will join ClanUK, old members will leave it. So, inactive members will be removed from the membership list, so membership remains a true representation of the players we have within ClanUK
- ClanUK members can invite suitable players in to ClanUK, gamers not need always approach ClanUK first
Conditions of ClanUK Membership
- as a ClanUK member you will not use cheats, hacks or bug exploitations when playing as a ClanUK character
- you will not be abusive to other gamers or cause harassment by actions, or be racist
- you will abide by the decisions of the ClanUK Operators (Ops), ClanUK Arbiter and ClanUK Council
- you will not falsely represent ClanUK in any manner
- you will not bring ClanUK into disrepute by your actions, on or offline
- members will not lie, deceive or mislead members, especially Ops or the Arbiter
- as a new member you will undergo a 2 month trial period
- completion of this trial period does not mean automatic Full Membership into ClanUK
- all Full and Trial Members are required to report any Full or Trial Members breaching these rules to the ClanUK Arbiter
- as a Full Member you have the right to vote/submit opinions on any issue that affects ClanUK as a whole, and access to the ClanUK Locator/CDMS, when developed
- as a Full and Trial Member you have the right to express yourself through the Ops and through communications on the chat boards (BBS), or submitting to Ops with a view to being posted on the main web site front page as News
- all Full Members have the right to stand for Ops positions
- Ops positions will be voted for on a 4 monthly basis
- Jed Norton (ClanUK Web Master) and Baltir (ClanUK Membership/Deputy Web Master) may not stand for Ops positions
- usage of the ClanUK™ title or logo is expressly forbidden without prior written consent from ClanUK and CTC Ltd
- ClanUK Ops will be removed if they are seen to act in any manner that shows overt favouritism towards any, after investigation by the Arbiter
- Trial and Full Members will be removed if they can not adhere to these conditions
- ClanUK is free, there are no financial costs for membership
- ClanUK must not be used as a means to promote outside personal interests, e.g. personal businesses or marketing. ClanUK merchandise is available through the web site, this service is provided for those who wish to have items with the ClanUK logo
- issues not concerning ClanUK, which could be damaging to ClanUK, must be discussed with an Op before being posted on the ClanUK web site, to ensure they are appropriate (e.g. it is not appropriate for a member to have a link to a web address of a cheat/hack site)
- conditions may change as ClanUK evolves, such changes will be detailed for all members
ClanUK Structure
- this is in the form of ClanUK Council, Arbiter, Operators (Ops), Full Members, Trial Members, Zone Masters, Web Master, Membership/Deputy Web Master
ClanUK Council
- this consists of most of the founder members (and is an unchanging group) who almost never have anything overt to do. They are there as a safety measure. Should the active leaders (essentially the Ops) be straying from the ideals of ClanUK then they step in to veto the changes and ensure the direction and aim of ClanUK does not get diverted away from its original intentions
- they have input at meetings as any ordinary members can, but that's normally the end of their remit
- they only get together to discuss major changes in clan rules or events. Unless they are also an Op or Arbiter they do not have any direct input into ClanUK decisions on a day-to-day basis.
ClanUK Arbiter
- this is a judge and mediator
- the Arbiter has a duty to be fair to ClanUK as well as individuals
- the Arbiter mediates disputes, ensures conduct/standards are maintained, and ensures the active player base is maintained (i.e. the inactive players are removed). Inactive will be people who have no significant web presence or participation. Infrequent players who still post on the BBS, or turn up to meetings, and play occasionally, will still of course be welcome to game with us. Quantity of time on line is not so vital as quality of participation in ClanUK. To help Ops remain approachable, discipline will be undertaken by the Arbiter - the Ops raise concerns, but the Arbiter deals with them
- the Arbiter has the authority to regrade a Full Member to a Trial Member
- the Arbiter has the authority to remove a member from ClanUK
- the Arbiter will be one person. This will ensure that there is consistency, and all matters will be dealt with in the same manner, to ensure fairness
- the post will, like Council, Web Master, Deputy Web Master, be enduring. The person in this post will change should circumstances require this. Then, the person will be decided by ClanUK Council consensus, after discussion with the Ops (to gain the memberships' view)
- the Ops, Trial and Full Members have a duty to ClanUK as a whole, and so must report incidents to the Arbiter where members are inappropriate
- the Arbiter mainly takes instructions from the Ops, to look in to episodes, to help resolves issues and de-escalate them before they get out of hand
- the Arbiter can be called upon by Ops to justify decisions, and is accountable to ClanUK Council
- if the Arbiter is behaving irresponsibly then the Ops must draw this to the Arbiter's attention, and detail why. If things do not improve, the Ops can request that the Arbiter resigns as Arbiter. If this fails to happen, then ClanUK Council will be required to look at the situation and decide if the Arbiter stays as Arbiter (if decisions have been appropriate) or is removed from ClanUK (if they have been grossly inappropriate)
- the Arbiter is therefore an Op, with the power to enforce ClanUK rules. In Op meetings, the Arbiter will be able to vote only in the case of a tie, and then the vote must be based on what is best for ClanUK, thinking of the Councils' ethos, and not his own opinion
- if players feel that an Op has treated them unfairly, they can ask the Arbiter for advice and help about this
- progression from Trial Member to Full Member will involve a meeting with the Arbiter
- the Arbiter is currently Sheleph
ClanUK Operators (Ops)
- these are elected for every 4 months by all Full Members voting
- they act in 5 main capacities :
1 : To enforce rules/crush cheating through guidance, and bringing to the Arbiter's attention any such issues
2 : Help players with problems in ClanUK and in games
3 : Foster the ideals/encourage game play consistent with the ideals of ClanUK
4 : Voicing members views at meetings so members who can not attend still can contribute to ClanUK
5 : Set behavioural standards by example (e.g. language, courtesy)
- they are expected to look after ClanUK, so if they have concerns about a player they have a duty to raise their concerns with the Arbiter, they do not need to redress the problem themselves - by confronting members they could prejudice future relations with members and loose their approachability, which is of critical importance
- they will be visible via the web site (with ICQ and e-mail addresses posted) so they are evident and accessible and approachable by members
- they have to organise monthly meetings, where members can attend (or have expressed their views prior to a meeting to an Op, for refining), meeting either on ICQ or IRC (or another universal forum, it shall not be a single in-game meeting, such as on battle.net)
- they are to circulate an agenda for this meeting before the meeting
- they are to send News to the Web Master to post the outcomes of each meeting, for Members who could not attend, and for visitors of the web site to see how ClanUK is functioning
- their key role is communication. They communicate to Zone and Web Masters what the membership is wanting, what the membership likes and appreciates, and how this can be realised through the web page
- they also communicate ClanUK future intentions to the members, mainly through these meetings
- they are to regularly post News to the Web Master, so ideally News can be updated every day
- they tell the Web Master what the membership thinks about the web site (regular feedback)
- after meetings, Ops will meet themselves to discuss what changes need to be made to policy/guidelines, web sites, or game play and debate issues members have raised
- there will usually be 6 Ops, and the Arbiter, to help the members of ClanUK
- the number of Ops may need to be increased over time, however experience has shown that greater numbers has resulted in unwieldy meetings, and so ineffective Ops
- Ops will attend meetings to consider Trial Membership progressing to Full Membership, they will post on the BBS which Trial Members are being considered for Full Membership, and when the meeting will be. They will listen to the views of Members about the Trial Member, and represent these views at the meeting. They will ensure that the details of this meeting are conveyed through the web page, either as News or on the BBS
- Ops receive information from members in confidence, and will not detail member names along with the suggestions/comments unless the member agrees or so wishes. If the Op feels they need to, or it would be helpful to, pass along the member's name, then they must tell the member this. Member names, e.g. in accusations, will not be public. Only the Arbiter and maybe other Ops need know the name of the member kindly voicing concern
- Ops are not linked to one game. They may play more in one game than any other, thus allowing members in that game to know them well, and have frequent access to them, or they may play in lots of games, spanning a broad membership base
- Full Members vote for Ops, as such they can vote for Ops that will play in their games, or be available to them to represent their views, and relay their concerns, pleasures and expectations
- they must pass apologies of absence at meetings, from members, to the Membership/Deputy Web Master
Full and Trial Members
- they must read and agree to the Conditions of ClanUK Membership, above
- members may resign at any time. It would be courteous, on doing so, to inform the Membership/Deputy Web Master of this
- if members are away for a significant length of time, it would be courteous to let the Membership/Deputy Web Master know too, so other members aren't thinking there's rudeness in not replying, attending meeting, or responding to posts on the BBS.
Clearly it can not be expected for members to detail every time they are away for a significant length of time, but by doing so it will enhance communication and prevent misinformation/confusion about not replying/engaging with ClanUK
- the membership are expected to voice their opinions at meetings and on the BBS
- general concerns can be raised informally between members, or through Ops
- if there are concerns about a specific issue, an Op should be called
- concerns about a specific player must be referred by members to the Arbiter, members have this duty to ClanUK. They must not post negative/derogatory comments on the BBS about other players
- they are expected to behave with courtesy to members, and to outside players. Banter, humour and colourful language in private ClanUK games is fine (if no-one's offended), but offensive language in public chat channels is not . . . basically it's common sense, to protect the good reputation of ClanUK
- members have plenty of good ideas and positive statements about ClanUK, these should be detailed to Ops, so their input is channelled through, at meetings
- it is encouraged for members to relay to Ops things they think are happening well (so these are built upon, and continued), and things that they think could be better done differently (along with any sensible suggestions they may have)
- it is important that even if members have no strong feelings, and are content with the way things are, that they still episodically mention to an Op that they are happy with things, this feedback really does matter
- if members do not wish to attend a monthly meeting they are expected to e-mail an Op and let them know, effectively sending their apologies for being unable to attend. This is so ClanUK Ops are aware that the member is active in ClanUK but unable to attend, or has already expressed their views to the Ops
- Trial Members will become Full Members after 3 conditions have been met :
1: They still want to be full members, and have been active members of ClanUK
2 : A Full Member sponsors them after 2 months minimum Trial Membership
3 : At a meeting with Ops, Arbiter and relevant Zone Master informal discussion occurs, considering views of the membership through the last 2 months. Hopefully this will all be positive, with views of members expressing pleasure at gaming with the Trial Member, and they can then be Full Members. This meeting will be private, so members views can be voiced through Ops. The Trial Member can choose to be there, or not. Full Membership meetings will be posted before they occur on the BBS so members can say to Ops their views of the Trial Member. It is for the sponsor of the Trial Member to request the meeting to take place.
- Sponsoring a Trial Member is a public acknowledgement by the Full Member that they believe the Trial Member to be the sort of player they want to have as a Full Member in ClanUK, so they must know the Trial Member well . . . they should have played in games with them (so know their game play is social, not cheating/exploitation, the style is not selfish/against ClanUK ideals) and out of game/in chats/seen posts on BBS (so they know something of their views, enthusiasm and attitudes). This public statement by the Full Member of the Trial Member's gaming and ClanUK activity will be recorded by the Membership/Deputy Web Master. If the Trial Member, then becoming a Full Member, is removed from ClanUK, the original sponsoring member will need to justify their sponsorship. This is to ensure that sponsorship is taken seriously, and only well known Trial Members shall be sponsored.
Web Master
- the Web Master maintains the web site, and updates the web zones
- the Web Master may episodically overhaul the site to maintain an image of ClanUK we want to publicly project
- this will occur after discussion at meetings with Ops, so ClanUK members have input
- the Web Master is currently expected, through the links forged on the 'net, to link in to professional bodies (e.g. software companies, computer gaming magazines, other online gaming groups) who are interested in ClanUK. It is desirable for dialogue between ClanUK and outside bodies to be fed back to ClanUK membership at meetings, so the Web Master will inform the Ops of all such contact, and the outcome, so the ClanUK membership can be aware of this important communication
- if this becomes onerous, then this part of the Web Master's role can be assigned to a new post, ClanUK Representative - a person skilled in interpersonal and media relations to represent ClanUK publicly, to professional groups, and to feed back to ClanUK the outcome of this contact. Ops would decided on who would have this post, based on member views and the applicants skills
- if the Ops fail to send the Web Master any News, the Web Master will e-mail them informing them of this, and may either leave the News un-updated, or post News the Web Master is aware of himself, at his own discretion
- the Web Master can vote as a Full Member but has no other powers, duties or responsibilities (and as such should not be besieged by e-mails or requests from general Members, who should voice their opinions through Ops and Zone Masters)
- the Web Master should receive constructive e-mails from Ops (representing members comments and views), about what's good about the web site, and what could be changed, with positive suggestions about this
- the Web Master shall maintain the chat boards (BBS)
- Jed Norton is currently Web Master
Membership/Deputy Web Master
- this person will assist the Web Master in the running of the web site
- they will be a visible point of contact, on the web site, for new members (and will send prospective new members this Charter) and answer questions potential members may have
- they will keep a record of all Trial, Full and past Members
- they will keep a record of all sponsors, and who they sponsored
- they will keep a record of all members apologies for absence from monthly meetings (which the Ops will send to him)
- the current Membership/Deputy Web Master is Baltir
Zone Masters
- they look after the web page of that game or support zone. They are obliged (i.e. have to) update it regularly. If not, then they should step down and allow a more active/less busy member to continue the zone. These posts will be allocated to who want to do them, and can commit sufficient time and skills to review and update roughly weekly. This may mean just a fresh paragraph of news every week, so hopefully not a vast amount is required
- new Zone Masters may start new Game Zones, if you want to start a games zone of your own for a particular game this is what you must do :
1 : Create a "Sampler" site of no more than 1.5MB. Feedback from this will judge
whether or not there is enough interest for it to become a Game Zone
This sampler must be sent to the ClanUK Webmaster to post up, you will not have
site access at this point
2 : If there is adequate feedback from the sampler it will be raised to a full
Game Zone
3 : At this point an "Author" account will be provided for you as well as a larger
space of between 2-5 MB maximum. You will have an account created on the server
and an individual password. Administration rights remain with ClanUK webmasters
4 : You must not give anyone else your username and password without express
permission from the ClanUK Webmasters. If you do, your account will be deleted
immediately
5 : You will not use the zone or sampler to advertise any homepages or other
sites unrelated to the zone itself
6 : You will not use gratuitous or racist or offensive or obscene or "dubious"
material or wording
7 : You should not create alternative membership lists. Any in-zone membership
list should not include contact information, this is all handled by the CDMS (ClanUK
Locator)
8 : You will admit or attempt to admit any members outside of the normal
methods
9 : As Zone Master you have no additional authority within ClanUK. You simply
administer the site. Only Ops, the Arbiter and Council have any "authority"
10 : The sampler or zone html coding etc must be of a standard in keeping
with the rest of the site. Help can be obtained with html coding but the site
administrators will delete anything that causes errors. You cannot use any cgi-
scripts or the like without express permission from Baltir
11 : Graphics must be kept to a minimum size, checks are run regularly to find
any graphics that are not "compressed" sensibly, .jpg or .gif images need not be big
to look good
12 : Any graphic that uses the "ClanUK" logo must be authorised by the ClanUK
webmasters and Laptop (Mark Taylor). This image is copyrighted so using it without
permission is an offence
13 : Keep the Game Zone updated regularly. If you do not wish to do so then you
must ask yourself what use it is? We are not here simply to replicate other peoples
work, try to make it fresh and informative but also keep in mind that it is there for
ClanUK, not the rest of the world. Some sites need updating more than others but
a full BBS is made for every full Game Zone
- Zone Masters are expected to be active in games within their Game Zone, and have a good understanding of those games, so members can ask the Zone Master for help with game issues
- members can send News to a Zone Master, about that game, to update the News on their Game Zone
- within Game Zones a Zone Master may set up a structure of new rules, guidelines, or hierarchical game framework. This does not given anyone any additional authority within ClanUK, it simply is for in game structuring. Ops and the Arbiter have authority to regulate these rules and guidelines to ensure that they do not conflict with the direction that the Ops are trying to move ClanUK in
- Current Zone Masters are Mithrandir : Diablo, Vacant for UO [will need good liaison between Catskills and Chesapeake shards, and UK when it arrives], Deckard : Strategy Zone, Mick Hand : AD&D, IanD : Sport Zone, Vacant for Action Zone (but soon th be taken over). Also, there is a new EverQuest Zone being developed
Changes
- this Charter may change as ClanUK evolves
- change will be implemented by Ops taking decisions, based on the consensus of ClanUK
- the basic aims and ethos of ClanUK is integral to it, and will not be amended
- the Ops and Arbiter interpret the rules and the Charter, if you have questions about it then contact them
The Final Word
- we are here to have fun not to try to tell you how to play. Our aims and rules are quite clear and designed to put off those who do not subscribe to what we are attempting to achieve. We will be flexible as situations change and new members bring new ideas but the basic morals of ClanUK will not change. We do not crusade for others to play as we do, but will expel members who break our rules. We try to meet "a la Real World" for a beer or two whenever possible and try to keep the web site as up-to-date as possible, active and available for new zones as new games come out
- we want you, our members to tell us what you want, without this feedback we will wither and die. From a small group of 6 or 7 people over a year ago we are now the largest gaming group of this type in the UK. This hasn't happened by accident or by juggling figures. It has happened because our members have supported the web site and been true to their ideals and their net-friends. The people who support the Zones give their time willingly to help us all have a better gaming experience and their efforts are rewarded by our reputation and growing numbers of applicants
- we hope this continues far into the future
"After all.. It's your site"
Conclusion
- "If you meet a ClanUK player you will know them . . . they are polite, honest, and totally trustworthy."
A Charter is formed by it's members, and this one certainly has been.
It was compiled and edited by Sheleph, 15th June 1998
Copyright © ClanUK 1996-1998