Acceptable Usage Policy

In both registering to, and/or entering into the Shoupz, you agree to follow the rules, procedures, and policies. Users, staff, and owners are expected to have read these and abide by them. Not knowing they exist, or not having read them, is no excuse. Any of the following rules, procedures, and policies are subject to change without notice, however as a courtesy, the Shoupz staff will notify the users of any substantial changes (This also applies to coding changes). Any questions or concerns pertaining to these policies can be posted in the Support section of the forums.

Goal

The Game Masters (GMs) and Administrators (Admins) are here to ensure that the rules outlined below, are enforced, and to encourage the flow of Shoupz. We ask that you don't harass them for trying to keep this server safe and trouble free. Any user who refuses to cooperate, refuses to cooperate in a civilized manner, or makes it difficult for the staff to do their job will be subject to kicking and/or any other punishment deemed appropriate by the administrative staff. If you have a problem with a moderator or an admin, do not continue to argue with them. Screen shot your conversation and submit it through the forums in the GM Abuse section

Profanity

Users of Shoupz must keep the use of profanity/swearing/abusive language to a minimum. 'Light' Swearing is acceptable in moderation, but is discouraged from being used too frequently. Light swearing is considered to be words such as a.ss, b.itch, d.amn, h.ell, s.hit, and the like. 'Harsher' swearing is not acceptable Harsher swearing is considered to be the words f.*ck, c.*nt, c.*ck and p.*ssy, etc. This also includes slang for the same words as listed and any variations of the words (i.e., prefixes, suffixes). Use of the words c.ock and p.ussy by themselves will be assumed to be sexually based. Player names MAY NOT contain profanity, or be otherwise considered offensive.

Harassment

Please follow these steps for resolution in the case of harassment: When a user feels they are being harassed, they must first ask the offending user to stop, then they must cease speaking to or about the offending user so the issue could be resolved peacefully. If the offending user does not stop, the harassed user is to either ask a staff member to step in or to log the incident and send it to the staff. Should a staff member not be available and the incident has been logged and sent to the staff, and the user continues to harass you, then it strongly suggested that you use the /ignore username feature. Failure to follow these procedures may result in no action being taken by staff. Note: The staff may stop what they see as harassment without a complaint if it becomes disruptive to the game. Any user that becomes disruptive to other user(s), can be banned for indeterminate length of time. This time is referred to as a cool down time. This will be at the discretion of the staff member immediately dealing with any individual situation. Harassment is defined as taunting, or making fun of anyone based on race, religion, color, or sexual preference, name calling of any kind, distributing personal information about another user without their consent, repeated requests to another player for RL information (ICQ #, AIM, MSN, Yahoo!, email address etc.) that they do not want known, or otherwise directing unwanted attention toward another user. This also applies to any Real Life (RL) details a person wishes to keep private, and any form of behavior that would be considered harassment in Real Life (RL). Backseat GMing is against the rules and is defined by attempting to enforce the rules while a staff member is in the room or suggesting/telling a staff member what they should or should not do. The offender will be asked to stop and if they do not, administrative action will be taken. Users found promoting Real Life hate campaigns will be permanently banned. Hate campaigns include sexism, racism, and homophobia, but are not limited to being those alone. In Game (IG) hate campaigns may be acceptable if the other players agree. Please remember, In Game (IG), and Real Life (RL) are two separate things. It is also forbidden for a user to make Real Life (RL) threats against another user. Punishment for this will be given according to the severity of the threat, and the number of threats the offender has made before, and whether or not the party threatened wants to make a complaint. *** In ALL cases of Real Life (RL) hate campaigns and threats, proper authorities may be contacted at the discretion of the administration. If this is the case, you will be notified.***

Sexual Content

Players may not knowingly distribute links to pornography or otherwise sexually explicit materials. Descriptive or graphic sexual subjects/topics and soliciting cyber sex or 'cybering' are STRICTLY FORBIDDEN in all public places. Any sexual contact with a player who you know is a minor (under the age of consent) in their country/state is strictly prohibited in Shoupz, both public and private. Punishments for this will suit the transgression, and may lead to banishment and in extreme cases the involvement of appropriate authorities.

SPAM

Any player who uses Shoupz for the purposes of spamming will be subject to kicking or any other punishment deemed appropriate by the administrative staff. Spam being defined as, but not limited to, the repetitious posting of nonsensical or meaningless letters, numbers, text or URLS, and random caps or punctuation. Advertising which includes, but is not limited to, passing out links for, as well as placing information in your profile related to anything other than normal play on Shoupz or its affiliates, without permission from the owner, is also considered spam.

Security

Attempted port scans, probes, uses of known network security tools or otherwise seeking of security flaws in Shoupz (including entering the server while banned) without express permission from the Owner will make that user subject to permanent banning. ISP and Federal officials may also be notified. Likewise user/s who attempts what may be construed as a Denial of Service attack on the Shoupz server will be subject to permanent banning. ISP and Federal officials may also be notified.

Procedures for Violations

All violations will be handled at the discretion of the staff member dealing with the situation. However, below is a general guideline. When a violation of the AUP takes place, a user should be issued a warning or kicked from the server. If the user is kicked, the reason for the action is provided with in initial command. If a user continues to break the rules after a kick/warning, said user can be banned from the server. Note: Some offenses may warrant a user to be banned immediately from the server without a warning or kick. If warning a user before or after a kick, a Game Master must allow a minute to go by to allow the user to see the warning before any banning or (more) kicking could ensue. For each infraction of the AUP, the offense will be recorded. If a user commits three "offenses" within a three month time period, the user will be put on permanent warning. If the user violates any rule, no matter how slight while under a permanent warning, said user can be instantly banned, without prior notification. Shoupz Banning System First ban: User will be banned from the server for a period not longer than ten days. Second ban: User will be banned from the server for a period not shorter than ten days, but not longer than thirty days. Third ban: User will be banned permanently from the server. Note: Users may talk about their bans on the forum, but bringing your ban to the forums will not in any way get it overturned. You will still need to email the staff for that to happen. Staff will not post any logs pertaining to the bans nor are they required to respond to any challenges about bans on the forum. Staff members also have the right not to discuss bans or warnings with users in or out of game. If a staff member asks you to email the staff with your concern and/or question, please respect that.

Code of Conduct

All the information found below applies to all aspects of the Shoupz server, as well as the forum system found at wow.shoupz.com. The Staff Are Role Models: Being a staff member means that you are an example as to what it means to be a good player on this server. It means being civil and respectful of others and the rules while logged into your staff username or while operating in an official capacity. It means that when faced by users who are intentionally being belligerent, offensive or otherwise attempting to anger you, to walk away or to let another staff member get involved. It also means at all times remaining impartial when passing judgment. While not logged in under your staff name, the standards are not released although they are reduced to an extent. While you are no longer obligated to be civil at all times, you are still obligated to follow the rules. Furthermore, while you are freer to express yourself, you need to keep in mind that your actions still reflect upon the staff as a whole.

Privacy

Staff have access to information that is sensitive to players. To release IP information, email addresses, real names, other characters, or any other related information is allowed in some cases. At all times a staff member is to respect the privacy of most users of the server and to enforce safe privacy. Staff is allowed to release this information at times where we have vulgar, sexually-oriented, hateful, threatening abuse. This is the only time privacy rules can be broken, however privacy can not be broken at any point in time unless specifically instructed to by the appropriate authorities. Donators that wish to file a chargeback towards their server, may have their information reveal to the public. Chargebacks are done at your own risk. Information pertaining to bans, kicks, or any staff only matters can be discussed in a public manner or privately with anyone outside of staff or unrelated to the matter. Such information can lead to authorized access of such features, or the using of said information against the user in question. In cases where a user has been banned, only administrators have the authority to release information to the banned user. Any requests for information should be relayed to them immediately.

Do Your Job

While being a Game Master is a volunteer position, you are not free of obligations. Being a GM means that while logged in as your GM name, you will not be inebriated, under the influence of any substance or inattentive. While logged in, you are to handle any complaint or issue that is brought to your attention to the best of your ability. If another staff member is already handling the issue, you don't need to get involved but offering your help is generally appreciated. If at any point in time you feel you can no longer carry out your duties, please log out. If this is for an extended period of time, please inform the staff or resign from your position. It is understood that being a game master or administrator can be mentally draining and frustrating. If you find yourself unable to cope with this, do not force yourself to. No one will hold it against you.

We Are A Team

At the end of the day, no GM should be forced to make a call on their own. If at any point a situation develops that you're unsure of how to handle, ask other staff who are on at the time. Getting a consensus helps us all come to make the right decision. If no one is available, submit a log under GM section regardless. While punishment may not be as immediate, it at least provides a means for all to understand the situation. It also stands to reason that undermining a fellow staff member is not tolerated. No insulting, demeaning or fighting among staff should be visible to the users. Doing so makes that staff member, and the team, less effective. If a staff member makes a bad call, it is not the place of another staff member to overrule it simply because they disagree. In such cases, bring the incident to that attention of either the staff as a whole or an administrator. Only administrators are allowed to overturn a punishment or issue apologies to users. In the case of administrators, the owner has the authority to overrule.

Punishments

Failure to follow the principles outlined in numbers one through four is grounds for punishment as deemed fitting by the owner. Such punishments include, but are not limited to, suspension, demotion, or ban. While staff have more authority than users do, they are still also bound, and subject to, the rules and punishments as outlined in the AUP.

DONATION AGREEMENT TERMS:

Please take a moment to review these rules detailed below. If you agree with them, then you may proceed with entering the website. No one from Blizzard, associated with Blizzard or any such affiliated company or anyone directed by Blizzard or its Related companies is permitted to enter these web sites or view any content contained within these sites at any time what so ever due to controversial reasons.

1. Refund Policy

Shoupz WoW will not provide refunds under any circumstances. If you are banned, you will not get a refund. If you do not favor the service, you will not get a refund. If you unexpecedtly did not receive your donation award, and don't have any proof of your donation, you will not get a refund. You may appeal your donation refund on the forums, and we will review your case. But we 950uarantee that you will receive your donation award. But if you're not ready to take these minute risks, please refrain from donation to Shoupz WoW. It's not integral for you to donate, it's completely optional and at your own risk.

2. Donation Exchange

If you for any reason have your donation item damaged, broken, lost, etc... you will not receive an exchange unless you have opaque proof of your donation. You may present an un-edited screenshot of your donation receipt. You may also email your donation receipt to the Game Master assisting you in your donation award(s). The Game Master has the authority to replace your donation item if he feels the receipt you've presented is real.

3. Donation Rewards

When you donate to Shoupz WoW, it is understood that you're actually "donating" at your own risk. Donation items are exclusively rewards for your consideration into donating to Shoupz WoW. You're not paying for any service, you're donating to keep our servers up. We're not selling virtual items, when you donate, you take the risk(s) invovled in donating as listed in the "Refund Policy". We 1000uarantee you that all donations go for the maintenance for the website and servers.

4. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless, our subsidiaries, affiliates, related parties, officers, directors, employees, agents, independent contractors, advertisers, partners, and co-branders from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorney's fees, that may be made by any third party, that is due to or arising out of your conduct or connection with this web site or service, your provision of Content, your violation of this Terms of Use or any other violation of the rights of another person or party.

5. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT YOUR USE OF THIS WEB SITE AND ANY SERVICES OR CONTENT PROVIDED (THE SERVICE) IS MADE AVAILABLE AND PROVIDED TO YOU AT YOUR OWN RISK. IT IS PROVIDED TO YOU AS IS AND WE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, IMPLIED OR EXPRESS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE MAKE NO WARRANTY, IMPLIED OR EXPRESS, THAT ANY PART OF THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, VIRUS-FREE, TIMELY, SECURE, ACCURATE, RELIABLE, OF ANY QUALITY, NOR THAT ANY CONTENT IS SAFE IN ANY MANNER FOR DOWNLOAD. YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT NEITHER US NOR ANY PARTICIPANT IN THE SERVICE PROVIDES PROFESSIONAL ADVICE OF ANY KIND AND THAT USE OF SUCH ADVICE OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK AND WITHOUT OUR LIABILITY OF ANY KIND. Some jurisdictions may not allow disclaimers of implied warranties and the above disclaimer may not apply to you only as it relates to implied warranties.

6. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

YOU EXPRESSLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INDICENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, GOODWILL, USE, DATA OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSS (EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES), RESULTING FROM OR ARISING OUT OF (I) THE USE OF OR THE INABILITY TO USE THE SERVICE, (II) THE COST TO OBTAIN SUBSTITUTE GOODS AND/OR SERVICES RESULTING FROM ANY TRANSACTION ENTERED INTO ON THROUGH THE SERVICE, (III) UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO OR ALTERATION OF YOUR DATA TRANSMISSIONS, (IV) STATEMENTS OR CONDUCT OF ANY THIRD PARTY ON THE SERVICE, OR (V) ANY OTHER MATTER RELATING TO THE SERVICE. Note that by accepting the terms in the document, you are also waiving your right, to take any action, legal or otherwise, against anyone or anything related to Shoupz WoW. Please remember that we are not responsible for any messages posted. We do not vouch for or warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any message, and are not responsible for the contents of any message. The messages express the views of the author of the message, not necessarily the views of this bulletin board. Any user who feels that a posted message is objectionable is encouraged to contact us immediately by email. We have the ability to remove objectionable messages and we will make every effort to do so, within a reasonable time frame, if we determine that removal is necessary. You agree, through your use of this service, that you will not use this bulletin board to post any material which is knowingly false and/or defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise violative of any law. You agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyright is owned by you or by this bulletin board. If you have read, understood and agree to these rules and conditions, you may enter the website and/or forums. If you disagree, leave immediately. You agree to give up all legal rights towards Shoupz WoW when donating. You will receive a donation item as fair value for money received.