ferrellweb

Beyond the Bookshelf is open to everyone. Because it is nominally connected with my English classes, however, I feel it is necessary to have and enforce certain policies to ensure a comfortable, enjoyable, and "safe" environment for all members. If you shop around, I'm sure you'll find that these policies don't differ much from those found on many other social MUSHes. Current versions of these policies can always be found in Beyond the Bookshelf's News topics.

Acceptable Use Policy. Beyond the Bookshelf is a social community; it is populated by real people interacting through a computer network. Like members of other communities, the inhabitants of Beyond the Bookshelf have certain expectations about the behavior of members and visitors.

The following are general standards of behavior for players in Beyond the Bookshelf:

1. Remember that players are real people—treat everyone with the same respect you'd like to receive.
2. This is a PG (not PG-13) environment; profane language and graphic references to violent and sexual acts (especially directed toward other players) are completely inappropriate. If you are not sure whether particular language or actions are permissible, play it safe and don't use/engage in them.
3. Harassing other players in any way will not be tolerated. If another player asks you to stop anything you are doing or saying, STOP.
4. Creating objects to spy or listen in on other players is forbidden, and will be punished with sanctions.
5. SPOOFING (causing messages to appear that are not attributed to your character) can be funny and expressive when used with foresight, but can quickly become annoying and downright stupid, or even harmful. Spoofing another character is in extremely bad taste, and can qualify as harassment.

Beyond the Bookshelf exists for the use and enjoyment of the players. It is expected that players will do all within their power to keep the MUSH alive and well. With that in mind, the following guidelines are in effect:

1. Players intentionally trying to damage the Beyond the Bookshelf database or server will be @nuked and banned from the MUSH.
2. Do not try to break or subvert any MUSHcode or MUSHcoded system. Players caught doing so will be sanctioned. If you notice any bugs or security holes, report them to a Wizard.
3. To reduce database bloat, players may be removed from the system if they are inactive for more than 60 days. New players who show no activity after 14 days may also be deleted. If you need special consideration for an extended absence, send @mail or email to Mr. Ferrell.
4. Never give another person access to your character or password. Doing so will be considered a security breech, and result in sanctions.
5. Try to keep your personal objects to a minimum, to keep the database size down. @destroy objects that you find you are not using regularly.

Complaints. I would like to think that people would always treat each other courteously, but occasionally there are problems. If you find yourself being harassed, verbally insulted, or treated in a generally abusive manner, you have a couple of options:

1. If the behavior is merely offensive or bothersome, ask the player to stop, or to leave you alone. If the problem persists, @mail Mr. Ferrell or send an email to mush@atheneum.8m.com describing the problem.
2. If the behavior is seriously abusive, notify a Wizard IMMEDIATELY. If a Wizard is not available, @mail Mr.Ferrell, or log off and email Mr. Ferrell at mush@atheneum.8m.com. The offending player will be dealt with, and you will be notified as to what action has been taken.

If it's possible (and you know how), log or record the offending player's behavior, and send a copy to Mr. Ferrell with your complaint.

Sanctions. Players who violate the policies of Beyond the Bookshelf are subject to the following sanctions:

1. A single warning, and being set SUSPECT. [Logs every action by a player.]
2. Being GAGGED for a fixed period or indefinately. [Prevents speaking.
3. Being @boot-ed from the MUSH. [Kicks a player off temporarily.]
4. Having your password revoked. Player may petition Mr. Ferrell by email to be reinstated.
5. In extreme cases, players may be banned from returning to the MUSH, and their character destroyed.

Mr. Ferrell reserves the right to impose other sanctions not listed here as offending behavior warrants.

Disclaimer. Beyond the Bookshelf is Mr. Ferrell's own experiment in community-building and educational interactivity. (Uh, well, it's for fun, too...) It is intended to be a safe and stable environment where students can meet to chat and discuss schoolwork.

Beyond the Bookshelf is in no way connected with Rhea County High School, nor do its policies and practices necessarily reflect those of Rhea County High School or the Rhea County Department of Education.

Mr. Ferrell reserves the right to deny access to Beyond the Bookshelf to anyone who proves to be a nuisance to other players, or who refuses to comply with MUSH policies and behavior guidelines.