I think Obi-Wan would agree that we hope to strive for “an elegant forum for a more civilized age.” With that as our mantra, here are a few guidelines for posting on the Fanboys of the Universe message forum:

1. Have fun! I know it looks like a lot of rules, but really it’s just common sense.
2. You must be 18 to join and post on the Fanboys of the Universe forum. Make sure your age is in your profile or you will be removed.
3. No spam. There’s a difference between posting and saying, “Hey, check out my blog!” and posting and saying, “Hey, who would like to join a pyramid scheme?” Spammers and spam messages will be removed from the board.
4. Be nice; don’t be mean.
5. Welcome new people. A stranger’s just a friend you haven’t met!
6. Keep snark to a minimum. You might think someone else’s question is common knowledge, but why not be helpful first, then snarky second?
7. Zero tolerance for Munchausen by Internet. If you’re unfamiliar with this growing phenomenon, Google it. If you’re creative enough to create a character, with lots of drama, convince others to care about him/her, then kill that character off, you really should be writing fan fiction. Please do so and submit it for the fan fiction section.
8. Please post a spoiler warning in the subject line or immediately preceding any text in a post that discusses rumors, key plot points, shocking revelations or issues of life and death in any recent properties. “Recent” is defined as available to the public within the past 90 days.
9. Debate is good. You may know everything about your fandom of choice, but what you may not know is how other people feel or think about it. Keep an open mind. Ask for clarification of an opinion before you start a huge flame war.
10. Be safe. Don’t give out personal contact information online. If you meet someone from the board, make sure it’s in a safe, public place and ALWAYS let friends know where you’re going, who you’re meeting and what their contact information is.
11. Be community-minded. By that, I mean that the gay community puts up with a lot of crap, from the federal level all the way down to the family level. Why not help create a space where people can come, feel accepted and celebrated and make new friends? Contribute and be part of something that’s positive. Of course, there will be disagreements from time to time, but do your best to resolve them in positive and constructive ways, where everyone parts as friends. Set an example for the whole world.
12. As members post, the little title under their names changes. This is strictly for fun. Posting meaningless posts just to get a title change is not nice and not allowed. It doesn’t mean anything; it’s has no real value or status; it’s just for fun. I could go in and change the numbers that correspond with the titles at whim, so there’s no need to go crazy over it.

Please notify me at info@fanboysoftheuniverse.com to report harassment or any violations of these rules.