Master Post for Wolfhome Rule Changes & Updates

[Herb]

The grandfathering of members has officially been removed!

Forum Rule

Age Requirement
As of January 1, 2023, Wolfhome is only accessible to users aged 16 and older, making our rating 16+. If you are under 16, please discontinue using this website immediately. By using or attempting to use Wolfhome, you certify that you are at least the minimum age and meet any other eligibility requirements. If you are below the minimum age, your account may be permanently banned without notice regardless of parental consent. Members may return after turning 16 by submitting a Problem Ticket to appeal their ban.

When registering for Wolfhome, it is important to provide your actual date of birth. Falsifying your age to be more or less than your genuine age may lead to an account removal or a permanent ban if you refuse to adjust it appropriately or are found using the Mature section of the forum. Please go here to submit a Problem Ticket.

Chat Rule

Age Requirement
As of January 1, 2023, Wolfhome is only accessible to users aged 16 and older, making our rating 16+. If you are under 16, please discontinue using this website immediately. By using or attempting to use Wolfhome, you certify that you are at least the minimum age and meet any other eligibility requirements. If you are below the minimum age, your account may be permanently banned without notice regardless of parental consent. Members may return after turning 16 by submitting a Problem Ticket to appeal their ban.

When registering for Wolfhome, it is important to provide your actual date of birth. Falsifying your age to be more or less than your genuine age may lead to an account removal or a permanent ban if you refuse to adjust it appropriately or are found entering 18+ rooms. Please go here to submit a Problem Ticket.

[Herb]

Due to recent concerns, we have made changes to our rules regarding tracing artwork.

We have implemented a strict no-tracing policy that will take effect immediately. Tracing is redrawing an image line by line. It can be done digitally or traditionally. Tracing can help artists learn or warm up, but using or claiming a traced image as your own is considered art theft and is not allowed on Wolfhome. Tracing artwork is considered a highly disrespectful act towards artists and will no longer be tolerated.

For more information, please visit our Tracing vs. Referencing Guidelines : viewtopic.php?f=93&t=213012&p=3924296#p3924296

OLD

Art Theft is something that the Wolfhome Administration takes very seriously on BOTH Forum and Chat. For a full definition and explanation of what Art Theft is, please see the Wolfhome Art FAQ. Art Theft is something the Wolfhome Administration will never tolerate. This includes:
Linking material that is not yours, but claiming that it is; otherwise known as copyright infringement
Posting traced or very heavily referenced artwork and claiming it as your own work
Selling or trading material that does not belong to you
Using or attempting to use artwork that you do not have permission to use, whether it be it belongs to someone else, the the artist requests that it not be used on Wolfhome, modifying artwork that you do not have permission to modify, not paying for the artwork, or steal another user's character and/or artwork
These are the minimum ban lengths that will occur for Art Theft scenarios (higher ban lengths may be given if deemed necessary, for example, users who have other prior offenses):

• A warning sent via e-mail and private message on the Wolfhome chat for a first offense.
• A three day ban for a second offense.
• If you have been banned for three days on chat, a second Art Theft offense would result in a two week ban.
• If you have been banned for one week on chat, a second Art Theft offense would result in a one month ban.
• If you have been banned for two weeks on chat, a second Art Theft offense would result in a Permanent Ban

NEW

Wolfhome has a zero-tolerance policy for art theft which is enforced on both our forum and chat. Art theft refers to the act of taking a piece of artwork, drawing, or photo and wrongfully claiming, selling, or using it as one's own personal work. For further explanation of art theft, please refer to the Wolfhome Art FAQ. For information regarding art theft forum offenses, please visit the Forum Rules #12.

Tracing vs. Referencing image guideline gallery

• Copyright infringement, which is defined as using and falsely claiming ownership of content that you do not own.
• Using artwork that has been traced or heavily referenced and claiming it as your own work.
• Selling or trading material that does not belong to you.
• Using artwork without proper authorization from the original artist, such as not adhering to the artist's request for their work to be kept off of Wolfhome, modifying an image without permission, not properly paying for the artwork before its legal use, or otherwise stealing.

The visual below shows how our ban ladder works when it comes to repeat violations regarding art theft. Please note that longer bans may be imposed if deemed necessary, especially for those with previous offenses.

• Warning (1st offense) > 3 Day Ban (2nd offense) > 2 Week Ban (3rd offense) > 1 Month Ban (4th offense) > Permanent Ban (5th offense)

[Lorien]

We have updated our Profile Content rules to include that we are no longer allowing the usage of drug or paraphernalia usernames.
If you have chosen a username within either category, you will be promptly asked to choose a different one within 24 hours of being asked. This will still follow the regular ban ladder.

If you currently hold a username related to either, you will be asked to change it within 24 hours.

13.) Profile Content

Wolfhome users are expected to have profile content (signatures, avatars, profile fields, etc.), both on the chat and forum, that abides by all Forum Rules as well as the following:

• All signature content (i.e., images, text, spoilers that are opened, spoilers that are closed) must be no more than 300 pixels in height. Single elements, such as images, must be no more than 600 pixels in length. Text, multiple smaller images, and other content are allowed side by side as long as they fit our height requirement. For a visual representation of the 300x600 signature size limit, please see this image. Your signature should be no larger than the box in the image provided.
• Avatars and signatures can be no more than 500kbs in file size. We also kindly ask that members of this community try not to have gif heavy avatars and signatures, as it can lag (otherwise known as slow down) other users.
• Copyrights should always be added for images used in profile content, or on the image it's self. Users who are utilizing their own artwork in their profile content do not have to add copyrights.
• We do not allow the usage of drug/paraphernalia usernames. If it is found that you have chosen something within that category, you will be promptly asked to change it within 24 hours.

Any content that is above these guidelines in profile content will be met with a reminder. If the content is not removed after the 24 hour period, and you have logged in after the Private Message has been sent and seen, you will be pushed up your ladder and the content be manually removed by a Forum Administrator. If the content is not removed within the 72 hour period, and you have not logged in after the Private Message has sent, it should not count against your ladder. The content will be removed by a Forum Administrator and you will notified as to why it has been removed with no action taken. After any three subsequent warnings on the forum, content in profiles that break these guidelines will result in a ban. Usernames that break these guidelines will be met with an private message warning or e-mail warning. If the username is not changed upon the next login, a ban will be placed.

Forum Rules under "Profile Content" - http://forum.wolfhome.com/app.php/rules#1

Profile Content
Any content (music included) that is above the following Guidelines in your profile will be met with a Reminder. If the content is not removed after 24 hours of your next login, an official Warning will be given. If you do not login 72 hours after receiving the Reminder, you will be notified that the Profile Content has been removed via Chat Message, but not given a Warning. After any three subsequent Warnings on the Chat, content in profiles that break these Guidelines will result in a Ban. Usernames that break these Guidelines will be met with an e-mailed Warning. If the username is not changed upon the next login, a Ban will be placed.

We do not allow the usage of drug/paraphernalia usernames. If it is found that you have chosen something within that category, you will be promptly asked to change it within 24 hours.

Chat Rules under "Profile Content" - https://wolfhome.com/faq/rules.php

[Lorien]

We have updated our Returning Admin Policy


Previous Policy:

Returning Administration
Should an Administrator decide to step down, we ask that they take at least 1 month (30 days) before requesting to return to the Team. However, in extreme situation(s), returning administration may return at a minimum of three weeks. If they do want to return, they must send in an Official Request to Return to any Alpha via Forum PM. It will then be discussed between the Alpha’s, and if voted yes, it will then go to a Team vote if it has been over 30 days. Depending on the length of time they've been away will determine what position they are re-promoted to.

1-2 months away from the Team: May return to previous Rank.
3-6 months away from the Team: Must return to one Rank below what they left as, aside from Gamma.

• Alpha will return as Beta
• Beta will return as Gamma
• Gamma can return as Gamma

7-12 months away from the Team: Any Rank will be asked to return as an Apprentice and go back through Training or Refresh Training which can range from 1 week to 2 weeks.
12+ months aways from the Team: You will be asked to submit an Application to an Alpha or apply when Applications are open, unless Nominated.

Regarding Departments for Returning Administration
Should a returning administrator decide to come back and want to rejoin a department within the administration, it will be decided based on their previous departments, how they did in them, if they wish to return back to them, and how long they have been gone from the Team for.

1-6 months away from the Team: May return to previous Departments after 1 week of returning to the administration team to settle into the position and determine if they feel like they can take on their previous Department(s).
6+ months away from the Team: Returning administration will be asked to wait a minimum of 1 month after becoming a Gamma before joining new or previous Department(s) unless the Alphas confirm that the returning Gamma is able to handle new or previous departments before this 1 month waiting period. This will be based on their performance, retention of past administrative duties, and Alpha decision.

Regarding Promotions for Returning Administration

Apprentice to Gamma:
7-12+ months away from the Team: Will go through a minimum of 1-2 weeks of training depending on understanding of material, how well they correctly go through the scenarios and a team vote in regards to promotion.

Gamma to Beta:
Any Gamma may be promoted to Beta within 1-2 months, and can be subject to a promotion between this timeframe depending on how they are handling their workload and if Alphas & Betas (upon a vote) believe they are capable of taking on more responsibilities.

New Admin Promotions
This is an overview of the process for new administration that have never been on the Team before.

New Applicants: Brand new Applications to the Administration will be required to fill out an Administration Application. They may apply for a position when Admin Applications are Open. The only exception to this rule is if someone is Nominated for an Administrative position by their peers. You can learn more about Nominations here ( Admin Nominations ).

Regarding Promotions for New Administration

Applicants: All new applicants’ Applications will be voted on by the Team. If a current Team Member is close to the applicant, they will refrain from voting. If voted yes, the applicant will be interviewed and that will be followed by another Team vote.

Apprentice: All new Apprentices will be required to complete a 2 to 3 week training period (the bare minimum being 2 weeks, no exceptions). Once finished with their required training the current Admin Team will review their work and decide if further training is necessary prior to being promoted to Gamma.

Gamma: Gammas will be responsible for dealing with Chat Moderation. Administrators stay in this Rank until they demonstrate near complete comprehension of Protocol and Rules. But with good behavior, dedication and hard work Gamma's are more likely to be promoted. However, if an Administrator fails to show that they are capable of their duties within a certain time frame (3 months), more discreet training may be considered.

Beta: No Gamma is guaranteed promotion to Beta, but can be eligible for this promotion 3 months after being promoted to Gamma. After this period, it will be voted on by the current Alphas & Betas based on careful consideration of the Gamma's behavior, team skills, dedication, hard work, and competency demonstrated during being a Gamma.

Alpha: Not all Administrators will make it to this Rank. When a Beta has gone above and beyond, they may become an Alpha if they are chosen to become one by the current Alphas based on their behavior, team skills, dedication and work ethic.

Regarding Departments for New Administration
New Administration: All new applicants will be required to wait a minimum of 1 month until joining any of the Administrative Departments. The ability to join a Department will be based on how well their training as an Apprentice went, how they are handling their role as Gamma, their behavior on Chat and the Forums, the comprehension of Protocol and Rules, their dedication, and work ethic. After a Gamma has waited at least 1 month after joining the Administration they can then apply for Departments by sending a PM to the Alphas requesting further training for any Department.

Our goal is to see how this will ultimately work out in the end, and may also be subject to change as time goes on. Please feel free to ask questions or reach out to an Administrator as needed.

Thank you for reading,
- The Wolfhome Administration

New Policy & Form:

Returning Staff Members

If a staff member decides to step down or resign, they must wait until staff applications are open again to request a return to the team. Similarly to an Admin Application, they will need to fill out a Staff Return Application and send it to an available Alpha.

✦ Please remember that submitting a Staff Return Application does not guarantee a return to the team and there are a few additional stipulations in place that must be followed.


Requirements

We consider multiple factors such as activity on the chat and forum, profile, community & team standing, and how involved individuals are in current events, reworks, and other happenings of the community.

Minimum Activity
You must be consistently active for at least 2 months on our chat/forum. We expect to see you logging into the chat at least twice per week, spending at least 15 hours in chat per month. In addition to this, we would like to see at least two posts per week on the forum. The community's level of activity in general may affect this requirement and differ at times. Even so, it is crucial to demonstrate your presence and make an authentic effort to connect with fellow members positively. This entails staying active on chat and forums, engaging in regular conversations, and prioritizing the community's interests. This allows our members to become familiar and comfortable with you over time.

Community Participation
It's important that you actively participate in recent community events and contribute to the community as a whole during your 2 months of required activity. This includes publicly commenting on and contributing to any rule changes, recent announcements, forum discussions, and other important events. We expect all staff members to continue this activity even after returning to the team. Remaining idle for long periods in chat or only contributing to game topics will not count towards community participation. We highly recommend joining community teams that align with your interests to showcase your passion and enthusiasm. While not required, it can make a positive impact on your presence within the community.

Sniff/Profile
Your sniff/profile and any linked content from either of these must follow our rules & be appropriate for a staff member to possess.

Community Standing
If we have reason to believe that you have caused distress to others in the past, or if we consider the situation to be too sensitive or detrimental for you to return to the team, we may ask you to submit a request to return at a later date after resolving any issues with other community members or if we feel enough time has passed since then. As representatives of Wolfhome and its team as a whole, all of our staff members must maintain a respectful, friendly, helpful, and approachable demeanor toward everyone at all times.

Team Standing
To return to the team, the manner in which you left may play a part in the decision. We will evaluate important factors including your team participation, how well you communicated with your teammates and the community, as well as the circumstances surrounding your departure. Additionally, we will investigate whether your departure was due to inactivity and examine your level of involvement in staff responsibilities prior to leaving,

Disqualifications

Unfortunately, certain actions can disqualify you from rejoining the team. These actions include but are not limited to:

• being reported for misconduct or breaking rules during your absence
• attempting to gain unauthorized access to application or administrative information during your time away
• causing conflict with the community or other members, especially due to your previously held position on the team

Returning Staff & Departments

When promoted to Gamma, you are eligible to join a single department after 1 week if you have successfully eased into your Gamma role. After another week of settling into your new department, you may request to join another department, and so on.


Returning Staff Promotions

All members forfeit their previous rank when resigning and will begin as an Apprentice upon their return. This consists of a refresh/recap of 1 week at minimum, after which you will be promoted to Gamma. After one month, you may be eligible to be promoted to Beta based on your conduct, activity, and overall performance as a Gamma and if you had previously been one before you resigned. Returning to an Alpha position is still considered rare and only happens when necessary and if the current Alphas agree on this together.

Upon Returning
You will be assigned to the Apprentice role.

Apprentice to Gamma
Minimum of 1 week retraining/recap/refresher period. Promoted to Gamma after understanding new policies/feeling comfy back on the team.

Gamma to Beta
Minimum of 1 month of steady activity, etc., and working on projects before moving up to Beta if you've been at this rank previously.

Beta to Alpha
You must wait for an open position to return to Alpha.

The Process

• The Staff Return Application should be submitted with detailed answers to each question.
• We will review your application as a team, which may take 1 - 2 weeks.
• After careful consideration, the team will decide whether to approve your return. If approved, you will be granted the Apprentice rank and assigned a mentor to help you settle back in.
• Upon rejoining the team, you will be considered for promotion to the Gamma role after 1 week depending on how well you adjust. After 1 - 2 weeks of settling into the Gamma role, you may then be eligible to join a department.

__________________________________________________________

Staff Return Application

What is your current availability? Will it change if brought back?*

What is your goal upon being brought back into the Staff?*

What have you learned in the time that you've been away?*

Have you joined the Fellowship of Wolfhome and Chatlands Townhall Discord servers? If not, do you plan on joining?

Are you comfortable working alongside current staff members in their respective roles?*

What kind of support do you need from the Alphas and the rest of the Staff to help you feel comfortable returning?*

How familiarized are you with the current rules?*

Do you have any concerns with current rules?*

Are there any changes you would like to see regarding the Staff and how it functions before you return?

Is there anything else we should know about your plans to return to the Wolfhome Staff?*

Taking into account your departure reasoning, how will this affect your ability to return to the Staff?*

Have you read and know what to expect when following our new Returning Admin policy?*