Summary of Forum Rules Changes
2020 Update

This summary is an explanation of key changes to our 2020 rules update. This summary does not contain the actual text, but rather explains the intent of each rule change. Other minor rule changes were made, but this is a summary of the major changes.

1c. Forum Languages
Users were previously discouraged from using non-English links as source material, and that is more clearly articulated in this update. Because this is an international forum conducted and moderated in English, it is important that we all be able to converse in the same language. We do realize that there are not always English sources available, and if that is the case, users will now be responsible to provide a translation of the article content. This does not need to be a full translation, but it should include the important points of the article. Failing to do so may result in the post or thread being removed.

1g. Thread Bumps
This subsection has been updated to clarify some confusion that existed in the past. Threads should now remain dormant if the most recent post occurred more than six months ago. Users must still request permission to bump a dormant or locked thread by emailing moderators@airliners.net.

1h. Creating Thread Titles
This is a new subsection created to define how threads should be titled. Threads that are purposely worded as clickbait or are overly vague may be changed by moderators or deleted entirely. Users should be as specific as possible when creating a thread title to give an accurate preview of the thread topic (e.g. “Delta A321” versus “Will Delta take delivery of more A321s?”). In addition, this rule emphasizes that ALL CAPS are not permitted in titles or post bodies unless they are abbreviations or it requires specific context. Thread titles should never be in ALL CAPS to attract attention to the post, nor should unnecessary symbols or excessive punctuation be used.

1i. Requirements to Create a Thread
This is a new subsection created to reinforce the requirements needed to create a new thread. Users are required to include their own commentary whenever creating a new thread. If a thread does not contain your own words, it is subject to deletion. This is a discussion forum, not a news site. Links to source material are required when applicable, and quotes are recommended, but your own commentary is always required.

1k. Use of Images and Copyrighted Content
This is a new subsection created to reinforce our rules on use of images and copyrighted materials. Images may only be posted if they are properly sourced (including a link, if applicable), even if the image belongs to you. Images from competing aviation sites or forums are not permitted under any circumstances. In addition, text that does not belong to you must be properly linked and sourced. The use of “memes” is only permitted in the Non Aviation Forum, and they must be accompanied by user commentary.

1m. Quoting Other Users
This is a new subsection created to outline the restrictions of quoting other users in your post content. Users are encouraged to use the quote feature when responding to another user, but you should be aware that if their post is removed for a rules violation, then your post must also be removed to delete their comment. It is recommended that users only quote the user or users they are intending to reply, rather than including all previous replies within the quote (those that may not be applicable to your reply). In addition, users may not alter the username or quoted content, except to remove portions of the text to reply to specific words/sentences/paragraphs. Altering a quote to change the meaning of the quoted content is specifically forbidden.

1q. Flamebait
This is a new subsection created to specifically define flamebait content. Users should not purposely create threads or posts to incite arguments. Controversial statements that have the potential to purposely derail the thread may be removed for this reason. This also includes the use of pejorative terms for public or political figures as a means of angering other users.

1r. Use of Signatures and Avatars
This subsection has been updated to reinforce our previously existing rules on this topic. Signature lines may not contain links to any form of social media or advertisement without moderator approval. Moderator approval can be obtained by emailing moderators@airliners.net. In addition, avatars and signature lines may not be used to promote political agendas or ideologies. This is an aviation website, and political comments are restricted to the Non Aviation Forum. Since signatures and avatars can be seen across the forums, their use for political statements is not permitted. User accounts may be banned indefinitely after being requested to change their signature lines or avatars to comply with the rules, until such time as the user chooses to comply.

1v. Posting Sensitive Information or Proprietary Materials
This is a new subsection related to the posting of sensitive or proprietary content. Users are urged not to post content that may compromise security, or materials that are confidential to their source. These are public forums, and anyone could be reading our content, so please be mindful of the content posted.

2b. Use of Paywalled Content
This is a new subsection regarding the use of sourced materials that are behind paywalls. Users should not be expected to pay for content to verify the information being posted. Therefore, if only paywalled content is available, the user posting the content must provide a full and complete summary in their own words of the content. If users provide an inaccurate or purposely incomplete summary, the post or thread may be removed.

2d. Links to/Sources from Social Media
This is a new subsection regarding the use of social media as sources. Users may not link to their own social media sources without moderator approval, as it violates our standards on advertising and self-promotion. Users should be cautious when using social media sources as confirmed sources, unless the social media account is verified to have come directly from the company. Social media sources that are unverified are not considered credible, and the thread should be created as speculative until a legitimate news source can be provided.

3. Trip Reports Forum
This is an entirely new section created to better define the requirements of creating a trip report. This is our most strictly enforced forum, as users expect high quality content to be posted here. Traditional trip reports should be thorough and descriptive, and it is recommended that they contain images. Using images on an external source like a blog or image hosting site is permitted, but users must make a reasonable effort to embed a selection of images (at least 5-6 at a minimum) if they are linking to an external source for more images. Video trip reports are now more common, but we require that they be treated differently, as some users still prefer traditional reports. Video trip reports must contain “*Video Only*” at the start of the thread title, and a brief summary and narrative must be included (at least a couple of paragraphs). We are asking that users make a reasonable effort, so those threads lacking in effort are subject to deletion. Our forum doesn’t exist as a host to gain YouTube clicks, which is why we require some effort to be made.

4a. Deletions and Notifications
Because automated notifications are not a feature of this site, users should not be expected to receive any notification when posts or threads are removed. The removal of posts and threads is not personal, so please don’t take it as such. As volunteer users, moderators do not have the ability to contact each user individually for simple post deletions and still effectively moderate the forum. Therefore, users are asked to email moderators@airliners.net to ask about deleted content. Users will always receive an answer for the deletion. Please do not PM moderators, post about it in the forum, or repost your deleted comment without contacting us via email.

5a. Reporting a Post
It is very important that you utilize the Report This Post feature to help us moderate the forums. We are all one community, and we therefore rely on users to help us effectively moderate. This feature can be used for any reason that requires attention, including reporting your own posts. Reporting a post does not necessarily mean it is reviewed for deletion. We also ask that users report housekeeping items like duplicate posts. If there are several posts or an entire thread that you believe requires our review, please only report the first offending post, and let us know that multiple posts require our attention. Generating numerous reports is tedious and time-consuming for you and us, so please do not report multiple successive posts.

5b. Reporting as Retaliation
Users attempting to use the Report This Post feature as a means of retaliating against another user may be subject to a warning or ban themselves. This is a tool to help us all effectively manage the forum, and it should not be misused.