Forum rules are written with the hope that moderators will never have to enforce them. The problem is that forum rules are usually not all that visible and it’s easy to forget them. So, we are posting them here as a reminder.
Without further delay, here are the official rules for the Solar2D Forums:
1. Be polite!
Posts may not include personal attacks, insults or other derogatory remarks, or links to offensive or illegal material. Remember that we have members in various age groups, so keep things professional. Instead of posting an attack, post something positive that contributes to the conversation.
2. Post only once
Duplicate posts may be considered spam and are subject to removal. Use search before starting a new topic
3. Post to the appropriate sub-forum
Posting in the correct place makes your post easier to find and more valuable for the community. Moderators may use discretion and move your posts if they are clearly in the wrong sub-forum.
4. Use clear topic titles
Use “Help with collision detection” rather than “Help me!” or “Big Problem!”. The clearer the topic title, the more likely you are to get assistance from the community and begin a productive discussion.
5. Do not “hijack” threads
When your post takes the thread off-topic from the original question, it’s rude to the person who originally posted. In this case, it’s better to ask your question in a new thread.
6. Do not expect an immediate response
This is a community forum and the members get to your posts when they are able to. Posting twice or duplicating posts in other forums (see #2 above) is actually counter-productive and is not likely to bring about a resolution faster.
7. No profanity
We will not tolerate profanity or inappropriate words.
8. No trolling
As a rule, we don’t want to censor your posts when you’re expressing an opinion, except in the case of specific points listed above. As long as you are civil, professional, and make valid points, we will not remove posts. However, if you are posting solely for the sake of being disruptive, we reserve the right to remove posts and/or block accounts. Likewise, for the sake of basic openness, general transparency, and safety of the community, user accounts and posts originating from anonymous accounts, including those behind anonymity services, are liable to be blocked and all posts removed.
9. Use code formatting
The easier you make it for others to help you, the more likely you are to receive help. An important part of this is formatting your code correctly. These forums use the standard markdown formatting, i.e.
To format a single line of code, you need to surround your line of code with backticks. For instance, `local myNumber = 1` will be rendered as local myNumber = 1.
To format larger blocks of code, you need to surround your code using triple backticks, like so:
```lua
local myNumber = 1
print( myNumber )
```
By including the lua tag at the start, the forums will apply syntax highlighting to it, rendering it as:
local myNumber = 1
print( myNumber )
10. Post in English, or use one of the language-specific forums
We encourage developers across the world to use Solar2D and participate in the forums, and we’ll do our best to accommodate those who don’t speak English natively. However, if you’re posting in the “main” forums, you will get better results if you post in English, even if it’s not grammatically perfect.
11. Use readable language and please don’t “shout”
Please do not use “text speak” or ALL CAPS. All CAPS is considered “shouting” and is not polite. Shouting may result in posts being hidden or removed.
12. Avoid large fonts and crazy colors
If you use a very large font, you are effectively shouting. If you make your text all yellow and orange, it will be difficult to read. We want to keep the forums pleasant and readable, so outrageous formatting will not be tolerated. However, for the time being, we will allow basic formatting because moderate, sensible use can enhance posts.
13. Please limit “bumping”
Bumping of older posts should be kept to a minimum. A general guideline is to wait a couple days, or longer over weekends and holidays. There is no guarantee how quickly posts will be answered in the forums. Sometimes it takes longer for someone with specific knowledge of your issue to see the post and respond.
14. No signatures
We have removed the ability to automatically include signatures below your posts. We find that they usually clutter up the forums, and they can be used for unrelated marketing purposes. We’d rather people just sign with their name.
15. No advertising or spam
This is not an advertising platform for other services, with two notable exceptions:
You can use the Solar2D Classifieds forums to promote things that are legitimately related to Solar2D and mobile development, for example third-party services, templates, libraries, contractor searches, development partnerships, etc.
You can post about recently released or soon-to-be-released Solar2D made apps in the New Apps / Works In Progress forum.
Otherwise, spam will not be tolerated, and any account that posts spam will be promptly blocked and all posts removed.
16. Avoid private messages to staff
Please avoid sending private messages to the staff. Instead, please ask your question in the appropriate forum. While we appreciate you reaching out to us, you’ll get better responses by posting for the entire community to see. If you need urgent technical assistance or customer support regarding your account, please use the contact form.
17. Avoid posts that are not useful to Solar2D developers
Our forums are intended for discussion that’s beneficial to Solar2D developers. Excessive off-topic posts or posts promoting competing platforms may be grounds for post removal or banning from the forums.
18. Miscellaneous
By posting in a thread, you understand that you may be subscribed to the topic and receive email notifications when updates occur. Similarly, by posting in the forum, you agree that you have read and understand all of the rules outlined above.
This summarizes the rules for the Solar2D forums. Posts that do not adhere to the above guidelines may be edited or removed. Repeated violations of the rules may results in your suspension or expulsion from the forum.
Please note that the views expressed by forum members, moderators, or administrators are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any company.
Finally, we want to be flexible to the needs of the Solar2D Community. These rules are subject to change. If they do change, we’ll try our best to clarify what changed and why. Our goal is to provide a welcoming space where the Solar2D community can learn, ask for help, and engage in useful, constructive discussions about app development and related issues.