In addition to the general guidelines listed in the "rules of conduct" section, players are also subject to these supplementary rules while playing Matrix Online. While by no means an all-inclusive list of the do's and don'ts in Matrix Online, it provides a suitable foundation by which the player can determine what activities are appropriate:

1. Again, foul language is not permitted, in any language.

Excessive use of foul language in an inappropriate context, including swear words, real-world racial slurs, and other language that is not consistent with the fantasy environment and designed to hurt, will be considered a disruption. The existence of any chat/text filtering function is not a license to be profane.

2. To expound upon the general guidelines, you may not harass other players.

Harassment is defined as specifically targeting another player or group of players to harm or inconvenience them. Harassment can take many forms, as it goes to the state-of-mind of the person or Squad on the receiving end of the action. However, in order to account for those who are excessively thin-skinned, the CSR involved will make a determination as to whether or not the average person would feel "harassed" and act accordingly.

3. You may not disrupt the normal playability of an area.

Area Disruption is defined as any activity designed to harm or inconvenience a number of groups rather than a specific player or group of players. This includes things such as:

Making excessive and inappropriate use of area or world-wide communications.

4. You may not operate a guild that habitually violates these rules.

Disciplinary issues involving guilds will also be addressed on a broader basis. Guilds whose members habitually violate any of the Rules of Conduct or Play Nice Policies may be disbanded.

5. You may not abuse other players, customer service representatives, or the game system.

Though some of these actions are covered in part by other rules, they deserve their own note here. The following things would be considered an "abuse" in game:

Hate Mongering - participation in or propagation of Hate literature, behavior, or propaganda related to real -world characteristics. Sexual Abuse or Harassment - untoward and unwelcome advances of a graphic and sexual nature. This includes virtual **bleep**, overt sexual overtures, and stalking of a sexual nature. Attempting to Defraud a CS Representative - Petitioning with untrue information with the intention of receiving benefits as a result. This includes reporting bug deaths, experience loss, or accusing other players of wrongdoing without basis for it. Impersonating a Customer Service Representative - falsely representing yourself to another player as a SOE CSR or other SOE employee. CS Personnel Abuse -- making physical threats, or using abusive language against a CS Representative. Using Threats of Retribution by CSR Friends - attempting to convince another player that they have no recourse in a disagreement because favoritism is shown to one of the parties by the SOE staff.

 6. "Role-playing" does not grant a license to violate these rules.

Though Matrix Online™ is a RPG set in a fantasy world, the claim of "Role-play" will not be accepted in defense of any of the anti-social behaviors mentioned above. As an example, you are in no case allowed to use profanity to taunt other players. By all means we want to encourage you to play your role, we just cannot allow that role-play to be done at another's out-of-game expense.

<em><span style="color: #ff0000">These policies will be enforced on this message board</span></em>

Message Edited by TSR-Joel on <span class="date_text">08-16-2005</span> <span class="time_text">12:05 AM</span>