Hello, everyone! I want to address a change in the rules that we are going to try, starting right now!

From now on, we are going to allow links to be posted in the channel... following certain guidelines. We hope this will make moderation easier, as well as allowing you guys to have better discussions with each other.

The types of links allowed now are ones that are on-topic, or pertinent to a conversation. For instance, if someone is asking for help in buying a piece of hardware, they can give a link in channel asking if that's the right type or a good buy.

Another type allowed would be if you are answering a question to help someone, you can give a link to the information they need.

Things like this will be allowed from now on.

So what is still NOT allowed? Personal links are still a no-no, and are spam. No linking to your own Twitter/MySpace/Facebook/YouTube. No linking off to pictures of yourself/your dog/your family. Things like this will still get your warned, and then kicked.

HOpefully this will make the chat experience better for everyone involved, from you the chatters up through the moderation team.

As always, we welcome any input and suggestions you have... and will do our best to answer any questions or concerns.

Thank you!

Kat, CCMike, usrbingeek, Fort and Brigitte
#Chris Admin Team

Sounds great Kat Thanks for the update!

Will there be some sort of website scanner so that users do not get viruses when they go to a linked website. I fear for the security of users on IRC.

-hsushoe

That's not possible for us to do, no. You will have to use your own discretion when choosing whether or not to click on a link.

Linking to viruses / trojans etc. is a violation of WyldRyde rules and will be dealt with accordingly.

Cool, thanks for the update.

GREAT KAT!

i'm a bit afraid that this new rule might be exploited.... We were doing ok with the no links rule and if you need to direct someone to a link there's always the notice and/or the private message. Anyway, since it's for better moderation i won't say no more But keep in mind guys , and i'm sure you already have taken that under consideration, that there a lot of people out there just waiting for a chance to link to their " help forum " or their " tech-help blog " .

Let's just hope that works and that people will appreciate the right to post helpful links.

Woot! sounds good!

I'm really starting to like this new rule, it makes the chat room alot more lively being able to post links to certain help sites to help other users out, as well as showing users products to help them with decisions.

I just hope people won't abuse the rules and start posting links to viruses (.exe files) or other abusive sites claiming to be an anti-virus or something of that nature, as some of our younger users may not have the judgment NOT to visit the link.

Maybe it would be a good idea to disallow links (via bot) directly to executable files or anything that could be harmful to a user?