                   CatNET(sm) User Rules and Regulations
                   

               Effective: Sunday 12 April 1992
Last Revisions/Additions: Revised rule #6               - 11/12/94
                          Added paragraph #2 to rule #2 - 11/12/94
                          Added paragraph #3 to rule #9 - 11/12/94

CatNET(sm) is a Network of Bulletin Board Services that share common message
conferences, which are echoed between these Bulletin Boards via the Hub.
This Network is a voluntary service provided by participating System
Operators, their respective Bulletin Board Systems, and the CatNET(sm) Hub.

Here are the current rules and regulation concerning user participation in
all Network conferences and Network messages.

1.  Flaming or similar personal attacks on this Network are prohibited.
    Derogatory racial, ethnic, or other such remarks are not allowed.

2.  No abusive or offensive language is allowed; and no abusive, offensive
    or lewd graphics are allowed.

    The practice of "HEX-EDITING" profane, obscene, or offensive language is
    prohibited. This network defines HEX-EDITING as using asterisks, "X"s,
    dashes, underline characters, etc. to mask out letters in a word.

3.  Real names must be used.  No ALIASES or HANDLES are allowed in any
    Network Conferences, except the "Channel 1" conference.

4.  No illegal activities will be tolerated, including but not limited to
    PIRACY, PHREAKING, or other CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.

5.  Messages on this network are PUBLIC and accessible to every user on
    every node of this network.

    PRIVATE messages are available only in the USER-USER conference. While
    every effort is made by the network software to correctly route and
    protect such private messages, the Network disclaims all responsibility
    should these measures fail.

    Network Sysops have the ability to monitor ALL messages routed through
    their nodes.

6.  Messages may be of any length if the matter contained within the message
    warrants it.
      a) Excessive quoting is not permitted, quote only enough of the
         message you are replying to, to remind the user what the thread is
         about.
      b) Do not quote whole messages.
      c) Mail routing tags and taglines should not be quoted unless you are
         specifically talking about them.
    Ideally the quoted material should not consist of more than your reply.
    Basically just use common sense.

7.  Messages should be contained within suitable conferences that address
    the subject thread.

8.  The use of ANSI color signatures is permitted in all Network conferences
    provided they do not take up the bulk of a message. ANSI BBS
    advertisements are allowed in the BBS_Ads conference. All other ANSI
    screens are allowed ONLY in the ANSI/Graphics conference.

9.  Any user found to be in violation of any Network rule will be issued a
    warning, and/or on the judgement of the CatNET(sm) Administrator, be
    prevented from accessing any or all Network conferences from ALL Network
    nodes.

    If a user is directed by a Local SysOp, Conference Host, Moderator, or
    member of the Network Administrative Team to drop a topic or course of
    conduct, they must do so immediately. Failure to comply with a
    directive will result in an immediate 10 day suspension. Further action
    may be taken after review and determination by the Network Administrator.

    Moderation messages which emanate from Conference Hosts, Moderators,
    Network Supervisors the CatNET(sm) HUB SysOp or the Network
    Administrator may not be censored, edited, deleted, or otherwise
    misdirected. NetSysOps must ensure that all moderation messages reach
    the intended recipient without interference.

10. No warranties expressed or implied, are made by the Network or by any
    participating nodes regarding the contents or subject matter contained
    within Network messages.

11. Posting of items for sale is allowed in the BUY/SELL/SWAP conference and
    only by those persons acting as individuals, selling items they own and
    not as a commercial entity.

    Businesses or those persons posting in the capacity of agent, or on
    behalf of a commercial entity are prohibited from advertising items for
    sale on CatNET(sm). A commercial enterprise is defined for these
    purposes as one which is established solely for the sale or resale of
    items to the public.

    Messages offering the same item(s) for sale are NOT to be posted more
    than ONCE a week.

                                 David Kaufman - Network Administrator 
