Players acknowledge, by participating in Dune PBeM, that they will adhere to the following regulations and conditions and that failure to do so may result in removal and/or an associated ban:

• GM decisions, and rulings on RPs, may at times feel unfair or harsh. This is not through singling an individual out for unfair treatment. Rulings are, on the whole, non-negotiable and this principle is applied to all players alike. However if a player feels a ruling is *particularly* unwarranted then they should write an email to the GM directly with the RP name, a link to the topic thread in the forum, and an ordered list of the specific points/evidence raised in objection. If a player does not spend the time in providing a coherent argument then the GM will not find time to hear it. Cases will be considered on an individual bases; rulings may be altered or amended but only in exceptional circumstances.
• If any participant has a complaint, or an issue concerning either a fellow player or the rulings or GM decision-making, then the first port of call is a direct email to the GM: thegamecreator@dunepbem.com.
  Nobody else will be able to resolve the issue satisfactorily.
• Players should never 'assume': participants cannot write forum-based roleplays (RPs) which use or 'control' the actions of other participants' characters or factions. Players acknowledge that they control only their own faction and the characters associated with it. Participants may not act on behalf of other players.
• Players agree that they will not 'flame'. Out of character (OOC) insults and heated exchanges are not helpful in any way. If a participant has an issue with another player then they are encouraged to contact the GM who will mediate a resolution or take any other relevant action. Players who 'flame' are not welcome.
• Profanity is not permitted on the forum or via private messages: this game has been voluntarily rated PG-13. This applies to any other writing element which may fall foul of this restriction (i.e. sexual content should be 'implied' at most, or - more preferably - left out all together).
• Players acknowledge that they will respect one another. Not everyone has the time to invest in writing lengthy essay-style stories. Not all players have years of writing experience. Quantity does not imply quality, and a decent paragraph or two is the minimum needed to participate. Participation will help players develop their writing skills as much as it will give others the chance to utilise their own: everyone is welcome regardless of writing style.
• Existing players agree not to "bite the newcomers". The rules can get complex, and our gaming history can be considerably complex and convoluted. New players are not expected to grasp everything instantly, or memorise every last detail. Players agree to treating new arrivals as they would expect to be treated themselves.
• Players acknowledge that they will not mix out-of-character (OOC) and in-character (IC) threats or promises (e.g. making IC/OOC threats to other players, or the GM, for OOC/IC rewards/promises if that player, or the GM, does not do as asked). This includes, but is not limited to, threatening or asking players to lobby the GM; and threatening OOC responses to IC activity (harassing players, the GM, or attempting to exert leverage by threatening participation).
• Players agree that they will not insult or denigrate other participants, including the GM, by OOC commentary. This includes but is not limited to comments on the quality of another player's involvement, or the GM; writing slanderous accusations about other players or the GM; or any other commentary which is designed to draw others into a personal battle or point of view. Note that issuing a complaint about the behaviour of another participant is not considered subject to this condition: participants are encouraged to contact the GM, with evidence, if they or another participant is being treated inappropriately.
• Players acknowledge that knowing other participants outside of Dune PBeM (whether in real life or in other games) is not grounds for bloc-alignment in this game. While there are no restrictions on factions, which are run by players who know each other, from aligning players acknowledge that such behaviour will be scrutinised and if unfair bias is introduced in to play as a result then the GM reserves the right to take remedial action.