TeamSpeak Etiquette

[Maestrell]

TeamSpeak is a great way to communicate within the guild, for raids, and for general socialization and fun. This TeamSpeak server is currently run by the guild leader. We want everyone to have fun and enjoyment for their time on TeamSpeak. To keep things from getting chaotic and out of hand, you are expected to adhere to a few basic rules, as you would if you were coming to my house to visit. This is a temporary list and subject to change as I see fit to improve it:

• My server is my house. Using TeamSpeak is a privilege, not a right. Don't come into my house getting rude and obnoxious and think I won't stick my foot in your behind. If you have suggestions to improve things, we would love to hear them. If you simply come to complain about everything, without giving any constructive input, you will be shown the door.
  
  Long term guild members who have proven themselves will be granted more rights than those that just joined. Example:
  ~ You just joined TeamSpeak today and within 5 minutes told me to go 'F' myself. That would probably be an instant ban/guild removal.
  ~ A guild member who has been in guild for 5 years has told me to go 'F' myself. This player has already proven themselves to be a worthwhile asset to the guild so would be taken in context.
  
  
• Push-to-Talk. This means you need to push a key so we can hear what you are saying. This is good. This way we only hear you when you are talking.
  
  By default TeamSpeak is set up for Voice Activation. This means that every time you talk, we can hear you. This also means every time you cough, sneeze, burp, fart, flush the toilet, or your dog barks, we can hear that as well. This is bad. Please make sure your settings to Push-to-Talk or you may find yourself permanently muted.
  Edit: Our server is now set up so that the only option available is Push to Talk.
  
  Continuous Transmission: I am sure it has its uses, but NOT HERE. Choosing this option will get you instantly kicked from the server.
  
  
• Zip it! If I am discussing raid instruction and you are discussing something irrelevant to the raid, you are not helping the raid. You will be reminded that it is raid time and need to focus. Repeat offenders may be muted or kicked. Intentionally disrupting the server during an event will get you banned.
  
  
• Guessing game. We don't play guessing games. Use your EQ name as your TeamSpeak name. This keeps it short and simple. Shortening it is acceptable, if you demonstrate that we know who you are.
  
  Example: 'Maestrell' may be shortened to 'Mae' or 'Maes'. If you use something like 'i5F2dStf1J7kN9', you won't be recognized and will be kicked immediately. We have enough names to remember without having additional nicknames on TeamSpeak. Space is limited and we can't allow complete strangers.
  
  
• Server admin. Don't immediately expect to be a server admin. This would be like giving you the key to my house.
  
  
• Be polite to everyone. If you are prone to argument and don't know when to shut your beak after being told to stop, you will be given a warning the first time. Kick from the server will be next. We don't tolerate it.
  
  
• Knock before entering. Usually entering a channel and announcing your presence is enough. Don't intrude when people are obviously having a private conversation. Right click their name and send a poke (private message) if it is important. Do not enter private rooms like Officer Chat. Officer Chat is for private Officer discussions.
  
  
• Private Channels. People have private chat channels because they want a quiet room to chat with their current group, it doesn't mean they hate you. This usually means people want the freedom to have their own place to chat about whatever they want, usually with their own group about strategy for the exp group they are currently in, and not usually for chat about today's weather, so don't enter their channel and expect that they want to get chatty. If you would like to enter, right click their name and send them a 'poke' (private message) and ask if you may enter their channel.
  
  If you are granted the privilege of having your own private room, at least have the courtesy of poking your head out and socializing with the rest of the guild in the lobby every now and then, even if it's for 5 minutes. Some people might get the impression that you're a hermit.
  
  
• You are not the center of the universe. Even if the room you are in is marked as 'public' like the Lobby, it does not give you the freedom to chat it up like John Moschitta.
  
  
  
  If you monopolize the chat channel people will either put you on mute or switch channels, and they will probably continue to do so if they get the first impression that you are unbearably annoying. I don't really care what your dad is watching on TV or that your mom made pot roast for dinner, especially when I can't get a word in. Being interrupted or drowned out is rude no matter who is speaking. Don't have a panic attack because you have so many words to spew out that by holding it in, it's giving you gas. Take a deep breath and let other people have a chance to speak.
  
  Interesting fact: Statistics show that on average, men fart more than women. Why? Women can't stop talking long enough to build up the necessary air pressure. ;D
  
  
  
• Leaving the guild. I want to leave the guild but I still want to use TeamSpeak! No. Usually you will be laughed at. If you left the guild because of a conflict with its members, why on earth would you want to join TeamSpeak? Why don't you use the voice chat of your new guild? They don't have one? Oh that's unfortunate for you now, isn't it? If you are granted the opportunity to use TS while unguilded, you should realize that the number of active accounts are limited, and your being there takes up limited space. Consider yourself blessed, and don't abuse the privilege or give out the password.
  
  Edit: It seems that we need some clarification as to who is allowed or not allowed access to our TeamSpeak server. Until now, previous guild members who wish to remain on TeamSpeak were given a temporary ban because this is a private guild TeamSpeak server. Since you are no longer in Callidus, you have no reason to be here. This is nothing personal, it is the way it has always been. It is not because I am angry or because I hate you. If you choose to remain friends with the current members, you may be granted TeamSpeak privileges once again, like several other non members have done. We usually give it about a month or so.
  
  Some exceptions will be made from time to time, but those times are rare. If any guild member can not get on the TeamSpeak server because it is full, the non members will be kicked without warning, to make room for the members who are trying to log on. There are groups of people on the TeamSpeak server who do not play EverQuest. These people have a reason to be here. They are considered guild members and will be given priority over non guild members. You do not have the right to question why they are here. This is not open to discussion.
  
  
  
• The guild leader is not immune to the guild rules, I try to lead by example. If I am being annoying, feel free to let me know, as you would expect someone to let you know that you have a booger hanging out of your nose before you go to get your picture taken.
  
  

These rules are temporary and will probably be improved upon as soon as I think of anything that may benefit them.