BE SURE TO READ AT LEAST THE FOLLOWING TWO PARAGRAPHS (AND ALSO THE 12TH PARAGRAPH BELOW), NO MATTER IF YOU TYPICALLY READ REGISTRATION / USER / TOS AGREEMENTS OR NOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OK, first and foremost, IMMEDIATELY set your e-mail SPAM controls to whitelist (in other words, NOT block !) the domain: classicarcadegaming.com Alternately, you can whitelist these two e-mail addresses:
admin2006 [(at symbol)] classicarcadegaming.com
mark [(at symbol)] classicarcadegaming.com
Note that, by IMMEDIATELY, that means NOW, and BEFORE you proceed any further past this page. Sorry to use capitals / 'shout', but some people won't notice the important notations otherwise...
NOTE THAT ALL FORUMS MEMBERSHIPS MUST BE APPROVED FIRST BY THE ADMINISTRATOR. You will be asked, via e-mail, your main purpose for joining the forums. If your explanation is a typical, reasonable one, you'll be granted access. I apologize for the 'heavy-handed' way this sounds, but many persons join in order to do things other than post information about this hobby (such as: post spam; sell items; or find out the e-mail address of a member). Since the only real reason to join forums is to post, you are expected, within a short time frame (say, 24 hours or less), to MAKE A POST, and if you are not joining for this reason, DO NOT JOIN ! If a post is not done within a short time, your account may be subject to deletion. This is because spammers (or their robots) tend to register, and then never do a post. One final note: non-members have FULL access to ALL posts that members do, so if you're joining because you think you will have access to more posts, that is NOT the case... so, don't join for that reason !! Now, on to the rest of the agreement; please read ALL of it...
Note that you MUST have your current, and working, e-mail address 'on file', in your profile, at all times. If your originally registered e-mail address is changed, or is not functional, you MUST register a new, current, working one immediately.
You agree, through your use of this forum, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, adult material, or otherwise in violation of any International or United States Federal law. Also, there is to be no 'flaming', and / or posts that serve to incite others, whether you overly meant it or not. THE LATTER SITUATION IS A HUGE VIOLATION, AND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED !!! YOU WILL QUICKLY BE BANNED !!! Final note: in general, negativity and confrontation are to be totally avoided, but if: it's occasional, AND it has a reasonable purpose (especially a purpose that has a goal of betterment), I am certainly more prone to give leeway to it. Of course, don't test the admin on this, and don't push the admin's buttons by using the last sentence in a 'twisted' way to skirt the intent... You also agree not to post any copyrighted material unless you own the copyright or you have written consent from the owner of the copyrighted material. Note that, in some instances (as afforded by copyright law), you can make quotations, and limited repostings, of other's people's text postings elsewhere on the Internet. But... BE SURE to follow copyright laws, and ALSO, be sure to give them credit, and provide a link back to the original page the material is from.
While profanity is technically not allowed, the main concern is over 'graphic' and 'extreme' terms, versus more 'G' and 'PG' rated terminology. Also, even though you are subject to penalties, if OCCASIONAL use of the 'f' and 's' words are done, since there is automatic word censoring in effect on the forums, there will likely be no penalty given. Still, do not test this 'slack' too much... 
A 'grey' area might be the posting of links to material, or of the material itself, that contains things that are banned on the forums. Examples would be: profanity (say, in a rap song, a graphic image, etc.), sexual content (spoken words, graphical / pictorialized words), and overt / obvious violence (videos, images, verbiage advocating such). In other words, don't post material, or links to such, that an appreciable portion of an average group of people would find offensive or improper. And, when in doubt, DON'T post...
As most reasonable people do, the forum administrator HATES spam (defined as posts, PM's, or e-mails to forum members that advertise or promote ANYTHING, and / or that have benefit in some way for the poster / sender). All (scummy) spammers WILL be pursued using the IP address logging function. I will turn you in to your ISP, your registrar, and the legal authorities (who ARE jailing spammers). It's simple: don't do it here !! In addition to spam, these things are also forbidden on this forum: flooding (whether mass / multi-posting, or mass / multi-PM-ing), advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes, and solicitations. Do I even have to say it; you WILL be pursued, and turned in ! However, one exception to an advertising type of post (though NOT a PM) is allowed - namely, the sale of PERSONAL (and non-business related) classic arcade gaming related items (and ONLY items of this type), when posted on the appropriate 'Classifieds' board. I will also exempt very occasional posts from domains / businesses that sell cag-related games, parts, and / or accessories / memorabilia. Note that all members who reply to true spam postings (as a 'joke', or whatever) will have their posts subject to removal / erasure.
Understand that it is impossible for the staff or the owners of this forum to confirm the validity of posts, and we will not be responsible for doing so. Please remember that we do not actively monitor the posted messages (though we will make efforts to review them on a regular basis), and as such, are not responsible for the content contained within. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information presented. The posted messages express the views of the author, and not necessarily the views of this forum, its staff, its subsidiaries, or this forum's owner. Anyone who feels that a posted message is objectionable is encouraged to notify an administrator or moderator of this forum immediately (via the link provided at the bottom right of every post). The staff and the owner of this forum reserve the right to edit or remove objectionable content, if they determine that such action is necessary. This is a manual process, however, so please realize that they may not be able to remove or edit particular messages immediately. This policy applies to member profile information as well. Note that while it's extremely rare, the right to edit or remove any post, or profile information, is in effect. Again, it's extremely rare, and will be avoided if at all possible. Note that any e-mail or PM communication regarding a problem and / or forums issues (including members) is subject to be shared among administrator(s) and moderator(s), and the latter is also true when the necessity of discussing forum problems, including problem members, arises.
You remain solely responsible for the content of your posted messages. Furthermore, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the owners of this forum, any related websites to this forum, its staff, and its subsidiaries. The owners of this forum also reserve the right to reveal your identity (or any other related information collected on this service) in the event of a formal complaint or legal action arising from any situation caused by your use of this forum. The owners also reserve the right to (in a forums posting) identify anyone who is in violation of forum rules, and what, if any, penalties there are / were. This will likely not be done as a matter of course, but everyone is subject to this possibility.
Because the content provided by members can be both informative and valuable, all posts from forum members are subject to be (in all or part): reproduced on my regular web site (Classic Arcade Gaming (dot com)); and / or reproduced on commercial products (such as DVD, and any other media that exists, or will exist) at any point in time. Credit to the poster will almost always be given, but cannot be guaranteed. No compensation of any kind will be extended to posters whose material is used as specified above.
You agree to not reproduce material on these forums, in any way, for any reason, unless you were the original author of the material.
You agree to, once a post has been made, to refrain from modification (and not perform any whole deletion) of the post, in such a way that it is changed by more than a small amount, either in form, or meaning (an exception can be made for occasional mistaken posts; delete your text, and replace with the text "DELETE THIS POST"). And, please strive to perform any edits within an hour of the original posting time (which stops the 'Last Edit' note from appearing as part of the post). Also, DO NOT do two posts that will appear DIRECTLY BY EACH OTHER in the same thread, within a short (generally, under one hour) time frame. But, you MAY use the edit feature, in these cases, to go back, and add additional text / info to your original post, as long as (again) the original post is not being changed, other than as noted above.
You have the ability, as you register, to choose your Username. Naturally, we advise that you keep the name appropriate, and if you use a name within your username, it should almost never be: one that is not your own name, but is someone else's surname, especially one that is a part of the classic arcade gaming community. In other words, no 'Wiebe', no 'Alpiger', no 'Obama', etc. With this user account you are about to register, you agree to never give your password out to another person, for your protection and for validity reasons. You also agree to NEVER use another person's account for ANY reason (note that IP addresses can be tracked, and will be used to determine improper use of the forums), even if given 'permission'. We also HIGHLY recommend you use a complex and unique password for your account, to prevent account theft. You should immediately e-mail *yourself* with this password (using a subject of PASSWORD for CAGDC forums), for your records. MANY PEOPLE (EVEN 'SMART ONES') FORGET PASSWORDS, AND HAVING AN E-MAIL TO REFER BACK TO IS 'GOLD' !!! I cannot recover your password, as the forums do not allow for that (for privacy reasons); so, don't ask me to, as it's not possible.
After you register and log in to this forum, you will be able to fill out a detailed profile (using editing options found in 'Modify Profile' on your PROFILE page). You are encouraged to add as much information as possible in the optional fields, and it is your responsibility to present clean and accurate information. Any information the forum owner or staff determines to be inaccurate or vulgar in nature will be removed, with or without prior notice. Appropriate sanctions may be applicable (read: don't get banned before you even make your first post !). Also, you agree to enter either your full, or partial (meaning first name, and (optionally) your surname initial), *real* name (a nickname is OK, as long as most people call you it), either in your SIGNATURE, or in the text that goes under your avatar. You should do this before posting, and you will be REQUIRED to do this before getting access to the CAGDC 'Members' area. Note that access is manual, NOT AUTOMATIC. So, if you don't receive access soon after qualifying, contact me at the second e-mail address listed at top.
After you have edited your profile, you may freely post on any of the forums, and are encouraged to regularly do so, both as the creator of new topics, and as a responder to existing ones. Also, after you have made at least one post, you qualify for six months of free membership to the 'Members' section of Classic Arcade Gaming (dot com), versus the normal fee of $5 (see http://www.classicarcadegaming.com/members_intro.htm). The membership will last for six months from the date of your last post, so, post regularly, and you'll always have access to this valuable area of exclusive content. Naturally, I do require that your post(s) be sensible, reasonable, on-topic, useful, and not in violation of forum rules, in order to qualify for the free membership offer. In other words, be a real participant in the forums, and in all of your posts, though this is technically required for everyone on the forums, too. Needless to say, 'short' posts, with a single word (or very few), just one or two emoticons, etc., should generally always be avoided, but *very* occasional use will likely be OK. And, finally, your posts should (generally) not be repetitive, and say similar things, either within the same thread, or even in different ones. There are exceptions, such as differing topics that may necessitate some repetition; but, this should be an infrequent occurrence.
To further expand on the above-mentioned 'on-topic' phrase; these are the Classic ARCADE Gaming (dot com) forums, and as such, many video-gaming areas, while very interesting and valuable, are not on-topic in these forums. Keep it to ARCADE-related gaming only (including emulation / simulation), and please stick to either true classic games, and / or 'newer' games (say, 90's and beyond) that have a classic 'feel' to them. Examples of off-topic areas are: computer, console, etc. gaming (other than emulation / simulation of arcade titles); LAN parties; Fatal1ty; and modern-day arcade titles that emphasize violence, racing, and / or sports. Note: after you have made 30 posts, a 'new' area of posting boards automatically opens up at the bottom of the main forums page. Here, you CAN post (occasionally) off-topic information and discussion, though this area is not a 'free-for-all, discussion-wise, and also, certain topics (such as religion, politics, and sex / orientation) are basically to be all but totally avoided. In other words, let's keep it fun, and light-hearted, in general. Note that, on average, anyone posting in this 'new' section must be sure that for every post made there, they have about two (or more, of course !) in the 'regular' forums categories. In other words, after a month's time, if you've posted, say, 3 times in the new category, you should have AT LEAST 6 (or more, of course) posts in the rest of the forums.
Speaking of things that should be avoided, not only on the off-topic pages, but everywhere... use the following rule as a guide about what you do and don't post; if you wouldn't say what you're posting: in a general group, or in front of your sis, mom, or grandma, then you should probably refrain from posting it. That should cover most material that's: rude; arrogant; condescending; gross; disrespectful; threatening; name-calling oriented; etc. Finally, it's also expected that members try to not be overly argumentative, and / or keep making posts in a thread that are primarily argumentative. This especially extends to a member's overall posts; if a large percentage contain argumentative material (and / or, negative material), then you are subject to being banned, perhaps even permanently.
Some final notes about posts would be to try your best to use proper grammar and spelling, and especially mind your spelling in the subject line, when you start a new topic !!! It's extremely annoying for every post to have the wrong spelling in the subject, as far as every post in a thread ! Also, try to make each post on-topic, well-written, and easy to follow (as far as your thoughts, and points). Last, but perhaps most importantly, BE SURE that you put all new topics that you may choose to create IN THE RIGHT 'BOARD'. Boards are the subcategories on the main forums page, and each features a description about the general theme of what is appropriate for that board. Again, BE SURE that the main subject of any new topic that you create fits the board you're placing it in, and base your decision NOT on the title of the board, but on the description underneath it (again, on the main page). Thank you in advance !
By signing up for these forums, and providing your e-mail address, you agree to receive occasional (generally a few times a year, or less) e-mails of topical interest (major news, major new web site additions, etc.) regarding the Classic Arcade Gaming (dot com) website, and also news and information regarding CAGDC sponsored events, contests, and / or bounties.
Speaking of e-mail addresses, it is highly recommended that you DO NOT put your own address within posts, at least not in 'normal' form. This is because spammers (or their robot computers) troll all forums, and collect e-mail addresses, and spam them. So, if you want to list your address, instead of USER@DOMAIN.COM, obfuscate it; for example: USER [(at symbol)] DOMAIN.COM . Finally, it's VERY important that you DO NOT, EVER (!!!!!!!!!) post another user's e-mail address, obfuscated or not. Just don't do it...
Please note that with each post, your IP address is recorded, in the event that you need to be banned from this forum or your ISP contacted. The latter will only happen in the event of a major violation of this agreement. Also, ONLY ONE SCREEN NAME MAY BE REGISTERED / USED, PER IP ADDRESS. This is to avoid people adopting an 'alternate' persona, to be used for anonymous (and usually inciting) posts. You WILL be immediately blocked if there are two accounts with the same IP detected. Don't do it, and if you have a room-mate that wants to join, contact the admin first to work it out, and avoid a block !
Another situation to keep in mind is people posting for someone else, whether that 'someone' doesn't have a forums account, or whether they're blocked. In the latter case, I can't think of any reason to allow someone to post for a member who's currently being blocked from posting, so that's a big rule violation, and is not to be done. And, as for posting for someone who is not being blocked (like a non-member), well, that is likely OK occasionally, but, it should not be done very often.
Note that private messages (or PM's) are subject to all of the same rules in this agreement.
Violations of this agreement will incur the penalty of the forums member in question being 'banned', or blocked, from normal use of the forums. The length of time this will be in effect will vary by the infraction, and is up to the decision of the administrator, and / or, possibly also moderators. The affected member will likely be e-mailed a notice explaining the reason for the ban / block, and the time it will be in effect, though this is not guaranteed. Note that you can also be banned or blocked for reasons that the admin / mods deem suitable, which may or may not be listed here in the R.A. This also applies to the locking of threads.
Also note that the software places a cookie, a text file containing bits of information (such as your Username and password), in your browser's cache. This is ONLY used to keep you logged in/out. The software does not collect or send any other form of information to your computer.
Needless to say, you should show respect to everyone on the forums, especially the administrator and moderators. Disrespect is an offense that may lead to being blocked / banned.
Finally, you agree to regularly review this Registration Agreement, for any and all changes that may occur within, starting from the moment you initially join the forums. Further, you agree to abide by any and all changes, from the moment they are made. The administrator will strive to make a note on 'The Forums' board, which is part of the first category (Classic Arcade Gaming (dot com) related topics) on the forums, whenever an update to the Registration Agreement occurs. The R.A. 'thread' will appear as the topmost topic.
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