Hi everyone,

The rules of the site are listed here.

• Remember that you're communicating with real people. Most people can take a joke, but don't take it to the point where it becomes an issue. PM a staff member (Me - 'admin' or Liz, 'elizabethleo') if someone continues to annoy or upset you. Swearing and cussing is fine - it's something we all do, let's face it - but don't use it against people for the wrong reasons.
  
  
• The work on the site that is posted belongs to the author. I don't own it, nor does anyone else apart from the person that created it. Stealing is illegal, and your account will be removed as well as your posts and work.
  
  
• We encourage that you critique and review other people's writing as much as your post your own. It keeps it a working, ship-shape community and will enable everyone to their fair share of critique. So, if you put all your writing on the site and never give criticism to others, don't be surprised if you don't get a whole lot.
  
  
• Don't give out personal information, like addresses, phone numbers, et cetera. Whether you meet up on Facebook or other online communities, that's up to you, but remember that IO isn't responsible for your own actions.
  
  
• Try not to double post unless you wish to bump up a lonely thread. Use the modify button when you can.
  
  
• Don't create more than one account, unless you have permission from an admin (PM 'admin' or 'elizabethleo')
  
  
• Keep your signatures within the size of 600 pixels wide and 250 pixels tall. This is so that they don't take up excessive amounts of space in the forum.
  
  
• Do your best to keep your posts grammatically correct. This is a writing forum, and 'text speak' should not be used.
  
  
• Don't spam, troll or post inappropriate things on the site.
  
  By joining and activating your account, you agree to the above rules.
  
  IO will be pushed towards being a very laid back and enjoyable site, and only a warning will be sent to those members who commit that of a minor offence (excluding the pinching of people's work) so don't worry about it too much.
  The staff you will find to be lenient and much like elastic; you can stretch their patience and they will allow you a reasonable and fair amount of freedom, but push them too far and the banning power will arise.
  
  Serious message over... have fun!
  

Here are additional Rules to take note of:

• When posting in the Writing Showcase board, Headers are required on all pieces. The purpose of the header is to help other members easily identify what they're dealing with when they go to read your work. If your header is incorrect and you're a new member and obviously struggling with figuring out how to work the site, an admin will let you know to correct it. However, if you are simply disregarding this rule, and you have been informed that you need to post a header and you do not, your post will be deleted. You are free to re-post your work as many times as you like, but as long as you refuse to use the header, we will continue to delete it.
  
  
• 3 Strikes and You're Out. Inky Orchard makes use of a 3 Strike System: once you've been given a total of three strikes from the admins, your account will be banned. You may receive a warning before you receive a strike, or you may not, depending on your offense. You will always be informed very clearly why you are receiving the strike, so you know what types of behaviors and actions to avoid in the future.
  
  
• You are encouraged upon joining to make a Portrait. In addition to saying hello in the Introductions board, creating a Portrait in the Portraits board is a good idea because it allows other members to see who you are and what you're working on.