What happens next?

Some people have suggested that our rules don't go into enough detail. Some people feel that we have too many rules, and they are too general as they are.

Obviously you don't want us to add more rules!

The moderators have a "dictionary" which they use, mainly to help with borderline cases. (see last month's article). We have decided to make this dictionary public so that people can check, if they want, to see if they are doing the right thing and also so that you can see just how much a moderator has to keep in mind while doing their job!

This dictionary, when it is there for you to see, will be linked from the Rules and I will mention it on Woodchat (mailing list), on #lothlorien (IRC), in the Elfwood LJ's and here on Woodworks as well, when it is there for you to see.

Some editing is needed, of course. You don't need to know what the upload rules are for the moderators mailing list are, for example.

It may even be up by the time this article comes out, so having a look see might be a good idea, just in case.

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There may be some future changes on Elfwood. Due to the confusion about what is "modern" and what isn't in terms of what belongs in Lothlorien or the Zone, it is possible that these two sections might be merged.

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A small note on nudity

Nudity is art. It is allowed on Elfwood. However, there is a line we have to draw between what is artistic nudity and what crosses the boundaries of taste. Where we draw our "line" might not be the same place that you would draw your "line", but with over 20,000 members we cannot have a vote for each picture.

If you feel that an existing picture is too "risqué" for Elfwood, you can email the support crew and let them know. They will have a look at it and see if the ERB should be notified or not.

If you have had a picture removed for being "too explicit" then you can ask why politely, and even ask for a second opinion. But please, once more then one moderator has told you that your picture was too explicit, accept it in good grace. Remember that a lot of children look at Elfwood and not everything is suitable.

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While we are on the subject of rejections, remember that you can always reply to the moderator and ask why a certain picture was rejected. Please attach the picture you are questioning, because once a picture has been rejected we no longer have access to it.

Also, before you hit "reply" make sure that you read the moderators email completely, as they should tell you "why" in the email you receive. If you have a picture rejected you should receive two email, one telling you why, and one that contains the file that is your picture.

If the moderator has said "does not fit area" that doesn't mean that it's too big, or that it is the wrong shape! It usually means that it's non-genre for the area you are trying to put it in. But that should not be the only reason given, and if it is it means you got a new moderator who made a mistake in not telling you more.

Remember that Elfwood is a HOBBY. If you start to get hot under the collar for being told that your work isn't suitable for a particular area, perhaps you need to have a deep sigh, go have some chocolate and a cup of tea, and reconsider what is really important in life!