Babblesex: Code of Conduct

Last updated 13 November 2020.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. General
3. Profiles
4. Chatrooms
5. Forums
6. Images
7. Moderation

Introduction

The purpose of Babblesex.com is to provide users with a space in which they can relax, unwind, and enjoy the company of others. Users who visit should not feel as though they are at risk of being put down, insulted, harassed, or threatened. This Code of Conduct was developed with the objective of fostering a more respectful, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for our users at Babble.

In conjunction with the general Terms of Use, all users of the site are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct as outlined in this document. The rules and guidelines detailed within describe what behavior is expected of users, and what behavior users can expect of others. This document was developed with careful consideration, informed by experience and with input from the community. For your browsing convenience, the Code of Conduct is divided into several subsections, as outlined in the above Table of Contents. If you are searching for guidance regarding a particular domain of the site, please use the links to locate the corresponding section.

Note that while we make an effort to address all domains of the site, the items listed in this document are not exhaustive, and may be subject to future revision or change as necessary. Because this list is not exhaustive, site moderators possess the discretionary privilege to address behavior which they deem inappropriate. For more information about moderator protocol, or how to report a problem, please see the section concerning Moderation.

Please contact site staff if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

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Section I: General Rules and Guidelines

Rules and guidelines that do not specify where they are applied apply everywhere. Items listed in this section pertain to all domains of the site: profiles, chatrooms, photo albums, wall posts, notes, forums, and inbox (where applicable).

• Users agree that they are over the age of eighteen (18), or if the legal age of majority is greater, they are over the age of majority in the jurisdiction in which they reside.

• Be respectful of other users.

• Avoid trolling, flaming, or provoking other users.
• If for some reason a user feels that they cannot treat another user in a civil manner, we advise a block.

• Note that profile blocks and chat blocks act separately. Fully blocking a user entails doing both.
• Announcing blocks is unnecessary and can often result in further provocation.

• Please refrain from “calling out” other users, especially as “fake.”

• Simply report them if you feel it warrants addressing.

• We also advise against openly discussing other users in a negative manner, whether they are present or absent.
• Harassment of other users will not be tolerated. No means no.

• While we value free speech, and want our users to feel safe expressing themselves, hateful speech is unacceptable. Users should not feel discriminated against based on their age, sex, gender identity, orientation, nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, body type, and/or physical ability.
• Block circumvention is tantamount to harassment.

• If you are experiencing problems with another user...

• ...you should consider resolving those problems on your own first, whether by addressing them in a civil manner, or more simply by ceasing to interact with that user, with a block if necessary.
• Although moderators may arbitrate the occasional issue, particularly in the case of more serious problems requiring “intervention,” they should not be contacted with the expectation of handling every case of people you might not get along with.

• Nevertheless, if efforts to resolve those problems on your own prove insufficient, you may contact the moderators for assistance. For more information on reporting problems, see the section on Moderation.

• Please do not share personally identifying information publicly.

• Advertising a business or service is prohibited. Advertising a personal page may be permissible under certain circumstances. Advertising for another community typically is not. Solicitation is grounds for termination.

• Exceptions to the above include those businesses, services, pages, or communities promoted or approved of by Babblesex.com itself. Or by staff approval.

• Users are advised to refrain from making references or claims pertaining to participating in illegal activities.

• Users who appear or claim to live together are for moderation purposes treated as the same user. We realize this can be inconvenient. For similar reasons, we advise against account sharing. You are responsible for interactions that occur under your username.  

• The primary language of the chat is English. Although speakers of other or multiple languages are welcomed, we ask that communication in other languages is mainly left private. This is done out of respect for other users. That said, note that English is a secondary language for some. Patience and understanding go a long way.

• Arrangements to meet other users in person are made at your own risk. We ask that you exercise proper precautions and exercise good judgement. The site and its staff are in no way responsible for the outcomes of any such meetings.

• The digital equivalent also applies, should you opt to take your contact with another user off-site.
• As an extension of this clause, advertising for real-life ‘blackmail’ play is prohibited due to the risks involved.

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Section II: Profiles

Items listed in this section pertain to user profiles. Note that this includes not only the contents of your profile body, but photo albums, wall posts, and stories or “notes” you post as well.

• Do not create a profile for duplicitous purposes. Impersonating other users will not be tolerated.

• That said, posing as a public figure or fictional character for roleplay purposes is permissible within certain parameters, unless a formal complaint is lodged.

• Public figures should be of legal age.
• Fictional characters may be shown more leniency. Exceptions may apply.

• Your profile is a unique space through which you can express yourself to the community in as much or as little detail as you prefer. As an initial point of contact, an effective profile should offer users who visit it a “snapshot” of insight as to who you are, or at least what you are looking for. It is the primary place for you to state your interests, your preferences, and aversions, implicit or explicit. Although some users might choose to ignore or neglect to account for whatever information you post there, most are more likely to appreciate and acknowledge the effort in some capacity.

• Being that your profile is your space to share your interests with the community, descriptions of more “extreme” or “taboo” kinks are offered greater leniency in this particular domain. That said, we advise clearly distinguishing between reality and fantasy. If necessary, make clear that you are pursuing roleplays of a certain nature, but not the actual act.

• Note that descriptions are not the same thing as depictions.
• Regarding depictions, it would be wise to ensure any extreme content on your profile is marked appropriately, such as in a photo album clearly denoting such, with the album cover containing a warning as to its contents (without being an example of such contents itself).

• Any uploads to such albums should be removed from your activity feeds.
• Content may still be reviewed and/or removed at staff discretion.
• If in doubt about whether any content is or is not permissible to post, please contact site staff.

• For specific rules and guidelines pertaining to images, please see the corresponding section.

• Realistic or actual depictions of minors are not allowed.
• Realistic or actual depictions of bestiality are not allowed.

• Descriptions of either must be based in fiction and/or fantasy.
• All images are subject to review and removal at staff discretion.

• Generally it is a good idea to let users know what opening a specific link or upload will lead to them seeing, even if there exists a reasonable expectation.

• We suggest routinely checking your profile “Wall” to ensure that it is clear of prohibited content. It is within your power to manage any such content on your profile and to ask the user responsible for posting said content to stop posting it. Should they continue, we advise a block. Should the issue persist, you may contact the moderators for assistance.

• Note that a profile block acts separately and differently from a chat block. While both are permanent unless repealed, chat blocks only restrict communication in the chatrooms, while a profile block denies the selected user the ability to:

• “Poke” you
• Send you a Friend Request
• Post on your “Wall”
• Message your Inbox

• Although choosing to leave your profile undeveloped may be selling yourself short, it is within your rights. That said, be advised that site staff routinely processes profiles, and while we are generally able to distinguish between user profiles and spam profiles, the more clearly distinguished your profile is, the lower the chances of “accidental termination.”

• We advise against choosing usernames which are intentionally or exceptionally shocking, hateful, or offensive.

• Profiles should not feature “walls of shame” or other sections intended to “call out” other users.

• Site staff reserve the right to remove profile content deemed to violate these guidelines.

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Section III: Chatrooms

Items listed in this section pertain to the chatrooms. Note that the majority of these items specifically address the “public” aspect of it. That said, we ask that you act with discretion and respect the privacy of those with whom you interact, or attempt to interact with you.

• Please do not “spam” or “flood” the chat, whether by posting too rapidly, repetitively, or both.

• Users are permitted to repeat personal ads seeking partners, but are asked to do this at a rate of no more than once every ten minutes per channel.
• As of September 2017, a moderation bot (“Babbler”) is in place to manage spam. If you receive a warning message from the bot, it would be wise to alter the frequency or repetitive content of your posts.

• Do not post shocking, harmful, or malicious content.

• For specific rules and guidelines pertaining to images and/or links, please see the corresponding section.

• Realistic or actual depictions of minors are not allowed.
• Realistic or actual depictions of bestiality are not allowed.

• Descriptions of either must be based in fiction and/or fantasy.
• All images are subject to review and removal at staff discretion.
• Any image you link or upload, you should be able to source if asked. This is to ensure depicted models are of age.

• Generally it is a good idea to let users know what opening a specific link or upload will lead to them seeing, even if there exists a reasonable expectation.

• Users who link excessively may be directed to other rooms (“Porn Links”, if appropriate) or asked to reduce the frequency of their linking.

• Generally, this is dependent on the level of activity in the given room(s).
• We advise opening only those links which originate from users or sites that you trust. Following links that lead off-site is a decision you make at your own risk. Taking the necessary precautions is your responsibility.

• Please refrain from publicly “calling out” other users. This could include making public the contents of a whisper or a private message, trying to expose another user as “fake”, asking about previous or alternative profile identities, or just generally attempting to draw shameful attention to a certain user or users.

• Exceptions to this include:

• Identifying someone impersonating another user.
• Identifying a “cam”, “spam”, or “scam” account.
• These exceptions should be founded on evidence, not mere suspicion.

• Any other concerns regarding a user, problematic content in their messages, or the user’s authenticity should be addressed in private.

• Every official chatroom now has a respective profile page containing more information on the room’s theme, setting (if applicable), rules, and moderator(s). A list of these profiles is located here. Links to individual room profiles should be located in those rooms’ respective banners. It is a good idea to review these pages for those rooms you frequent in order to familiarize yourself with room-specific rules not otherwise specified here.

• As an extension of this clause, please bear in mind that users should refrain from discussing controversial subjects and/or perspectives in channels that were not intended to facilitate that sort of discussion.
• If no rooms appear able to facilitate the desired subject(s) of discussion, consider taking those discussions to a private chat or user-created room.
• Moderators may at their discretion ask that users change the subject. Please abide accordingly while ensuring any complaints about this are voiced appropriately.

• Public play is permissible in certain rooms, although some of the more “extreme” kinks may be best kept private.

• Public play is currently permissible in the following rooms:

• “Gangbang”
• “Gay Chat”
• “Hot Tub”
• “I Love Futanari”
• “The Pink Room”
• “The Purple Room”
• [Any user-created room that allows for it.]

• If a public play is in progress, other users in the channel should remain mindful of the participants.

• If you wish to join, you should first ensure that the others are willing to involve you. When in doubt, ask.
• Unless agreed upon beforehand, it’s probably best to be cooperative rather than competitive.
• Attempts to derail the scene in progress with negative or overly critical commentary are highly discouraged.
• If you do not wish to see the scene in progress, we suggest leaving the channels or temporarily blocking the users involved. Attempting to “talk over” them is not an effective solution.

• Certain chats are designated for use by specific genders. Gender in this case is defined by gender identity, presented as a user color, or otherwise specified on their profile. Users of other genders are asked to respect such spaces.

• Public discussion of more unusual or “extreme” kinks may occur within the “Taboo” room. That said, we encourage users to separate fantasy and reality so as to limit misunderstandings. Play involving those kinks may still best be left private.

• Note that a chat block acts separately and independently from a profile block. Chat blocks will not prevent a user from contacting you through your profile, and profile blocks will not prevent a user from contacting you through chat. Fully blocking a user entails doing both. Profile blocks are generally a stronger indicator.

• Please be mindful of spoilers, especially for newly released media. As a show of courtesy, users are expected to provide ample warning to others. Discussions regarding the subject of said spoilers may best be conducted in private, or taken to a smaller, designated private room for those interested.

• Although it is common courtesy to respond to a greeting, users are not obligated to, and nor should they be. That said, there are ways you can improve your odds. It is unlikely that any one manner of engagement will apply to all users in the chatrooms. Some may prefer an initial exchange of pleasantries, while others might wish for prospective partners to get straight to the point of what they’re looking for, or offering. Before contacting a user, we advise viewing their profile and personalizing your greetings accordingly. Although there are no guarantees, taking this step demonstrates conscientiousness on your part and may be more likely to yield a favorable response.

• Note that users with an active “away” status may not necessarily be away; for some, it is a way of indicating unavailability.

• In the current chat system, this tends to indicate they are idle.

• Although offering more individual control as to its theme, direction, and attendees, user-created rooms are still expected to observe and abide by the items outlined in the Code of Conduct.

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Section IV: Forums

Items listed in this section pertain to the forums. Although the forums lack the immediacy of the chat, and are fully “public” in form, they offer an organized, deliberated approach to discussion. Note that many of the rules and guidelines delineated in the chat section may reasonably apply. That said, some items specific to the forums are listed as follows.

• Please do not “spam” or “flood” the forums, whether by posting too rapidly, repetitively, or both. Posts which do not substantively contribute to a thread might also be considered spam.

• Before creating a new thread, check to ensure the topic has not already been recently posted. If it has, consider posting in the existing thread instead.
• Spam posts are better ignored than replied to. Doing this will help ensure a smoother cleanup process.
• If you have blocked a user, or are blocked by a user, best avoid responding to each other’s posts. Allow at least one other to respond between.

• Avoid “necroposting”, if possible. “Necroposting” refers to attempting to revive old topics, often with an irrelevant post.

• We realize the forums typically move at a different pace than the chat. This isn’t to say old threads cannot be revived with a “bump”. That said, we advise against a recurring pattern of such revivals.

• Discussion threads should remain on-topic. Please do not derail them.

• We advise opening only those links which originate from users or sites that you trust. Following links that lead off-site is a decision you make at your own risk. Taking the necessary precautions is your responsibility.

• For specific rules and guidelines pertaining to images, please see the corresponding section.

• Realistic or actual depictions of minors are not allowed.
• Realistic or actual depictions of bestiality are not allowed.

• Descriptions of either must be based in fiction and/or fantasy.
• All images are subject to review and removal at staff discretion.

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Section V: Images

This section concerns how images are used on the site. While this most directly pertains to photo albums, items in this section apply to other domains where image may be used as well, such as profile walls, the chatrooms, or the forums.

• When you upload an image to your profile, you acknowledge that you own the rights to use it. Note that this means that if you do not possess said rights, and the original owner contacts us with a complaint, we will have to issue a takedown notice.

• Realistic or actual depictions of minors are not allowed. Any image you link or upload, you should be able to source if asked. This is to ensure depicted models are of age.

• Realistic or actual depictions of bestiality are not allowed.

• Images depicting some of the more “extreme” kinks might also be best kept private. When in doubt, ask.

• Certain images may be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, at moderator discretion. Laws and regulations regarding what is acceptable and what is not are in a state of flux. We wish to err on the side of caution.

• Commissioned artwork should be credited.

• We advise opening only those links which originate from users or sites that you trust. Following links that lead off-site is a decision you make at your own risk. Taking the necessary precautions is your responsibility.

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Section VI: Moderation

This section concerns moderation protocol and how to report a problem to site staff.

• What the moderators are here for:

• Profile processing
• Keeping the peace
• Handling user complaints
• Advocating for the community
• Assisting with minor technical issues when able
• Believe it or not, to use the site like any other user may

• What the moderators are not here for:

• Abuse
• Being “the man”
• Extensive technical support
• Serving as your personal investigative agency

• How to report a problem

• There are several ways to report a problem. These include:

• “Flagging” a profile

• Requires minimal communication. Simply choose to “Report” a profile and select a reason from the available options.
• Best if the matter is not urgent, but worth reporting.
• A chat equivalent also exists.

• Contacting site staff directly

• Best if the issue is personal, and possibly urgent
• See subsequent subsection for specifics

• Posting on the forums

• Best if the issue is general, often technical, or of public interest
• See subsequent subsection for specifics

• Moderator on chat

• Works for either personal or general issues, though dependent on availability. You might be asked to post in one of the other two areas anyway.
• See subsequent subsection for specifics

• “Flagging” a profile:

• Among the options when viewing a profile (“Poke,” “Send Message,” et cetera), there should be an option to “Report” an offending profile. Please include a reason when reporting. A list of available “flags” includes the following:

• Cam Model
• Underage
• Spammer / Bot
• Clone (Impersonator)
• Questionable Content

• A chat equivalent is also now available. If using the chat, this is among the most effective ways to make a report.

• Site staff will investigate the “flagged” profile and determine whether further action is necessary. Not all actions will necessarily be visible; do not assume this means no actions were taken.

• Contacting site staff directly:

• First, consult the list of moderators to determine who to contact, paying particular attention to their respective appointments.
• Consider prioritizing ones who are currently or were recently active.
• After determining who to contact, visit their profile.
• Send a message to their inbox.

• Possible exception: if your issue is general and may be of community interest, you may post about it on their profile walls, although we usually prefer that these issues be posted on the forums. See the following subsection for more on that.

• Posting on the forums:

• There are three forums where users may post regarding problems:

• Bugs and Issues

• Reporting and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Users are encouraged to assist one another.

• Feature Requests

• Requests for new features for possible implementation, or improvements on current features.
• Constructive discussion is encouraged.

• Website Q&A

• A place for users to post questions about site functions or policy. Possibly about this very document.

• Moderator on chat:

• Chat moderators are designated by a star (✩) beside their usernames.
• If you see a moderator on the chat, you may contact them if there is an issue you wish to bring to their attention. It helps if your greeting states that you have an issue to report.
• The current chat system, launched late August 2017, includes a reporting function for users. These reports are automatically forwarded to online moderators for review.
• If you wish to draw an online moderator’s attention to a particular room without messaging them directly, mention their full username in that room. That way they will receive a notification.
• Most rooms have specific moderators assigned to them. If you see them online, seek them out first when possible.
• If you do not receive a response, we suggest trying again after a few minutes, sending a message directly to their profile, or seeking another moderator, if present.

• Whatever your chosen means of contacting site staff, please state your problem as clearly and concisely as possible. If your report comes in the form of an inbox message or forum post, it helps to specify the subject rather than leaving it blank or generic. If contacting staff through the chat, it helps if your greeting states that you have an issue to report.

• When reporting a user-based violation, please support your report with documentation. Chat logs and screenshots are of particular use. As a general rule, we prefer screenshots.

• We aim to respond to all messages promptly. That said, some issues may take longer to resolve than others.

• As a general rule, moderators should not publicly discuss bans. If you have questions about your ban, contact them privately. Moderators reserve the right to refuse discussing others’ bans.

• If contacted by site staff regarding an issue…

• ...you are expected to reply within a reasonable timeframe. We try to be respectful of your time. Please try to be respectful of ours.
• Know that you are being contacted for a reason, and that this reason will be stated clearly. We ask that you address the issue maturely and responsibly when considering your reply.
• Compliance is generally expected. At the very least, acknowledgement is.
• Avoiding contact with the moderators, deleting their messages, or blocking their profiles will not stop them from carrying out their duties…

• ...but they do not help, nor do they do the user any favors. Please do not do this.
• Blocking a chatroom moderator in their respective channel may result in ejection from said channel. They reserve this right.
• The same logic applies to other domains of the site. Attempting to impede a moderator’s ability to communicate with you will not prevent moderation from occurring.

Moderators are carefully chosen, and for that reason, we trust they will conduct themselves with good judgement. Nevertheless, sometimes there may be errors and other issues. As such…

• If you are experiencing problems with a moderator…

• If your issue is with a Chat Moderator and/oror Forums Moderator…

• ...Raise your case with the Site Moderator, who will take over the original matter from there, with the moderator in question providing no more than their version of events, in the event of a dispute.

• If your issue is with the Site Moderator, you may use the contact form to get in touch with the Administrator, who will review and decide how best to proceed.
• With the above being said, users should understand that attempting to “play” the moderators against one another is poor form, and ill-advised. As members of a team, we trust in one another’s judgement.
• In recognition of this process, note that publicly complaining about moderation actions is ill-advised and may be deemed as disregard of staff, in addition to other applicable infractions. Please ensure your complaints are being sent through the appropriate channels.

• If you are banned…

• ...you should have an understanding of why you were banned. If you do not have an understanding as to why, or wish to appeal your ban:

• Message the moderator that issued the ban. Preferably via inbox.

• If you do not know who issued the ban or why, message the Site Moderator about your ban.
• If your ban prohibits you from accessing your account, send an email to babblemoderation@gmail.com identifying yourself in the subject header, as well as any information related to the circumstances of why you were banned.

• Ban appeals should demonstrate your understanding of the situation and why you believe you should be unbanned. Simply e-mailing the account does not guarantee it will be repealed.
• You must appeal your own ban. Other users should not be serving as your messengers.

• Do not attempt to circumvent your ban. Attempts to do this may result in an extension of the original ruling.

• Using others to appeal in your stead may constitute circumvention. Please do not do this.

• Backseat modding (“junior modding”)

• While site staff appreciates community involvement in keeping the site safe and enjoyable, it does not appreciate users claiming to have influence or “clout” over moderation decisions. Users should not claim to speak on behalf of site staff.
• That said, we do encourage reports, provided they are sent through the proper channels. Chat reports are currently the recommended method.

• Confidentiality notice:

• Personal information is kept in strict confidence. While moderators may share information between themselves to facilitate investigations or inform arbitration, under no circumstances may moderators share this information with others. Doing so may result in immediate termination of their moderator status.

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Thank you for reading and abiding. Again, please contact site staff if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.