The internet is usually thought of as a venue for the pursuit of liberty in many aspects.  However, is it as conducive to the pursuit of liberty as it could be?  Let's take the rules of this very forum as an example:

Do you think the current IC forum rules are

a)  too limiting of posters' freedom of expression
b)  not limiting enough of posters' freedom of expression
c)  properly limiting of posters' freedom of expression
d)  doesn't matter because there isn't enough enforcement of the rule for them to be taken seriously

(Let me express my expectation that this thread will be closed, as the topic is potentially subversive to the authority of the moderators, and I perceive a lot of draconianism on internet discussion forums in general.  On a positive note this particular forum one of the few discussion forums which might actually even tolerate such a discussion.)

IC Forum Rules:    http://www.imperialconflict.com/explain.php?what=forum_rules
 
1. Use appropriate language
Do not use language which is sexually explicit, threatening, abusive, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, hateful, racially or ethnically offensive. This includes both clear and implied language, images, or links to websites with such content. Posts and thread titles consisting of this language will be edited accordingly. Masking profanity/insults will also be censored. Abbreviations, such as WTF, are acceptable.

Moderator action: Posts which contain uncensored content, as detailed above, will be edited.

2. No harassment
Harassment is not necessarily limited to the type of language used, but the intent. This includes both clear and implied language that refers to violence in any capacity that is not directly related to the game. This further includes the distribution, release or discussion of any real-life, personal, or private information both real life and game related about other players or moderators of Imperial Conflict. For example, posting phone numbers, home addresses, planet lists, battle reports, family forum content etc. is not allowed. Repeatedly targeting a specific player or persons with harassment will lead to further action.

Moderator action: Mods will delete all posts that are deemed harassing after the victim has stated that they do not want further communication with the harasser. In the case of sexual harassment, all offending posts will be deleted. Posts which contain private information about a player or family whether it be real life or game related will be edited accordingly.

3. Respect others and behave maturely
You must respect others and their rights to enjoy this game and the forums. In order to show proper respect, you may not defraud, harass, threaten, insult, name call, or cause distress and/or unwanted attention to other players or the moderators. This includes using words which do not fall under the coverage of rule 1 concerning inappropriate language. Patronizing new players/posters will be frowned upon.

Moderator action: Posts which are deemed to be disrepectful to others or immature will be edited accordingly.

Post and Thread Rules
4. Posts should be constructive in nature
Back up your statements/claims. If quoting, make sure to quote all relevant and necessary text, and if appropriate, provide a link to the originating source. If criticising ideas, back your opinion with facts or well thought out suggestions. Do not make posts or threads that are solely intended to incite controversy, provoke anger, insult people, present misinformation, and/or concerning personal issues with other members.

Moderator action: Posts which are unconstructive or unhelpful will be construed as spam and edited accordingly.

5. Create threads on the correct boards
There are different category forums for a reason. In order for forum visiters to find what they are looking for more easily, create threads on their relevant boards.

Moderator action: Threads created on incorrect boards will be moved to the correct forum. The thread on the incorrect will then be closed with a message informing where it has been moved to.

6. No flaming or trolling
Do not verbally attack or provoke others into fights or post for the sole purpose of causing unrest or dissent and stirring up trouble. Do not use immature name-calling and do not take personal conflicts onto the forums in public.

Moderator action: Posts deemed to fall under this category will be edited by mods. Offending threads will be closed. Multiple instances will be deleted.

7. No spamming
Spamming is defined as the following:
- Inside spam (message): Posting identical posts in multiple threads so that it will be in multiple threads.
- Inside spam (large): Posting giant posts with no comprehensible/on-topic content in multiple threads to make thread loading time longer.
- Inside spam (small): To create a post in a thread with noncomprehensible or nonsensical content or absolutely not related to the topic of the content.
- Flooding/Thread spam: Posting many blank or message-less new threads in quick succession (usually to push off threads that existed earlier).
- Thread spam (small): To create a thread without a real topic, to waste the readers time.
- Multiple topic spam: To create a thread when another thread on a similar topic already exists.
- Thread bumping: Posting in threads that have been inactive for some time.
- Off-topic posts: Posts which do not fit in with the general topic of the thread.

Moderator action: All spam will be deleted.

8. No linking to inappropriate websites
Do not post links to porn sites. No linking to websites that would contain content in violation of any forum or game rules stated here. Questionable links will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Moderator action: Posts containing offending material will be edited.

9. No improper advertising
Do not market, promote, advertise or solicit within the Imperial Conflict forums any non-Imperial Conflict-related business, organizations, people or websites.

Moderator action: Posts which profit the poster or any external organization in any way will be edited.

10. No impersonations
Do not impersonate or pass yourself off as any other Imperial Conflict owner, developer, moderator, or in-game player. This includes creating similar variances upon names in order to deceive, misrepresent or post false information to others.

Moderator action: Posts made by impersonators will be edited accordingly.

Forum Nick, Signature and Avatar Rules
11. No inappropriate names
Illegal nicks are those which contain inappropriate language as detailed in rule 1. Furthermore, no nicks are allowed whose intention is to belittle the conditions of others or impersonate anyone or are in any way obscene, vulgar, or profane.

Moderator action: Offending posts which fall under this category will be deleted. The forum nick will be removed and an ingame warning issued.

12. Signatures and avatars
Your avatar must be no bigger than 80 pixels by 64 pixels in size and no larger than 25 KB. What can and cannot be included in signatures and images for avatars follows the same rules and regulations as anything else posted in these forums.

Moderator action: Illegal signatures or avatars will be removed and an ingame warning issued.

Moderation
13. Do not make public accusations of rule breaking and do not discuss certain blocks in the forum
To improve the mood in the forums, public discussions of the above are not allowed. Issues and questions regarding rule breaking and blocks should be addressed to the moderators (ways to contact mods are listed in the FAQ).

Moderator action: Public threads on these issues will be removed and a moderator will be alerted to the issue.

14. Closed threads
If a thread is closed, moved or deleted, do not, under any circumstances, repost the same topic or material or reopen the thread. If you have any questions as to why a thread was closed, moved or deleted please contact the forum moderators (ways to contact forum moderators are listed in the FAQ).

Moderator action: Repeatedly reposted or reopened threads will be deleted.

15. The moderator's decision is final
The Imperial Conflict moderators have the authority to use their discretion and common sense on a case by case basis on moderating these forums and punishments for violating any of these rules. In special cases, moderators may delete posts deemed highly offensive to themselves or posts which contain a security risk.

16. Failure to comply to the rules
Continuous failure to comply to these forum rules will result in a mod-issued forum warning in the offending thread. Further offences made following this warning could result in a temporary or permanent forum or account block, depending on the severity of the offence. You may appeal a decision made by mods/forum mods by discussing the punishment with a full moderator using the regular channels of communication.