Fatal Shadows Code of Conduct and Ethics

This is a simple statement of a code we all follow in our dealings with others, with Fatal Shadow members, and of course in games.

  1. Fatal Shadow members never resort to the use of any form of cheating, even if others are. If one needs to cheat to win, let them. There is no meaning if one wins by any method other than fair play.
  2. Fatal Shadow members never attack the community to get back at one person. This means that if you have a problem with one person, you dont punish everyone as a way to get even. Keep your actions restricted to that individual. Striking out against those who have done nothing wrong, not only hurt you but the squad as well.
  3. Fatal Shadow members don’t abuse the built in chats for games. Most games have started to provide pre-built chats that are tied to “hot-keys” to allow one to press it and send a chat to their team or to all players representing an action, a response, a taunt, or whatever. However, the most important thing is that one doesn’t abuse this. Constant use of these chats in rapid succession is simply childish and reflects badly on you and Fatal Shadows. There is a difference if you are asking for help in the game, and where you send a chat that is irrelevant to the situation. A good example is to send a chat asking for gunners, and you aren’t even playing. Even when relevant, remember to give time between requests. Perhaps players have seen your request, but are unable to initially respond.
  4. Fatal Shadow members are free to speak their mind. This isn’t a dictatorship. Any member, regardless or rank, has a voice that is equal to others. Yes we have a military chain of command, but that is needed for the running of the organization and events. It doesn’t represent who is better than someone else.
  5. Fatal Shadow members treat all members with the same respect they expect in return. Most important they realize that their rank gives them NO special rights over others. The rank simply is a way to recognize their efforts or work in the squad. It also is to help establish the ability to run the organization. Without it we would not know who is doing what. So in this case, yes rank does give you some rights, but those rights are part of what is needed to run the organization, only.
  6. Fatal Shadow members respect the fact that we all come from different backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. We never do anything that defames another person’s belief, background or culture. Each person is entitled to they’re own system of beliefs, as long as they don’t force them onto others or knocks someone else. This means we “police” ourselves in what we say or do. It is up to each individual to judge for themselves what is or isn’t appropriate. But it is important that as you write or post something, does it violate or seriously offend another person’s belief or backgrounds. We should strive then to always to respect these rights of not only our fellow Fatal Shadow members but of other gamers as well. Remember wearing the title of FS comes with the responsibility to best represent the squad to others. We can’t convince others to join if we are disrespectful to others, as this will simply turn players off to joining. If you must say something, at least use a name that doesn’t associate you with or give the appearance you are speaking for Fatal Shadows.
  7. Fatal Shadows is not a political organization. Politics are the one thing that can rip apart an organization in less time than it took to put the group together. If you have a problem express it, but don’t go around asking members in private to “gang up” on someone.
  8. Fatal Shadow supports it members and are there for them. This has two meanings. The first is that we should all feel comfortable turning to another FS member for advice. The second meaning is that we stand behind our fellow FS members if someone is doing something that hurts them. This doesn’t mean you get into a fight, it simply means you say, hey I stand behind my fellow FS member. However you need to be careful that what you are supporting wasn’t wrong. There is nothing worse than to say you support a member who is cheating, as it looks bad for the squad.
  9. Fatal Shadow members know that the use of the name is not a right it is a privilege. It also means that we respect the fact that when we leave Fatal Shadows that we also will remove the tag of FS in our name as well. To continue to represent the squad when you have left is not right. Even if you left mad at Fatal Shadows, just remember how if you had a squad and someone was now in shoes, you would expect the same from them.
  10. Fatal Shadow members don’t use force or punitive actions to get a desired result. You never force a fellow FS member to agree with you by threats. No member should ever have to deal with such things. Anyone who runs into this situation should talk to a senior officer about the problem to find a solution.
  11. Fatal Shadow laundry is our laundry. We should try to avoid airing our problems in public or non-Fatal Shadows forums, unless needed. If a member is removed, we keep the matter internal to the organization. We only discuss the basic fact that a person was removed if the issue comes up. We never disrespect that former FS member by trying to damage their future with other teams. However we don’t lie about what happened when we are asked specifically the reason since it might impact something else. This is a fine line one has to traverse, but becoming Fatal Shadows denotes to others that we understand that some things are best kept internal as much as possible.
  12. Fatal Shadow members must understand that when they use the Fatal Shadows name, that they must make sure; they have permission to act on the team’s behalf. Otherwise doing so without knowledge and a problem does arise, it could come back to hurt the team. An example is if you are going to sign up for something and then will also use other FS members to your benefit. If you for example need to submit 5 names to get a bonus, award, etc., you ask members before you blindly put their names down. This is important, as members should know that their private information isn’t just used by members for whatever they want. They never commit another players name to an action that implies that the person has agreed to such an action. This doesn’t mean a player can’t use initiative or to get the team joined up in a game or league. A recent example of an acceptable use was the joining of us to a tribes 2 league. No one had their named forcibly put on the list without their knowledge. However if you do want players to join a league, make sure that the High Command is aware. It will look bad if we find out we belong in various leagues or tournaments and didn’t know about it until after the fact.
  13. Fatal Shadow members never try to damage other player’s property or invade their privacy. Whether it is giving out their e-mail address to web sites, or hacking into other people’s computers or websites. Even if the hack is harmless, FS members should never do anything that violates another member, making them feel unsafe to be a member. At the same time, you never tie FS into your actions, as it hurts FS.
  14. Fatal Shadow members respect the rights or request of others to keep information discussed confidential or without naming names. Players need to feel safe coming to another and telling them something that perhaps they don’t want others to know about. There is a difference however between politics and private information. If for example you are telling a fellow member about how rough something is for you in your family, you keep it private. If however they are asking you to go against another person, then that is politics that we should never encourage. If a member ask what is said to be kept confidential you respect that. If you feel you can’t keep a certain topic private, at least provide the courtesy of letting the other party know that you can’t, so they can decide whether to still tell you or not tell you.
  15. Fatal Shadow members understand that while some of us are willing to fall on the sword for Fatal Shadows, that Fatal Shadows is meant to be fun, a diversion from real life. It should never replace real life however. If a member has something they need to do in real life and hence can’t participate in a FS function, event, match or whatever, we never get on their case. It is important that Fatal Shadows becomes a part of our life, not the only part of our life.
  16. Fatal Shadow members remember that while winning is fun, and who doesn’t want to win, that we never attack each other if we don’t. The one aspect I have really enjoyed about our matches is that those involved have shown sportsmanship and a good attitude I haven’t seen from almost any other squad I have played for. One squad, who has many good veteran players, when they lost, they turned on each other pointing the finger. However when FS has lost, we have never blamed anyone. Instead we pat each other on the back and say, “Hey, we might have lost, but we had fun, and can improve with practice.” One thing that makes FS stand out from other squads, is that we don’t place winning above all else. We view a win as part of the fun, but not the only thing we can do that is fun. As long as we take that focus that this is just entertainment, meant for our enjoyment, and the chance to play with others in a team format who perhaps share the same likings of games, or whatever, that is what will make Fatal Shadows strong.
  17. Fatal Shadow members should make all efforts to welcome new players in. Too many groups make new recruits or members to feel isolated, pushed aside, or excluded from the “inner circle” or clicks. Make all attempts to make that new player feel like a part of the squad from day one. Include them in events, say hello to them in games, and make them feel like they have been with the squad for a long time and not a feeling of having to wiggle they way into the group. Of course there will always be that one recruit or new member you initially might not like. Try to give them a chance, give them time to come around.
  18. Fatal Shadow members never lie to another FS member. This might sound corny, but every FS member needs to know that they can trust the word of another FS member. It is this built-in trust and belief that is important to not only the players but also the organization.
  19. Fatal Shadow members try to help fellow FS members who are having a problem with each other. It is always important that we remain friends with each other. This means that we need to try to find the “middle” ground in a dispute and try to help bring a dispute to a close, by working out a deal with those involved. Playing the part of a mediator in a dispute is very important. Not only does it allow members a way to resolve their disputes, it helps to prevent the problem from growing beyond just those involved.
  20. Fatal Shadow members never break their word or trust with other FS members. Just as we rely on other FS members to treat us fairly and with respect, we also depend on them to keep their word or not to break a trust that is established. If you agree to stop something, you don’t turn around and a few days later break it. Even if the party who also agreed to such an action does break their promise, it is very important that you don’t. While it isn’t the responsibility of FS to make sure you keep your word, it is your own integrity that must rule you. If you don’t feel you have to honor your word or promise, then you shouldn’t give it.
  21. Fatal Shadow members never “spy” in a game in a manner that is deemed improper by others. A good example in a recent online game was Allegiance, in which players might try dual logging. Some players are somehow able to run Allegiance more than one at a time on their machine, to create secondary players while they are also playing with their primary. They then join the other team and provide information to the other team that they would not have, i.e., revealing the location of your Stealth Bombers to the other team. This also applies to joining one team, and then when you see they are losing or you are mad at the commander you join the other team and provide details that they wouldn’t know without having played on the other team. Now there is a difference however if the first commander booted you from the team cause they don’t like you. You can join the other team, as long as you don’t provide or use any information from your other team to give an unfair edge to the new team. It is up to you to determine if your actions are “spying”. If you feel your joining will reveal information that is unfair or not known, then you should avoid joining till it is known or not say anything till it is seen. However this isn’t the norm, so it shouldn’t be a big issue.
  22. While everyone has the right to say whatever they want, members should try to respect the wishes of others in regards to vulgar or foul language. It is the right of anyone to say anything, and they aren’t going to be punished if they don’t tone down their language, if they haven’t been asked. However members see that such use of foul or vulgar language doesn’t help to prove or strengthen an issue, topic, or point any more than less foul or vulgar language does. A player who uses swear words every three words isn’t proving anything.
  23. We don’t always have to like the ideas one has, but when we don’t we at least communicate our dislike in a manner that respects the persons ability to provide idea or suggestions. There is nothing more discouraging for members to want to make a contribution or suggest something, if they are told they are, stupid, the idea sucks, or other method that says that they should not even talk as their comments, suggestions or ideas will never work. Treat others ideas and comment the same way you would want someone to treat something you say. You don’t have to lie about liking, but find a kinder, gentler way of saying, you don’t.
  24. Fatal Shadow members never put down another member. Too many squads have players who constantly put down others. Whether it is to say they don’t like their ideas, to even worse things like saying how a person “sucks” or is the worst player ever. Nothing can hurt ones own internal ego and desire to play with a squad than to have players who put them down if they aren’t good. The nice thing about FS compared to other squads I have belong to, is not once have I heard any FS member tell another that they are a horrible or the worst player ever. Instead they offer advice or a suggestion in a way that is saying, hey nice try, try this as it has worked for me in the past in the situation you were just in. We should know that as long as we try our best that is all that can be asked of us.
  25. It is important that while we are a member of FS. That we be as active as our real life allows. As mentioned before, FS should never be put in front of family or personal obligations in real life. However when you reach a stage where you don’t feel you can participate actively for some time with FS that you at least let your Squad Commander or game leaders/Commanding Officers know what your status is. This is important not only for the running of the organization, but so that the team knows who is available to do what for the team. You don’t have to quit FS, but a little e-mail message saying hey I can’t be there for about a month is very considerate to not only the squad but to the members as well.
  26. Fatal Shadow members always try to be supportive in the actions of other members. Saying hey nice try, or good effort goes a great way to making one feel good. You don’t have to give out false praise, but at least if a person tried and failed, let them know that hey it was a good try. Remember that the friendlier a squad is, the better the reputation is. This does leak out, as others hear about how FS members enjoy playing in games with other FS members, even when they lose, they then want to join. Who wouldn’t want to join a group where any effort isn't viewed as a screw up but a nice try? Too many squads expect players to always be successful and if they aren’t they are looked down on. FS in everything I have seen to date never puts down a good effort. There is always, hey we will get them next time, or hey you are getting pretty good with that.
  27. Fatal Shadow members are encouraged to choose alias/screen names free of any restriction. This group is all about having fun doing what you want, and having the freedom to be anyone you want. However one must remember that the alias we choose can sometimes reflect negatively on the squad. It isn’t the place of anyone on this squad to determine whether a name is appropriate or not. By just accepting and becoming a member of this squad shows you have the ability to determine for yourself. Just remember vulgar or sexually orientated names can discourage others from joining or wanting to challenge our squad since they will assume your name represents the maturity or attitude of the squad.
  28. No member should ever be subjected to any sort of foul, vulgar, abusive, or degrading language. If you don’t like a decision or someone, you need to choose your words appropriately. Grant it we all have that anger streak in us that sometimes is let loose, but we must remember that every member in FS has a different level of accepting inappropriate comments before it offends them. We also must remember that this is not an all-boys squadron. We have members who are ladies as well. We should look at FS and its membership from the standpoint that we try to act appropriate in front of all members. Calling someone a name that is degrading is simply not acceptable and shouldn’t be tolerated.
  29. The line between when a member can say what they want towards another member must be treaded carefully. Whenever you have a problem with a player, take it outside of the team. Don’t use the team’s chat, forums, or other settings where it is considering official FS ground, to harass or otherwise attack or verbally abuse another player.
  30. When there is a problem with another player, all matters should be kept between the parties to the best of their ability. Present this to your Squadron Commander, the Game Commander, or a member of the High Command. It is best that they try to resolve the situation before going before the membership. I have been in organizations where people feel they have to defend themselves and it leads to a turtling in on both sides of the problem. Then members feel that anything they say about the issue will offend one or both parties. We all enjoy gaming and need to try to give each the same space we want and keep disputes restricted to as few people or players as possible.

Summary:

Most important is that members don’t take these rules as a way to restrict, confine, or otherwise restrain ones ability to have fun. Instead these are a way to help us guide our actions and set a standard that new members can expect when they join. Fatal Shadows isn’t becoming a police state or a convent, but instead is saying that we have something special and we want these codes or beliefs to represent the attitude, spirit, maturity, and general appearance of the squad in everything we do.

Revision 1.01A
February 18, 2002
Revision 1.01
February 01, 2002
Original Version 1.0
August 2001