PurpleSurge #Help – Helper Channel Rules
last updated: 13 July 2010

What is Help Team?

     Help Team is a team of volunteers that assist in making the network successful while assisting users. Being a member of Help Team is not a status symbol by 
 any means.  If you're in it to look cool, to get "special" treatment, or to gain additional status, you may as well not even try.

     Anyone that has the patience, knowledge of both Unreal IRCd and Anope Services, along with the professional attitude and motivation to support those that may
 have no knowledge whatsoever on IRC. If you're aren't looking to gain status because you're wanting special treatment, but have a passion for helping, then we may 
 very well have a spot on the team for you.   

(Pertains to all Users)

• Helpers do not represent the network official staff. Only [&] members are staff. All other users are merely considered "Helpers".
• Provide assistance in the channel. Please do not PM nor message the users in the channel when they enter. Wait for them to ask there question, and then respond.
• Only answer the questions that you are sure about, using clear and concise English. Do not confuse users, and do not provide incorrect information. No jokes or pranks please. When you’re bored, you can view services help files and /helpop ? as well to study up and learn.
• Disable any automated scripts from triggering while in #Help. This includes AMSGS.
• Avoid rude/unprofessional behaviors. Such as insulting users, using profanity, slaps, CAPS, colors, etc.
• Only provide Network/Service related help. If someone requests assistance with another item refer them to the channel they can find assistance if possible. (i.e. #mIRC, #Radio)
• When a user is being helped, please do not interrupt. It only takes one person to provide assistance, and numerous people talking at once only causes confusion. If you disagree with someone interrupting, please message them if you feel it was uncalled for. Do NOT argue in the channel.
• There are certain exceptions in which users/helpers and staff may interrupt other users/helpers and staff but apart from this it is not allowed to interrupt.
  • The only case where a user/helper or a staff member are allowed to interrupt another user/helper is when the information given is inadequate, irrelevant, or inaccurate.
  • The only case where users/helpers may interrupt staff is when the information is inaccurate or irrelevant.
• Limit discussions in #help to IRC related help. It is not intended for general chit-chat.
• Idlers and Help Team members do not represent the network. Help Team members should forward ANY questions about policies or abuse to #helpteam. An IRCop or higher will reply to the user directly. Idlers and Help Team members will not be allowed to reply to policy or abuse inquiries. If no IRCOp is available, you can always refer the user to http://abuse.purplesurge.com
• DO NOT ask to advance in position. If we feel that you are knowledgeable and deserve to move up, we'll ask you. It takes more than just knowledge of commands. You need a good attitude, personality, etc.
• Respect the authority of the individuals with higher status than you. #Help is an official network channel, so even if you dislike a particular user, be respectful and courteous.
• Outside correcting another helper if incorrect information is given, any disagreements or reprimands should be handled in PM. If for any reason handling the issue in PM doesn't resolve the issue, notify an Oper. (This is to avoid arguments in the channel. #Help is to remain professional at all times)
• Please direct users requesting vHosts to the two vhost facilities available. /hs request and !vhost provided by fantasy extensions.

(Pertains to Voiced Helpers [+])

• Do NOT idle with status! To clarify, you may reside in #help at all times, but if you become inactive, want a break from helping, or go away from the keyboard - you must /cs devoice the channel. Breaking this rule will result in a temporary and quite possibly permanent ban from #help.
• You are NOT part of the official staff. You only have [+] to allow you to assist users while the channel is moderated. You are not a distinguished individual.

(Pertains to Official Helpers [%])

• Your main objective is to maintain order in #help and assist members.
• If the channel is too busy, set the channel +m and voice individual members that need assistance, in the event of a flood, argument or heated debate.
• You are not to touch Voiced Helpers, that is the responsibility of the Senior Helpers. Only in the event of a complete absence of Senior Helpers and IRC Operators may you take action.
• You are authorized to remove disruptive regulars.
• You may idle with status.

(Pertains to Senior Helpers [@])

• Again, do not respond directly to abuse or policy inquiries directly. First, Attempt to get an Oper or higher to respond to the user (/notice &#help is useful) If no one is active, send an /ms send #staff memo to #staff on behalf of the user and set the expectations that they will receive a response within 24 hours directly from a staff member.
• Assist the [+,%] helpers if they have questions, and ensure they are giving accurate information.
• Maintain order in the channel. If a user or [+] helper is being rude, disrespectful or break any rules listed above, warn the user initially, and if need be, remove the user from the channel.
• You may idle with status.

(Misc.)

• All [%] and [@] helpers may elect to have the vhost of vident@helper.purplesurge.com. All voiced and regulars are prohibited from having the network name contained in their vhost.
• Voiced users may lose their status without notice if they are inactive for a week without sending a memo to #helpteam. Please remember to request for the memo to be deleted after you have returned.
• [%] and [@] helpers are subject to lose their status if they are inactive for a period of 21 days unless they notify an Oper in advance. If your status is removed for failure to notify an Oper, you will begin the process from the beggining. *note: In extenuating circumstance a majority vote amongst Global Opers may take place to have the status re-added.*
• Official Helpers [%] may kick/ban voiced helpers in the absence of a Senior Helper or IRC Operator if they are causing a disturbance. But they may not add or remove voiced helpers.
• A user will not be considered for helpteam status [%,@] if they have ever committed a network offense that required a G:Line/K:Line/Akill.
• Failure to be professional and handle situations in a courteous manner will lead to removal of your status. You're a represenative of PurpleSurge and making the network look bad will not be tolerated.

*Note: These rules can be modified at any time. The services are subject to additional terms and conditions. To the extent of any inconsistency between these terms and conditions and the additional terms and conditions, the additional terms will prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.

Basically what the above means is: Staff can override these rules if it comes down to it. So don't try to squeeze in barely legal. We'll still remove you.