Alright, most of this shouldn't even need saying, but it would be indescribably naive of me not to say it anyway, right?
The rules for this subforum are very simple: the general code of conduct is exactly the same as it is everywhere else on the board, but this area's specialized function requires some additional posting protocols:
1.
Clearly, concisely, and specifically title your thread.
As this facilitates both the placing and answering of requests, it is both a courtesy to others and in your own interest. Examples of adequately-titled threads include:
"Doom/Death Metal w/ Violin and Cello"
"Thrashy USDM with solos out the cornshoot"
"Violent Black Metal like Impaled Nazarene"
etc. etc.
Examples of
inadequately-titled threads include:
"Looking for some help..."
"Death Metal"
"i want keyboards"
etc. etc.
As we expect this subforum to be quite high-traffic, we will not wipe your ass for you by retitling your threads as we do in other areas of the board. Fail to comply by this rule, and your thread will simply be deleted. Repeat offenses might see
you deleted.
2.
Vague or inordinately subjective requests should be avoided.
Terms such as "scary", "evil", "beautiful", and even "heavy" do NOT make for useful request criteria in and of themselves--to be be of any real use (read: to be permissible), requests of this sort should be qualified with as many bands/songs for comparison as you can muster. For example:
"What is some incredibly scary and disturbing music like Wormphlegm's demo? Slow and raw as possible, please."
This is an acceptable request, as it provides readers a point of reference to begin from. Contrast this with:
"What is the scariest, most disturbing metal you know?"
This is NOT an acceptable request. As it provides no frame of reference, responses will be all over the board (even moreso than in typical rec threads on a forum of this size) and be of little substantive value. If you are really so lazy or apathetic in your listening that this doesn't matter to you, I suggest you find yourself a new hobby. I hear they sell paint-by-numbers kits right over the internet, these days.
3.
NO 'BUMPING.'
Self-explanatory. You will not be permitted to force your sloth on other people if they happen to show no interest in your thread.
4.
Activities that are flagrantly 'promotional' in nature will not be tolerated.
Also self-explanatory; there is a separate forum for this.
Other Helpful Hints
* Quick, casual, or off-the-cusp inquiries can and should still be posted in the old "Help" threads, which have been relocated here for reference. More information
Here.
* Tips on how to effectively make or respond to a rec request can found be found
Here.
*
Read the OP. Being caught too many times obviously having not done so may eventually result in suspension or other consequences.
* If you see a topic that is poorly made or in violation of one of the above rules, you will simply be wasting your own valuable time by posting therein. You will do more good by focusing your efforts on those threads that the initial poster has put at least some small amount of thought and effort into.
* If you like to give out recommendations, chances are that you see yourself as something of an altruist, yes? If this is so, bear in mind that you do the most good when you limit your replies to those instances wherein you know of a band (or bands) that strongly fits most or all of the criteria given in the recommendation request. Replying with bands that are only tangentially suitable, just for the sake of saying something, does
not render you a do-gooder. It renders you a pest.
* By the same token, unless the recommendee's profile says that s/he is is 14 years old and/or contains an extensive rant about emo kids, it is generally safe to assume that they have probably heard of the most iconic bands pertaining to the general area of their request (i.e. "The Big 4", the iconic Norwegian BM bands of the second wave, etc.). Recommending these renders you a pest among pests.
* If you are a virtual babe-in-arms to a particular type of music, it is in your best interest to at least do a little bit of probing around on your own before asking others for recommendations (the Archive itself is a wonderful tool for this). Threads of this type may see a low survival rate, dependent on moderator discretion.
* It is painfully obvious, but just for clarity's sake it needs to be stated: this section is for music only.
More as it occurs to me, or as circumstances dictate. Other staff, please feel free to comment or make suggestions either here or in HQ.
Bread and circuses.