I'm pretty sure everyone will enjoy these changes. Basically, I've had a change of heart lately. I've stepped back from the site, looked at it from a new users point of view and and it slapped me in the face. I never realised, this site isn't very friendly anymore. It's been dragged down, mostly due to me, and I feel the magic, colour and fun that was once RCTPyro is hanging on by a thread. So, with this post, I'm pulling that thread up from where it hangs and keeping it safely. Effectively immediately, here are the changes:

1.) Spelling & Grammar
This is no longer a rule. It's a guideline. From now on, you won't be punished for incorrectly spelling your words and making grammatical errors. The only time this rule will affect you is if you a) write in leet speak and b) write a post that pretty much no one will understand. If that's the case, you'll be asked politely to try and make it more legible.

2.) Rule Enforcing
From now on, when you breach our rules, you'll receive a friendly and non-aggressive verbal warning from the staff. You'll simply be told what you're doing isn't accepted here. If you heed their advice, there will be no problems.

3.) Memberators
This has to stop. It's only a select few, if not a couple, but some members feel they have to enforce our rules upon members. We know you're just trying to help us out, but it's damaging the site. So, please, from now on please do not enforce our rules for us, we are perfectly capable of doing that ourselves. If you have a problem with a post, you can Report it and we'll take care of it.

4.) Criticism
While criticism is a necessity, it can be extremely damaging for new members. They can be scared into submission and may feel they have to live up to something to take part. That's not the feeling I want them to have. I want them to come in, post a show, and have some fun with it. That's what it's all about, fun. Of course it's necessary to criticize, but don't do it harshly. Guide them and thank them for making a show. Make them feel wanted and welcome. Treat everyone how you'd like to be treated yourself.

That's about it. I also just want you to know that I'm not going soft or losing my grip. No, I'm just loosening the belt where it's beginning to hurt. Our rules are still in affect, and this post isn't a "dowhateverthehellyoulike" post.

New changes, bigger changes, are also coming soon!

This is great Brad, and what I have been hoping for. An occasional non warning "watch your spelling please" is fine, especially on bad posts, and rule violations for totally incomprehensible posts. This a community, and not a job or school so this is without a doubt, in my mind, a step in the right direction of encouraging a community without smothering it in rules.

This is exactly what I was hoping for. And I couldn't say it any better than Mongo. Thank you, Brad. This is very encouraging to see.

Glad you're happy with the changes guys.