In order to adapt and work towards a more positive forum environment, we will occasionally publish updates / revisions to our Code of Conduct.
These revisions occur as a result of feedback we have received from the community, as well as internal moderation discussions. Here are the minor language changes we have just made to the Code of Conduct, for those interested:
Update 1: Our Team
Current
The Flight Simulator team and Community team reserve the right to edit, remove, or alter any post that violates this Code of Conduct or NDA agreement.
Revised
The Flight Simulator team and volunteer community moderators reserve the right to edit, remove, or alter any post that violates this Code of Conduct or NDA agreement.
Why?
There has been some recent confusion on the difference between the Community Managers (paid Microsoft employees) and volunteer community moderators (volunteer forum users who help moderate the forums). The Community Managers work closely with our volunteer moderators daily.
Update 2: Discrimination
Current
Discrimination and Slurs based on Race, Ethnicity, Sexuality, Gender or Gender Identity both clear and masked in words or images are not appropriate, ever.
Revised
Discrimination and Slurs based on Race, Ethnicity, Sexuality, Gender, Gender Identity, Religion, or Nationality both clear and masked in words or images are not appropriate, ever.
Why?
Added in Religion and Nationality to be inclusive. This does not change our stance on talking about religion or politics, however. Please refrain from doing so.
Update 3: Obscene / Vulgar or Inappropriate Language and/or Images
Current
Obscene / Vulgar or Inappropriate Language and/or Images
- Language or images that could be considered objectionable (If there is doubt, there is no doubt)
- Language or images that could be considered to glorify violence, even in a historical context
Revised
Obscene / Vulgar or Inappropriate Language and/or Media
- Language, images, or other media that could be considered objectionable (If there is doubt, there is no doubt)
- Language, images, or other media that could be considered to represent or glorify violence and/or hate, even in a historical context
Why?
Added in references to “other media” to be more inclusive of videos, emoticons, and similar types of media used in our forums.
Update 4: Non-Constructive Posts: Spamming, Trolling, or Topic Bumping
Current
Non-Constructive Posts: Spamming, Trolling, or Topic Bumping
Non-constructive posts do not add to the community and include but are not limited to: […]]
Revised
Improve the Discussion
We recognize that our forums are an official place for feedback on Microsoft Flight Simulator, whether it is positive, neutral, or negative. Help us make this a great place for discussion by always adding something constructive to the discussion, whether big or small. We do not remove posts for being negative; however, we do remove posts that are toxic or non-constructive (click here for specific examples on how to improve the discussion). Non-constructive posts do not add to the community and include but are not limited to:
[…]
*Off-topic posts
Another way to improve the discussion is searching the forums to see if someone is already discussing it! Click here to learn how to browse and find topics before posting a new one.
Why?
We have added language to clarify the difference between adding constructive posts on our forums vs. adding nothing but toxicity. We know this area can be a bit subjective to users and moderators alike, and we seek to be as well-intentioned in our moderator actions as possible. We also ask that you be as well-intentioned in your posts as well.
Update 5: Discussing Moderator Actions
Current
Discussing Moderator Actions
The Microsoft Flight Simulator forums is not the place to discuss disciplinary or moderator actions taken on an account, including your own. Please DM the moderators if you wish to discuss actions.
If a member is found to have participated in such actions, they will:
- First be asked to remove the content from their post
- Receive a formal warning; or,
- Be banned from the forums for a length of time based on the severity of the infraction up to, and including, indefinitely
Revised
Discussing Moderator Actions Privately
If you wish to inquire about a specific moderator action that was made on your topic, post, or account, direct message the @moderators to learn more. We will be happy to assist and talk with you. The public forums are not a place to call out specific actions on your account. If a member is found to have participated in such actions, they will:
- Have their topic turned into a direct message instead of a public post if relevant
- Be asked to remove the content from their post if it is demeaning or derogatory of our moderator team
- Receive a formal warning; or,
- Be banned from the forums for a length of time based on the severity of the infraction up to and including, indefinitely
Why?
Added more defined language to direct users who would like to ask about a moderation action taken on their account, post, or topic.
Update 6: Distribution of Real-Life Personal Information
Current
The release or distribution of any real-life information is not allowed in your profile or anywhere public, even your own.
Revised
Releasing or distributing identifying real-life information without consent (“doxxing”) of players, 3rd Party Developers, members of the Microsoft Flight Simulator team, or anyone else in the MSFS community is not allowed on the forums. This even applies to your own personal information! Think about what is safe to share and be cautious if you plan to tell other posters your name or general location. If you do share your own information (such as your whole name or email address) with another forum poster, please do so in a private message, never in a public forum post.
Why?
Added more defined language to help users understand what kind of identification may be best kept hidden.
Update 7: Cheats
Current
- In-game exploits that affect the integrity of the game experience
- Sharing ways to alter the sims code or files
Revised
This includes:
- In-game exploits that affect the integrity of the game experience
- Sharing ways to alter the sims code or files
- Discussing mods that alter licensed data
Why?
Added more clarity with what we consider to be a “cheat” in the sim.
Update 8: Consequences
Current
If a member is found to have participated in such actions, they will:
- Be banned from the forums for a length of time based on the severity of the infraction up to and including, indefinitely
Revised
If a member is found to have participated in such actions, they will:
- Receive a formal warning; or,
- Be banned from the forums for a length of time based on the severity of the infraction up to and including, indefinitely
Why?
Clarification that we usually work off of formal warnings first (see warning system in the Code of Conduct) unless the severity of the action results in a silence or suspension.
Update 9:
Added 02/13/2024
Users on our forum are also expected to follow the Xbox Community Standards.
Update 10:
03/05/2024
Previous
To facilitate this, we require that all members of the forums adhere to a set of guidelines known as the Microsoft Flight Simulator Forum Code of Conduct, or CoC for short. These guidelines are not exhaustive and may not address every possible scenario. Your access to these forums is a “privilege,” and not a “right.” We reserve the right to suspend your access to these forums at any time for reasons that include, but are not necessarily limited to, your failure to abide by these guidelines. This Code of Conduct applies to anything within the MSFS forums including public topics and private messages.
Users on our forum are also expected to follow the Xbox Community Standards.
The Flight Simulator team and volunteer community moderators reserve the right to edit, remove, or alter any post that violates this Code of Conduct or NDA agreement.
Revised
To facilitate this, we require that all members of the forums adhere to the Xbox Community Standards (the “Code of Conduct”). The Code of Conduct is discussed below, but this discussion is not exhaustive and may not address every possible scenario.
Your access to these forums is a “privilege,” and not a “right.” We reserve the right to suspend your access to these forums at any time for reasons that include, but are not necessarily limited to, your failure to abide by these guidelines. The Code of Conduct applies to anything within the MSFS forums including public topics and private messages.
The Flight Simulator team and volunteer community moderators reserve the right to edit, remove, or alter any post that violates the Code of Conduct or an NDA agreement.