Okay, I've gotten together with some themers and created a new set of rules that builds on the old ones. These rules use laser's as a base, so if you already know those like the back of your hand, you should have no trouble following these.
1) Do NOT release a work that is derived from or copied from another author without their permission prior to release. A work is defined as a theme, noteskin, announcer, or any user-created content.
The main exception to this rule is that an author can revert their status on permission. If this happens, all pictures, download links, and so on must be taken down.
If you just want to use a small part of a work, ask for permission. Usually, if it's nothing too big, they'll say yes.
2) There is a
Content Request Thread
for existing content. DO NOT make threads asking for content that exists already. Post in the linked thread instead.
This rule is in place to remove clutter.
3) Job farming is allowed, however you must observe the following rules in relation to job farming:
* It must have substance, i.e. not "I want someone to make a theme based on
x."
* It must have a description of the project's goals. (for example, "I am looking for people to help me make a theme about
x. It should target
program y. It would be nice if features
q and
m made it in, but are not necessary." and so on.)
* It should have a list of people you're currently working with, if any.
* It must have a list of what needs to be done, as well as what's currently done. (Examples include graphics, metrics, sounds, music, modeling, etc.)
* Typically, some sort of reward should be involved, as making a theme takes quite some time. For non-for-profit organizations/projects, a reward is not required.
4) No content-less new threads. This kind of goes hand in hand with rule 2.
If you're releasing something/talking about a WIP, it's best to have some sort of preview content.
5) Rules regarding content releases ("The Release Rule"):
* Do not bug themers to release their theme. It's up to them if they wish to.
* Do not bug themers for release dates. It'll be done when it's done. As a sidenote, if a themer DOES state a date and does not follow it, you may ask about it.
* Do not bug themers about updates. Much like releasing a theme, updates are released at the themer's discretion.
* (added 20080312) Do not bug themers to release a beta of their theme. It's up to them if they want to do so.
* (added 20080422)
IF A THEME IS TAGGED [WIP], THERE IS PROBABLY NO DOWNLOAD. DO NOT ASK FOR ONE.
6) The "chinaboy Rule"
Do not post about work that is not yours unless you have been given permission to do so. This rule is in place to make sure that misattribution does not happen, as when you post information without stating an author (like chinaboy has done many times before), people assume that you made it.
7) The mods do not like to have to repeat themselves. If we say something,
listen to us. We know what we're talking about.
Failure to comply will result in an infraction.
These rules can be modified at any time for any purpose, and there will be some sort of notification of any modification.
20071109 edit: changing formatting.
20071130 edit: changing formatting again.
20090918 edit: changed rules 3 and 4 some, changed date formatting
[ATTN] Theme Discussion Rules 
![NAKU [X] Generation's Avatar](http://www.bemanistyle.com/forum/avatars/naku%2B%255Bx%255D%2Bgeneration-115725.gif?dateline=1193852379)
Nice rule for chinaboy, so he'll not post other members theme. [dances and.. ouch! my stomach... T_T]
- Simfiles @ Zenius -I- Vanisher
- Simfiles @ bemanistyle
: sayaka-seira999 is still alive 
