The following should be read by all Gryffindors - especially those chosen to be Ops in our official channel, which is #gryffindor on the Blitzed servers.

Being an Operator (or "Op") in our House channels is a special privilege given to those Gryffs who are responsible and willing to follow and enforce the rules of HOL. Ops exist to help keep peace and order in our House channels, and all students are asked to follow their instructions.

Some Ops will be strict; others more lenient. It all depends on the person and how each person interprets the Rules of HOL. All students using an Official House/HOL channel should respect the chosen Ops, and try to remember that Ops are not trying to be mean, but just trying to do their job. We hope with this document, that we can set a few "consistencies" in the way our Ops work so we can have a fun and safe channel for the students of HOL to enjoy.

1. Gryffindor Prefects & Professors who visit IRC will have AOPS privileges. Please send your registered IRC nick to Missa, Hat, or Rae to be added to the list of AOPS (P2P, PM, or Owl). Make sure and visit the channel every now and again so your AOP will not drop from disuse. Registering a nick on IRC lasts for a month if you do not log in during that time.

1a. Choosing a Nick on IRC. If you are new to HOL we'd appreciate it if you joined our channel using your HOL name so we can get to know who you are. Also, if you choose a nick that is the same as another HOL regular, chances are that the nick is registered and IRC will automatically change your nick to "Guest". You cannot go by a nick that someone else already has. Please try to pick something different, as it is confusing for our members to figure out if it's "Mary" or Mary v2".

2. Gryffindor Students may also have the opportunity to be AOPS. This is all based on the discretion of the Channel Team. Students who have shown responsibility, dedication, helpfulness, fairness, and discretion will be considered. Students who constantly ask for an AOP will NOT be considered, and may be reprimanded for annoyance.

3. People of other Houses: Professors, Prefects, and Students of other houses are *HONORED GUESTS* in our Channels. They do not receive Ops. We are happy to have them visit, and welcome them with open arms, but the channel is *OUR* home and we shall have control over it at all times. If the Guests are being bothersome and break the rules, they may be kicked and/or banned from visiting our channel, depending on the severity of the infraction. The title of "Honorary" in Gryff terms means "We don't necessarily like you; we just want to keep a closer eye on you." *G* There are a few exceptions.

4. If an Op is the only Op in the channel and must leave for a time, that Op may choose another Gryffindor who is present, who they feel is responsible, to become a temporary Op. Please do not leave the channel without making someone else an Op if there will be none left. Hopefully, we will have enough Ops to have regular ones at all times.

5. Please be on the "lookout" for inappropriate links being shared in channels. Try to encourage that all links be shared via P2P so that young ones don't inadvertently click on something they shouldn't.

6. An Op shall remember that HOL is a very diverse community with many different people of all ages and walks of life. People will have differing opinions and viewpoints on what is right/wrong. In no way will we tolerate any "hate" type talk (I'm sure you all know what I mean - saying "I hate homework" is very different than talking about people or a group of people in that way.) or racial comments. Please remember that HOL channels official language *is* English, and try to be helpful of those who have a problem understanding English. Remember that Patience and Tolerance is the key here. We don't want to be too strict, but we don't want people to be able to swear, curse, or make others feel uncomfortable. This can be a fine line to tread, so please use your best judgment. Remember, we can have very young people in the channels, with protective parents - please do not jeopardize their membership at HOL by allowing inappropriate conversation to continue. Let's have fun, but make sure it's good fun for all
present.

Abuse of Chan Op powers will result in suspension of Op powers; 1st infraction will be a warning and/or 1 week suspension (depending on severity of abuse); 2nd infraction will be one month; 3rd infraction -until further notice.