deviantART strives to allow artists an outlet for expression via a variety of means. IRC is one of the ways in which we offer a means for one to express themselves as well as converse in a polite and friendly atmosphere. As with everything there are rules; this document outlines the official rules for the official deviantART IRC channel.

• deviantART, the website, != IRC. Policies listed on the website, unless otherwise stated here, do not apply to the IRC channel. Administrative action taken on the website, except in extreme cases, does not carry over to IRC.
  
  
• The deviantART etiquette policy, as a document outlining common sense rules for acting in a civil manner, will be the underlying basis for defining behavior that is not tolerated. Those individuals that continually act in defiance of the common sense rules laid out in the etiquette policy will be dealt with by #devart channel operators. Ops are to start with kicks and if the behavior continues then a ban is to be instituted. Bans are *NOT* to be the first line of defense unless the activity is extremely intolerable.
  
  
• Bans will last at least 24 hours. Only a core admin, or the Op that set the ban, are allowed to remove the ban before the first 24 hours has expired. If necessary, an IRCop will set an akill when required and when contacted by an Op.
  
  
• The mood of #devart should remain relaxed and civil. We are striving to afford people as much room to speak freely while ensuring that things do not get out of hand. People should feel comfortable in #devart in that *anyone* should be able to speak their mind without fear of repercussions from the Ops. Only when an individuals behavior falls in to categories previously define should an Op take action.
  
  
• If you have had administrative action taken against you in #devart and disagree with those actions then there are steps that you can take in order to obtain recourse. The first step in reconciling issues you may have with administrative actions taken against you is to speak privately with the administrator that took action against you. If you are not satisfied with the outcome then you may escalate the situation to chris. chris will *ONLY* speak to you if you have made an attempt to confront the initial admin. You can contact chris by a private message on IRC or by sending an email to irc[at]deviantart.com.

The aforementioned rules are general common sense and are designed to keep atmosphere in #devart light, more inviting and fun for those that have been visiting the channel since August 2000 as well as the first time visiting n00b!