Minecraft Property Rights. Options

[Aki]

Ok I was hoping I wouldn't have to start a topic like this however. IT MUST BE DONE.

Different folk have different views on property.

This can cause upsets.

To resolve without the need for a small claims court I figure we should try to adhere to a loose set of rules. All of which are open for discussion. Mostly based around general etiquette and courtesy.

Here's my take on them. anything you disagree with please add to this discussion.

NO WARS (I say this now...)

NEW PROPERTY:

When searching for a place to build a NEW property you can and should build whatever you like ... OUT OF DIRECT VIEW OF ANYONE (unless discussed with all parties involved and an agreement made). This distance is governed by changing your in game view distance to "normal" then moving away from known objects before you begin your build. Setting a "normal" draw distance will still allow your new awesome building of doom to be seen from afar on the "far" view setting. This is deemed acceptable.

INTELLECTUAL IDEAS cannot be considered property in this game. If you build something awesome and someone copies your idea try to just remain happy in the knowledge that you did it first. After all there are a limited selection of resources and people are bound to use them in a similar fashion.

NO INTENTIONAL DAMAGE is to be done to another's property (unless agreed to by both parties). If damage is done unintentionally a swift apology and an offer of assistance to rectify the issue is always an appropriate action and should be received well.

Should you wish to build in close proximity to another property it is considered a matter of social etiquette. Open discussion of the build should be started between all CONCERNED parties. Those whom the property does not affect within the "normal" draw distance hold no sway in these discussions and at best should avoid comment.

MODIFICATION TO AN EXISTING PROPERTY
May be embarked upon without consultation of the other local property owners ONLY if you do not mind removing said modification should someone make a valid request. Clearly the safest way, should you wish to avoid hours of work for nothing, is to consult other nearby property owners first. However as I previously stated it is not necessary if you do not mind removal upon request.

AREAS CONSIDERED TO BE OF NATURAL BEAUTY
If you find a region that you consider this to be the case please mark it with signs on an unobtrusive 5-7 block high pillar for it to become official you will need 2 other players to agree that this is the case by showing them to the area. These areas are then considered protected. All building work in these areas will be done via group discussion which will need to be officially posted in the Sneaky Monkeys Minecraft forum before the discussion begins.

CHESTS/FURNACES IN PROPERTY (within it's doors) AND THE RESOURCES WITHIN are considered property.

MINES
Are NOT considered property and neither are the resources held in them. If you find a mine that you wish to explore on your own please do so however a sensible set of guidelines should exist here.

Once an area of a subterranean interest (and not within the door boundary of a property) has been lit it is considered FAIR GAME.

Teleporting without CONSENT to anyone at any time is considered exceptionally rude. People should be free to refuse a request and should also be free to give no reason should they wish (They more than likely have a good one.. If they do not, well ... maybe one day they too will be lost and refused in turn. Think Karma). If you are seriously lost with no hope try to contact someone who may not be mining (in case that miner wishes to mine alone) or at least ask a person mining to surface so that you may join them without invading their exploration space.

Chests in mines are communal. If you wanted to keep it you should have kept it. If you store your stuff for keepsakes BURY IT SOMEWHERE SAFE AND UNLIT.
IF YOU FIND A BURIED CHEST IN AN UNLIT AREA YOU ARE TO VACATE THE AREA AND BRICK IT BACK UP AND LEAVE IT AS YOU FOUND IT.

If you stumble upon someone mining it is considered etiquette to ask for their permission to join them mining despite all lit areas of a mine being fair game. It is acceptable to leave the miners immediate vicinity and begin mining elsewhere within the mine.

ALL PROPERTY DISCUSSIONS THAT DO NOT CONCLUDE WITH AN AGREEMENT MUST BE ADJUDICATED BY AN IMPARTIAL 3RD PARTY. IF A HAPPY AGREEMENT IS STILL NOT REACHED THE DISCUSSION SHOULD BE PUT TO THE VOTE HERE IN THE FORUM.

Phew ... I really hated writing that ... most of all because I'm sure I'll have done something wrong here but I don't mind if I get a slating. it has to be done to safeguard fair play for all concerned. Right... now... let me just don my flak jacket and helmet...