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Rule 11 "Why"

Rule 11

What *is* Rule 11?

"Rule 11" is a rule we use to inform users that we do not offer "official" support for modifying the mod lists, as well as, seperate conversations about modifying mod lists from their default state into specific modding channels for each of the lists.

At the time of writing the rules reads as such on the Discord server:

Staff are not required to support modified versions of the modlists. All discussion of modifying the lists should be done within the Modding category of the server. Suggesting that someone modify the lists should also be done within the Modding category of the server.

This page will detail specifics on what this means and the potential cases it applies.

Examples of things that Rule 11 applies to:

  • Installing new mods.
  • Removing existing mods.
  • Reinstalling mods in a list.
  • Updating mods in a list.
  • Editing existing patches/mods in a list using any modding tool (SSEEdit, DYNDOLOD, FNIS, Nemesis, Wrye Bash, Synthesis, etc.).
  • Adjusting mod config files (.ini, .config, .toml files, etc.) (unless otherwise specified).

Examples of things that Rule 11 *doesn't* apply to:

  • Editing MCM menus.
  • Disabling a mod through the MCM menu.
  • Changing or editing ENB or Community Shaders presets.
  • Adding Character Presets for Racemenu (Assuming they don't require additional mods to be added).

Adding Bodyslide, ENB or Community Shader presets and Rebuilding Bodyslide presets is not a Rule 11 breach, however support will not be provided for this, and you will likely be redirected to the Modding section anyway.

"Exceptions to Rule 11"

While this might be confusing, from time to time bugs will happen with the list that require patches to fix but a proper update to the list will be some time away. When this happens we sometimes provide "Official modification" patches on the Discord for people to install that will fix these issues. Adding these files will not result in you being warned for Rule 11.

These fixes will be posted in the Announcement channels only. Any other posts from other users should not be considered official.

Why does this rule exist?

The intent of Rule 11 is two-fold.

  1. It helps the Staff to assist with issues with the list by making sure any support given in the support channels are related to issues in the list without any additions. This allows us to properly identify bugs in the list and fix them effectively.
  2. It keeps the channels on topic and relevant allowing both people with unmodified lists and people modifying the lists to get help with their respective questions without limiting discussion or crowding a single channel.

Being asked to move channels is not a punishment it is organization. We understand people may mistakenly post in a general support channel with a modified list or a question about a modified list and we are generally lenient on cases such as these. As long as you inform us you've modified the list when asking a question you will likely be politely redirected, except in the case of repeat incidents.

The rule is unfair/I don't like it.

We periodically review our server rules and listen to constructive feedback about the rules. If you have a concern please politely raise it in an appropriate channel or contact an Admin.

The rule limits modding freedom and gatekeeps people that want to add mods!

This is a common argument we receive, but the reality is we have several helpful staff and community members that frequent the Modding section of the discord. If you're asking specific questions you will most often receive some help.

What does "Official Support" Mean?

Staff on the discord are not required to support issues if you decide to modify the list. If Staff do decide to help you the decision is up to the individual person and they can stop at any time.

When does Rule 11 apply?

Rule 11 applies to *any* discussion of the following in any of the channels that are **not** under the Modding section of the Discord:

  • Discussion about adding mods to a list.
  • Discussion about removing mods from a list.
  • Discussion about reinstalling mods in a list.
  • Suggesting someone do any of the above to fix an issue.
  • Discussion of issues occuring in a list that you have modified (Even if you think your modifications have nothing to do with the issues).

The above are all encompassing, which means that attempting to circumvent the rule by either not disclosing that you have modified the list or by using indirect methods of talking about an issue will result in staff reminding you of the rule and directing you to the modding channels.

If you would like to suggest someone break Rule 11 to fix an issue please ping them in the modding channel for the mod list.

Arguing with staff when they have directed you to the modding channels may result in warnings given.

I asked a question and didn't get an answer!

We make every attempt to help people with their modifications. Unfortunately it's impossible for us to answer questions such as:

  • "Is it safe to add x mod?"
  • "Can I add x mod without breaking the list?"
  • "What will break when I add x mod?"
  • "What do I have to do to remove/add x mod?"

These questions are all effectively asking someone else to do the work and tell you how to do it. We provide a number of pinned guides in the Modding section on how to properly look for conflicts and sort your load order appropriately for additions.

A few useful guides are linked here:

Guides on using Bodyslide

Guides On Conflict Resolution

Guides on ESL Flagging Mods

Other General Modding Guides (Including those above)