Board Thread:New Features/@comment-13918697-20140924084804/@comment-452-20140929231840

Yeah, unfortunately, even if something technically contrary to the TOU, if it's not enforced, people assume it's "allowed".

Similar to how littering is against the law in many places, but many people commonly do it because it's easy to get away with.

Although the "be nice" policy is only enforced on Community Central, it's technically "on the books" everywhere via the "Be good to each other" part of the Wikia Community Guidelines. (Not to be confused with the Community Central Guidelines, which is similar, but separate and does not apply to all wikis.)

edit: One other common "technically not allowed, but generally permitted" policy is the customisation policy, which states: "Not to intentionally block, remove, or otherwise obstruct the proper functioning and view of advertisements, and/or user interface and functionality", and has been used by Wikia Staff in the past to mean "You cannot add a link to the end of the On The Wiki tab, because the "proper functioning" is to not have a link there", and "The "proper functioning" of the top nav bar is to not have a custom background". Since these interpretations are valid, this means the same line technically means that any and all customisations are contrary to the customisation policy, but are simply overlooked.

However, Wikia Staff only split hairs regarding these policies when it suits them, and often allow some wikis and users to get away with things which are not allowed on, or by, others.

Also, thanks for your input, anon user. Feel free to create an account, or to continue posting as an IP - it's your choice.