The BOD decided we should make an official update to Mike's @Coral reefer old DBTC rules post (found here: https://www.bareefers.org/forum/threads/dbtc-info-rules.23030).
I am going to unsticky Mike's old post (thank you Mike!) and sticky this one - until the next big update.
For information ABOUT the DBTC program, there's an old but gold write up here (also stickied): https://www.bareefers.org/forum/threads/what-is-dbtc.14207/
STANDARD DBTC Rules:
These rules are not "guidelines" - they apply to anyone who is participating in the program and will be enforced by the BOD when possible and necessary.
Note that many members post "additional rules" on their DBTC chains. This is OK to do, although not entirely necessary since ultimately it is totally up to the person who starts the chain to choose who receives their frags. Note that the BOD does not enforce these extra rules. Also note that the person starting the chain should not EXPECT their custom rules to apply to anyone on the 2nd layer of the chain. If you don't trust the person you are giving the frag to to respect your additional rules when giving the frag away themselves - I would not give the frag to that person.
For newbies: These rules can sometimes feel elitist or alienating - but you must remember that many corals are expensive, many are rare, and seasoned members don't want to give away the precious to someone they think is going to kill it, abuse it, or try to profit from it. Read their rules and respect the member by simply moving along if you don't meet their requirements.
For seasoned members: These rules can sometimes feel elitist and alienating. It's perfectly fine to have your own rules - but please be respectful in your DBTC threads. The program is not meant to feel insular or inaccessible.
I am going to unsticky Mike's old post (thank you Mike!) and sticky this one - until the next big update.
For information ABOUT the DBTC program, there's an old but gold write up here (also stickied): https://www.bareefers.org/forum/threads/what-is-dbtc.14207/
STANDARD DBTC Rules:
These rules are not "guidelines" - they apply to anyone who is participating in the program and will be enforced by the BOD when possible and necessary.
- Must be a BAR Supporting Member (join here -> https://www.bareefers.org/forum/account/upgrades)
- Must transfer frags of a coral (in person and via BARcode) to at least TWO unique members before selling or trading that coral outside of the DBTC program.
- Doing this "completes the chain" - it earns you the right to sell or trade the coral or do whatever with it. But more importantly it's just a totally awesome thing to do! This is the heart of the program and should be your goal when taking on any frag. Grow and share! You can see Top10 contributors here, which is cool. You can view any individuals contributions by clicking the "BARcard" button in their profile. Also cool!
- DO share journal updates in BARcode! It bumps the chain automatically in the forum when you do this - letting others know it's still active, potentially piquing the interest of additional members, and often triggers others to make their own updates or share pics of their own colonies.
- DO reach out directly to members that have frags you are interested in. Clicking the "request a frag" button is fine but it's best to contact someone directly and set up a meeting.
- DO check out the DBTC table at frag swaps and farmers markets - there are usually many available!
- DO update your tank journal with your new frags!
- DO NOT be a necromancer - if a DBTC thread has been dead for several years - it's probably...dead. Reach out directly to folks on the chain to see if maybe they have something, but don't bump the thread.
- DO NOT spam request frags in BARcode. This bumps all the threads to the front page (which is annoying for everyone, and highly public) but is also frowned upon and can give folks a negative perception. Don't be that person.
- DO NOT take take take without ever giving back. We are always happy to welcome newbies - and many members here have a ton of free coral for you if you take the time to participate in the forums, make friends, and get involved.
Note that many members post "additional rules" on their DBTC chains. This is OK to do, although not entirely necessary since ultimately it is totally up to the person who starts the chain to choose who receives their frags. Note that the BOD does not enforce these extra rules. Also note that the person starting the chain should not EXPECT their custom rules to apply to anyone on the 2nd layer of the chain. If you don't trust the person you are giving the frag to to respect your additional rules when giving the frag away themselves - I would not give the frag to that person.
For newbies: These rules can sometimes feel elitist or alienating - but you must remember that many corals are expensive, many are rare, and seasoned members don't want to give away the precious to someone they think is going to kill it, abuse it, or try to profit from it. Read their rules and respect the member by simply moving along if you don't meet their requirements.
For seasoned members: These rules can sometimes feel elitist and alienating. It's perfectly fine to have your own rules - but please be respectful in your DBTC threads. The program is not meant to feel insular or inaccessible.
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