OpenBVE News and Development
2023 Rules and Regulations
[Subjected to revisions and updates by division head]
Revised: 10/02/2025
Group Information:
Welcome to OpenBVE News and Development, we have been running since Sept 2 2013! Thank you for joining us today, we enjoy your time spent here in this group and hope you will be apart and contribute to the community. Before entering and joining activities, we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE OUR MEMBERS TO READ THIS DOCUMENTATION. OpenBVE News and Development (also known as OBND) is open to the public. We explore different games and simulators to keep things entertaining within the group.
Here at OBND, our main focus is to create OpenBVE content for those who use the software, including routes, trains, sounds, and program files. We aim to assist all developers; however, for solo projects, you must show a will to learn and not just expect members to build your content for you without doing any work.
OBND has 2 groups to categorize developers, known as “official” and “3rd party”. Users of both parties can showcase their work and publish it on our group and website for the general public's use. Please be reminded that the copyright laws are still in effect for the work that you modify or reproduce without authorization. This means that if you are using somebody else's content and modifying it. You need to give proper credit and respect if they don't wish that you modify or reproduce their content without written or verbal permission. OBND will remove any content deemed to be violating this statement!
All members are to be reminded that administration and coordination members will make sure everyone is following the rules to prevent issues such as disputes, arguments, and unnecessary drama. This doesn't mean you have the right to be disrespectful to anyone and this doesn't mean that anyone can be disrespectful to you. Fairness is not always the same to certain people, what may be fair to you is not fair to others.
However, if you think our justification for something we disciplined you for was unjustified. You have the right to write an appeal on the OBND Forums website. https://forums.openbvenews.com/
Use Guidelines
Please review the following guidelines. By accessing or using the services provided by OBND, you signify your agreement to the Rules and Regulations at all times. If you do not agree to be bound by the Rules and Regulations in their entirety, you may not access or use the service provided by OBND.
OBND Administration and Moderators are subject to the same rules and regulations as regular members. Disciplinary action will lead to suspension, termination, and demotion depending on the severity of the situation. A hearing is granted to all administration and moderators with disciplinary actions charged against them.
OBND Managers are official group members who make decisions above the administrators and work closely with the founder. Managers WILL FOLLOW THE RULES AND REGULATIONS AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON OBND PROPERTY AND ARE SUBJECT TO DEMOTION FROM THE MAIN LEADER AT ANY TIME. BE REMINDED THAT DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS ARE STILL IN EFFECT IN MANAGEMENT RANKS.
**All higher-ranking admins are reminded that your tags are not permanent and will have changes to suit the needs of OBND during certain times in the year.** The group you are on contains services being given to the OpenBVE public domain such as the following. Add-ons for OpenBVE (Trains, Routes, Objects, program files, and sounds), TeamSpeak 3, Website, and Multiplayer. Our TeamSpeak 3 server is the main operation of OBND, and everyone is welcome to join at any time. The roleplay runs, and multiplayer events are also hosted here. We also play other games, and different types of events are always found on the TeamSpeak 3 server, so don’t feel shy to log on and say hi to everyone.
TeamSpeak 3 Information:
Main program: www.teamspeak.com
TeamSpeak IP: ts.openbvenews.com
**Subjected to updates and revisions**
Anyone violating OBND Rules and Regulations in any way or form will be dismissed and voided from future services, including the forums, website, multiplayer, and TeamSpeak. Your appeal may be denied for 1-3 Years Maximum for another appeal if you were banned again after an appeal was granted for the first time.
Rules for [OBND] Social Media Sites
Use restriction for users under the age of 13:
If you are a minor under the age of 13. You will need permission from your parental guardian or legal guardian to join this community. Your parental guardian or legal guardian will be solely responsible for monitoring the content they allow you to see within the branches of our community. Online interactions between members are not always monitored by the Administration of OBND.
Facebook users can be dismissed at any given time if found in violations of the OBND Rules and Regulations. Members can also be removed at any time without warning.
1.1 Respect all members and admins within the group page. We are all grown people here and don't need to be spied on for poor behavior. Let us be respectful by not using R-rated words. Please be kind to one another. Occasional joking, teasing, and meme making is fine, but high levels of disrespect, such as gaslighting/instigating/and starting personal or bringing in personal problems with other members is strictly prohibited.
1.2 No False reports/abusing group features/spamming is allowed in the group. If found in violation, punishment will be one of the following: suspension, muting, or termination from the group. Spam will be removed, including you! Don’t spam the page.
1.3 All self-promotion (Ex, YouTube, Instagram, Twitch, etc.) will be done in moderation.
1.4 Whatever is said on OBND stays on OBND. Relaying screenshots from the OBND Facebook page is prohibited. This group requires trust and respect, which makes this group great, but also causes issues in other pages if there’s internal conflict. Avoid sharing screenshots of the OBND Facebook page. (Need Revisions)
1.5. Advertising other groups on OBND property without proper Administration permission will result in member dismissal. Certain members' YouTube channels will be prohibited from being advertised here as well if they were members of this page and were dismissed! NO EXCEPTIONS!
1.6 This is an English-speaking group; please try your best to write proper statements so people can help you. Refrain from using harsh profanity! We understand we say some not nice words as young adults and grown people. But we have minors here and are representing a group. This is not a bar or the fish market, control your mouths!
1.7. If you happen to have a problem, give details; don't just throw a problem at us with no information. If you don't understand something, ask! But expect to do most of the work because that's how you learn, and you’ll be proficient in the future. With this rule, avoid swearing at us with your issue as well, we're not your punching bag when your problems arise, and we understand you're upset, but there is no need for rudeness.
1.8. If, for any reason, you want to exit or no longer wish to be a part of the community, it is within your right to leave at any time. However, any seniority, veteran, and/or administration statuses will be revoked. Members will have to start as new members in the community again.
1.9. OBND is a neutral community. Please refrain from discussing gender/presidential-world politics/outside information that doesn't relate to transportation or other activities, OBND permits to be posted in its communities.
1.10. Uploading Malicious content and willingly destroying someone else's property will be dealt with legal action as per the 2 parties.
1.11. NSFW is prohibited
1.12. Uploading anything to OBND’s website will be checked before it can be uploaded and distributed.
1.13. Sending unauthorized content/classified information is prohibited!!
1.14. When creating a project, refrain from doing the following. (A) Creating a project, then getting upset and not releasing it, (B) Advertising it everywhere, then canceling it and jumping from project to project, (C) Having members assist you in the development of a project and using them, then throwing them to the side. (D) Stealing somebody else's project and calling it your own
1.15. Keep politics to a minimum we aren't interested in your vote or issue with the president or anyone else. Respect people's decisions
1.16. Racism will not be tolerated
1.17. Constant advertising of your YouTube channel or its content is allowed but limited to 2-5 posts per month. Anything else will be considered spam and will be deleted. Members abusing this will be muted.
1.18. Instigation is prohibited. Anyone caught adding "fuel to the fire" on any argument or discussion will be muted for a week and then dismissed from OBND.
1.19. Non-domestic/Non group-related matters are to be kept OUT of OBND and its assets. This means any YouTube, Twitch, Group Chats, or any other media that you have had issues with another member should not be brought onto the page or on TeamSpeak.
POSTING AND CONDUCT RESTRICTIONS
When you create your own personalized account, you may be able to provide [Description of Info That May Be Provided] (“User Content”) to the Service. You are solely responsible for the User Content that you post, upload, link to, or otherwise make available via the Service.
You agree that we are only acting as a passive conduit for your online distribution and publication of your User Content. The group, however, reserves the right to remove any User Content from the Service at its sole discretion.
We grant you permission to use and access the Service, subject to the following express conditions surrounding User Content. You agree that failure to adhere to any of these conditions constitutes a material breach of these Terms.
By transmitting and submitting any User Content while using the Service, you agree as follows:
· You are solely responsible for your account and the activity that occurs while signed in to or while using your account;
· You will not post information that is malicious, libelous, false, or inaccurate;
· You will not post any information that is abusive, threatening, obscene, defamatory, libelous, or racially, sexually, religiously, or otherwise objectionable and offensive;
· You retain all ownership rights in your User Content but you are required to grant the following rights to the Site and to users of the Service as set forth more fully under the “License Grant” and “Intellectual Property” provisions below: When you upload or post User Content to the Site or the Service, you grant to the Site a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, display, and perform that Content in connection with the provision of the Service; and you grant to each user of the Service, a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to access your User Content through the Service, and to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, display and perform such Content to the extent permitted by the Service and under these Terms of Use;
· You will not submit content that is copyrighted or subject to third-party proprietary rights, including privacy, publicity, trade secret, or others, unless you are the owner of such rights or have the appropriate permission from the rightful owner to specifically submit such content; and
· You hereby agree that we have the right to determine whether your User Content submissions are appropriate and comply with these Terms of Service, remove any and/or all of your submissions, and terminate your account with or without prior notice.
You understand and agree that any liability, loss, or damage that occurs as a result of the use of any User Content that you make available or access through your use of the Service is solely your responsibility. The Site is not responsible for any public display or misuse of your User Content.
The Site does not, and cannot, pre-screen or monitor all User Content. However, at our discretion, we, or the technology we employ, may monitor and/or record your interactions with the Service or with other Users.
DISCLAIMER
** WE HAVE NO AFFILIATION WITH THE MTA, NJT, SEPTA, OR OTHER TRANSIT OR RAILROAD HUBS. THIS IS A NONPROFIT HOBBY GROUP. ANYTHING WE DO HERE IS NOT TO DANGER OR DISTURB THE MASS TRANSIT/RAILROAD OPERATIONS. ANYONE HERE THAT MAKES ANY REAL-LIFE CONTENT IS MADE FROM PROVIDED PHOTOS OR FROM OTHER SOURCES, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN. WE DO NOT CONTROL WHAT OR WHO DOES WHAT, WHEN, WHY, OR HOW. WE AREN’T LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES TO ANYTHING, AS THIS DISCLAIMER HAS BEEN MADE BY THE DIVISION HEAD. **
MODIFICATIONS
Modifications for private use are allowed to be shown. Remember, don't steal others' work or photos, calling it your own!
On behalf of the OBND Admin and Development Team, we welcome you to a safe and fun environment.
TeamSpeak 3/Discord Rules and Regulations
Don’t do dumb shit whether on or off OBND property. We aren’t liable for anything that happens beyond the boundaries of our control.
Do not ever advertise your server or another TeamSpeak server without asking the administration team. Don’t copy or use the TeamSpeak format or any OBND service to advertise. (Don’t poke, message, or speak about the server IP without talking with a Query Admin) you will be perm-banned and be dealt with accordingly to the offense.
Don’t bring your problems to negative attitudes on TeamSpeak or problems that have nothing to do with the server in general.
Don’t get involved in problems that don’t concern you; we will not assist you with your issues! Keep all 3rd-party OpenBVE issues away from the TS Server
No cursing in live streams or official/unofficial runs, and no music or unnecessary noises while in events. YOU WILL BE BANNED!!
Do not server abuse (Logging in and out, jumping from channel to channel, spam chat, or poke spam unless authorized)
Keep in mind you may be recorded at any time for server security in the event that a major situation is going on.
Do not disrespect admins; respect goes both ways. If you want it, you must earn it!
Don’t be dishonest about development, whatever you didn’t create, don’t steal or try to look like you created it people will call you out on it!
Keep your sex lives/ personal lives to yourself; we don’t want to hear what you do behind a closed door, nor do we care.
You must be at least 14-15 to participate in TeamSpeak. (If you’re under the age of 10-13, you’re going to be dealt with by the administration for accommodation) [This includes times allowed on the server for school days and holidays until you’re above the age limit]
OBND isn’t liable for any problems that occur outside of the server when its group members are hanging out doing whatever it may be. Respect all transit rules and regulations including railroads. All problems that happen within OBND on its property will be dealt with according to the law and proper rules and regulations.
Ear rapping or anyone caught ear rapping willingly will be banned. We are a zero-tolerance group! This is not a daycare; get your acts together, you are grown adults or whatever you identify as.
To attend runs, you must have proper training and attendance. Any training outside of OBND is not permitted and you will be scheduled based on availability and when classes can be held. Refusal to do classes will have you refused from doing runs.
Playing music/announcements in non-music channels without everyone's approval is PROHIBITED.
If you request classes in development, training, dispatching, etc., and you don't show up you will not be allowed to schedule anything in the future for wasting time. Instructors will give you dates and days for availability.
PUSH-TO-TALK IS REQUIRED ON TEAMSPEAK! YOU WILL BE KICKED/BANNED OR MUTED AS REQUIRED. IF YOU'RE PLAYING A GAME IN A RESPECTIVE CHANNEL, THEN YOU ARE ALLOWED NO PUSH TO TALK. WE DON'T WANT TO HEAR YOUR BACKGROUND!
When joining an OBND run Dispatchers are the only ones authorized when it comes to giving commands! No TSS will be assigned unless the tower authorizes it also no TSS will override any dispatcher on site. If anyone breaks this rule, both you and the Train Operator will be put out of the run!
All incident reports are required to be filled out when required!
Administrators kicking and banning members unnecessarily (Abusing permissions) will be demoted from the team and suspended!
Bullying is an immediate ban! Don't do it! Respect everyone!
Respect all transit rules and regulations including railroads. All problems that happen off OBND property will be dealt with in accordance with the law and proper authorities. We don't condone trespassing and will not partake in your actions!
Shady behavior will be investigated when reported!
Uploading malware or malicious content will be immediate dismissal!
Adding members to administration ranks or unauthorized ranks will be investigated, and the person caught in the act will be suspended.
Members who have been here for years don't automatically gain administrative status for doing nothing. You must participate in events, including doing something with your time here.
Regular members aren't admins; don't try to overstep your boundaries.
Completing run incident sheets is required. Failure to do so will result in you sitting out in runs until that sheet is completed
When a banned OBND member has been dismissed from the services of OBND there may be friends they have that haven’t been dismissed.
Follow the rules of content and respect its original developers. DON’T STEAL WORK YOU DIDN'T CREATE. Members will tell you where you go wrong by taking other people's work and calling it your own. Just give credit and avoid that confrontation. This is called Leaching and it’s a major problem!
Do not be a content leech. (Content Leeches are people who only join OpenBVE groups for content that developers are making and asking for private releases) Being a content leech will get you banned. If you're calling yourself a developer for OBND, trying to get unreleased content, you will be dismissed from the page. We’re giving you only 2 chances, don’t do it!!
. Selling or buying BVE ROUTES and TRAINS is ILLEGAL on OBND property, we will only ask for donations for useful tools and services meaning Multiplayer, TeamSpeak, Google Drive, and other experimental equipment for BVE as needed. Anyone caught selling anything relating to a free simulator besides what was mentioned is dismissed. We don't do that here!