Do we really need defined rules?

Something that's been brought up quite often is the lack of any written rules.

As I've stated multiple times, I feel that written rules usually are just a list of things that the average person would consider common sense.

>be nice
>don't spam
>keep nsfw in the dedicated nsfw categories
>we don't have an advertising category, so don't advertise
>we don't have a marketplace category, so don't advertise

Just to name a few things one would expect on a list of rules, yet are things people shouldn't have to be told.

I'm uncertain what needs to be defined. How does someone live through life, if every building they enter needs a written list of rules for them to follow?

I've seen forums with clearly defined rules, they rarely do anything to improve the quality of the forum; and there's always things that are left out, which people think they can get away with - because they're not listed in the rules.

While we work out whether we actually need a defined list of rules, I have added this page.

I think we should have a loose set of rules, but don't trun this place into a zone of NO FUN.

A subset of rules would be nice just to point people in that direction when it comes down to it, since we've seen that not everyone thinks toward common sense.

Guidelines are more apt.
Few rules, the more objective the better.
Better to point out why somebody is wrong, than forcing him to "behave" through banning, deleting, shadowbanning, post editing and other methods.

A forum is not a chan, if somebody bothers your sensibilities, it's possible to hide his posts forever.

Common sense doesn't really qualify as rules, because each person's conscience is different. The lack of written down DOs and DON'Ts can really make some people feel they can do whatever they please unpunished, since, let's face it, we of staff don't really have any base (other than common sense) to justify our judgement, so doing justice where it needs to be done can also be interpreted as abusing our power. The rules don't really have to cover every single aspect, neither is there a need for a really long list of them, just a few guidelines to tell people what is and what isn't welcome. In my eyes, it can also help the staff determine what to do in certain situations.
I don't see how bringing up other forums is of any relevance, though. We at lewd are one community that is slowly yet constantly evolving and expanding - we don't need to improve the quality of the forum since it keeps on improving thanks to most of our wonderful members. The rules would simply make them feel more at ease, secure so to say, since they have something to relate to when trying to do something they're not certain if is welcome or not.

ALL OF WHAT I SAID IS MY OPINION ONLY.

I have already adapted one of the best sets of rules that I'm familiar with and asked for input only to be told that they aren't needed. Mods check my topic in group forum fanfics, please contribute