Using sockpuppets to downrank popular posts is despicable behavior. When time is plentiful and I happen to spot such behavior, I may take action. Sockpuppetry leaves certain signatures that make it relatively easy to spot, but it's very low on the priority list. Upranking filth is far more serious, and far more likely to invoke editorial action against the participants - sockpuppets or no.

As for issues of notice and rule clarity... the highest "rule" of the Fray is editorial discretion. If, in our judgement, we find your conduct inappropriate, action may be taken. In general, adults don't need brightline rules to comport themselves respectably - and the overwhelming majority of our users never once have a conflict with the editors. If you lack the judgment or sense of propriety necessary to conduct yourself fittingly, you probably will have a run-in with the editors at some point. Adequate notice might be a Constitutional requirement in criminal law, but when it comes to chatboard privileges, we adhere to the much lower standard of common sense. And yes, that's "common sense" as defined by the three people granted editorial discretion.

If that's insufficient and you require rules... here they are:

No biting. No kicking. No screaming. No pinching. No pulling hair. No getting up during timeout.

And eat your vegetables.