I had a long list of community rules and regulations for Double T Nation (herein "DTN"), but I have decided to scrap those rules for something a little more simple. I think we could all agree that life is better when things are simple.

First things first, allow myself to introduce myself: this is who I am. If you want to know more about me, then please feel free to shoot me an email. I try to answer each and every email, but if I fail to do so, it's certainly not a reflection on you. DTN is part of a much larger network of sports blogs called SB Nation and when I use the collective "we" I mean that they provide the software, hosting, etc., and I provide the content. If you're a fan of other teams then feel free to join those communities as well.

Here's the bottom line as far as rules are concerned, don't be racist, hateful towards other members or players of any team, or hateful towards other DTN users. Life's too short to spend being racist or hateful so let's just not do it. Also, if you are negative without explanation then that really doesn't do anyone any good. You can be angry or upset, but if you're angry and upset with some reasoning, then that's okay.

Oh, and if you are an opposing fan we welcome you so long as you have something to add to the conversation other than to just gloat after a loss. We get it, you're happy. If all you are doing is making fun of DTN users then that's not really being productive. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to run you off, but at some point it's annoying. If you can be constructive after a loss then your conversation is actually welcome and appreciated, but if you're just being a jackass, it won't.

What if you violate those simple tenants? I'll give you a warning by sending you an email, if you've listed your email address. If not, I'll let you know in a comment. If it happens a second time, another warning. If it happens a third time, then I have the option of banning you, but I'd prefer not to do that.

Cursing has come up once or twice before (because I've been the one doing it) and the bottom line is that I don't care if you curse in the comments. The only profanity rule is that I think it would be inappropriate for there to be profanity on the main page or in the titles to the diaries. My mother and father read my blog and I'd just like to keep it civil on the front page as much as possible.

I'm sure your next question is how do I become a member of DTN? That's easy, sign up for a free account and start commenting and creating diaries.

What are diaries? That's easy too, it's just the word we use to describe what you can do to help contribute to DTN. Diaries are a great tool for you to say what's on your mind. Typically, I don't care what you put into diaries, but there are a couple of topics that are not allowed to discuss in comments or in the diaries: politics and religion. You can go to other websites for conversation about those things, but not here. I don't mind you having an off-topic diary, in fact that can typically create some good conversation, but just label the comment "OT" in the title so everyone knows that it doesn't really relate to Texas Tech athletics.

At some point you may want to start using HTML for links, to bold things, create tables, etc. I am not an HTML expert and most of what I've learned I've learned about HTML is from reading this site and this site. I also cheat when it comes to creating tables by using this site. Some of the HTML will work and other HTML won't so the best advice I could give you is to keep it fairly simple and you shouldn't have any problems. Once again, if you get stuck, email me and I'll see if I can't help.

Lastly, I'm glad you're reading DTN, this is a website that I pour a ton of time and effort. Thank you and . . .

GO RAIDERS . . .