Well, I am no longer in the AoP so I don't really have any say over the rules or ntell usage anymore, but I admit I personally cringe when self-appointed moderators feel the need to constantly tell others how to use the ntell. I think IF you are going to tell someone what they can or can't do, please use some finesse, and a careful friendly approach. I've seen several times helpers getting into ntell arguments about the nrules... ugh. Personally I think things like that does more harm than some newbie sometimes breaking a rule by mistake. That's just what I think though, but I have perhaps a more lenient approach to the ntell than many other wizards and players. Actually, as a player I was at one time almost banned from the ntell by Goroboth for helping newbies with quests. Of course when I became AoP I removed that particular rule from the nrules... And yes, don't worry, Gorboth grudgingly agreed to let me do it.
In general I think the ntell is one big reason that makes people stay long enough to get hooked on Genesis, but perhaps the rules could be clearer, or we could have some other system for moderation. Or perhaps remove the suggestion in nrules encouraging helpers to tell others to follow the rules? Or even have a rule _against it_? Too often that particular line of text seems to lead to helpers fighting each other on the ntell, or helpers telling real newbies to follow the rule in a not-so-polite (sometimes outright rude) way. Which... is not good.
Perhaps it should instead say:
"Please remember that being a helper does NOT make you a moderator of the ntell line. If you notice someone repeatedly breaking the <nrules> you should <mail aop> as soon as possible, or in severe cases of abuse, for example racial/sexual harassment, use the <commune> command to alert the wizards."
Or something like that. So, if someone breaks the rule, all you need to do is alert the AoP team, and then they can decide what to do, and we don't end up with helpers fighting each other, or not knowing how to interpret a rule, and no more newbies get scolded and leave. Anyway, look at me pretending to be AoP again! Also, it's much easier to suggest ideas that gives the AoP more job, when you are not in the team yourself. Thank me later Mirandus!:)