This entry covers "group loot" parties only. Future entries may cover Master Loot and Free-For-All, etc.
While there are some who believe that if the software doesn't restrict it, it's "fine to do", there are many who feel that it's the "spirit" of the game that is most important when it comes to making decisions about what's okay to do and what is not.
Take one example of loot-sharing in parties and raids for example: Inexperienced players may believe that it's the first to the chest that gets it, but experienced players know that there is a process all party members go through to determine who "wins" the chest this time.
Why The Rules?
For the same reason any Rules are put into place - to try to keep things fair for everyone involved. Just because you're a big buff warrior who can storm on ahead doesn't mean that the priest who hangs back to keep you alive should be deprived of the chance to win a chest.
Also, if you roll "Need" a lot, you may find yourself booted from the party and not welcomed back.
Why Are They Unwritten?
Who knows. I just know that it's bad for your toon's reputation on the Realm if you don't learn these rules.
Okay, So What Are These "Unwritten" Rules?
Uh oh. If I write them, they cease to be Unwritten! Of course, these aren't official rules, so the official rules are still unwritten. Plus, I could get some of them wrong, so don't blame me if you have to change your behavior - just leave me a note so I can learn too :)
So, here we go:
Loot From Kills
Parties start out in "group loot" status, with "uncommon" (green) and up items triggering a "group roll". If your party is in a status other than "group loot" it will behave differently, and you may not get the options presented here.
When a green+ item is looted, all players in the immediate vicinity are presented with a small window which has a picture of the item, and three options - clicking on the image of the dice will roll "Need", clicking on the image of the gold coins will roll "Greed", and closing the window will "pass" on the item completely.
Need? Greed? Huh?
This is where things get more detailed and important. It's important to know when it's appropriate to roll "Need" and when you should be rolling "Greed".
In short, in most parties the deal is,
Roll 'need' if you can use the item in question and it's an upgrade to your current equipment
Some parties will allow you to roll Need on items which are NOT "bind on pickup" if your alternate character could use the equipment, but be sure to ask.
Otherwise, if you cannot directly use the item or it's not an upgrade from what you already have, roll "Greed" (or pass completely).
Lockboxes
Something else to consider is that lockboxes are NOT only for rogues - sure, only the rogues in the party can unlock the boxes without keys but the loot that is inside the box is what you are rolling on. It's likely the non-rogues will turn to the rogues for unlocks anyway :)
Looting Chests
Chests that parties run across are generally "won" through the /roll feature. Each player who wishes to try for the chest types /roll and is presented with a random number between 1 and 100 which all party members see. The player with the highest number "wins" and can loot the chest without competing further for the green+ contents in it.
If the winner of the chest does not want all of its contents or has a full inventory and cannot pick more up, the second place roller can take the rest.
Disposing Of Your Winnings
Selling your winnings in the AH or disenchanting them is perfectly acceptable, and in fact is why many folks continue to go through dungeons that do not give them experience towards levels.
Comments? Questions? Additions? Please leave a note :)