Off-Topic Forum Suspension Disussion

[scarface]

....So does someone want to define the rules ---I mean for real?


Justin

...don't piss Lynn off, and I think you're pretty much good to go....














.....works for me!!

(....OK....who's got the keys?...)

-whatever

-Lou

[JLStorm]

I will let Joe and Lynn define the rules when we solidify them, but there will be some changes for sure. We will be much more closely monitoring threads, we will be proactive, we will be deleting posts that violate the forum rules, we will have no issue with closing threads that are offensive and/or violate the general forum rules, and for the first time I believe we may be instating temporary or permanent bans when appropriate.

Being more strict and proactive will allow us to more efficiently enforce existing rules instead of creating a long list of new ones, although some new ones may be in the works.

The bottom line is there is no way we can please everyone no matter how hard we try, so we are currently brainstorming on the best approach to this issue. I can assure you that your comments and opinions have not gone unnoticed.

[WireBeard]

I took a stab at it early on in this thread (much to the chagrin of those who are farsighted...sorry)....

1. No discussions of religion or politics
2. No personal attacks
3. No name-calling
4. Be sure to use smilies when joking or being sarcastic.
5. No posting of commentary or material which is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, libelous, invasive of another's privacy, hateful, or racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable.
6. Moderators will make the call
7. Post what steps the mods can/will take for violators.

There...the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Posters......



Greg

[Bruno]

1. No discussions of religion or politics
2. No personal attacks
3. No name-calling
4. Be sure to use smilies when joking or being sarcastic.
5. No posting of commentary or material which is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, libelous, invasive of another's privacy, hateful, or racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable.
6. Moderators will make the call
7. Post what steps the mods can/will take for violators.

I don't think that rule no 1 is necessary as long as 2 and 3 are in effect.
Abide by rules 2 and 3 and there won't be problems. disagreement is not a problem in and of itself as long as it stays civil.

4 is up to preference, but imo it makes it easier to convey meaning. for lost of people, english is not a native language. For non-english speaking persons it is easy to make mistakes.

5, 6 and 7 are in the fine print everybody agreed with when signing up, but most didn't bother to read.

[RichZ]

I can't believe as adults we have to have this discussion.
Hey if you think it might piss someone off don't post it is all you need to know.. That is called common sense...

[Creel]

I’d hate to miss the opportunity to discuss a wide variety of issues with my straight razor shaving peers.

The fact that they have also chosen at least one similar path less taken makes their every conversation more intriguing.

I don’t understand why we can’t coffee house.

If folks are that sensitive can’t they just stay out of the off topic sections?

In fact why censor it at all?

Why not post a disclaimer and let free speech reign.

[azjoe]

Why not post a disclaimer and let free speech reign

Three reasons...

1. that's not in accordance with the rules of our site
2. the site is intended to be family oriented and maintain a high degree of civility.
3. permissible content is dictated by laws which vary from country to country and may be further restricted by state and city ordinances. Since our site has a worldwide membership we try to maintain a decorum that is acceptable to all jurisdictions.

[Bruno]

I’d hate to miss the opportunity to discuss a wide variety of issues with my straight razor shaving peers.

If folks are that sensitive can’t they just stay out of the off topic sections?
In fact why censor it at all?
Why not post a disclaimer and let free speech reign.

The 2 have nothing to do with each other.
It is perfectly possible to discuss anything without the need to become rude and insulting.

Forcing people to abide by rules of civilty is in no way a detraction of the possibility to discuss worldly topics.

[jnich67]

I can't believe as adults we have to have this discussion.
Hey if you think it might piss someone off don't post it is all you need to know.. That is called common sense...

Bingo!!

Jordan

[jaegerhund]

I can't believe as adults we have to have this discussion.
Hey if you think it might piss someone off don't post it is all you need to know.. That is called common sense...

This sounds good to me --- but I don't know if it's that simple-- cultural differences can make you draw different lines in the sand.. I can't count the number of times my southern constitution has been assaulted by the damn Yankees on this forum ---- but in general I agree, a little common sense goes a long way.


Justin