Thoughts. - Comments

The problem with expressing yourself without breaking the rules is that the rules aren't clearly defined. In the General Site Guidelines section of the Knowledge Base, this is what they have to say on bashing/public ridiculing:

Quote

No bashing Mibbains or their writing.

It's important to treat other users how you would want to be treated. Flaming, harassing, threatening and being condescending towards other users is strictly forbidden on Mibba.

This rule also extends to user's writing posted on the site. Constructive criticism is welcome, but rude or insulting comments (This story is awful or You're just an awful writer, terrible) are not allowed.

No bashing artists, books, films, users’ opinions, etc.

Similarly the rules apply to music, films, books, people and such. It's fine if you don't like a specific thing and you'd like to discuss why, but don't take it too far. There's a way to discuss things without bashing. It's simply the difference between saying, "I don't like this band. I think the lead singer has a terrible voice and all their songs sound the same," and saying, "This bands sucks! Their lead singer is a jerk and their fans are idiots."

Public Ridicule

Similar to bashing, if you’re having issues with a user (whether it is personal or pertaining to their work or opinion) do not attack or mock that person anywhere on the site, whether direct or indirect. Public ridicule will get you banned from the site.

Everyone interprets what bashing is on their own, because it isn't defined. Everyone has a different definition of what 'flaming', harassment, treats and condescension are. I had no idea that jokingly saying "you're an asshole if you don't read this" was bashing until I got a message for it. It would bother me less if they actually properly explained what these offences really mean. ALSO, they should not be called 'guidelines' if they are RULES, because that's a misleading term.

Has anyone else noticed the misspelling of Mibbians on the guidelines page?

PREACH IT GIRL PREACH IT!! =D

@ AmorarEsDeVivir
That's basically what I'm saying on the second part, but yeah.

I think there are plenty of ways to discuss feminism, racism, and other social issues without breaking any of the rules. I've done it before. As long as you're expressing what you think and what you find problematic without calling people names or insulting individuals, it's not hard.

And if people respond to that with discussion that's great. If people respond to it with anger or backlash, then you have a choice to either educate them and hope it sinks in, or ignore them and carry on the discussion with those who are willing to have it. Both are valid, but the anger and backlash doesn't need to hurt you or keep you from saying what you believe.

I wish more people realized that.