This is starting to become a really big issue in our discussion forms, and we have to to something to stop it. One of the most important rules on the site, especially for debates, is that all discussions must remain respectful. So, I'm going to give a brief overview of the main problems, explain what we're doing, and you can ask any questions you have here.
1. "WOW!" "You really believe that?" and "Seriously??? Who thinks that?" and "I feel sorry for you if you really think THAT."
Making comments that indicate you're amazed at how stupid you think someone's opinion is is no different than just bluntly calling them stupid. If anything, it's worse because you put yourself on some high horse above them. So, let's not do that anymore.
2. " *Insert something really offensive, probably profane*, but that's just my opinion. No offense, man!" and "I find your belief sickening."
Bashing anything cannot happen, even if it's your opinion. Someone will be offended, so find a better way to word how you feel. Just for the record, this includes bashing things like a religion, a politician, or an opinion.
3. "You obviously will never comprehend what I'm saying..." and "I'll never get through your thick skull?"
Even if you're not calling someone stupid, you can still insult their intelligence. Don't.
What We're Going to do
First, we're going to be moderating this section much more heavily, and we expect you to help by reporting people who break the rules. We don't want this to become a hateful, negative section of the site when it's intended to be enlightening.
Offenders can expect to be banned for a week, or more if the offense is severe enough. This rule starts right now, and if you've made a post within the last few days you think may be questionable, you have a clean slate, so don't worry. We have some very good users in this section of the site, so I don't expect this to be a problem anymore.
1. "WOW!" "You really believe that?" and "Seriously??? Who thinks that?" and "I feel sorry for you if you really think THAT."
Making comments that indicate you're amazed at how stupid you think someone's opinion is is no different than just bluntly calling them stupid. If anything, it's worse because you put yourself on some high horse above them. So, let's not do that anymore.
2. " *Insert something really offensive, probably profane*, but that's just my opinion. No offense, man!" and "I find your belief sickening."
Bashing anything cannot happen, even if it's your opinion. Someone will be offended, so find a better way to word how you feel. Just for the record, this includes bashing things like a religion, a politician, or an opinion.
3. "You obviously will never comprehend what I'm saying..." and "I'll never get through your thick skull?"
Even if you're not calling someone stupid, you can still insult their intelligence. Don't.
What We're Going to do
First, we're going to be moderating this section much more heavily, and we expect you to help by reporting people who break the rules. We don't want this to become a hateful, negative section of the site when it's intended to be enlightening.
Offenders can expect to be banned for a week, or more if the offense is severe enough. This rule starts right now, and if you've made a post within the last few days you think may be questionable, you have a clean slate, so don't worry. We have some very good users in this section of the site, so I don't expect this to be a problem anymore.
November 10th, 2010 at 03:25pm
