Katis

It has come to my attention that there are people who have some differing opinions on how the board should be moderated. Therefore, JW77 and myself have decided to start this thread to get some input from all of you. What we want to know:

1.How you feel the current rules should be interpreted [The basic FF rules, that would of course still apply (examples would be helpful)].

2.Any additional rules you feel we should specially apply to this board, why, and examples of when they would be used.

After getting your input, JW77 and myself will go over the suggestions and draw up a type of “contract”. That is, an agreement that you as posters have basically come up with as to how you want this board to be handled. We’d post it at this thread, and get your opinion on it, whether or not you agree. That way, if you guys break the rules…guess what, it’s your own rules you’re failing to abide by.

Things to take into consideration when commenting:

* Don’t assume that everyone knows what you say when you say something like “respect”, or “rude”, we all come from different cultures, different backgrounds, and different values and these words mean different things to different people. So be very precise in what you say.

* Don’t make your suggestions so constricting that they are going to hamper dialogue, we are trying to create an atmosphere of mutual respect, not one of speech suppression.

* Don’t use specific posts, or posters in your examples, even in a backhanded, subtle way. There are no stupid people here and everyone will know who you are talking about.

* Of course, all the rules will have to be approved by JW77 and myself, and cannot contradict the basic FF rules; however as long as they are not overtly objectionable we will do our best and they will not be approved without a majority agreement.

The basic FF rules can be found here:

Official FF Rules

Katis & JW77

Ambular

I don't really have any problems with original FF Rules as they currently stand. I think they're good guidelines.

What I think this particular board needs to put perhaps more emphasis on than other boards is probably unanimous:

3) Be respectful. Not everyone is going to agree with you at all times. It’s perfectly fine to disagree with someone as long as it is done respectfully, but do not attack other posters.

Because politics is a very touchy subject and it is very easy for people to be offended or feel that they are being attacked personally, I think this is the area that needs the most clarification.

I'll just talk personally for a second: I don't have any problem with people disagreeing with me, none whatsoever. It's when name-calling (being "you are a ___ or you are ____ ") comes into it that I have a serious problem. I also don't think it's uncalled for to say that the way someone's ideas have been presented is ridiculous or silly, because at some point someone is always going to think so, but it's one thing to say, "Well, I think that's kind of silly." versus, " That is soo stupid!!" That's what bothers me. That's my personal definition of "rude"

Oh - I would also definitely advocate more "cracking down" on the appropriate places to PUT your comments. I know people have complained about, for example, anti-Republican sentiments posted on threads obviously meant for Republican discussion. Or, as another example, threads that are intended to (intelligently) discuss the problems in the American government, where people feel they can make blatantly inappropriate comments either about our President or other people who would vote for him. There's a place for all opinions, and all are welcome, of course, but only where they're appropriate, I think.

That's my take!

JW77

Thanks for posting that Katis.

*Lauren

Ban the damn rolling eyes smilie! We had an agreement among the posters not to use it, but it seems to have dissapeared. Add the pukey smilie to that one.

Ambular

I wouldn't mind getting rid of it myself - as long as it isn't in response to a poster. As a response to a news story is different, I think.

Lovesbitch

I don't see anyting wrong with using the eyerolling smilie. If you're using it you're obviously making a statement that applys the feeling. If a person gets upset over a smilie then a board discussing touchy subjects may not be the best place for them.

And what do you mean by using speicifc posts and stuff.

I know during one debate we would reference back to things the person said earlier or something. Like if they suddenly switched sides or claimed they hadn't said that. Would that not longer be allowed?

Ambular

Yeah, I was wondering that too. If it isn't derogatory, or irrelevant, I don't understand why we can't say something along the lines of, "Well, what about when you said this...."

*Lauren

The thing is about respect If you're having a discussion with a person, do you roll your eyes during the convo? Its extreemly rude.

Lovesbitch

Maybe that rule should be redefined to say something about it only applying when the person is using it in a rude or irreleveant way.

mh67511

Make up some little code that we can write because it get's annoying to constantly remind people that "THIS IS MY OPINION."

Lovesbitch

we need a 'this is my opinion' smilie.

Ambular

How about instead of rolling our eyes, we say:



No?

mh67511

whatever.






HAHA jk. No seriously I love that smiley! Fan Forum is lucky to have it...AIM doesn't have one and I wish it did! Sometimes things are said that the only way to respond is to just . Anyways people should chill. It's a damn rolling eyes smiley. If ya can't take the heat, stay out. That's what I think at least.

Lovesbitch

That would be the greatest one ever.

mh67511

I love my new avatar.