Thread: RE: Forum Rules Discussion

I think we need some clarity on what falls into "politics". A couple of recent posts have been reported by Ben as potentially political that I don't view as much political as societal. Not to hate on Ben, I think he is doing the right thing reporting posts on all sides of the political spectrum that he thinks might violate the rules, which is why the rule needs to be a bit clearer. The two posts, videotaping of cops and cow abuse, are still open, so maybe they don't violate the rules. I think that any off-topic thread can spiral down into political fighting if a few members go that far, but most threads don't. And if they do, the mods have been good about closing them or editing out posts. Personally, I'm glad that Ali and Amave contributed those posts to the forum and I'd hate to think that a poorly defined rule might have prevented them from posting those threads in the first place. I think it is good that we have a no politics rule and it should stand with regards to clear political topics (especially when it comes to political party discussions). However, for topics that speak about events that occur within our society but outside of politics, I think they should be posted. If they end up too racy, they can always be closed. Personally, I don't even open most threads that have a title that might enrage me. But I would much rather read something I don't like (too political) than have members not post threads because it might have some remote political element to it.

Hey Isfahan,

I agree with you, we are currently working on this situation. The reason the threads haven't been closed yet is because we are still pending the finial decision.

It's good that you avoid topics that might enrage you, if more people where to follow that rule of thumb, I don't think political threads would be such a big deal.

We also don't want to censer forum members, which would eventually lead to no one wanting to post.

We will keep you posted on the final verdict .

The forum rules are currently under panel review.

Beat you to it and I'm watching Euro Trip at the same time

Damn you V you beat me to it.

Meh! I'm posting from the iPhone in bed after watching zombieland.

I know I picked on you for this before, but in bed already? Man I must be young

You need to have kids, be a veteran of the armed forces, and be at work at 7am. THEN come talk to me. :P

I swam across the ocean, so there

FYI: There is a new rule in effect on the forum. Currently infractions are being handed out for:

This is significantly more strict than the previous rule of "No threatening, or overly abusive personal attacks". The infractions for the new rule can be handed out by the moderation staff without prior warning.

The rule change is also retroactive.
That means if you've ever insulted anyone in the past, you're subject to the rule even now. Anything you've said prior to the rule change can still be brought up now and be cause for punishment. Be aware.

Hopefully there will be a forum-wide announcement about the new rule and the appropriate section of the forum rules will be altered to reflect the new state of things.