02-05-2005, 11:31 PM
Greetings everyone,
I have <b>asserted</b> my <b>intentions</b> to <b>return</b> <b>this forum back to a place of civil intellectual discussion and learning</b>. The level of quality has dropped within the last couple of months while the amount of insulting, arrogance, and outright malevolence has increased.
I never intended to make enemies out of anyone. Yet, in order to have a friendly objective community there must be someone enforcing the rules. Why? Because there are people who will not obey them; people who will not listen to a friendly suggestion to not be a complete and utter bad words.
I said it was coming...and it's here <b>Judgement Day</b>. Your judge and jury is Admin. I am the plaintiff on behalf of the member base which has issued complaints.
Before I make the complaints to Admin, I am going to define <u>what will redeem</u> you from the rules and give you time to improve. This is an agreement you are free to enter into.
Redemption #1 <b>Thou shalt not be angst.</b>
--No flaming, no insults, no personal attacks, no hating the person over the position on an issue or over their opinions.
--Talk about the issues, not about the people.
--Debate as a student and do your best to follow the etiquette (fallacies.)
Redemption #2 <b>Thou shalt not be pompous</b>.
--Do not act offended, surprised, or shocked at the perspectives of others.
--If someone makes a mistake unwittingly and you jump down their throats, you are guilty of arrogance.
--Unbias your topic titles. Make them Clear.
Redemption #3 <b>Thou shalt not be stubborn</b>.
--If you make a logical error and change your perspective by realizing it, you will make everyone proud.
--Listen to each other.
--If you refuse to change your mind when you are proven wrong and given time to think about it, you have failed this plank.
Redemption #4 <b>Treat others as you wish to be treated</b>.
--No double-standards. If you're rude or vulgar, expect it in <b>return</b>.
--No retaliating against <b>forum</b> justice (trying to get others banned for disciplining you, etc.)
Redemption #5 <b>Repent, Forgive, and Forget.</b>
--Apologize to persons you have offended.
--Forgive persons that have offended you.
--Let go of grudges.
If any of you will do these things, I will not hold your flaws against you. I am not perfect, but I am committed to values.
<b>Sign this thread with full acknowledgement that you understand and will comply with this standard of conduct.</b>
I am taking responsibility for your actions. If Admin wants to punish anyone *who follows my agreement* he can punish me and me only. You have nothing to fear from Admin as long as you are trying to be a good debater, because I will arbitrate for you and keep you from being butterfaced, blammed, and banned.
<b>Abandoning the agreement means I will never take up for you again.</b>
The rest of you, who do not enter this agreement, are condemned to the rules. You are under them and you will suffer your own punishment for breaking them. I will hunt you down and get you banned for being a flamer.
In order to make this agreement official, Admin has to make a decision. From that point on, the <b>rules will be enforced</b>. When you (who sign this thread) cross the line, I will take the heat and talk to you about what you did.
Now, let's get this <b>forum back</b> on the right track.
---------------------------------------------
If I could... Then I would... Turn back time!!
I have <b>asserted</b> my <b>intentions</b> to <b>return</b> <b>this forum back to a place of civil intellectual discussion and learning</b>. The level of quality has dropped within the last couple of months while the amount of insulting, arrogance, and outright malevolence has increased.
I never intended to make enemies out of anyone. Yet, in order to have a friendly objective community there must be someone enforcing the rules. Why? Because there are people who will not obey them; people who will not listen to a friendly suggestion to not be a complete and utter bad words.
I said it was coming...and it's here <b>Judgement Day</b>. Your judge and jury is Admin. I am the plaintiff on behalf of the member base which has issued complaints.
Before I make the complaints to Admin, I am going to define <u>what will redeem</u> you from the rules and give you time to improve. This is an agreement you are free to enter into.
Redemption #1 <b>Thou shalt not be angst.</b>
--No flaming, no insults, no personal attacks, no hating the person over the position on an issue or over their opinions.
--Talk about the issues, not about the people.
--Debate as a student and do your best to follow the etiquette (fallacies.)
Redemption #2 <b>Thou shalt not be pompous</b>.
--Do not act offended, surprised, or shocked at the perspectives of others.
--If someone makes a mistake unwittingly and you jump down their throats, you are guilty of arrogance.
--Unbias your topic titles. Make them Clear.
Redemption #3 <b>Thou shalt not be stubborn</b>.
--If you make a logical error and change your perspective by realizing it, you will make everyone proud.
--Listen to each other.
--If you refuse to change your mind when you are proven wrong and given time to think about it, you have failed this plank.
Redemption #4 <b>Treat others as you wish to be treated</b>.
--No double-standards. If you're rude or vulgar, expect it in <b>return</b>.
--No retaliating against <b>forum</b> justice (trying to get others banned for disciplining you, etc.)
Redemption #5 <b>Repent, Forgive, and Forget.</b>
--Apologize to persons you have offended.
--Forgive persons that have offended you.
--Let go of grudges.
If any of you will do these things, I will not hold your flaws against you. I am not perfect, but I am committed to values.
<b>Sign this thread with full acknowledgement that you understand and will comply with this standard of conduct.</b>
I am taking responsibility for your actions. If Admin wants to punish anyone *who follows my agreement* he can punish me and me only. You have nothing to fear from Admin as long as you are trying to be a good debater, because I will arbitrate for you and keep you from being butterfaced, blammed, and banned.
<b>Abandoning the agreement means I will never take up for you again.</b>
The rest of you, who do not enter this agreement, are condemned to the rules. You are under them and you will suffer your own punishment for breaking them. I will hunt you down and get you banned for being a flamer.
In order to make this agreement official, Admin has to make a decision. From that point on, the <b>rules will be enforced</b>. When you (who sign this thread) cross the line, I will take the heat and talk to you about what you did.
Now, let's get this <b>forum back</b> on the right track.
---------------------------------------------
If I could... Then I would... Turn back time!!
