Rob
10-16-2006, 12:10 PM
Our boards continue to grow, which is a great thing.
But along with a growing community comes the need to start keeping an eye on things which, previously, might not have been such a big deal but are now turning into actual, potential problems.
While we hope that you will feel free to share your thoughts, comments, and opinions freely on these boards, you may NOT use these boards to harass another member, or to engage in name-calling or hate speech. There are plenty of examples in recent posts, and it ends here.
If you disagree with someone's opinion, fine. Show them where they're wrong. Offer constructive arguments. But we need to behave civilly when responding, even if it's a heated topic, which means that we need to move toward responses like, "I disagree because of blah blah blah," and away from responses like, "Screw you, dude, you're a fag."
I'm not saying we all have to get along and agree with each other, because that would be stupid. I love the diversity of opinions and viewpoints we get in these boards, and I think that debates from past years as well as this year have led to positive changes and outcomes in the local haunting world.
And lest you think I'm trying to be all high and mighty, I realize that I am just as guilty as anyone of engaging in personal flame-wars. I publicly apologize. But as an online community I think it's time for all of us, myself included, to rise above that and shoot for something better.
I guess what I am saying is that yes, you are free to speak your minds, but in doing so, let's do it in such a way that at the very least, these boards will be a place where all members are treated with respect whether you agree with them or not.
Thanks.
But along with a growing community comes the need to start keeping an eye on things which, previously, might not have been such a big deal but are now turning into actual, potential problems.
While we hope that you will feel free to share your thoughts, comments, and opinions freely on these boards, you may NOT use these boards to harass another member, or to engage in name-calling or hate speech. There are plenty of examples in recent posts, and it ends here.
If you disagree with someone's opinion, fine. Show them where they're wrong. Offer constructive arguments. But we need to behave civilly when responding, even if it's a heated topic, which means that we need to move toward responses like, "I disagree because of blah blah blah," and away from responses like, "Screw you, dude, you're a fag."
I'm not saying we all have to get along and agree with each other, because that would be stupid. I love the diversity of opinions and viewpoints we get in these boards, and I think that debates from past years as well as this year have led to positive changes and outcomes in the local haunting world.
And lest you think I'm trying to be all high and mighty, I realize that I am just as guilty as anyone of engaging in personal flame-wars. I publicly apologize. But as an online community I think it's time for all of us, myself included, to rise above that and shoot for something better.
I guess what I am saying is that yes, you are free to speak your minds, but in doing so, let's do it in such a way that at the very least, these boards will be a place where all members are treated with respect whether you agree with them or not.
Thanks.