The mods have been discussing the current situation and we have come up with the following decision.
From now on, the creation of 'pro' and 'anti' threads will not be allowed anywhere outside of the Character and Relationship area.
This means a 'Pro Ed' thread can be made. An 'Anti Ed' thread can be made, but anything along the line of 'Anti space ships in season five' will not be made. We will close the current 'anti' and 'pro' season five threads and anyone that wishes to discuss season five may do so in the remaining discussion thread.
Beyond the two season five threads, we will NOT close any of the existing pro or anti threads, but we will not allow the creation of any NEW pro or anti threads.
We are doing this because, quite frankly, an idea that was created to protect posters from bullies has been abused and blown out of all sense of proportion. Thus, it will go away.
Now, before you start cheering, this is the only warning. Since everyone will be co-existing in discussion threads, we WILL be moderating those threads with a heavier hand than you may be used to. Whereas we would just give friendly warnings, those that harass other posters, disrespect or belittle them will be facing punitive moderation. There will be a very low tolerance for those breaking the rules.
On the other hand, if you post that you like an episode or character and someone disagrees with you - as long as that disagreement is made with respect and in accordance with our rules, it'll be a valid post. Those posting need to post with respect, those replying need to post with respect. Those that don't can lose their ability to post.
Discussion means that all opinions are welcome. Even those that you may not personally agree with. Give those that disagree with you the same respect you want to be given. We will not moderate OPINIONS but rather ACTIONS.
We realize the need to allow everyone to make their opinion heard, and also to not feel continually forced to justify their views. While this new policy may look like we are curtailing free speech, what we want to accomplish is exactly the opposite: to give everyone a "safe" place to talk with like-minded people, while at the same time not allowing the forum to become so fragmented that no one will talk to anyone with a different opinion any more.
The goal is not to forbid any discussion, but to make sure every conversation and every group has at least one place to play. At the same time, the forum won't be taken over by an avalanche of Pro and Anti threads that outlaw differences of opinion from the first post.
We're not doing this to punish anyone, but we are doing this to control and contain the bullies that may try to take advantage of the new mixed threads. Those of you that habitually respect other posters and our rules will probably notice nothing different. It's only the handful that like to abuse others that will be getting to know the mods a bit better.
The rule of the day is, post to people the way you'd like to be posted to. You guys want to discuss. So DISCUSS. Don't dismiss, don't belittle. Give them the respect you want to be given.
And if you choose not to give people that respect, don't be surprised if you spend a little time in the moderation waiting room.
From now on, the creation of 'pro' and 'anti' threads will not be allowed anywhere outside of the Character and Relationship area.
This means a 'Pro Ed' thread can be made. An 'Anti Ed' thread can be made, but anything along the line of 'Anti space ships in season five' will not be made. We will close the current 'anti' and 'pro' season five threads and anyone that wishes to discuss season five may do so in the remaining discussion thread.
Beyond the two season five threads, we will NOT close any of the existing pro or anti threads, but we will not allow the creation of any NEW pro or anti threads.
We are doing this because, quite frankly, an idea that was created to protect posters from bullies has been abused and blown out of all sense of proportion. Thus, it will go away.
Now, before you start cheering, this is the only warning. Since everyone will be co-existing in discussion threads, we WILL be moderating those threads with a heavier hand than you may be used to. Whereas we would just give friendly warnings, those that harass other posters, disrespect or belittle them will be facing punitive moderation. There will be a very low tolerance for those breaking the rules.
On the other hand, if you post that you like an episode or character and someone disagrees with you - as long as that disagreement is made with respect and in accordance with our rules, it'll be a valid post. Those posting need to post with respect, those replying need to post with respect. Those that don't can lose their ability to post.
Discussion means that all opinions are welcome. Even those that you may not personally agree with. Give those that disagree with you the same respect you want to be given. We will not moderate OPINIONS but rather ACTIONS.
We realize the need to allow everyone to make their opinion heard, and also to not feel continually forced to justify their views. While this new policy may look like we are curtailing free speech, what we want to accomplish is exactly the opposite: to give everyone a "safe" place to talk with like-minded people, while at the same time not allowing the forum to become so fragmented that no one will talk to anyone with a different opinion any more.
The goal is not to forbid any discussion, but to make sure every conversation and every group has at least one place to play. At the same time, the forum won't be taken over by an avalanche of Pro and Anti threads that outlaw differences of opinion from the first post.
We're not doing this to punish anyone, but we are doing this to control and contain the bullies that may try to take advantage of the new mixed threads. Those of you that habitually respect other posters and our rules will probably notice nothing different. It's only the handful that like to abuse others that will be getting to know the mods a bit better.
The rule of the day is, post to people the way you'd like to be posted to. You guys want to discuss. So DISCUSS. Don't dismiss, don't belittle. Give them the respect you want to be given.
And if you choose not to give people that respect, don't be surprised if you spend a little time in the moderation waiting room.
. I dreaded going over there, because for or against, you couldn't leave that part of the forum happy with all of the negativity.
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