Felicity

As a result of what I perceive as a decline in civility in this forum that claims "civility a must!", I have a few thoughts/suggestions...

1. More liberal use of "Don't be a jerk" rule--with points, not simply warnings.
   
2. Examples of what "being a jerk" means. (Maybe start a thread in Off Topic Discussion to elicit input. For example: in the vein of Jeff Foxworthy, "You might be a jerk if you...." and forum participants can offer how to complete that thought. Yeah--you'll get a lot of nonsense, but maybe some good insights too).
   
3. When mods post "warnings" on threads, be more specific as to what is inappropriate and who is being inappropriate.
   
4. Reconsider the "thanks" button...I like it, but I think it may sometimes contribute to flaming (like a "cheering section") and/or giving some posters a false sense of the validity of their debate acumen.
   
5. Consider (if possible) a "timed-out" option on Basement posts. I mean that posts in the Basement have a shelf-life. The Basement isn't really a place to "blow off steam"--it's got a life of its own and it bleeds into the upstairs. It's a good idea, but I think the result does more harm than good. People's most base expressions become immortalized and I think it ultimately emboldens that sort of expression on a smaller scale upstairs.
   
6. Call people on their fallacious claims. If this is a "debate" forum, there are certain rules of etiquette and form. I'm not suggesting mod action against them, just perhaps some way (other than the "thanks" button) to acknowledge REAL debate acumen and what is poor debate form rather than percieved prowess. I don't know how that could be accomplished.

Anyway...just some thoughts on effecting a return to "the good ol' days"...

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While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die. ~*Leonardo Da Vinci*~

1069

Yeah, for example, if a rape surviver tries to enlighten us by explaining what rape actually is, and what it isn't, and others attack her, invalidate her experiences, hurl accusations at her, and call her "incredibly callous", the mods could step in and start distributing infraction points.
Good idea! I second it.

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Lightdemon: "Is 10 going to outer space or something?"
Jerry: "...yes, 10 is going to outerspace."

jfuh

Oh the irony of how you of all people are complaining of rampant "incivility".
In particular I find it ironic of how you're whining about #4

Do onto others as you would like others to do onto you

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The facts and science of the theory of anthropogenic Global warming

Billo_Really

Hands off The Basement!


It IS a place to blow off steam and serves that function very well. If poster's didn't have that outlet, there would be a lot less civility upstairs.

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"With neocons, it just goes to show, when the
bar is low enough, you can never be too wrong!"

independent_thinker2002

Billo for Warden!!!

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==]:{o

Billo_Really

There was only one and one only Warden.

May he R.I.P.

I still miss him...

independent_thinker2002

Go say hi to him. You know where to find him.

I was joking about Warden (April Fool's joke anyone?). There won't be another.

I miss teacher too. But what is done is done.

Billo_Really

Oh oh, he said the t-word!

BAN HIS BUTT!

Felicity

I didn't suggest getting rid of it. I think timing out of posts might reduce its influence. I understand some people LOVE the vile stench that reeks through the cracks in the ceiling.

independent_thinker2002

Do you remember the forum before we had a Basement?