Post by security on Nov 15, 2009 14:25:20 GMT
FORUM GUIDELINES
Until recently the link2wales forum has operated without guidelines for users for a number of reasons.
First & foremost, Neil Crud simply didn’t want guidelines from the outset. He does not believe in censorship and feels that users should be given freedom of expression.
Second, owing to the type of people who use the forum, guidelines were unnecessary until now. The forum has largely managed itself.
Third, who wants guidelines anyway?! Rules were made to be broken. The music scene is full of obnoxious punk bands! It’s supposed to be anarchic! Guidelines for fuck’s sake! Boring wankers! (And a host of similar arguments)
Amazingly, the forum has stayed in place for years and enjoyed a fair amount of popularity, despite being completely unregulated and actively encouraging mischievous behaviour. Many discussions have been engaging for this reason.
HOWEVER...
Certain users are now abusing this freedom of expression as a means to abuse and attack their peers. It is no coincidence that the rise in poisonous messages has occurred at the same rate as a fall in active users. At the time of writing people are avoiding the link2wales forum simply because it is an unpleasant online location. Certain recent posts have been scathing & arguably slanderous. It is fair to say that if such words were uttered in a face-to-face conversation someone would certainly be hospitalised.
Unfortunately, this means we now need guidelines. So without further a-do, here are some Terms & Conditions. If you want to stay on this forum you must read and practice these 2 very simple modes of conduct. Please ensure we don’t have to add any more.
1. USE OF PRIVATE/PERSONAL INFORMATION
If you have a personal grievance with someone, it is preferred that you resolve it outside the forum. Please refrain from using intimate or private information about others for a personal attack or any other deliberately aggressive purpose. For example, few people will be interested in who bummed your best mate’s girlfriend or which spiky metal object you intend to shove up his arse (although the police may take an interest if you are psychotic enough).
2. TROLLS
Trolling is a necessary evil in online communities. It can trigger valuable discussions that tackle controversial ideas and radical viewpoints. However, trolling can also destroy an online community in a matter of days. If you must engage in the practice of trolling, use it wisely. Please refrain from trolling with the express intention to upset others or cause emotional distress. Additionally don’t troll excessively or for the sake of it. This isn’t a computer game & those are real people.
If you choose to persistently break the above rules you will be warned via private messaging. If you persist after three warnings you will be removed from the forum.
That’s it - It’s not a lot to ask guys.
Notice we haven’t given you the usual preachy stuff about racism, sexism and equal rights because we don’t want to insult your intelligence.
Until recently the link2wales forum has operated without guidelines for users for a number of reasons.
First & foremost, Neil Crud simply didn’t want guidelines from the outset. He does not believe in censorship and feels that users should be given freedom of expression.
Second, owing to the type of people who use the forum, guidelines were unnecessary until now. The forum has largely managed itself.
Third, who wants guidelines anyway?! Rules were made to be broken. The music scene is full of obnoxious punk bands! It’s supposed to be anarchic! Guidelines for fuck’s sake! Boring wankers! (And a host of similar arguments)
Amazingly, the forum has stayed in place for years and enjoyed a fair amount of popularity, despite being completely unregulated and actively encouraging mischievous behaviour. Many discussions have been engaging for this reason.
HOWEVER...
Certain users are now abusing this freedom of expression as a means to abuse and attack their peers. It is no coincidence that the rise in poisonous messages has occurred at the same rate as a fall in active users. At the time of writing people are avoiding the link2wales forum simply because it is an unpleasant online location. Certain recent posts have been scathing & arguably slanderous. It is fair to say that if such words were uttered in a face-to-face conversation someone would certainly be hospitalised.
Unfortunately, this means we now need guidelines. So without further a-do, here are some Terms & Conditions. If you want to stay on this forum you must read and practice these 2 very simple modes of conduct. Please ensure we don’t have to add any more.
1. USE OF PRIVATE/PERSONAL INFORMATION
If you have a personal grievance with someone, it is preferred that you resolve it outside the forum. Please refrain from using intimate or private information about others for a personal attack or any other deliberately aggressive purpose. For example, few people will be interested in who bummed your best mate’s girlfriend or which spiky metal object you intend to shove up his arse (although the police may take an interest if you are psychotic enough).
2. TROLLS
Trolling is a necessary evil in online communities. It can trigger valuable discussions that tackle controversial ideas and radical viewpoints. However, trolling can also destroy an online community in a matter of days. If you must engage in the practice of trolling, use it wisely. Please refrain from trolling with the express intention to upset others or cause emotional distress. Additionally don’t troll excessively or for the sake of it. This isn’t a computer game & those are real people.
If you choose to persistently break the above rules you will be warned via private messaging. If you persist after three warnings you will be removed from the forum.
That’s it - It’s not a lot to ask guys.
Notice we haven’t given you the usual preachy stuff about racism, sexism and equal rights because we don’t want to insult your intelligence.