In Reply to: Re: Ahem indeed! posted by Joshua on June 05, 2003 at 15:31:04:
I've highlighted the relevant points for your benefit:
All opinions are welcome. However, phrasing and tone are important.
Insensitivity will not be tolerated. Harassing behavior will result in being banned from the forums.
Courtesy and respect first and foremost. It is imperative that anyone using this board shows courtesy and respect to fellow posters, and their
faith and beliefs. We will make provision for inevitable unintentional misunderstandings and marked differences of opinion that can arise from
interaction between posters, but deliberate and repeated hurtful or abrasive behavior will result in being banned.
Not a pulpit. Repeated unsolicited advice and instruction will not be considered dialogue nor discussion, but rather preaching - this is not a
platform for preachers with a "mission" to instruct - it is a place to share your experience as fellow journeymen.
Dialogue, not monologue. Speak with each other and not at each other.
Address the issues discussed, bring up more issues for discussion; but lengthy or repeated one-way communications or exhortations will be considered monologue/preaching.
Context is important. Answer to posts in the context of the thread as much as possible.
No unwelcome familiarity or badgering. While we recognize that in any virtual community, it is both natural and necessary that participants achieve some level of familiarity with each other's views and lifestyles, etc., this familiarity can be misused in the bulletin board medium, as a tool for badgering. In all discussions, where possible, kindly stay in context, address the points in the thread and refrain from introducing random references to another participant's previous stated views/lifestyle/etc. in a badgering manner.
No arrogant speech or over-assertive dogma. It is acceptable to share what your beliefs are and speak for yourself. However, opinions which
invalidate another's beliefs or views as lies, and remarks which cast a fellow poster of a different view or faith as one not following the truth, will be considered religious arrogance and dogma.
No angry debating allowed please. Posts are subject to removal if content is vulgar and/or willfully offensive.
Lively discussions are encouraged as long as a certain level of civility is maintained. Please don't make it personal.
There is no need for personal attacks. If you have a specific problem with a poster, settle it outside of the forum. Threads of that nature will be deleted.