Rules? We don't need no stinkin' rules! Of respect and freedom....

[Lecter]

I hope that this will become a fun and vibrant place for burners to gather.

Of course, one of the factors that arrives with such a diverse community is how to get all of the differing viewpoints to relate to each other. If we are too politically correct, the anarchists will burn me (and rightfully so). If we have no rules, we may lose the gentler spirits who prefer a more serene setting. What to do?

So I have come up with the following. I am aiming for the best of all potentialities. The first two sections (Welcome Home and Community) are semi-moderated and are "full respect" zones. If anyone posts anything in the first two sections that is not fully respectful (of the topic at hand and/or the individuals involved), I reserve the right to delete it. If a particular thread causes issues, I reserve the right to close it, or even delete it. Please keep in mind that you don't need to agree with someone, but in these sections, please treat them with full respect whatever your response. Serious offenses will get the offender a temporary ban from posting. Severe and repeated disrespect will get the offender banned.

But what about free speech? Those with an anarchistic flair can spawn some fine subjects in vibrant discussions. That is why the remaining sections of the forum (Radical Self Expression; Thunderdome; and Website) are unmoderated. You can say anything. Argue anything. Proselytize anything. There are even areas for Flamers and Trolls! (I figure they'll arrive eventually, might as well place the welcome mat out! :)) Have you <s>hugged</s> slugged a Troll today?

So, if you are easily offended, stay out of the last three sections. And if you don't like playing nice, then don't enter the first two sections. And if you are well (g)rounded, then the playground is open for your whims.

So there you have it. Lets see how it goes.

-Respectfully (this is the first section after all!) ;)

Lecter

[Artzilla]

My hats off for your hard work on designing a very thought out site, thank you.

It is my experience that Bulletin Boards, for the most part, function merely as showcases for the witty and articulate. Most evolve into self-serving pissing match spectacles between contenders, “and in this corner” much to the amusement and delight of its lurking audience, complete with occasional heckler and “yea, Todd is right” 2 cent-ers.

Because not all of us are gifted one-liners, quick on our feet, or trained in the way of sit-com writers, I applaud Lector’s idea of safe respect areas.

Despite themselves, BBs occasionally serve to cause us to think, and maybe, just maybe learn something new.

and that is my self-serving 2 cents.

[Lecter]

Thanks for the kind words Artzilla!

I thought for a long time about the safe zones, and in the end feel that it is the right solution. It lets the participants make their own decisions, and it should allow for diverse groups to all thrive and get along.

Lecter

[reverend_mike]

The concept seems solid. Is there a way to "move" inappropriate but thought provoking posts from the "open" forums to the restricted forums? That way they aren't censored, per se, but taken to a more appropriate venue???

Thanks, thanks for the hard work, now everyone just needs to MAKE it work.

Rev Mike

[Lecter]

Is there a way to "move" inappropriate but thought provoking posts from the "open" forums to the restricted forums?Yes. I can move entire threads or individual posts, so if a post or thread is good, but in an inappropriate section, we have an easy fix.

L

[msmonkey]

Awesome, I hope this works out well. Nothing more annoying than a troll ruining my witty and thought provoking posts.

[GrumpyOldBastard]

thanks for the site, Lecter. i do like the idea of a respect zone and a free for all zone. so far, from what i've seen, this looks really cool. good luck with it!

[Lecter]

Awesome, I hope this works out well. Nothing more annoying than a troll ruining my witty and thought provoking posts.And don't forget there is the troll section if you ever wish to be annoyed. :)

[Lecter]

thanks for the site, Lecter. i do like the idea of a respect zone and a free for all zone. so far, from what i've seen, this looks really cool. good luck with it!Thanks GrumpyOldBastard!

[GrumpyOldBastard]

you are welcome!

[lono]

And don't forget there is the troll section if you ever wish to be annoyed. :)

What makes you think that they will stay in their lil pen?

[Lecter]

What makes you think that they will stay in their lil pen?I was thinking of just asking them nicely.

;)

[tonytohono]

I'm liking it. It's always nice to have another site to link up with the community at. Especially one that is seemingly user based.

Is that Roo and Lunatech you are sandwiched between Lecter?

[Lecter]

I'm liking it. It's always nice to have another site to link up with the community at. Especially one that is seemingly user based.No seemingly about it.

Is that Roo and Lunatech you are sandwiched between Lecter?Yes indeed. I like to call that photo nirvana. :)