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The Loach Forum Archives (1)
Re: Suggestions wanted...
Posted By: Wight <Wight@mindspring.com> In Response To: Suggestions wanted... (Jeff Shafer - Webmaster)
Date: Tuesday, 24 August 1999, at 8:22 p.m.
I love that you asked for "improvement" -- I'm very lawful, if otherwise chaotic. So let's set up happy laws. I like it here.
"The forums are monitored for harassing, obscene or disruptive messages, which are not allowed in any form. Violators are given one warning by the webmaster, and all further posts that violate the conventions can and will be removed at his discretion."
Some sort of definition of vague uses of "harrassing" "obscene (this one's so subjective the supreme court can't figure it out, particularly regarding the net!), and "disruptive" would be better. I felt mildly picked on by another reader here, wondered if it was playful, and found it was. Harrassment tho? Obscenity: dirty pictures (doesn't apply, but dirty ascii?), "bad" words, what? I've seen myself and a few others at least venture a "damn" now and then. I find it a pleasant emphatic to key in under certain circumstances. Lastly, "Disruptive" -- This could be considered many things -- from argument of fishkeeping technique, to posting a long thread about hedgehogs in a loach forum. I don't mind either, but -- if it's not obvious -- what I mind is not in question, it's what *you* in particular mind, as well as the readers around me. Critique of "art" is not left up to the artist, so it is with text...
Personally, I like the notion of profanity -- if (to me) it should not be evey word or every sentence. Use of it also matters, methodwise: I don't mind "damn" near as much as "damn *YOU*"'s. I think it obvious hate/intolerance, a disruptive resentment or resentments, personal attacks, etc -- are not "Loach-Posts" -- I don't mind getting away from loaches in posts, thanks for help with my mother's Gourami, and peace to Hedgehog lovers -- but I don't like (Whomever) is sorta a dull thread to me...
Then you continue with:
"It is a general rule of Internet etiquette that you should not say anything on a web forum that you would not be willing to say to your boss, teacher, or religious elder. Because the Internet has a worldwide reach, please be aware that your values and culture may differ from others on the forums. A conservative, polite style is always recommended to avoid misunderstandings. Finally, typing in ALL CAPS is considered shouting on the Internet. Please avoid shouting while using the forum, as our fish (both real and virtual!) can be sensitive to such noise."
I don't like "general rules" -- too unclear, to broad, to imposing. A perfect example -- would anyone like to see a follow-up post of things I'd say to my boss, teacher, or religious elder (that last one might be particularly gruesome, as I'm not (as you'd understand it) reglious). I like the part about variable culture, this was why I asked how the culture worked here, sharing about myself and using a dirty word (with an open password to remove the post, was it found offensive)... Maybe it's gone, maybe not, I didn't check today and really don't care. Past not wanting to offend, anywho. The "conservative and polite..." passage is questionable to me as I ponder simalar notions as "wrong" -- Folks don't have to like each other. Or shouldn't. My expressiveness is wild, vivid, colorful, etc. -- not that I wish problems for it. I will at least, if *only* for personal interest, not it ever becoming a rule, offer "thank you's" and other such pleasantries for good advice. I also resent when small kids are told to thank my by their parents -- sincere, or never. The all caps rule? I'm sorta against it. And I posted about magic loaches. It was very annoying to me, if I can't seem to agree that it's "shouting" or "hard to read" -- it's vivid and easier to read -- just distracting as hell. (and "distracting" is bad, right?)
I think I said this, but just to make it clear: Your discussion forum. But, since it's discussion of the forum, I'm just sharing *my* input. Do as Thou wilt... Thou art God.
Anywho, sorry if I in any way contributed to politeness issues and such. I'm a very difficult person to deal with, and if anyone has complaints about me or mine, they'd do better to share it. I've noted no warning from you, and several e-mails of various readers to me -- all very pleasant. I just note my histories with others, and wonder if I "helped" make an issue -- I'm a very nice guy, who's taken very badly, in most cases.
Anywho *hugs*.
