The previous Political Thread — now closed — had a great run early on, but in recent weeks it's taken an ugly dive into bickering, name-calling, and overt displays of left/right partisanship. I understand that much of this is a reflection of our current political state in the US. I also understand that some of this stems from years of disagreement between specific users. We simply have to be better than this.
The Staff and I have made numerous attempts — often via in-thread warnings as well as the Not Good Enough thread — to adjust for a deteriorating culture. But despite our best efforts, ugliness has prevailed. So we're going to start again.
We've closed the previous thread as a means to "reboot" our socio-political landscape and will be adopting a low tolerance policy for violators. Beginning now, you can expect a heavier-handed approach from the Staff in monitoring and reacting to the content posted in this section.
As a result of our new direction, I'd like to share with everyone a clearer definition of what the rules for participating in this section/thread will be going forward. In particular, what we DO NOT want to see:
1. Rhetoric. While party rhetoric often clearly states an overall position, it doesn't offer any new opinion for discussion and is unacceptable as the sole content of any post. Here's an example:
Unacceptable: "Abortion is murder!"
Bare minimum of acceptable: "I think abortion is murder because I believe that life begins at conception."
Encouraged: "Statistics show that once a woman has an abortion, she's 75% more likely to have a second one. I think abortion is murder because it is taking away the potential that every child has to make the world a better place and with the increased likelihood of multiple abortions, we have an epidemic on our hands. While there are some very extreme circumstances where abortions may be necessary, such as with rape or where the life of the mother is in jeopardy, I think it is necessary to end abortions as an easy option and instead educate especially young women on birth control measures and adoption."
This also extends to the reliance of catch phrases, as well as to intentionally inflammatory nicknames (libtard, snowflake, etc) — neither of which are permitted.
2. Flaming. New threads must contain a topic, and that topic needs to be engaging for the forum to interact with. New topics should be thoroughly explained, as best you can, and whenever possible, supported by evidence and/or reporting. The goal of threads is to invite members to contribute, not to insult identity classes/groups you happen to disagree with.
This forum is not your personal Facebook or Twitter timeline. If the only thing you're interested in is flaming a political figure or an identity class/group with meme-level content, post it there. It will not be tolerated here.
3. Demeanor. Politics are inherently combative, but all of us need to be respectful of one other, especially when we disagree. Rejecting someone's idea doesn't require your insulting them. In fact, the perception of personal slight is often all it takes to ruin an otherwise perfectly acceptable retort.
This also extends to telling someone what they believe rather than asking them to provide that information.
"You think the government should just pay for everything," reads entirely different than "Do you think the government should just pay for everything?" The first is accusatory, and much more likely to incite an escalating response.
4. Derailing. Threads will naturally evolve as conversations advance, sometimes even veering entirely away from the OP. Sometimes this is perfectly acceptable if the destination is still interesting. However, it might also be an indication that a new thread needs to be opened so the original thread can return to form. Try to be mindful and respectful of the time the OP put in presenting a discussion by not intentionally sidestepping their direction.
5. Spam. Stupid, Pointless, and/or Annoying Messages. Posts that don't share an opinion, make jokes (especially insulting ones) with the intent to derail the conversation, etc. are all unwelcome.
Again, this is content for your personal Facebook or Twitter timeline. Don't post it here.
--
Most importantly, our new policy will make frequent use of thread closure and/or thread banning.
When threads go completely off course, we will close them, rather than letting derailed conversations run off track.
When users violate the spirit/letter of our laws, they will be removed from conversations via thread banning, and will also be subject to standard forum discipline via warning/infraction.
If a user who was removed from a topic/thread opens a new thread on that same topic, that thread will be closed, and that user will be infracted for Ignoring Staff Warning.
--
Lastly, we need and encourage all of you to help us. Report posts that you feel cross the line, whether they come from a first-time poster or a member of the Staff. Even if you feel you are the subject/victim of a flame, DO NOT RETURN FIRE.
Ask questions of us and each other when you're unsure of a position or what is proper. Above all, THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU POST BEFORE YOU HIT SUBMIT. Take an extra moment to reread what you're posting and consider whether your word choice makes your position clear or if you are violating any of these or other forum rules.
Originally Posted by Vodka Drunkenski
