Stop being so horrible to each other

[Cristiano]

A challenge of running any forum is finding the right balance between moderation and freedom. For the most part, I have tried to stay out of the way and moderate in the background - often contacting people privately instead of calling them out publicly, closing threads that have just turned into trainwrecks, and the occasional ban here and there.

Obviously, this is a passionate group of intelligent, often fiercely opinionated people, and I am proud of the community that has grown here. However, I am noticing lately a major increase in personal attacks. I know that topics get heated and drama ensues, and many of us (including those who would deny it) enjoy the spectacle of a good drama bomb.

I am not going to change my moderation style and become more heavy handed. I am simply going to ask all of you to take a look at the way you interact with each other, and ask that you find a way to be more civil to each other. You don't have to agree, or even like each other. However, in the midst of discussing a topic, there is no reason to snipe at each other on such a personal level. It isn't pleasant to see people going at one another, especially when it starts over an opinion about a topic. It's fine to disagree, but some of the personal attacks are getting out of control and honestly make the people using them look rather foolish for overreacting, and make others uncomfortable.

The bottom line is please just be a bit nicer to each other - it won't kill you to bite your tongue, so to speak, and resist being so hostile. I don't expect things to always be calm and civil, but even in fighting someone, there is a big difference between arguing and annihilating. The latter is just completely unnecessary, and leads to a lot of negativity and pain.

As I said earlier, I am proud of the community here at SLU - just stop attacking each other so much. Put a little more thought into how you respond, even in anger. Also, make use of the tools to ignore people and content you don't want to see here.

[Arilynn]

Originally Posted by Cristiano

A challenge of running any forum is finding the right balance between moderation and freedom. For the most part, I have tried to stay out of the way and moderate in the background - often contacting people privately instead of calling them out publicly, closing threads that have just turned into trainwrecks, and the occasional ban here and there.

Obviously, this is a passionate group of intelligent, often fiercely opinionated people, and I am proud of the community that has grown here. However, I am noticing lately a major increase in personal attacks. I know that topics get heated and drama ensues, and many of us (including those who would deny it) enjoy the spectacle of a good drama bomb.

I am not going to change my moderation style and become more heavy handed. I am simply going to ask all of you to take a look at the way you interact with each other, and ask that you find a way to be more civil to each other. You don't have to agree, or even like each other. However, in the midst of discussing a topic, there is no reason to snipe at each other on such a personal level. It isn't pleasant to see people going at one another, especially when it starts over an opinion about a topic. It's fine to disagree, but some of the personal attacks are getting out of control and honestly make the people using them look rather foolish for overreacting, and make others uncomfortable.

The bottom line is please just be a bit nicer to each other - it won't kill you to bite your tongue, so to speak, and resist being so hostile. I don't expect things to always be calm and civil, but even in fighting someone, there is a big difference between arguing and annihilating. The latter is just completely unnecessary, and leads to a lot of negativity and pain.

As I said earlier, I am proud of the community here at SLU - just stop attacking each other so much. Put a little more thought into how you respond, even in anger. Also, make use of the tools to ignore people and content you don't want to see here.

You should be proud - you have created a great environment for a community to thrive. And this post is completely warranted. Sorry for adding to the ugliness, and thanks for the reminder.

[Jellin Pico]

GO TO HELL MIDNIGHT!!!






























sorry, it had to be said, it just HAD to

[Io Zeno]

[Jessica Robertson]

The bottom line is please just be a bit nicer to each other

I suppose insulting you in this thread would be in bad taste?

Edit: GO JELLIN for going where I feared to tread!

[Sarah Nerd]

I feel bad for you being the one with job of regulating us during an election year. I know we can be a nightmare on a normal day, add politics, and the fact that it's an election year and no matter what some us are going to end up crying.

[Io Zeno]

I promise to put someone on ignore.

[Joy Honey]

Originally Posted by Io Zeno

[Surreal Farber]

Can I bite someone else's tongue?

[Bard Jameson]

Originally Posted by Io Zeno

I promise to put someone on ignore.

I'll take one for the team. Pick me, Io! Pick me!

And Cris - spot on

[Karl Herber]

While I appreciate the action, and hope that forum members try to keep Cris's words in mind, I just have one thing to add.

I think the members of this forum absolutely rock. Those people who read my recent thread in "off topic" will know exactly why I say this, and for those who didn't read it I'll just say that some members of the forum here are the most wonderful and supportive people I could ever hope to meet.

Sure, there may be the occasional spats and disagreements, and usually the best way to handle those is just to ignore them. But the bad moments are far outweighed by the good.

Thankyou.

[Maggie Mcardle]

& peanut butter n bacon sammiches for everyone!

[Ann Launay]

What, no cookies?

[Maggie Mcardle]

i'm all out..see i have this co-worker....

[Ann Launay]

*pouts*

[Maggie Mcardle]

/me raids Brenda's stash of cookies and comes up with banana split oreo's?

[Bams]

Originally Posted by Maggie Mcardle

/me raids Brenda's stash of cookies and comes up with banana split oreo's?

OMG that sounds sooooooo good. I might have to go to Dairy Queen now.

[Maggie Mcardle]

nods! saw them in the store, and said wth, and got them...haven't tried em yet...will let ya know