It’s become apparent recently that at least one of the guests here at TPRS is having trouble playing well with others. I’ve always enjoyed the give-and-take of people who don’t necessarily share my opinions. Hey, that’s what democracy is all about, right? Nonetheless, there are certain basic (and normally unspoken) rules of decorum and fair play that should and do apply here. Sadly, in the light of the actions of one individual (Whom I’m not going to name, though regulars here likely know of whom I speak), I’m finding it necessary to restate the house rules.
If you want to start a continue a discussion in the comments, I welcome your presence. It’s nice to know that someone is actually paying attention. Doing so, however, means that you agree to play nice. This means no personal insults, no grossly demeaning comments, and no mean-spirited broadsides designed to belittle those not enlightened enough to agree with you. In six years, I’ve only had to ban two people, but I will not hesitate to use my power if you can’t find it within yourself to respectful and polite. It’s not as if this is a difficult charge to keep.
If you’re going to be just plain stupid, don’t be surprised when you get ridiculed for your ignorance. ANYONE who stoops to personal attacks, though, runs the risk of being banned…and I mean that sincerely. TPRS is meant to be a site that welcomes and encourages intelligent, thoughtful debate on all manner of topics. Mean-spirited intolerance simply will not be tolerated. If you can’t respect this simple rule, Little Green Footballs and The Smallest Minority will welcome you with open arms.
I sincerely hope that it will not be necessary for me to discourse on this topic again. Play nice, have fun, and perhaps we’ll learn something along the way. That’s all I ask. Pretty simple, eh??
That is all….