Forum Rules & Community Guidelines // Open Thread

[Cleisthenis]

The spirit & intention of this forum is to have a highly respectful, accountable and intellectual discourse in a structured framework of community boards:

I.e. International > Canada > Ontario > Toronto

I'd just like to open the door to any random ideas you've got for our forthcoming demosphere bible. Our resultant community ideals, guidelines and the rules to enforce them will appear on our registration page for new members... (if you haven't joined yet, NOW is the time to get involved, get connected and make a difference!).

For example, one half of being a member here is about good ideas/discourse. The other half, and I would argue the more important half, is being able to communicate clearly in a mature and savvy manner.

To kick things off I wonder if you could post your thoughts on what you think this place could come to represent, perhaps in contrast to other online avenues like twitter, blogs, online forums, social networks, or groups?

For me I think the fact that we have the ability moderate and filter out all the "noise" and knee-jerk reactionary posts that typically get in the way of discussion of a political or otherwise taboo nature is really attractive.

The goal is to have all our bible in place for August 1st. Thereafter, new members will need to have say, 10 posts approved by a moderator/ambassador before being able to bypass the filter.

That's just one idea. What post level is required to "graduate" to full membership, what quality and characteristics of posts are moderated, and in which forums by which members is all up for debate.

The floor is yours...

[Cleisthenis]

From my peak oil group on facebook;

In an effort to keep the discussion of this group positive and accessible to all please keep in mind some basic rules.

1. Ad Hominem (attacks on the person) will not be tolerated. Please respond to the facts/theories/assumptions/words posted, do not attack the person themselves. Any post that is solely directed as an attack on a person will be deleted.

2. Keep the language clean, an F-word will result in the deletion of the offending post. Swearing in general lowers the quality of the post and tends to render the argument useless - there really is no need to use foul language. Please report any offending posts to the Administrators (please be specific)

3. Posts or board topics advertising goods or services will be deleted and result in those members being banned.

4. Persistent and deliberate trolling comments, especially those that are not supported by sourced information, may result in the deletion of posts (as their content holds no value to the discussion) and repeated offenses may result in a banning from this group. Refer to the following link for descriptions of troll behavior that is unacceptable:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_(Internet)

[Cleisthenis]

http://www.google.ca/search?q=community+guidelines

[d.wylie]

A lot of it seems to be covered in the default registration agreement:

You agree, through your use of this forum, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, adult material, or otherwise in violation of any International or United States Federal law. You also agree not to post any copyrighted material unless you own the copyright or you have written consent from the owner of the copyrighted material. Spam, flooding, advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes, and solicitations are also forbidden on this forum.

Note that it is impossible for the staff or the owners of this forum to confirm the validity of posts. Please remember that we do not actively monitor the posted messages, and as such, are not responsible for the content contained within. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information presented. The posted messages express the views of the author, and not necessarily the views of this forum, its staff, its subsidiaries, or this forum's owner. Anyone who feels that a posted message is objectionable is encouraged to notify an administrator or moderator of this forum immediately. The staff and the owner of this forum reserve the right to remove objectionable content, within a reasonable time frame, if they determine that removal is necessary. This is a manual process, however, please realize that they may not be able to remove or edit particular messages immediately. This policy applies to member profile information as well.

You remain solely responsible for the content of your posted messages. Furthermore, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the owners of this forum, any related websites to this forum, its staff, and its subsidiaries. The owners of this forum also reserve the right to reveal your identity (or any other related information collected on this service) in the event of a formal complaint or legal action arising from any situation caused by your use of this forum.

You have the ability, as you register, to choose your username. We advise that you keep the name appropriate. With this user account you are about to register, you agree to never give your password out to another person except an administrator, for your protection and for validity reasons. You also agree to NEVER use another person's account for any reason.  We also HIGHLY recommend you use a complex and unique password for your account, to prevent account theft.

After you register and login to this forum, you will be able to fill out a detailed profile. It is your responsibility to present clean and accurate information. Any information the forum owner or staff determines to be inaccurate or vulgar in nature will be removed, with or without prior notice. Appropriate sanctions may be applicable.

Please note that with each post, your IP address is recorded, in the event that you need to be banned from this forum or your ISP contacted. This will only happen in the event of a major violation of this agreement.

Also note that the software places a cookie, a text file containing bits of information (such as your username and password), in your browser's cache. This is ONLY used to keep you logged in/out. The software does not collect or send any other form of information to your computer.

[Cleisthenis]

True, those are pretty good standard forum rules, but what I'd like to focus on is what could set this forum apart from others....

[janelle]

Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but I think a forum that could really bring a community together would be one that ties in a lot of different facets of the community and is connected tangibly to something other than itself--like having a local presence through perhaps an e-newsletter or connected website that voices opinions on the forum /summaries of forum topics (though perhaps in the form of articles, rather than explicitly or exclusively drawing from the forum)and features local organizations, events, etc. 

People who might be shy to just start posting in a forum might warm up to it by reading about the major issues first and getting a feel for the tone and content.  This is, of course, a ton of work, but I think it might have the broad, community appeal that's being fostered here. 

[Freyja]

I was going to say the same thing as, and therefor I will agree with, Janelle.

I enjoy that I could potentially for to a single forum to talk about any issues, concerns or details. It would be a shame to limit post categories or tones in an attempt to set this forum apart from others. Whatever you try to do, it will take it's own direction. If you want it to have a community feel, free expression is necessary.... to a point.

Attacking out specific members and profane language don't have a place in the real world, and it certainly doesn't have a place in the cyber-world and a zero-tolerance policy would be well received.

I also believe that moderator approval for the first 10 posts may be necessary, but likely will deter people from their initial participation in the discussions. Especially when the tempo of posting increases and people are getting involved with the issues discussed. Maybe a lesser number? Perhaps just allow posting from the get-go and simply watch new members for poor-posting ethics, dish warnings and ban for non-compliance?

[Diogenes]

The spirit & intention of this forum is to have a highly respectful, accountable and intellectual discourse in a structured framework of community boards:

I.e. International > Canada > Ontario > Toronto

I'd just like to open the door to any random ideas you've got for our forthcoming demosphere bible. Our resultant community ideals, guidelines and the rules to enforce them will appear on our registration page for new members... (if you haven't joined yet, NOW is the time to get involved, get connected and make a difference!).

For example, one half of being a member here is about good ideas/discourse. The other half, and I would argue the more important half, is being able to communicate clearly in a mature and savvy manner.

To kick things off I wonder if you could post your thoughts on what you think this place could come to represent, perhaps in contrast to other online avenues like twitter, blogs, online forums, social networks, or groups?

For me I think the fact that we have the ability moderate and filter out all the "noise" and knee-jerk reactionary posts that typically get in the way of discussion of a political or otherwise taboo nature is really attractive.

The goal is to have all our bible in place for August 1st. Thereafter, new members will need to have say, 10 posts approved by a moderator/ambassador before being able to bypass the filter.

That's just one idea. What post level is required to "graduate" to full membership, what quality and characteristics of posts are moderated, and in which forums by which members is all up for debate.

The floor is yours...

True, those are pretty good standard forum rules, but what I'd like to focus on is what could set this forum apart from others....

I accept the offer to have the floor.

  Me: Random thoughts:
A statement of purpose for the site would help. Spirit will emerge from the posters themselves and intention indicates some (near?) future outcome.

“I'd just like to open the door to any random ideas you've got for our forthcoming demosphere bible.”

Bibles tend to create dogma and dogma stifles the free expression of though. Richness and variety of expression requires a welcoming place. But ultimately the golden rule rules: he who has the gold rules. In other words, “It’s my party!”

 Brainstorming rules allow for free expression to take place

Rules of Brainstorming

Rule 1: Postpone and withhold your judgment of ideas
Do not pass judgment on ideas until the completion of the brainstorming session. Do not suggest that an idea won't work or that it has negative side-effects. All ideas are potentially good so don't judge them until afterwards. At this stage, avoid discussing the ideas at all, as this will inevitably involve either criticizing or complimenting them.
Ideas should be put forward both as solutions and also as a basis to spark off solutions. Even seemingly foolish ideas can spark off better ones. Therefore do not judge the ideas until after the brainstorming process. Note down all ideas. There is no such thing as a bad idea.
The evaluation of ideas takes up valuable brain power which should be devoted to the creation of ideas. Maximize your brainstorming session by only spending time generating new ideas.
Rule 2: Encourage wild and exaggerated ideas
It's much easier to tame a wild idea than it is to think of an immediately valid one in the first place. The 'wilder' the idea the better. Shout out bizarre and unworkable ideas to see what they spark off. No idea is too ridiculous. State any outlandish ideas. Exaggerate ideas to the extreme.
Use creative thinking techniques and tools to start your thinking from a fresh direction. Use specialist software such as Brainstorming Toolbox (
Rule 3: Quantity counts at this stage, not quality
Go for quantity of ideas at this point; narrow down the list later. All activities should be geared towards extracting as many ideas as possible in a given period.
The more creative ideas a person or a group has to choose from, the better. If the number of ideas at the end of the session is very large, there is a greater chance of finding a really good idea.
Keep each idea short, do not describe it in detail - just capture its essence. Brief clarifications can be requested. Think fast, reflect later.
Rule 4: Build on the ideas put forward by others
Build and expand on the ideas of others. Try and add extra thoughts to each idea. Use other people's ideas as inspiration for your own. Creative people are also good listeners. Combine several of the suggested ideas to explore new possibilities.
It's just as valuable to be able to adapt and improve other people's ideas as it is to generate the initial idea that sets off new trains of thought.
Rule 5: Every person and every idea has equal worth
Every person has a valid viewpoint and a unique perspective on the situation and solution. We want to know yours. In a brainstorming session you can always put forward ideas purely to spark off other people and not just as a final solution. Please participate, even if you need to write your ideas on a piece of paper and hand it out. Encourage participation from everyone.

Each idea presented belongs to the group, not to the person who said it. It is the group's responsibility and an indication of its ability to brainstorm if all participants feel able to contribute freely and confidently.

  More to follow depending on responses

[admin edit: I have taken the liberty of adding the quotes around the first part which Dio' had copied and pasted from what I wrote. C.]

[Cleisthenis]

Great stuff Dio. I'd like to add that a major rule/suggestion/guideline be that people use the proper markup/forum tags... i.e.

Code: [Select]

[quote]What Cleisthenis wrote[/quote]
As student of law Dio' you should know/appreciate that a huge chunk of legalese is being VERY specific about who said what, when, where and to whom.... 

If you don't use the quote tags it can be very confusing to the reader. Since this is an online forum we can't listen very well. We can read what others wrote however, so in my opinion, being very clear about what we mean to say and being specific is the communicative equivalent of listening well in a conversation.

At the end of the day, there are going to be members who post short responses to issues or topics that they've already made their mind up on.

I've been mulling an idea for a separate forum Dio. Now that you're moving forward with us, it's seems only appropriate that it be named after your namesake. Perhaps a "Philosophy & Law" sub forum of "General"? What do you think? That way we can create a space for the longer intellectual/academic style of posts you have tended to favour. With my help in getting you up to speed on all the proper use of the tagging, and bearing our new rules in mind - there's no reason that couldn't become a destination in it's own right on Demosphere.

Thoughts?

ps: you can go ahead and post the message you sent to me. As of right now there's no way for me to post in your stead (ie. "approve" what you wrote) so until we get that system set up just go ahead and post away. I would tread lightly on the ad homimem stuff until the 1st... because I don't have a lot of patience for it - however right you may or may not be about a particular subject.

Bibles tend to create dogma and dogma stifles the free expression of though. Richness and variety of expression requires a welcoming place. But ultimately the golden rule rules: he who has the gold rules.

I appreciate that sentiment. Generally speaking, I didn't mean the bible in the sense that what we develop here will be the word of god etc. so much as something that in part all future members should strive to achieve. It will also very clearly set out the types of things that members shouldn't do, and how they will be dealt with. Until now, it's been 100% my prerogative, when moving forawrd ideally, people should know in advance what the response from moderators/admins will be for certain transgressions both minor and major. So if we want to go so far as saying we are striving to create an Eden, and being banished is the moral equivalency of Hell then yes. Let's have a dogma.

ALL that said, I do appreciate as well the need to have more flexible space on the demosphere. In my mind that is the purpose of the General and Personal forums. If people want to create a "Brainstorm" thread here on the forum or as a page on the wiki following the rules we end up with (based on your initial draft) then so be it!

I like the idea of creating different spaces on here where the style can change... as long as they respect our golden rules of behaviour... i.e. respect/no ad hominems/shouting (caps) etc...

[Diogenes]

Alas! and alack!
 I have spent too much time with my class  and with seamen , long haul drivers, mill workers, hard rock drillers  and the like
 Our manner of talk flows freely with expletive deletives spicing our our conversation  like herbs by a master chef.
 Enter pc and she's f'ed Boys
 LOL  the language I witnessed coming out of the mouths of the finest of Ladies, judges, lawyers and everyday folk, poet like Ginsberg in his "Howl" Lenny Bruce  on stage  and the list goes on
 and every Da**ed one of them carrying the raw emotion of a Mother Jones, Emma Goldman, Voltarine de Cleyre
 
Give your readers credit for being able to suss out what and how I post.
 
 now I have to go gulp some extra strong  esspresso to ga and gather my thoughts  on how to convey to you that we all ain't computer nerds (bless their hearts for what they've done) and we old dogs conly want to learn the tricks that serve us   


 

[Diogenes]

Read you PM pls

[janelle]

I agree with Freyja that it might be discouraging to first-time posters to moderate their first posts.  There's no way to get rid of people out to fl8me others so as long as moderator power is intact, bad posts can be deleted and bad users can be kicked off accordingly.  When forums get really big and unwieldy, I have seen users become moderators to help out with the task of quality control.  But that would be something for the future. 

[Cleisthenis]

I agree with Freyja that it might be discouraging to first-time posters to moderate their first posts.  There's no way to get rid of people out to fl8me others so as long as moderator power is intact, bad posts can be deleted and bad users can be kicked off accordingly.  When forums get really big and unwieldy, I have seen users become moderators to help out with the task of quality control.  But that would be something for the future.

Perhaps we can make the General forum open to guests and new members alike? Force registration and post moderation for all the regional forums?

Thoughts on that?

[Cleisthenis]

Just thought of another guideline, which is that if a particular topic bothers you for some reason, or just doesn't interest you or advance positive discussion and debate; the single best thing you can do is to not reply to it. Conversely, if you have a strong opinion about a topic that is presented well, and you want to encourage debate by 'bumping' it up the recent topics list then go ahead and write up a reply. Give energy where you think it should go.

Can someone write that a whole lot shorter? 

[Freyja]

Utilize your power to post wisely. Ignore topics you dislike or are apathetic to so that they may potentially dwindle. If there is a topic you are passionate about (in agreeance or in debate) you can fuel it by 'bumping' it with a reply.

Is that what you meant? I removed 'if you have a strong opinion that is presented well' because I am guilty of bumping a topic that I just wanted to know more about with no presentation aside from *bump*. Mwa ha.