Quote:
Originally Posted by mmccarthy  I agree this is the ideal situation.
However, the nature of a site like this is going to lead to personal conflicts between members. There is a reason that a lot of sites ban topics on Politics and Religion. A basic set of guidelines outlining what is acceptable means no one is in any doubt if they cross the line. |
Exactly.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mmccarthy My view on this is if a discussion deteriorates into a personal to and fro between two members then they should be left to it. Unless a member is being victimised in some way and unable to defend themselves or the insults go beyond the bounds of decency then I don't think they should be interfered with. They will eventually get fed up and move on to something else. |
I underlined what I feel are subjective criterea - in other words, how is it decided what constitutes "victimised" or "beyond the bounds of decency?" Is being sarcastic in calling someone "genius" victimizing them or going beyond the bounds of decency? How about taunting a moderator with words like "go ahead and ban me little man?"
There are behaviors among others that annoy me (like diverting the topic of a thread or refusing to support your points) that others are perfectly ok with. Meanwhile, taking apart someone's argument and expalaining what I see wrong with it I'd consider typical or expected behavior on forums like these, but there are others who are upset by it.
I'll follow the rules of this forum, whatever they are, or if I can't abide by them with good conscience, I'll move on. If there are no rules, and anything goes, I plan to continue participating exactly as I have up to this point.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mmccarthy If two members develop an antagonistic relationship which is constantly interfering in other members threads then there needs to be some conflict resolution where if they can't learn to get on then they either avoid each other or agree to stay out of other members threads. This kind of thing can only be dealt with on a case by case basis and I don't think you can set up rules for it.
This is just a personal opinion and not an official stance by any means. |
I think it is easy to set up rules for it. First of all, if two people argue with each other a lot, what is the harm so long as it
pertains to the issue? I'd hope that's what the forum is for, and others should join in. If, however, the argument winds up being off topic, or becomes personal - ie, talking about the other person, instead of the other person's views, then it should be moderated. Prohibit that kind of discussion and you won't see the kinds of problems this forum has seen recently.