Quote Originally Posted by mari<MSBermes> View Post
I have to say- I don't know for sure, but I do get the sense that sometimes when people post here, they couch their words to some extent (except for some). So, honestly, I have followed suit, not wanting to be banned or post threads and never get a response from anyone.
One of the simplest and best explanations I have found of flaming comes from Aesop's post at the top of the Religion and Philosophy forum -
Quote Originally Posted by Aesop View Post
...This forum is not here for flaming. This means that insults against a poster or his views won't be tolerated at all. You can debate a view all you want, but a direct insult may result in a forum banning. An example of the difference follows:

Example: "Catholics suck!" Is not appropriate at any time. "I think what the Catholics believe about ______ is wrong because of _____" Is appropriate.

Civil discussion is expected. Remember that these are people you are dealing with and not just words on a screen. If the best you have to offer is swearing or slander than move on to a new topic.

Respect folks. It all comes down to respecting your fellow human beings' right to have an opinion. We are all involved in BDSM in some way or we wouldn't be here and one of the biggest tenets of our lifestyle is respect. Respect from a submissive to a dominant, respect of a submissive's limits from a dominant, and respect that your kink might not be my kink and that's okay. If we can have that kind of respect for each other BDSM-wise than we can certainly have it everywhere else.

Enjoy.
This simple principle applies to all parts of these forums.

Generally speaking, if there is a problem, our preferred method is to send a member a PM, privately asking them to modify their style of posting. Again, generally speaking this works well, and apart from the people directly involved, nobody is aware. That is right, and is how it will stay.

This is a method which is honouring to everyone, but does mean that sometimes the mods may appear to be doing nothing, although they are actually very busy behind the scenes. If any member has a problem with posts, it would be helpful to if they would either PM the person(s) responsible for the posts, or PM one of the mods responsible for the particular forum or a supermod or admin.

We do also now have a system of infraction points, which work rather like points on a UK driving license - don't know if the same system works in other countries. All mods can give infraction points.

5 points within 30 days is a 10 day ban
10 points within 30 days is a permanent ban
Spamming is an automatic 10 points

Underage 10 points = auto ban
Posting Spammed Advertisements 10 points = auto ban
Flaming Other Member(s) 5 points = auto 10 day ban
Hot Linking Pictures to other sites 2 points
Posting Pic w/ web addresses or copyright 2 points
Giving infraction points is however not a measure which any mod uses lightly, and each one of us is accountable to each other and ultimately Rabbit (in loco Tiger) for any points which we give. Anyone who is given infraction points is told in a PM or email, and given a explanation of why.

Why do we have this system? It is not so that we can 'punish' members. It is so that we have a system of, if necessary, enforcing the forum rules in order to keep this a safe and enjoyable place to be.

If anyone wishes to post something, and is not sure of whether it is within the site rules, please feel free to ask for guidance. I have on occasion been sent the draft of proposed post to give my comments on. I have been very happy to do that, as I am sure are all the other staff members.

I hope that some of the threads which have run recently have shown that members are treated as adults, and we do allow strong debate without anyone getting banned. We will however not allow personal insult, as EB said, regardless of whether it is an initial insult or one given as counter attack. Which takes me very nicely back to the Aesop's quote.

Please relax, respect each other, enjoy agreeing and disagreeing with each other's views, and enjoy being part of this community. Oh, and EB, although I had never doubted it, I am delighted to hear that you have certified boy parts.

cariad

*steps back and lets the mods continue with their great job*