Forum Guidelines
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Follow all moderator requests.
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Please stay on topic for a thread. Open a new thread for new
topics.
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When introducing a new topic, please keep the message narrowly
focused. Do not include more than a few points.
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Points should be supported with evidence and/or reasoned
argumentation. Address rebuttals through the introduction of
additional evidence or by enlarging upon the argument. Do not
repeat previous points without further elaboration. Avoid bare
assertions.
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Bare links with no supporting discussion should be
avoided. Make the argument in your own words and use links as
supporting references.
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Avoid lengthy cut-n-pastes. Introduce the point in your own
words and provide a link to your source as a reference. If
your source is not on-line you may contact the Site
Administrator to have it made available on-line.
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Never include material not your own without attribution to the
original source.
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Avoid any form of misrepresentation.
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Do not participate as more than one ID. You may change your
user ID by going to your Profile Page and creating a new
alias.
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Always treat other members with respect. Argue the position,
not the person. Avoid abusive, harassing and invasive
behavior. Avoid needling, hectoring and goading tactics.
Usually, in a
well-conducted debate, speakers are either emotionally
uncommitted or can preserve sufficient detachment to maintain
a coolly academic approach.-- Encylopedia
Brittanica, on debate
Enforcement
The editing and deletion of posts by moderators is not
practiced here, though the occasional off-color,
off-topic or spam posts are sometimes deleted.
For the most part, members are expected to figure out for
themselves how to stay within the guidelines. Moderators do
not have the time to engage in discussions about violations or
to coach members toward proper participation. Violations
usually result in a 24-hour suspension of posting privileges.
Persistent violations can result in longer suspensions.
Permanent suspension is rare.
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