Universal Perfection

Hi, all!Before things spin out of control, just a couple comments:

1. There are no requirements for quoting. While some quoting styles can only be termed eclectic at best and downright bewildering at worst, as long as it is clear what is yours and what is someone else's then you're doing fine. There was someone posting here just a few weeks ago who was simply cut-n-pasting text from other posts without putting any indications whatsoever around it, and persistence in this approach would probably eventually draw a suspension.
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   That being said, I have to admit that some quoting styles are incredibly hard on both the eye and brain, and I don't understand why anyone would want to make their posts harder to follow by using them.
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2. Those who don't play well with others might find their visits here interrupted by suspensions of posting privileges. The Forum Guidelines provide a pretty good roadmap for behavior here. The guidelines are not hard and fast stakes in the ground, but mostly follow them the way most people obey speed limits and stop signs and you'll do fine.

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--	Percy
	EvC Forum Administrator

To head off potential confusion, some clarifying comments:

• Side discussions are certainly permitted if they are related in some way to the main topic. It's a gray area where a side discussion should break off into a new thread. Moderators will often post a suggestion to open a new thread when they think that point has been reached.
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• Side comments related to format, style, clarity, etc, are also certainly permitted as they presumably aid understanding and communication. Hopefully such comments and any replies are made in the spirit of helpfulness and cooperation.
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• I haven't yet seen any behavior violating rule 3 of the guideines (respect for others) that merits moderator attention, but my concern level is rising. Allow me to suggest that if you win an argument but make an enemy that it's a net loss.

Hope this helps! ------------------

--	Percy
	EvC Forum Administrator

I'm beginning to suspect that calling attention to the Forum Guidelines and making some clarifications isn't going to be sufficient, but I'll try one more time. If this doesn't work the enforcement side of the guidelines might come into play.For those of you who follow sports, you know how important it is for referees and umpires to exert their control over the game so that it doesn't get out of hand and players get hurt. On-lookers who aren't familiar with the game might wonder why the early ticky-tacky fouls are getting called. It's because the refs and umpires have called lots of games and can often recognize the warning signs of things getting out of hand.To get to the point, I think I'm seeing the warning signs of things getting out of control. There are at least a couple of very aggressive debaters from the evolution side on this thread, and if matters escalate further they may find themselves applying for reinstatement.For future reference, anyone who should find their posting privileges have been suspended can have them restored by sending email to Admin.------------------

--	Percy
	EvC Forum Administrator

Hi DNAunion! In an earlier post I alluded to the Forum Guidelines and likened them to traffic laws. To continue that analogy, not that there aren't others speeding around here, but your speed seems pretty noticeably above the other drivers.Your posting privileges are suspended. They can be restored by sending an email to Admin requesting reinstatement.------------------

--	Percy
	EvC Forum Administrator