Dear Atheist Forums

[Cinjin]

It's interesting how this topic has become a greater controversy than the mild concern it was originally addressing.




Didn't see that coming.

[ElDinero]

Yeah, surely this thread has run its course and can be taken round the back of the sheds now?

[Napoléon]

(21st October 2011 17:58)Cinjin Wrote:  It's interesting how this topic has become a greater controversy than the mild concern it was originally addressing.

Mild concern? I don't see how the creator of this site stepping down for the reasons mentioned in the OP is a mild concern.

[fr0d0]

*attaches electrodes to Cinjin's nipples*

[Cinjin]

(21st October 2011 18:11)fr0d0 Wrote:  *attaches electrodes to Cinjin's nipples*

Is that punishment or reward in your world?

[Rayaan]

I will breifly write out my thoughts here since I didn't say anything about this.

I did not think that there was a rising hositlity at the time that this thread was made. The forum was always like this. Yes, I could be wrong. But that's my opinion. However, I still like the OP because of all the other things that Summer said. I think that her post (or letter) was well-intentioned and compassionate in general and not meant to be taken as a policing attitude.

Now, of course, people will read the OP and then act in whatever way they want to. They can either change or simply throw this information into their mental recycle bin. This is totally up to them. And obviously, no one is being forced to be kinder or nicer in this forum. I think all of you know that already.

But still, it's good to hear everyone's opinions on this particular topic even though there may be disagreements between each other. That's how it goes here.

[Cinjin]

(21st October 2011 20:44)Rayaan Wrote:  ...no one is being forced to be kinder or nicer in this forum. I think all of you know that already.
But still, it's good to hear everyone's opinions on this particular topic even though there may be disagreements between each other. That's how it goes here.

Absolutely Rayaan.

Even in the disagreement, I would say that this thread has at the very least least, lead many people like myself to make a quick evaluation of their posting habits. Regardless if it had any major effect on the general populous or not, this makes the OP a positive force regardless of what camp you're comfortable residing in.

Well said sir.

[BloodyHeretic]

Dear Summer,

Your letter was lovely, you seem like a genuinely nice person. Thank you for taking the time to write it.

I have to say I agree with Shell though. AF is tough, the members are intelligent and rigorous. They're not afraid of an argument and have the balls to call you out if they feel it necessary. It's daunting, nobody questions that, but it's so very refreshing. The PC movement has done a lot, it champions respect and good manners, both excellent virtues, but it can go too far. It can neuter spirited debate. It's a shame if this scares away some timid members, but it would be more of a shame to turn this forum into a tepid arena for slapping one another on the back.

I think this forum is well moderated, trolls get banned and flame wars get stopped before they take off. If people are unpleasant, you're free to think less of them, but if it's within the rules you just have to be mature enough to deal with it. An asshole is an asshole, you even find them in real life, you just deal with it. You can't make laws about being nice to people, I don't think you should try and do it on an internet forum either.

Having said all that, manners don't cost anything and I'll try harder on that front.