We have discussed this at length behind the scenes and have just made a change to the rules to reflect this. The "No Flaming" rule now reads:
In addition we will publish some examples of flaming / non-flaming to make the purpose of the rule clearer. The point is not that insults and insulting language are prohibited when used multiple times, but more that flaming is an attitude problem. Rather than punish people for loosing their cool once in a while, especially during heated or controversial discussion, the rule allows staff to consider whether the person is using the forum to attack people rather than having meaningful discussions with them.
Quote:No Flaming
Flaming is where a person makes a post that is either entirely or mostly made up of insulting language towards another member, and does not form part of a discussion between those members. Generally speaking, the occasional insult thrown at a person will not result in a violation of this rule, as discussions based around certain subjects tend to get heated for those involved and the use of insults is forgivable (and sometimes expected) in these situations. Additionally, staff will take into consideration the context surrounding the insult when making a decision. This rule is intended to prevent people from using the forum just to attack other members, or to bully opponents into submission. Members that have previously demonstrated that they are here to participate in civil conversation may be shown leniency if they run afoul of this rule. Punishments for violating this rule are verbal warnings, regular warnings, and varying lengths of bans, depending on the severity of the flaming and whether the member has violated the rule before.
Threats and threatening language are strictly forbidden, and any post that is considered a threat will only be exempt from punishment at staff discretion.
In addition we will publish some examples of flaming / non-flaming to make the purpose of the rule clearer. The point is not that insults and insulting language are prohibited when used multiple times, but more that flaming is an attitude problem. Rather than punish people for loosing their cool once in a while, especially during heated or controversial discussion, the rule allows staff to consider whether the person is using the forum to attack people rather than having meaningful discussions with them.
