Rule Changes + New Restrictions

[Faith No More]

Mods aren't stupid, and realize the value of opposing viewpoints to the success of a forum. As one atheist put it, if you get rid of the Christians, you're left with an atheist circle-jerk.

Oh, you think I was implying that you would be banned because you're a Christian?

Did someone order a persecution complex with a side order of missing-the-point?

[LastPoet]

I don't know about that - theologyonline used to be pretty good.

I don't know that site, but going by the name, it is something I'm not interested, IMO equates to masturbationonline, hence I never joined it. Why don't you just go there, since its so great?

I've made it clear before and now reiterate that the owners of a site have every right to do with it as they please. Just interesting that you go through the charade of rules which really amount to nothing.

The forum rules are a work in progress, made to accomodate this community in a healthy discussion. We have rules to avoid behaviours that disrupt the forum civility. You said half of Min's posts were 'bad'. The way I see it, the other half makes more contribution than you ever did and will do for 10 years if he stopped posting now.

No, I don't like to whine. Do you realize why I report posts?

When in doubt you should report posts. That doesn't mean they have merit.

Once someone complained about me. I noted that I was tame compared to some atheist posters. Then Tiberius (IIRC - if not a mod) suggested that it was odd that I complain, as I had never filed a formal complaint with the mods.

So, now I occasionally report a post to the mods, as that's apparently necessary to maintain a right to make casual complaints.

In essence, you occasionally whine, but then, you don't realize how many atheist member reports go to the "no action" conclusion, because we have rules. The change of rules here, was done to end an archaic rule the forum had since its begginings and to end IMO a discriminatory rule agains theists, in particular christians, because preaching is a very christian trait. Go about it anyway you want if it gets you all warm and fuzzy inside. The idea is to make a general rule against theist or atheist dumbfucks that use this forum for any other reasons than to have a discussion. Your pet peeve against Minimalist has no weight on that.

[pocaracas]

I moderate a forum that has a "no thread derailing" rule in place.
Can you guys imagine what that would do to this place?!

I consider the rules around here very lax, when you take into account the nature of this forum. I like them that way.
I think they're inviting to atheists and theists alike... although they do allow atheists to mock theists... and theists, don't usually mock, nor like being mocked by others. So, in practice, it ends up being an atheist freebie!

[Jackalope]

I moderate a forum that has a "no thread derailing" rule in place.
Can you guys imagine what that would do to this place?!

I consider the rules around here very lax, when you take into account the nature of this forum. I like them that way.
I think they're inviting to atheists and theists alike... although they do allow atheists to mock theists... and theists, don't usually mock, nor like being mocked by others. So, in practice, it ends up being an atheist freebie!

Up to a certain point, yes we allow it. The intent of the change is to not allow it to become overly repetitive, and to provide a level playing field as much as possible. People who on the balance show that they're here to participate are safe. Those who are evidently here to troll and flame, perhaps not so much.

The above is personal opinion, not official policy.

[Minimalist]

If you need a synopsis: Don't be an arse, discuss instead. It's really not that hard to comprehend

Except...half of Minimalist's posts are him being an arse with no discussion. Call me a skeptic but I'm guessing that's not going to change.

For once in your life you got one right.

I doubt you are going to become a rational human being in the foreseeable future. Keep protesting to your silly sky daddy if you like.

[Cyberman]

When in doubt you should report posts. That doesn't mean they have merit.

^ This x1000. And if your report comes back stamped "no action", don't take it as a personal affront. The rules apply to everyone equally; it's the job of the Staff to enforce them as deemed appropriate. Remember, sometimes the answer's no.

[LastPoet]

Why don't the staff take action everytime someone calls another "a witch"! That would be fun and end this forum in a forthnight

[Tiberius]

Still clear as mud and basically at the mods' discretion.

Not sure what you mean here. The confusing "no preaching" rule is gone. You can now talk about hell, what happens to non-believers in it, etc. The rest is just enforcing the idea that these are discussion forums. If you've only come here to tell people they will burn in hell and have no intention of discussing religious issues / beliefs, then you'll get banned pretty quickly.

[LastPoet]

Not sure what you mean here. The confusing "no preaching" rule is gone. You can now talk about hell, what happens to non-believers in it, etc. The rest is just enforcing the idea that these are discussion forums. If you've only come here to tell people they will burn in hell and have no intention of discussing religious issues / beliefs, then you'll get banned pretty quickly.

If he had a decent criticism to the new rules, he would do so reasonably, instead of whining half-witted snarky remarks and pointing out his pet peeve against Minimalist.

He forgets that this rule also covers atheists that come here just to hump theists legs without discussing. I think the only way John V would ever be happy is if we changed this into a christian forum

[John V]

Oh, you think I was implying that you would be banned because you're a Christian?

Yes.

Did someone order a persecution complex with a side order of missing-the-point?

If you make a clear point in the first place, I won't need to guess.

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The forum rules are a work in progress, made to accomodate this community in a healthy discussion. We have rules to avoid behaviours that disrupt the forum civility.

Then the rules or their enforcement are failing miserably, as it's a very uncivil forum. Doesn't bother me, but why pretend otherwise?

You said half of Min's posts were 'bad'. The way I see it, the other half makes more contribution than you ever did and will do for 10 years if he stopped posting now.

It doesn't - or shouldn't - matter how you see it, as that has nothing to do with the rules. The new flaming rule doesn't mention that you can flame up to 50% of the time as long as LastPoet thinks your other 50% are worthwhile.

The idea is to make a general rule against theist or atheist dumbfucks that use this forum for any other reasons than to have a discussion. Your pet peeve against Minimalist has no weight on that.

Are you insane? DO words mean something else where you live? If Minimalist is making posts for purposes other than discussion, then yes, they should be banned if their is a " general rule against theist or atheist dumbfucks that use this forum for any other reasons than to have a discussion." Amazing that you wrote those two sentences back-to-back.

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I moderate a forum that has a "no thread derailing" rule in place.
Can you guys imagine what that would do to this place?!

I consider the rules around here very lax, when you take into account the nature of this forum. I like them that way.
I think they're inviting to atheists and theists alike... although they do allow atheists to mock theists... and theists, don't usually mock, nor like being mocked by others. So, in practice, it ends up being an atheist freebie!

Yep. Why make rules that pretend otherwise?