Recently we warned a member for misquoting another member, which would ordinarily violate our "Quoting Others Inaccurately" rule, though the user did not use quote tags, but rather used quotation marks. The staff considered this a violation of the spirit of the rule, however in order to clear up any ambiguity, we voted to update the rule to make it clear that member quotes which are within quote tags or between quotation marks should not be altered.
The updated rule reads as follows:
- Atheist Forums Staff
The updated rule reads as follows:
Quote:Quoting Others Inaccurately
When quoting another member of the forums, whether using quote tags or putting quotes between quotation marks, members may quote them in whole or in part, but may not change the quoted text by adding, modifying, or deleting words. An exception to this rule is where the member is paraphrasing, provided that the paraphrased quote does not change the meaning of the original quote, or takes the quote out of its original context.
Adding formatting for purposes of clarification or highlighting (e.g. making certain words bold, adding reference numbers, etc.) is allowed, provided that the member indicates that the additions are their own and not in the original quote, and provided that the formatting does not change the meaning of the quoted text.
Changing quoted text for the purpose of parody is allowed, provided that the parody is clear to members. In the case of ambiguity, staff will err on the side of preserving the author's original words rather than preserving a member's artistic license.
- Atheist Forums Staff
