1/16/2013 clarification of section rules (EVERYONE READ THIS)

[TheDevilMadeMe]

The moderators of the ATD board have discussed the fact that personal attacks have been becoming more common on this subforum and are starting to derail discussions of hockey history. So we've decided to more strictly enforce the "no flaming" rule from hfboards forum rules:

1) Flaming: Do not post any messages that harass, insult (name calling), belittle, threaten or mock other members. Debates are fine, but critique the opinion, not the person. Personal attacks are not permitted. Do not use sweeping generalizations and plural pronouns to cloak personal attacks. For example if a poster(s) states that he thinks 'x' is a good idea, replying that "Anyone who supports 'x' is an idiot" is a personal attack. Do not start threads to call out and embarrass other members; or make posts about ignore lists. Quotes by other members are not to be edited. You may reply to a partial quote, but do not change the quoted content in any way. No one likes to be misrepresented or have words put in their mouth.

Posts that contain blatant personal attacks will be edited or deleted. Posts that are nothing more than calling out another poster personally will result in infractions for flaming. "It used to be tolerated on the ATD subforum" will not excuse future flaming.

None of us want this forum to be as heavily moderated as the busier areas of the site - this is a small community in a competitive environment and things get heated. But the personal attacks have to stop.

If anyone wishes to discuss or disagree with this new policy, do so via PM only. Thank you.

Enjoy the ATD playoffs.

[vecens24]

Hey guys, I'm posting this here because there have been problems:

Repeatedly questioning the integrity of another poster is harrassing and insulting and will be considered "flaming." It ends now.

No tolerance, starting now. Consider this your warning.

[TheDevilMadeMe]

Just assuring everyone that this upcoming draft will NOT descend into the cycle of personal attacks that plagued the last draft.

And just a reminder that criticizing someone else's team is not a personal attack, even if it is harsh.

Examples:

• "Excuse me sir, but your first line is total crap." Criticizing the team, not the poster. It's fine.
• "You don't know what you're talking about. My first line will make your top pairing cry like little girls." Not criticizing the poster; it's fine.
• "On the contrary, you don't know what you're talking about. In fact, you're an idiot." Criticizing the poster, NOT okay.

Heated discussion is fine and often beneficial especially in the ATD, but personal attacks have no place here.

If you don't think you can handle criticism of your team without responding with personal attacks, do us all a favor and elect not to participate in ATD2013.

Thank you. Enjoy the draft.