Social Guidelines [Please Read]

So, I'd highly recommend that you read this thread thoroughly and make sure you understand and know the differences before posting on threads here. It will alter your experience.

• Foremost, remember that if you have an issue with a conversation, a comment, a thread, or member's attitude your best course of action is to report it to staff and then stop your participation on the thread. You are never your best at responding with a clear head when your negative emotions are involved with the topic.
• Know the difference between opinion and debate:
• To share an opinion is to express your view on a particular subject. For example, if you do not like Bluestar, you may say: "I don't like Bluestar because she is blue." is to express this opinion with the intent of challenging or changing the opinion of someone else. For example, if you do like Bluestar, you may say: "I do like Bluestar because she is blue, and here is why I think that other people should like Bluestar as well."

Stating a contrasting opinion does not qualify as debate. Slandering an opinion because it contrasts your own is not debate. Attempting to enter into a debate without the consent of the other individual is not debate.

Be respectful.
For added detail:

• 1) Avoid charged language (example: I don't see how you couldn't see that. / That's foolish and shallow. / I honestly can't see why you don't get it. etc.) While possibly well-meaning, it is easily read as an attack rather than a clarification of what you meant to say. (i.e. someone wrote "how did you read it like that? I didn't mean it like that at all." when you mean "sorry for the miscommunication, I meant 'x' with more attention on 'y.'" The first way makes it sound like the writer is insulting someone's intelligence since the reader will perceive they didn't read a text as the author intended even though they put the effort in to do so.)
• 2) Avoid specific "yous". When putting "you" in a piece of writing, a reader will read it as you are referring to them, since you are saying "you." In the case of this whole post, I am using the general "you" rather than directing it at any one specific reader. While this could be picked up on, it's not always clear. Clarify if you notice yourself doing it. It may seem like people would know this by default, but that's not always the case. Sometimes individuals are tired, frustrated, English isn't our first language, reading is hard for them for one reason or another, or maybe the post just wasn't clear. There are many reasons why the 'you' might not be obvious.
• 3) Express intent. If you're simply trying to clarify your point-of-view - and anything to do with the fine and complex nature of written text is arguably always a point-of-view - then remind the reader that this is your opinion or that you just wanted to add more to your previous argument. This does not need to be taken like a comity questioning a thesis.
• 4) Remember the golden rule of reviewing and critiquing: List something you like about a statement. List a rebuttal or disagreement with a statement. List another thing you like. Rebuttal. Like. etc. and then finish on a like and never a rebuttal. A good start is expressing your interest in a lively discussion if that is mutually desired.

Another strategy to consider is: Is it Thoughtful? Is it Honest? Is it Intelligent? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind? If so, then it's probably okay for you to say it.

Bottom line: Can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.

If there are any questions or concerns, contact staff! Thank you for your time.

_{Announced on 2020/6/11 for the entire forum.}