"On Topic" Obsession, and overly stringent rules

[Freelander Sporrano]

As the newbie moderator on Xmarks I find one of the most difficult jobs to do is to decide when people have oversteped the line. Let me explain a little. With living in Scandinavia you develop a more relaxed attitude and become more tollerant to a lot of things that upset others.I react differntly than Americans do in some situations. I also find it difficult to "tune in" many of the words and things talked about in the off topic page I haven't a clue what people are on about therefor I leave that to others

As for Prayers being asked for I don't find that offensive just Human.I don't mind God being mentioned as long as it doesn't get all bent out of shape. As for politics I'm not qualified to even go there.

In the end the forum has a set of rules.
....and Hank has the final word

[Archangel]

I'd like to add another two points. It can be argued that all discussions revolve around the supposed "no-no's": sex, politics, and religion. That it would be better for society if we could learn to talk about those concepts without conflct and not stay in ignorance, prejudice and bigotry about them. Part of that would be knowing the time and the place. This is not the place for it because of the rules. However, because of the ubiquity of these, we're going to crashing into those limitations frequently and the limitations need to be clearer. My intention is to respect them.

The thread in question discussed the subject from a Celtic religious perspective. That would be the Scottish connection. So, a question I see, is how to discuss common Celtic symbols we wear without Kells, Lindesfarne and Iona. Another area is where the person in Germany has employer issues that are tied to religion. If we have to be silent about that, we can't advice, which is one of the primary functions of this forum. (Would also note that a lot of the members amicibly brought up a lot of religious thoughts in non-controversial ways.) Again, this is not me challenging the rules of house. My goal is to respect the rules.

There's a phrase I've run into and read here that says "rules are meant to be broken". I don't agree with that, it's the policies of those rules that are meant to be broken because policies can't fit every situation but they can define most.

[Bob C]

Why is it that some people think rules do not apply to them?

Hooray for the moderator who enforced the rule that some chose to ignore!

[Prester John]

It's a funny thing about rules...

If you don't like them, either change them or go elsewhere and start your own, but if you have them, then one should follow them.

Rules are not laws to be sure. Even the word "rule" come from ruler, something to measure by, but rules are not made to be broken. They are guidelines to measure by.


Hank, keep up the good work.

[highlandtide]

This is a forum about Kilts. Period. I dont even like having an Off-Topic section and most of you have known that from day one. If you want to discuss politics and religion there are plenty of other places. We have rules here for a reason. I think it is funny when people say things like, "Well those rules are gonna drive people away..." Or comments like "if you want more people to come here..."

We have the most active kilt forum anywhere and people come here b/c they appreciate a well run community.

Sorry but the rules are not going to change. I do appreciate the candor however.

PS- I deleted that thread. Not because of what it said but for two reasons. The potential of it and the fact that I state clearly in the rules of that specific forum "I will remove any thread that I see takes anything away from this forum." That one did.

[Archangel]

PS- I deleted that thread. Not because of what it said but for two reasons. The potential of it and the fact that I state clearly in the rules of that specific forum "I will remove any thread that I see takes anything away from this forum." That one did.

Thanks, I can accept these reasons comfortably.

[highlander_Daz]

toruble is with religion and politics is that people dont always respect the other persons point of view, and the thread can then get disrespectful and "kick off", I hate censorship but if people cant make a point without resorting to insults then I believe its correct to remove/ censor the thread.

The other thing I dont like is when people form opinions without being in full possesion of the facts, topics such as sectarianism in Scotland and the situation in Ireland support for the IRA etc spring to mind.

[highlander_Daz]

However I might add that debate using acid wit/ facts/ and devestating logic are very Scottish traits, anyone who saw John Smith or Robin Cook in action or indeed George Galloway (even if you dont agree with his policys) would see that. so perhaps its correct that lively debate is encouraged but I think there is a boundery over which one must not cross, personall attacks and other such are a bit naughty, I like to think I can hold my own in a debate but I would always have a drink with my nemesis afterwords and agree to disagree.

If we all agreed, we would all be driving the same colour make and model of car, married to the same type of women and wearing the same Tartan, what a boring world it would be.

[Shay]

If we all agreed, we would all be driving the same colour make and model of car, married to the same type of women and wearing the same Tartan, what a boring world it would be.

Speak for yourself, I'd find it an interesting change.

[bubba]

Speak for yourself, I'd find it an interesting change.

About as interesting as oatmeal for every meal.