Thread closed? (forbidden discussion topics)

[marisa]

But there already IS an abuse rule. People are NOT allowed to personally attack members. Is that the only rule? Of course not. But do you not agree that banning people on a individual basis is far more fair than just outright banning this person and that for breaking some set in stone rule?

I am unclear on what you want. You said you want a no abuse rule? But there IS one. So seriously, I am confused.

Marisa

[marisa]

And again dude, nothing personal to you at all. I realize you aren't complaining just trying to start a dialog about whats going on here lately. Totally not personal at you at all.

Marisa

[SCReptiles]

Correction....you were banned for your constant harassment of others

You can not find an occasion where I took the offensive on anyone. Any time I made any sort of negative post toward anyone it was only in retaliation.

[MouseKilla]

Marisa,

At first I was just trying to gain an understanding of why the "no religion/no politics" rule was there in the first place. Since that original post there as been a lot of constructive discussion about it and I now uderstand what the goal of those rules is. I'm not by any means even asking if the rules could be changed, one of the first things I said was that the rules here, on a site that is owned by someone else, are none of my business and certainly if they ruined my enjoyment of the site I wouldn't keep coming back. Quite to the contrary, I think this site is awesome and I have noticed a difference between the stated rules and the way things actually go. I have been trying to suggest a way to match the written rules with the rules that are actually in practice. The mods on this site are great in that they have good judgement, they don't cut threads off for nothing, not just because someone mentions Jesus or George Bush, they in fact actually only intervene when things get stupid. They do a great job. I don't think the job would get harder for them if the rules (hypothetically) were simplified to a clear "no abuse" rule only. The additional content rules regarding forbidden topic only make things more confusing and what's worse is they don't even stop the personal attacks.

[Slannesh]

MouseKilla:

If you already understand the rules of the forum and agree with them and think the moderators are doing a great job as you've said in the above post what more do you want?

There already is a "no abuse" rule in place. It seems to me like you're wanting a detailed list of things that are and aren't allowed down to the detail of having it in full legalese.... In my many years on forums in general i've always found that the best rules are these:

1: Respect everyone who posts here.

2: If you have nothing of value to add, don't say anything.

3: It's so and so's site. They make the rules. FOLLOW THEM.

4: Don't argue with Moderators over things you aren't willing to be banned over.

Does it really have to be any more complicated than that?

After 5 pages of talking about it I still don't really see what your original point was other than you do want to talk about topics that have been forbidden? *shrugs*

[BoidKeeper]

The bottom line is the owner of the site can make up whatever rules they like.

End of story! This is not a democracy. As it's been said in the past if you don't like it here leave. One simple little request, don't talk about religion here and some people can't handle it. Frankly I don't think it would matter what the simple little request was the same people would still complain about it. Why the hell would you want to take religion on a herp site anyway? Go to a religouse site or church if you want to talk God. This crap as gone on for far too dam long and it's starting to get under my skin that people can't just let it go and move on. I mean jesus why can't some people just respect the mods and admin request and move on. This is such a waste of time and space. If it was up to me I'd ban the next person who even typed the word religion. For crying out loud does Jeff really have to change the title of the form to "Anything Reptilian Goes".
Trevor

[MouseKilla]

Well if you don't know what my point is then just go back to the first page and read my original post. I have been clear from the start that I don't have a problem with following the rules, as they are enforced and apply to us all. I'm not looking to get rid of rules or add new ones or even pretend for a second that I have any say in how the site will be run. The reason I started this thread is that I didn't understand why a good conversation should be shut down because 1 person says something ignorant. The truth is that the ignorant person is going to be that way regardless of the topic so why single people out for talking about certain subjects? It isn't just the people that talk about these things that cause the problems and the problems aren't limited to threads on these forbidden subjects so what good do these rules do? That's all I'm doing is asking the question. So far no one has convinced me that anything is accomplished with this rule that couldn't be accomplished with only the rule against being abusive other than stopping an otherwise harmless conversation, but then again no one has to convince me of anything, who am I afterall? Nobody, I have no say but there seems to at least be some interest in the topic or there wouldn't be such a huge response.

[lordkovacs]

I in fact agree with MOST of what mouse says. I agree in the fact that people can take things too far in ANY post. Go check the elaphe gutata gutata forum. Someone asked a question yesterday and antoher person basically said they are stupid and ignorant and are a waste of bandwith (that's not a quote). All for asking a question. Was that person reported?

Or what about the thread, that REALLY long one about bicep size. That got out of hand with people making fun of eachother, saying very nasty things. It went on for like 8 pages or something and that wasn't shut down? That ceratainly has nothing to do aobut herps...

I understand some people are more sensitive, and some here are very young and do not need to hear some of the stuff said here, but then I think there needs to be a level playing field. All posts have the potential to include some inappropriate comments, not just religious/political ones. Out of curiousity, what would happen if we discussed the snakes as they relate to the Bible? hahaha... i'm just pushing it now.

Anyway, this is indeed a great debate, and should not be shut down (until it gets too washed out).
cheers all,
MIKE

[jaybox_reptiles]

was the topic that was closed my topic? the one about y the snake is the devil? thx

JAy

[V.hb]

Why dont we all go back to herps? Honestly guys.. were all supposed to get along and help eachother out, not bicker about this crap. the rules are no religion politics etc to be discussed so lets just respect the rules and have fun!

[lordkovacs]

it's not bickering... it's just a debate. no malicious intentions.
cheers,
MIKE

oh, won't somone please think of the children! hahaha

[MouseKilla]

Vhb,

No one is discussing religion here.

[V.hb]

Well the topic in question about banned threads regarding Chuck was based on Religion. I will correct myself and say "Fire-starting" topics. Iam sure it was clear to you what I meant anyways.......

[Turtle Matt]

It's obvious what v.hb meant, you guys are taking up space with this rediculous threads. I personally am anti-religion and politics, so I respect the rules and dislike when people are posting about them.
Matt

[Jeff_Favelle]

If you dudes have the time to discuss this ad nauseum, you clearly don't have enough herps!!!!

Too bad I'm sold out for the year.