RE-VOTE! Do you support the proposed rules for the GD forum?

[Skinner]

Poll question: RE-VOTE! Do you support the proposed rules for the GD forum?

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE MESSAGE BEFORE YOU VOTE.

NOTE: Due to an unexpected problem, we had to cancel yesterday's vote on the proposed rules for starting threads in the General Discussion forum. That problem has been fixed. But we have to start the vote again from scratch. All of the votes from yesterday have been thrown out, so if you want your vote to count you must vote again. Sorry for the inconvenience.

As promised, this is your opportunity to express your support or opposition to the proposed rules to start threads in the General Discussion forum.

These proposed rules have been discussed by our members for the last 48 hours, in the following disucssion threads: here (#1) and here (#2). Related discussion of a similar set of rules (NOT being consdered) are available in the following threads: : #1, #2, #3, #4. Please note that we withdrew this set of rules because we considered them redundant and unnecessary, and confusing to our members.

Please be aware that these new rules will significantly increase the power of the moderators to shut down discussion, and will likely result in a substantial increase in the number of locked and deleted threads.

This vote will last for approximately 24 hours. The poll will be closed at around 12:00 noon, Eastern Time, on Friday October 3, 2003.

Below are the rules which you are voting on. If approved, these rules will be pinned at the top of the General Discussion Forum.

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Rules to start discussion threads in the General Discussion forum

The General Discussion forum is by far the most active of all the forums on the Democratic Underground message board. In order to improve the overall quality of discussion here, we feel it is necessary to restrict the type of discussion threads which may be started in this forum. These rules only apply to the very first message posted in a discussion thread, and do not apply to responses posted in those threads.

If you are the type of person who can’t remember a bunch of rules, just remember this: If you treat other people with respect, and if you frame your messages in a way that will facilitate quality discussion, you are unlikely to run afoul of these rules.

The moderators have the authority to aggressively lock or remove threads which violate these rules. Admittedly, the determination of which threads are inflammatory is completely subjective. When a thread is shut down, members have a responsibility to respect the decision the moderators make.

Please note that these rules are for the General Discussion forum only. Some topics which are not allowed in the General Discussion forum may be permitted in other forums on the message board.

RULES TO START DISCUSSION THREADS IN THE GENERAL DISCUSSION FORUM

1. The subject line of a discussion thread must accurately reflect the actual content of the message.

2. The subject line of a discussion thread and the entire text of the message which starts the thread may not include profanity, excessive capitalization, or excessive punctuation. Inflammatory rhetoric should also be avoided. Exceptions may be allowed for threads about our political opponents and/or policies which we generally oppose.

3. If you post an article or other published content which is from a conservative source or which expresses a traditionally conservative viewpoint, you must state your opinion about the piece and/or the issues it raises.

4. If you wish to start a vanity thread (ie: a discussion thread in which the sole purpose is to share your personal opinion) you must state your opinion in a non-inflammatory manner which respects differences in opinion and facilitates actual discussion.

5. No duplicates or same-topic threads. If there is currently an active thread on the first page of the General Discussion forum about a particular topic, you are forbidden from starting a new thread about the same topic -- even if your new thread provides a different viewpoint or new information. Occasional exceptions will be allowed when an active thread has a large number of posts.

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Do you support the proposed rules for the General Discussion forum?