The Level of Debate Here

[Argus]

The point is you are not permitted to "call a spade a spade" here. You may attack the opinion given but may not attack the person for giving that opinion. It's very clearly set out in the rules. I suggest you visit them. Calling someone a bigot/racist, whatever, is against the rules and can get you banned. Call the words bigoted and racist if you desire, and explain why. Leave the person alone.

I agree with that completely. That's why I wonder why you have made what you call "indirect insults" within this very thread. I don't know what makes them indirect other than their wordiness, but they certainly go against the spirit of the guidelines which clearly state: "Rule of thumb: Play the ball, not the person (i.e. tackle the argument, not the person making it)."

The problem arises mainly when the "argument" is turned away from the actual topic and onto you. I feel no particular desire to argue about my own qualities.

They are, after all, self-evident.

[Spike22]

The point is you are not permitted to "call a spade a spade" here. You may attack the opinion given but may not attack the person for giving that opinion. It's very clearly set out in the rules. I suggest you visit them. Calling someone a bigot/racist, whatever, is against the rules and can get you banned. Call the words bigoted and racist if you desire, and explain why. Leave the person alone.

I agree with that completely. That's why I wonder why you have made what you call "indirect insults" within this very thread. I don't know what makes them indirect other than their wordiness, but they certainly go against the spirit of the guidelines which clearly state: "Rule of thumb: Play the ball, not the person (i.e. tackle the argument, not the person making it)."

The problem arises mainly when the "argument" is turned away from the actual topic and onto you. I feel no particular desire to argue about my own qualities.

They are, after all, self-evident.

Evidently we regard you as a big pompous windbag and me a little old fart:lol:

[BubberMiley]

I would call him a hall monitor, but that might get reported.

[Greg]

Betsy has hit it on the nail,

For the sake of protecting this place from turning into one of those trashy forums that ends up attracting foul-mouthed posters (you probably know the kinds I mean)....then rules ought to be implemented. It is impossible I guess for the moderator to follow every thread...therefore, it is up to us to either warn off anyone who steps over the line...and report if the problem persists.

I think a lot of people forget, a successful online discussion forum is the product of those individuals who engage in civilized debate. I can't claim credit for the high quality of the discussions that often (although, not always) takes place in these forums, because ultimately without each of you contributing your thoughts and opinions, this place would be vacant shell.

I think it goes without saying, the role of the moderate isn't to blindly enforce a strict set of rules - if I did that, most of you would be gone. So lets remember that nearly everyone (myself included) makes mistakes we wish we could take back. Lets make sure this forum isn't defined by those mistakes.

And finally, if you want this forum to be successful, and I can assume most of you do, then take pride in the forum and in yourself. Many of you have expelled an exceptional amount of energy contributing some incredibly insightful comments and it would be a shame if those comments got lost in the sea of drivel that so often permeates partisan bickering and trolling.

If the quality of the discussions have gone down due to my lack of moderation then I apologize - I will be placing a greater emphasis over the next few months on correcting this mistake.

However, this is a two way street - I'm going to do my part to make this forum better, are all of you willing to do that same?

[scribblet]

Betsy has hit it on the nail,

For the sake of protecting this place from turning into one of those trashy forums that ends up attracting foul-mouthed posters (you probably know the kinds I mean)....then rules ought to be implemented. It is impossible I guess for the moderator to follow every thread...therefore, it is up to us to either warn off anyone who steps over the line...and report if the problem persists.

Imistakes we wish we could take back. Lets make sure this forum isn't defined by those mistakes.

And finally, if you want this forum to be successful, and I can assume most of you do, then take pride in the forum and in yourself. Many of you have expelled an exceptional amount of energy contributing some incredibly insightful comments and it would be a shame if those comments got lost in the sea of drivel that so often permeates partisan bickering and trolling.

If the quality of the discussions have gone down due to my lack of moderation then I apologize - I will be placing a greater emphasis over the next few months on correcting this mistake.

However, this is a two way street - I'm going to do my part to make this forum better, are all of you willing to do that same?

Indeed, I agree, I like this forum because of the generally respectful discussion. However, in keeping with the complaint, I notice there has been an influx of left wing trolls, the problem being, not a difference of opinion, but the 'trashy' post titles which do not reflect the post, and are generally simply malicious Harper bashing. I seem to remember reading in the rules about thread titles etc. reflecting actual content ?

thanks

[lost&outofcontrol]

Indeed, I agree, I like this forum because of the generally respectful discussion. However, in keeping with the complaint, I notice there has been an influx of left wing trolls, the problem being, not a difference of opinion, but the 'trashy' post titles which do not reflect the post, and are generally simply malicious Harper bashing. I seem to remember reading in the rules about thread titles etc. reflecting actual content ?

thanks

Now common, let's not point fingers. I haven't been registered here very long but I've certainly noticed ignorant comments from both sides of the spectrum.

People have to knock off with the ad hominem attacks. Simple as that. If you can't argue the opinions and facts, don't attack the poster with childish deflecting tactics or insults.

[crazymf]

This has been one of the most entertaining threads I've read for a long time.

I might add to it that as a person gets to know another member, the debates can spill over from one topic to the next and one can begin to anticipate the response before it is posted. Sore spots between members also spill over and can easily become inflamed for no apparent reason except a past debate resurfacing.

What I'm trying to illustrate is that if you have debated with a member enough in the past, you can get away with the odd liberty of language that you may not say to someone you've not parlayed with before.

A sheer grinding of basic values and inability to agree on basic principles warrants the 'ignore' feature.

A little humor always helps too...

[August1991]

If the quality of the discussions have gone down due to my lack of moderation then I apologize - I will be placing a greater emphasis over the next few months on correcting this mistake.

I don't think the quality has gone down - it just has its up and downs.

What I'm trying to illustrate is that if you have debated with a member enough in the past, you can get away with the odd liberty of language that you may not say to someone you've not parlayed with before.

I agree. You don't wander into someone's home and starting insulting them. But if you're a family member, you can take some liberties - if only because you know better who you are dealing with.

I compare inexactly this forum to a local pub where people drop in and have a chat. One should always try to be polite - it's a public place after all - but a first visit is not a time to insult everyone. In life in general, over-confident people tend to see simplicity first, and only appreciate subtlety later, if ever.

----

IMV, and to be critical, this forum suffers too much on occasion from the adolescent male angst of being top dog. This may be less severe now than in the past.

But this forum is primarily a rare treat because it offers English-speaking Canadians a chance to discuss politics freely, without political correctness. Posters are not belittled by a "consensus". This is not an echo chamber. Moreover, many posts are thoughtful replies, not one-line rejoinders. Nor does this forum have a simple faultline.

I know of no other forum such as this one. I think it helps that it has a western Canada base. I am surprised (and I am sort of thankful) to see it yet mentioned elsewhere.

[geoffrey]

If there is something that could be added to debate here, it'd be more people posting sources for their claims.

[mowich]

I was ready to head off and read some of the political joke thread. Glad I didn't this is the best laugh I have had in ages. All of you are simply quite wonderful. Thank you so much for all the chuckles. This is a great forum, one of the best on the net. Personal insults, etc. do not have a place here I agree. However, I did not realize that I could not refer to Paul Martin as "D......s". sorry. I will have to make sure that I do not go over the line, would hate to be banned from such an entertaining site. Mowich