OK, in the Personal Attacks thread and in other places there have been numerous calls for this site to outline and adopt a clear and simple set of rules.

Having tried in the past to write a simple set of rules, I know how difficult the task is. But 'as iron sharpens iron...'

This thread is for people to post their proposed sets of rules. It is not for critiquing others' proposed rules, or for arguments. I just want to see what all those who have called for sets of rules have in mind: so stand up and show us.

This ought to be good.

I'm confused. Was that a proposed rule, or an advance critique of proposed rules, some sort of moderation, or just what?

fair point, Ames - wanna self-mod?

Edit: though this is part of the problem - arguments about the rules instead of playing the game.

I'm not a mod, so I hope people will accept the suggested rules I've laid down for this rules thread.

All right, since no one else is taking the bait, here's a start:

• Defamation is not allowed. Libel is illegal and is therefore not allowed.
• Display reverence for the name of God by refusing to use it in any insulting or mocking way. Expletive or abusive use of the name of God, Jesus Christ, Father, Son or Holy Spirit is unacceptable.
• Harassment of another member is not allowed.
• Issues with administration/moderators should be taken to the staff member, not posted publically nor PM’d to others.
• No flaming, name-calling or trolling allowed.
• Promotion of the religion or rituals of non-Adventist religions is strictly prohibited. Promotion is defined as the active attempt to sway others to those beliefs and/or practices. Questioning one’s faith is acceptable, however.
• Racist and sexist comments are not tolerable. Off-color jokes, likewise, are not acceptable.
• Reasonable confidentiality is expected.
• Spamming in threads, signatures or profiles is not allowed.
• The swear filter is in place for a reason. It is not, however, all encompassing. Some words that are deemed offensive in certain contexts are allowed when the context is not offensive. Choose your words wisely and filter them accordingly.
• Violation of copyright laws is illegal. Be aware of the laws and don’t break them.

How about:

1. While disagreeing with someone do it respectfully. No name calling, veiled jabs, inuendo's.

2. If you don't know what a poster means--ask, don't jump to conclusions.

3. Stay on topic, if a topic starts chasing a rabbit, start a new thread. No hijacking allowed.

4. Above all be nice. Remember this is a Christian forum, not everyone that comes here are Christian, so those of us that are needs to lead by example. Remember we are supposed to be a light unto the world.

5. Tone is hard to determine in this medium. Try and read all posts in the best possible light.

6. Don't wear your feelings on your sleeve.

7. Don't take things to seriously. Learn to laugh at yourself.

8. Don't purposefully start fights.


These are all I can think of at the moment. Anyone else?

I guess I was trying to post when Cricket did hers. I like her list better.

I think these are great, Liz. Hopefully, the OP will take the reins and start compiling the rules as they come in--something we can all take a look at and review and revise as we go.

So come on folks, there's got to be more ideas out there. Bring 'em in!

Here are ones given to me by a claris

Rule #1 Post an introduction! It's ok if you plan to lurk much of the time, but please post at least once. Mostly, we need to know that you're a real person, and not just a spammer, taking up space, and possibly adding questionable content to the site!

Rule #2 Christian witnessing will adhere to 1Peter 3:8-16, but especially 15- "But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts; and be ready to give an answer in meekness and reverence to everyone who seeks from you a word concerning the hope of your faith. . ."

Rule #3 Don't respond to a troller's bait or a flame war. Don’t rise to De Bait!

Rule #4 Be courteous and follow the Golden Rule.

Rule #5 Respect others' privacy. Don’t repost what was read in a private folder or email without permission.

Rule #6 The public forum must be family friendly! (Watch your language, boys and girls! )

Rule #7 Follow basic "housekeeping" rules, such as; watch your use of all caps (please don't shout at us!), and please do not edit your posts to change their content. It's possible that while you edit, someone else is responding, and that makes a mess.. Just make a new post with a simple explanation.

Rule #8 In reference to Matthew 18: Remember that not every person on this board is an Adventist, nor necessarily a Christian. Matthew 18 does not apply to everyone in this venue.
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Rule#1- have fun.

Rule#2: You may, propose an idea(s), explain your idea(s), clarify a statement, make a play on words, tease someone,introduce a different concept, make friends, bond, pass information, respectfully disagree, introduce a contrary thought/idea/principle/concept to the thread, be vulnerable

Rule#3- This board is concidered to be a safe place to express the above rules. Anything that takes away from building a relationship/friendship will be considered harmful and subject to displinary action.