Discussion Etiquette
I hate doing this – honestly, I do. But given our community's history, I think it would be a bit irresponsible to encourage a discussion without laying a few ground rules everyone can agree to. By posting in this thread, you signify that you have read and agree to all the rules of discussion etiquette. Kylin has graciously agreed to enforce these to keep the tone civil and friendly as possible, though we both sincerely hope he won't need to.
I hate doing this – honestly, I do. But given our community's history, I think it would be a bit irresponsible to encourage a discussion without laying a few ground rules everyone can agree to. By posting in this thread, you signify that you have read and agree to all the rules of discussion etiquette. Kylin has graciously agreed to enforce these to keep the tone civil and friendly as possible, though we both sincerely hope he won't need to.
- Dispute the argument, not the arguer. Don't get too personally entangled in your own views and remember you're not debating to see who wins, but to see which idea is better supported. Acknowledge the possibility that you MIGHT be wrong and if someone else disagrees with you, that doesn't mean they are attacking you personally. Respect works both ways.
- No veiled/underhanded/backhanded/etc insults, put-downs, accusations, jabs, or the like. Especially no "some people" or "parts of the community" or "certain linkshells" if you're actually referring to someone or something specific. Chances are we all know who you mean, and if we don't, the misunderstandings that result could make things even worse. If you won't name names, don't play games. Discussions are to be kept open and straightforward.
- No explicit insults, put-downs, accusations, jabs, or the like. Probably obvious, but included for completeness' sake!
- No assumptions about anyone else's motives or emotional state. If their points are valid then it doesn't matter if they posted out of the depths of a boundless rage because someone else's views would prevent them from kicking puppies, their points are still valid.
- Don't tell someone else what they said. Let their posts speak for themselves; often times the way they phrased it is vital to understanding how they meant it. If you're not sure, ask! Assumptions are the bane of communication.
- No accusations of immaturity. It's, frankly, pretty immature. If you're mature enough to respectfully and constructively contribute to this discussion, you're mature enough to have your contributions taken seriously.[/list:u]
Discussion Suggestions
These won't be enforced, they're just little tips to help the discussion along!
- Support your views, if possible. Well-reasoned arguments are much more compelling and much harder to shoot down. Don't jump straight to a conclusion without first going over how you got there.
- Avoid kneejerk posting. After you write a post, take a quick time out before you hit 'submit'. See if it sounds level-headed and reasonable when you come back.
- Try not to sulk. We know the community has had its rough spots, but this is neither the place to settle scores nor nurse old wounds. We need to discuss how to move forward, now how to slide back.
- If you think someone IS sulking, calling them on it will probably just start an argument. Politely ignore it and move on.[/list:u]
Closing
Bet you thought I'd never get here, eh? I do like the occasional surprise. I expect this will probably prompt some discussion, though I have no idea how much. Frankly, the more talking this results in, the happier I'll be. Why? Because at the end of the day, I want the RPC to be somewhere I can go free of drama, guilt trips, politics, and snark to connect and communicate with the many and varied members of our community. I don't want to sweat the small stuff. I want to roleplay.
I leave the rest of this discussion to the RPC. But who is the RPC? You are. Sitting in your chair, checking your iPhone at the bus stop, with your laptop in the airport terminal. Every person reading this is the RPC, if they only choose to be. Your voice needs to be heard. If for whatever reason you have an opinion but do not wish to post publicly, PM someone! A friend, me, Kylin, anyone – maybe even all of the above. But don't lose this opportunity to help guide the future course of roleplaying on Besaid.
- Support your views, if possible. Well-reasoned arguments are much more compelling and much harder to shoot down. Don't jump straight to a conclusion without first going over how you got there.