(1) This internet bulletin board is viewable by anyone with an internet capable computer anywhere in the world. Please keep this in mind whenever posting. While it is nearly impossible to state any opinion without potentially offending someone, we encourage an open and informed debate of a very wide range of ideas and views. The following are a few guidelines we highly encourage our users to follow:
(2) The use of profanity is prohibited. We employ an automatic word censor to block offensive language. Using symbols to get past the word censor is prohibited. The practice of phonetically spelling or otherwise alternately spelling cursewords is likewise prohibited. The posting of nudity and other offensive images not associated with a true political topic is prohibited. Moderators are charged with enforcing this policy. Continued disregard towards this guideline may result in being banned from this board.
(3) It is very tempting to follow another user's train of thought beyond the scope of the debate. This is understandable. However, we highly encourage our users to respect the intent of the established thread and try to keep focused on the topic. Threads that diverge may be relocated to a more approriate category, or split into new discussions. Continuing to stray may result in user's post(s) being deleted or may encourage the thread to be locked early. Please create new threads for new topics.
(4) Avoid personal attacks. This is probably the most subjective of guidelines; however, approach it like this: ATTACK THE MESSAGE, NOT THE MESSENGER.
Many topics are emotionally charged. This passion for what one believes in should remain in the discourse. However, please refrain from attacking another user in a personal way. Personal attacks do not contribute to a debate. While you may attack a user's ideas, views, political affiliation, political party, political candidate, government, etc... you must not attack the poster personally. Those who engage in this may get a private warning, a public warning, or even have their posting deleted. Continued disregard towards this guideline may result in being banned from this board.
(5) No flame-bait threads or posts. Threads or posts where the sole intent (either by topic, title, images or language) is to elicit emotionally charged responses or personal attacks from others will be deleted. This especially goes for any form of hate speech. It is up to the moderators' discretion to determine whether or not a given post falls into a particular category. Continuing to start flame-bait threads and/or continuation of making flame-bait posts may lead to infractions and eventual banning.
(6) No offensive signature lines. Whenever users register, they have the ability to set up a signature line that gets posted with each post. All signature line must comply with all applicable Forum Rules and Guidelines. Flamebaiting in a signature is strictly prohibited. Additionally the use of quotations from other members in a signature is subject to the consent of the member being quoted. Signatures are not to be excessive in size which tend to detract from the posts on threads.
(7) Whenever starting a thread, give it some thought first. Try to make a decision in which category it would belong. Try to give it a title that describes its intent or its content. Try not to duplicate other threads that already exist. When in doubt, ask a moderator in a Private Message.
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