New forum rules. Please vote

twoguns wrote:

modulus wrote:Whilst I would have no problem with accepting the proposed wording, and I fully understand the ongoing frustration caused by moderating a forum like this, I think this new draft is a retrograde step.

The current rules (with which I also have no problem, and *attempt* to comply) have a number of specific provisions which are missing from the new draft and the atttempt to simplify the rules seems to have resulted in somewhat vague language which I suspect may lead to more problems than it solves. Specifically,

- I'm not sure what "post friendly and refrain from slagging people off" means

- equally I'm not sure what "more mature topics" are

- the wording "or about illegal things" is both simulataneously vague and overly-inclusiveness (I can't post about speeding? - probably not what you intended)

- the current rules specifically prohibit "Nudity, chain letters, pyramid schemes, and solicitations.." inter alia. If the intention is to replace the current "Board Rules" with the draft above, it is only a matter of time before someone claims that any one of these is permitted, by not being specifically prohibited.

- in attempting to simplify, there are other important provisions in the current rules which appear to be eliminated, such as fencing off the BB developers and administrators from improper postings by members; as has been shown on other forums, there needs to be adequate protection for those folk

- numerous other areas where the current Board Rules are clear and the proposed simplification just looks less effective or substitute a feel-good fuziness for specific provisions

I am not sure what would be gained by watering-down or dumbing-down the rules; those posters who currently disregard the existing rules will no doubt disregard the new set, but you may inadvertently weaken the admin. and moderators' position by simplification and vagueness. My gut feeling is that a combination of greater literal consistency of application of the rules and ruthlessness in that application may be needed, but I can't see that the proposed draft is going to achieve a better outcome than the current clear and more comprehensive rule set.

I've voted "don't like it", but my intent was to question whether it will address the current concerns rather than bag the drafting.

Regards,

these were my first thoughts exactly, but i have less vocabulary to explain it any better.:P.
i also dont see the reasoning for the change.
the new rules are more basic, agreed. but they also seem to lend themselves to more 'interpretation' depending on how/who it suits.
some how this seems to be going back to the rules prior to the existing. i thought they were changed to make everything more defined.

these are obviously teh general rules, but not relating to specific 'buy/sell' and other topic threads? is that still another section?