For those old and new to the forum, a gentle reminder. -------------------------------------------------
This space is different from other places on the internet, in that we take special care to preserve an atmosphere of civility and respect that is necessary, if one is to constructively engage people from differing political backgrounds in serious discussion about the important issues facing our city.
That does not mean that some that there are never rude or aggressive posts. However, over time you will find the vast majority of posts to this forum to be constructive and respectful.
A few tips/reminders:
1) Unfortunately, sarcasm tends to undermine the civil atmosphere of our forum, please refrain from sarcastic responses to those with whom you disagree.
2) We don't allow name calling or labeling of other groups or ideologies. Calling Republicans "bullies" or Democrats "wussies," is not permitted. You may disagree with the policies of another person or group and state your disagreement, but we ask that you not resort to this kind of name-calling.
3) We discourage "ideological" arguments as being "off-topic." For example, the individual vs. communal rights is a part of the SMOKING debate and will come up. However, once the discussion becomes PRIMARILY ABOUT civil vs. communal rights, its off topic. So far, I think we've done a good job at tieing this issue to the Smoking ban, which is good. But, I'd like to remind us to keep that connection intact.
4) As the FORUM MANAGER, its my job to enforce the rules and keep the discussion civil. I generally do this by posting information and reminders, like this one, but also by contacting people offline and giving them advice or WARNINGS. After two official warnings, a member can be removed from the forum.
PLEASE NOTE, that I have been contacting some participants offline to remind them of the rules and encourage them to preserve the civil atmopshere of our forum.
Best wishes,
-- Tim Erickson Forum Manager St. Paul Issues Forum http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/ Hamline Midway Resident 651-246-5045 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
St. Paul Links - http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/links.html
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