I'd like to provide a quick update about rules enforcement in this forum and answer a few questions that some of you might have.
Unlike many online political forums, this one has rules and the Forum Manager is empowered to enforce them. Those rules do call for the suspension of members who break the rules.
It is normally my policy to provide members with off-line "informal warnings" and encouragement before taking any OFFICIAL action. I'd always prefer to keep participants as members of our community than to have to suspend them. Often times, a polite reminder is all that is necessary.
However, with the heating up of the Mayors race, MANY participants have begun to complain about the tone of the forum and frequent abuse of forum rules.
PLEASE NOTE:
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#1) I've had informal contact with quite a few members of the forum about the rules. We have lots of new members who are just getting used to the forum and need a little time to adjust.
#2) I've also taken some of my first FORMAL ACTIONS in months. I just sent three different members of the forums OFFICIAL WARNINGS about rules violation. I expect to issue more of these OFFICIAL WARNINGS in the days to come.
#3) Our full set of rules and procedures are available at:
http://e-democracy.org/rules/
#4) E-Democracy.Org does not permit the use of our "issues" forums as venues for complaints or discussions about the rules. If you have comments or complaints about the rules, I've set up a special PUBLIC forum where you can post those comments. I do pay close attention and respond to most comments posted there.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mn-stpaul-rules/
REGARDING WARNINGS & SUSPENSIONS: -------------------------------------------------
Rules regarding warnings: http://www.e-democracy.org/rules/
A. First Warning - The first official warning
is recorded. The member is not suspended.
Each warning expires after one full year.
The member should consider themselves on
probation. B. Second Warning - The second official warning
results in immediate suspension from that
specific forum for two weeks. Another two week
suspension may be granted should the initial
first warning expire before their third rule
violation.The first two warnings may not be appealed at this time. They may only be appealed on their merits if a third warning is given within one year of the first warning.
D. Third Warning - A third warning within a year of
the first two warnings results in an immediate
suspension for six months from the specific forum.-------------------------------------------------
-- 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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