If you have comments or questions or wish to discuss this post in more detail, please contact me privately or visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mn-stpaul-rules/
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The summary of rule #4 for our forum:
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4. Be Civil - This is a public forum with real people. Respect among citizens with differing views is our cornerstone.
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I've been asked about the use of "hothead" and will come back to that later (see below). But first.
The following comments were posted in the forum today:
"Republicans are the most selfish and hateful people on Earth"
.......
"We are merely going to state the facts about the hateful clique called the Republican Party."
.......
"sleazy Republicans"
I would like to be very clear. As a forum that is committed to "respect among people with differing points of view," such rhetoric will not be tolerated and will be considered in violation of our civility rule.
We welcome and encourage Republicans, Democrats, Greens, Independence Party members, Libertarians, Independents, and others to participate in this forum (I hope I got everyone this time). The language used above does not support a civil and respectful dialogue between people with differing political views.
-------------------- Regarding "Hothead"
This is admittedly not as clear as some of the other examples given. However, I've been asked to elaborate.
if a poster wants to make the point that (a candidate) is known for losing his temper easily, or makes decisions impulsively without thoughtful consideration, isn't "hothead" an apt description?
No. As forum manager, it would be my ruling that the use of "hothead" is generally intended more as an insult than a description. Its a subjective judgement, but one that I'm required to make.
I would suggest that in such a situation, that a participants simply describe the point that they are trying to make, rather than use the shorthand (name-calling) solution of "hothead."
Why not simply say, "its been my perception that (candidate x) is known for loosing her temper easily and making impulsive decisions without thoughtful consideration."
The second strategy takes a little more effort, but feels much less like "name-calling" or "insults" to me. It also provides some context and explanation, that "hothead" doesn't.
I hope that this helps.
Best wishes,
-- Tim Erickson Forum Manager St. Paul Issues Forum http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/ Hamline Midway Resident 651-246-5045 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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