Thanks to a couple of “discussions” recently on the forums and not to forget one thought provoking post by Leo Tolstoy (Ibi for short
), I have been thinking about forum etiquette.
Whilst this is probably covered in full in the forums rules and regulations (Guidelines??), I have decided to record my thoughts and invite others to do the same.
1. Obviously common courtesy and respect should be shown at all times.
2. IMHO, repetition of arguments is boring and annoying and can be inflammatory.
3. I am a member of another forum which is much less peaceful than this one (although this is by general agreement and design), but we have a guy on there who is the conspiracy theorist to end all conspiracy theorists. His big thing is that the world is headed for a massive (way bigger than 2008) GFC which will pretty much destroy economies world-wide. Whether he is right or wrong I don’t know but he continually posts links to information on the web to back up his arguments, including those suggesting collusion between the banks and big business and the governments to the detriment of the common man. Very annoying simply by their repetitiveness.
4. I like the i30 Forums because, whilst they provide an absolute wealth of information about motoring, cars in general and i30’s in particular, they have developed into a wonderful, world-wide connection between individuals from all walks of life. Apart from anything else, they provide each of us with insights into life in other parts of the world.
5. But, just like in the local pub, the backyard BBQ, or local sporting club meeting (and, dare I say it, politics), sometimes discussions get heated. People have every right to be passionate about their causes. Which is when points I and 2 above should come into play.
6. If members keep in mind those 2 points, I reckon most of the admittedly rare “verbal stoushes” could be avoided.
7. Rustynuts has a favourite saying which is also one of mine. It is “I may not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” Voltaire
8. I also have one which goes something like "Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost." Thomas Jefferson
9. Both are valid. But, in themselves, they also demonstrate how things can get out of hand. If you take either premise to its extreme, problems arise most often because people can be offended or worse, hurt. So, some common sense and a certain amount of personal assessment of the content before posting can go a long way towards maintaining peace and harmony in the forum.
So, in summary, my thoughts are simply, be courteous and respectful; have your say; reply once if warranted but try to refrain from constant “comebacks”. Facts are important but they should not always be used to bludgeon others’ points of view/ opinions or observations.
