Rules for Discussions and Debates (READ ME FIRST!)

[Ironklaw]

Firstly, welcome to the ominous sounding SERIOUS board. We opened this place since we realised that serious discussions and debates about the news, politics or anything like that seem really out of place on the "general" board. That's why this new section is here.

Alright, seeing as debates and arguements can often boil down to petty squabbling, name calling and general immaturity, I figure I'd lay out some ground rules. They're pretty much common sence but all the same...

1) Be civil. No name calling, no disrespect. You're allowed to disagree with someone, that's the point of this whole thing. However, if you start harassing people because their view is not the same as your own, then expect to hear about it from an admin. Also, if something like that is happening and the admins aren't noticing, bring it to our attention, please.

2) Make a point. If you're going to post a reply to something, then express yourself. If it's just a discussion, then contribute to it, add your two cents and write more than just a sentence or two. If it's an arguement or debate, make a valid point. Don't just tell someone they're wrong or that they're overreacting to something without explaining why you think that. If you agree with someone, mention why. In other words, if you don't have anything to add, don't post.

3) Be eloquent. I know not everyone is a genius with the written word. That's perfectly alright. But if you're going to make a post of a decent size, then please mind your spelling and your punctuation. It's so much easier to know what point someone is making when you can read their point clearly.

That's it, really. Anything else I should add? Let an admin know and we'll work on getting it up there ASAP.

Thanks a bunch and good debating!

-The Admins

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