A thread to discuss naming threads, board policy, new thread suggestions, and anything else that has to do with board administration and maintenance. Guaranteed to include lively debate and polls. Natter discouraged, but not deleted.
Current Stompy Feet: ita, Jon B, DXMachina, P.M. Marcontell, Liese S., amych
I agree with making the short version of the etiquette the default. I am one of the long-time (or maybe middle-time, but I don't want to devolve into working THAT out) members who has NEVER read the filky version all the way through, or, in truth, past the first few lines. I don't know the tune, and filk throws me, anyway. I have a hard time reading ANY filk. And this isn't just a filk -- it's our
etiquette,
which has been severely violated twice in the very recent past.
Michele is right about usability issues and the need for the default to be the simplest version to create easier usability. Would the simple version being the default have prevented a mieskie/schmoker/anathema or Zoe kerfluffle? Probably not. And yet, I think it's very important to make the etiquette easy and simple for new members.
No slight intended to the filkers, because what filk I *have* read in the past by them is impressive as hell.
Michele makes some excellent points. I concede. But I flounce whilst conceding. A flounce full of the foaminess of filk.
I'm going to join the side of the simple version of the etiquette document. While the filk is cool and all, we want people to read the etiquette and comprehend. The document should be simple and straightforward and to the point. The filk is somewhat long and, you know, filky...as in, not simple or straightforward.
Even though I love the filk, I think the simple version should be the default link.
I think Julie's post, slightly modified, should be added to etiquette at the end.
To clarify, I'm thinking that it's simply a matter of do's and dont's, followed by:
This isn't a chat room. It's not even a particularly fast moving posting board. Partly, that’s because I bet you dollars to doughnuts the vast majority of the people on this board spend a lot more of their time here reading, than writing. And partly that's because people here are aware that every bit of black text they put up on the screen, and every time they press post message, they are telling the community something about themselves. Most people want that to be a positive message.
If a thread isn't moving fast enough for you then you have two choices. You can leave it alone and not poke it. Or you can make a meaningful contribution that shows knowledge of your audience, is written in language and a style designed to elicit responses from your readers and that makes you accessible to the people with whom you seem to want to share your time.
There are no short cuts to fitting in. And when you’re one of eight hundred registrations and a couple of hundred active posters? The onus is going to rest entirely in your lap.
What I want, is a sense of personal responsibility placed on those who would want to post here. You're responsible for your words, for making a contribution to the board. It seems to me that it is a cornerstone of etiquette to have some sort of empathy for those sharing your meatspace or cyberspace. How does this post affect not only me, but those around me? Is this defensible? Is it clear? Can I clarify it? Can I back it up? And such.
I agree with the simpler version being the default.
I'm also in training for the Olympics RIGHT NOW.
I'm also in training for the Olympics RIGHT NOW.
Seriously people, I've never SEEN anyone chainsmoke like this. She actually moved her computer outside so she could train while she works.
And she's smokin' it out to David Bowie, too.
My ass is a Capri Ultralight Menthol ass, except that I quit a month ago.
And yes, I think the short version should be the default version. Even though I did make it through the filk, without even knowing the tune.
Seriously people, I've never SEEN anyone chainsmoke like this. She actually moved her computer outside so she could train while she works.
Heh. I bet I could giver her a run for her money in the competitive chain-smoking marathon.
And she's smokin' it out to David Bowie, too.
There's a filk to the tune of "Ziggy Stardust" brewing, but I need more coffee first.
And yes, I think the short version should be the default version. Even though I did make it through the filk, without even knowing the tune.
Yeah, I'm afraid I have to agree, although I love the filk and want to keep it prominent. That being said, a jerk's gonna be a jerk no matter what we post, so I'm not so sure it would make that much of a difference.
