I believe under English Common Law traditionally evidence must exist to support any statement made to avoid libel about a person or organisation.
This is slowly being eroded particularly when it comes to public bodies this is due to the influence of the European court of human rights. An organisation can be subject to crictisim in the press as long as reasonable efforts have been made to research the information.
As I understand it this area of the Law is in flux and is moving towards a 'freedom of expression' approach.
Now if one of you kind souls will describe me as 'boring', I will have great pleasure in taking you to the cleaners...
bb
Libel relates to the reputation. Anything that damages my reputation is libellous unless you can prove it is true. The more I stand to lose by my reputation being damaged, the more serious the libel is taken to be. However you do need a lot of dosh to sue and it has gone spectacularly wrong in some cases where the person who has sued for libel has lost the case and ended up losing all their money.
British courts, for example, have almost no jurisdiction over the Internet. Australian anti-defamatory laws, on the other hand, are so strict that ISPs are required by law to block access to sites that contravene those laws.
In all cases, though, Ship of Fools can be held responsible for what information is stored on their site, including anything that is posted to this board. An individual posting something defamatory may not be putting himself at risk, but the whole SoF website.
quote:Be careful not to misinterpret this. For example, you are not allowed to suggest that an individual is responsible for a crime until that individual has been convicted of that crime. You are not allowed to report that Mr X has been arrested for the murder of Mrs Y, but that Mr X has been detained in connection with the death of Mrs Y, even if Mr X was discovered at the scene of the crime with blood dripping from his hands.
I believe under English Common Law traditionally evidence must exist to support any statement made to avoid libel about a person or organisation.
No more.
Erin
Addendum: The offending posts have been deleted, AFTER consulting with my co-host here, who agreed with me.
[ 21 August 2001: Message edited by: Erin ]
To come up to your serious level for a moment or two, I can see the validity of having a thread to discuss the 10 commandments but not one that sits at the bottom of the pile with no responses as this one did for so long.
If you feel this strongly, as you obviously do, that this subject should be a permanent thread, and not something that can be discussed when an individual has a personal objection or a new idea, then I would prefer that you create a new thread every (e.g. 6 months) which will be at the top of the list for people to view and which contains the actual rules themselves (which I included here) so that people do not have to search for them before being able to comment.
My original argument was not with the relevance of the subject but with its practical application. Everybody was ignoring a very dull thread at the bottom of the pile.
I do respect your power, but would ask you to consult with other administrators and hosts before simply butchering this thread and leaving it dormant again.
There is a reason for laws, but Christians should have no need of them because they should be moving in the spirit anyway.
Your comments have been noted, however, not only am I an administrator, but I am also one of the hosts of this board (Simon being the other one), so it pretty much IS up to me what I do with threads here.
I am perfectly content to let this thread lie dormant at the bottom of the board for however long it needs to. I don't know if you were on the paid boards or not, but the 10Cs thread oftentimes went months without a post. If you were to read the 10 Commandments, you will see at the bottom of the page is a link to this thread. We will NOT be recoding html every six months just to resurrect a thread that needs no resurrecting unless there is a question or a problem.
This board is about Ship stuff, including questions about the rules and regulations. I am going to start being a bit stricter here with personal chat. There are two other boards here where (the general) you can do that, and I don't have time to monitor this sort of thing. That's why I host the Styx.
Erin
At the risk of looking like a creep here, Erin's been here a lot longer, and put in a lot more thought onto these boards than most of the rest of us, so probably knows what works, she's in charge of this board, and she does lots of consultation with other hosts and admins.
It would be lovely if we all moved in the spirit and didn't need laws, but even I've been around long enough to know that this place reflects the real world, where people are occasionally either stupid, thoughtless or nasty. Even Christians!
Right - I'll stop moralising and get back to my fluffy, entertaining heaven board.
You don't have to search very hard to find the 10Cs. There's a gert big link to them as a constant presence on the left hand side of my screen.
Love
Angel
quote:on the Hell thread about terrorism, needed to be discussed in the Styx.
vile, parasitic and disgusting long before this latest round of media hogdom.
(Hope you're happy with me adding on to this thread Erin ... or would it be better to start a new one?)
To follow on from Angel's comment above about
quote:. I guess I feel that quite keenly even about public figures.
there being a real person on the other side of the computer monitor
I don't understand that we have a commandment about attacking an issue not the person for shipmates, but that rule does not apply to people beyond the ship.
There have been a number of such instances I've spotted, and I guess I find that level of attack lacks the 'non-violent' spirit I sense the ship attempts to engender in exchanges within the community.
In our quest for peace and justice, surely its better not to go for anyone's jugular? That's my argument anyhow
(and I'm sure you older hands are smiling wryly at me taking on the wisdom and might of Erin ... more fool me maybe ... but I really want a better answer to this matter of double standards than I've got so far).
There's a part of me that would like to discontinue it altogether, because I think that there are times when "shut up, dumbass" is the only logical response. However, we have had to clean up that mess before, so I know that pragmatically we need this rule in place.
And thankfully it didn't stop me from ranting and raving up a storm when I left my ex. And all the bleeding heart pinko commie liberals here would explode if they couldn't trash Bush 43, Reagan or Thatcher.
quote:
Originally posted by Erin:
We don't have the no personal attacks on Shipmates rule because we want a "non-violent" exchange.
The effect is that the exchanges become non-violent though, surely?
We have the no personal attacks on Shipmates rule because the Ship separates itself into factions and then it takes us months to rebuild what's been damaged. It's primarily a protective measure for the community, rather than any embodiment of ideals.
I'm not entirely sure how to separate in my own mind 'a protective measure for the community' from an 'embodiment of ideals'. I would assume it was both/and.
There's a part of me that would like to discontinue it altogether, because I think that there are times when "shut up, dumbass" is the only logical response. However, we have had to clean up that mess before, so I know that pragmatically we need this rule in place.
Yep, and pragmatic idealism is the very best sort IMHO.
And thankfully it didn't stop me from ranting and raving up a storm when I left my ex.
Point taken.
And all the bleeding heart pinko commie liberals here would explode if they couldn't trash Bush 43, Reagan or Thatcher.
Hey, lead me to some of these 'bleeding heart pinko commie liberals' I'm still trying to find them (or is that an impermissable question for the Styx? )
Shalom
late but never a quartet
[ubb tidied -- yes, I am that nice ]
[ 29 September 2001: Message edited by: Erin ]
Re: the liberals -- you can't swing a cat without hitting at least ten of 'em around here.
I still think to separate secondary benefits from primary intentions for the Ship is something of a misnoma (whatever misnoma means).
late but never a quartet
quote:
Originally posted by Erin:
Re: the liberals -- you can't swing a cat without hitting at least ten of 'em around here.
Ouch.
Although I can't decide if I'm a Right wing or a Left wing liberal. <grin>
In general I am happy with the no personal attacks rule, but in my personal conduct use it beyond members of the ship.
I might say that I disagree with Bush on an issue, but to suggest that he is a "dumbass" or his Christian Faith is not genuine is to my mind contrary to the scriptural approach to those in positions of secular authourity. It's also not very nice.
I try to avoid personal abuse of anyone - living or dead.
Name-callin hand personal disses is not allowed, regardless hof da context. da same goes fer comment which stereotypes or attacks people on da basis hof their race, nationality, age, gender, religious belief or sexual preference. Please avoid unintelligent remarks such as "Americans irritate me 'coz..." or, "homosexuals is always saying..." Remarks like dis always start flame wars hand they is treated severely. All da above isas is opun fer reasoned debate, but extreme or insensitive attacks on da beliefs or lifestyle choices hof otha shipmates is not tolerated. Whun discussin a specific people group, please mentally substitute da name hof a shipmate fer da group in question before me Uncle Jamal post your message. dat is da rule da administrators hand hosts will use to determine whetha or not your post is a personal attack, so please do da same. [
I have personally apologized to each of the hosts I have offended.
I had not intentionally set out to annoy or disrespect any of them.
However I realize now that that is what I achieved.
So Frin I'm sorry, and Siegfried I'm sorry too.
In both instances I had not seen boundaries which would have been glaringly obvious to those of you who know the Ship better than I.
Enough said.
Jem
quote:
Originally posted by FCB:
I'd like to offer what I hope is a helpful suggestion. Would it be possible to add something to the 10 C's about analogies that, as we say, create more heat than light. One thing that I've reflected on following the sex, lies etc. dust up is that what seems to some people a "common sense" matter does not seem to to others. This seems to me to be one of those cases. Indeed, in many circles asking "then explain to me how your position differs from X" is a perfectly legitimate arguing tactic. I can accept that making analogies between someone's position and that of a widely hated group is out of bounds for these boards. But it does not seem to me self-evidently so.Particularly if hosts are going to tell people to apologize for do this, I would think that it could be spelled out a bit more explicitly in the 10 c's. I don't mean listing the hated groups you are not allowed to invoke (I could see a major row over whether Republicans are included or not), but some sort of general warning, maybe under the 3rd commandment.
I'd be interested in what people thing.
FCB
quote:
Originally posted by Cuttlefish:
I know there could be a risk of detailing the 10 Commandments so much that they become too wordy, and still not cover every eventuality. But even so I think FCB's suggestion is a good one. I think the 11 commandments just wouldn't be catchy enough, so which commandment would "do not compare the arguments of a shipmate with those of a generally despised group or individual such as racists, paedophiles or Hitler" fall under? I think it could slip into commandment 3: name calling etc. In effect it is a subtle form of name calling, even if the offender does not consciously mean it as such.
FCB
quote:
Name-calling and personal insults are not allowed, regardless of the context. The same goes for comment which stereotypes or attacks people on the basis of their race, nationality, age, gender, religious belief or sexual preference.
I am always reminded of the funniest line from the movie "A River Runs Through It." The Presbyterian minister is quoted as saying, "Methodists are Baptists who know how to read." Naturally, that sort of remark on this board would quite rightly get one reprimanded.
(My mother was raised Methodist and my in-laws were raised Baptist, so this is just a movie quote, not MY opinion.)
I'm concerned about rule 3.
I'm not sure what constitutes a personal attack. The problem that I have seen happening, twice now, since starting to read these boards is that personal attacks have been made by people in charge of the boards. I don't want to give examples or start name calling as I think this would cause more harm than good, but perhaps you could clarify what is, and what is not acceptable.
FCB
quote:
Originally posted by FCB:
Erin, your reply strikes be as a bit non-responsive. I think Bonzo was asking what constituted name-calling. For example, is calling someone a "troll" (as I have done on one occasion in the past) name calling?FCB
Well, he may have meant what constitutes name-calling, but he asked what constitutes a personal attack. When someone asks me what time it is, I try to avoid telling them how to build a watch.
That said, the best thing, really, is to lurk if you're unsure about it. Get to know the tenor of the boards. It is impossible for me to sit here and identify when something is and is not acceptable. And what is acceptable on one board may not be on another. I can't answer this, I leave it to the judgment of the hosts and administrators (a judgment I trust very much).
Another rule of the board culture: if you violate the rules and guidelines of the board, you absolutely cannot appeal to them if someone dishes it right back to you. That argument will be ignored by hosts and administrators (except to maybe ridicule it).
Each one of them is obviously a prohibition or a burden, but the effect of each one is a liberation. Of course, you could post 23 messages on the semiotics of individual commands, but all you would be doing is missing the point.
So what is the point?
G
quote:
Originally posted by Erin:
Well, he may have meant what constitutes name-calling, but he asked what constitutes a personal attack. When someone asks me what time it is, I try to avoid telling them how to build a watch.
Presumably he knew that a personal attack meant a verbal one (i.e. name-calling), since physical assault is difficult over the internet.
FCB
quote:Is it understandable inside the UK?
Originally posted by Inanna:
I'm also wondering whether "cop to it" in commandment 5 is understandable slang outside of the UK....
quote:Certainly sounds like some kind of sexual practice. Though it's a bit sweeping to assume we've ALL done it.
if you know you've stuffed it up, cop to it without excuse. We've all had to at some point.
quote:All joking aside, I applaud the change of emphasis and think it reflects what now generally happens anyway.
Originally posted by Simon:
We wanted to get away from the childish, "say sorry, play nicely" feel and instead have something which puts the onus on both sides in a dispute.
quote:Unlike the England cricket team who excell in doing things that aren't exactly cricket
Originally posted by paigeb:
but I don't want to do anything that isn't cricket.
quote:So, you thought Hell was getting a bit tame, Erin?
Also going into effect immediately are the removal of most of our unwritten rules. Specifically, we're ditching the official prohibitions on the following:
"You're not a Christian";
"[insert nation of choice] is a big mean bully/whining has-been/bunch of cheese-eating surrender monkeys"; and,
the homosexual/pedophile analogy.
This is not to say that we are condoning those things. Far from it. However, we are taking the position that the membership should administer the beatings that those who resort to the aforementioned arguments richly deserve.
quote:I think allowing people to say "You're not a Christian" is a very un-Christian thing to do and you're a big meanie.
Originally posted by Erin:
Also going into effect immediately are the removal of most of our unwritten rules. Specifically, we're ditching the official prohibitions on the following:
- "You're not a Christian";
quote:Hosts will still be pointing out the perfectly good DH threads that exist for those among us who insist on flogging extinct nags. Failure to heed such hostly pointing toward DH would constitute disrespect of a host and being a jerk, both of which are of course still very much no-no's.
Originally posted by The Wanderer:
There are times (especially when we go round the "homosexuality does not equal paedophilia" carousel once again) when it really helps to have a Host step in and say, "Sorry, this is not allowed". My fear is that certain deceased equines are going to get even more of a flogging in future, and clutter things up.
quote:I don't like this one bit. It's the Ship that's abandoning the tradition and not us. I have been on this Ship for all of five months and I want it to be there for my children and grandchildren. If they change the Commandments what is next - the berths, the lavatory, the deck?
Originally posted by Erin:
Hi all...
We have revised our 10Cs, streamlining them and making them a bit more consistent. The new rules are effectively immediately -- you can access them by clicking the 10 Commandments link in the left frame.
quote:Perhaps we should have a schism, with a group forming the "One True Ship (Continuing)", based on a desire to adhere to holy tradition?
Originally posted by Spawn:
quote:I don't like this one bit. It's the Ship that's abandoning the tradition and not us. I have been on this Ship for all of five months and I want it to be there for my children and grandchildren. If they change the Commandments what is next - the berths, the lavatory, the deck?
Originally posted by Erin:
Hi all...
We have revised our 10Cs, streamlining them and making them a bit more consistent. The new rules are effectively immediately -- you can access them by clicking the 10 Commandments link in the left frame.
quote:Based on their interpretation of the original 10 commandments which were butchered by worldly liberals.
Perhaps we should have a schism, with a group forming the "One True Ship (Continuing)", based on a desire to adhere to holy tradition?
quote:No you can form your own Ship, but I think we should stay and fight the changes. We could remain in Simon's navy while rejecting the captaincy of Erin. If the worst cames to the worse, then we could always sign up with some overseas Admirals and still be within the Ship.
Originally posted by Chapelhead:
Perhaps we should have a schism, with a group forming the "One True Ship (Continuing)", based on a desire to adhere to holy tradition?
quote:I wonder if we don't rely on the H&A's to do too much for us? Those who feel strongly about a point can make it themselves, there's certainly been a few instances recently of the homosexual/peadophile analogy getting short thrift on threads from shipmates rather than just H&A's, and it seems to have worked.
Originally posted by The Wanderer:
I'm with nicole on this. There are times (especially when we go round the "homosexuality does not equal paedophilia" carousel once again) when it really helps to have a Host step in and say, "Sorry, this is not allowed". My fear is that certain deceased equines are going to get even more of a flogging in future, and clutter things up. However, we'll have to wait and see how things work out in practice; my predictions of the future are rarely accurate.
quote:I don't think that it is gin swilling Anglo-Catholics who make these kinds of declarations. Speaking for myself, the prospect of having some frothing sola scriptura type who has finally run out of arguments spit: "You're not a real Christian" will add great merriment to the life of the boards.
solemn declarations in MW that anyone who doesn't know a dalmatic from a dalmation Is Not a Christian™ boggles the mind.
quote:IIRC, that experiment has already failed.
Originally posted by Chapelhead:
Perhaps we should have a schism, with a group forming the "One True Ship (Continuing)", based on a desire to adhere to holy tradition?
quote:And
Originally posted by Spawn:
quote:I don't like this one bit. It's the Ship that's abandoning the tradition and not us. I have been on this Ship for all of five months and I want it to be there for my children and grandchildren. If they change the Commandments what is next - the berths, the lavatory, the deck?
Originally posted by Erin:
Hi all...
We have revised our 10Cs, streamlining them and making them a bit more consistent. The new rules are effectively immediately -- you can access them by clicking the 10 Commandments link in the left frame.
quote:Sounds like you've got a volunteer there, Laura
Originally posted by Laura:
The lavatories ("heads" for you pathetic landlubbers) are slated for renovation next. And, phew! do they need it.
quote:Pleasure?
Originally posted by Callan:
Actually, the fact that I am going to get way too much pleasure from this is probably a sign that it's a bad thing.
quote:From what I saw yesterday some people seemed to be getting some pent-up pond-war ya-yas out.
Originally posted by jlg:
Unless perhaps they have all jumped overboard!
quote:I'm not sure you can, actually. Erin is Simon's Vicar on the Boards. To reject the captaincy of Erin is to reject Simon himself.
Originally posted by Spawn:
We could remain in Simon's navy while rejecting the captaincy of Erin.
quote:Isn't that a very fundamentalist - literalist interpretation? What about those of us who take a more liberal view? Are you saying we're not Shippian?
Originally posted by RuthW:
quote:I'm not sure you can, actually. Erin is Simon's Vicar on the Boards. To reject the captaincy of Erin is to reject Simon himself.
Originally posted by Spawn:
We could remain in Simon's navy while rejecting the captaincy of Erin.
quote:Shouldn't that be drown?
We're going with a more fundamentalist / literalist view of the Ship's 10 Commandments now, so yeah - fall in line or burn!
quote:I'm not rejecting her, I'm just toying with the concept she's not infallible.
Originally posted by RuthW:
Erin is Simon's Vicar on the Boards. To reject the captaincy of Erin is to reject Simon himself.
quote:Could someone please explain this one to me?
Originally posted by Erin:
Hi all...
We have revised our 10Cs, streamlining them and making them a bit more consistent. The new rules are effectively immediately -- you can access them by clicking the 10 Commandments link in the left frame.
[Deletia - please read Erin's original]
Please note that we will still enforce the following:
Two-click rule for pornographic and other links that are likely to trigger an employer's net nanny alert
quote:"Hear O Israel, the Erin thy lord is one lord, and thou shalt obey the Erin thy lord with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength."
Originally posted by welsh dragon:
So...which commandment is greatest?
quote:Creationist ideas linked to 'Simon' have largely been debunked by academic research. I'd have thought you would have known that, Alan.
Originally posted by Alan Cresswell:
What about Simon?
quote:And the second is this: "Thou shalt love thy Shipmates as thyself"
Originally posted by Chapelhead:
quote:"Hear O Israel, the Erin thy lord is one lord, and thou shalt obey the Erin thy lord with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength."
Originally posted by welsh dragon:
So...which commandment is greatest?
quote:Actually I think it might be "Thou shalt be nice to thy Shipmates as thyself".
Originally posted by Paul W:
And the second is this: "Thou shalt love thy Shipmates as thyself"
quote:So where is all this obeying going on and why didn't anyone tell me?
Originally posted by Chapelhead:
quote:"Hear O Israel, the Erin thy lord is one lord, and thou shalt obey the Erin thy lord with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength."
Originally posted by welsh dragon:
So...which commandment is greatest?
quote:Is it time for your weekly bout of Erin-Worship?
Originally posted by Erin:
quote:So where is all this obeying going on and why didn't anyone tell me?
Originally posted by Chapelhead:
quote:"Hear O Israel, the Erin thy lord is one lord, and thou shalt obey the Erin thy lord with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength."
Originally posted by welsh dragon:
So...which commandment is greatest?
quote:That the Simon-myth has a long history is evidenced by its incarnation in our culture in various naive modern-day forms such as the well-known children's nursery rhyme "Simple Simon met a pie-man" and, more significantly, in the game "Simon says", which is a clear vestige of the view of Simon as supreme authority figure: apart from Simon man can do nothing. We can also recall the electronic game Simon of a few years ago, which lit a series of colored panels which the "worshipper" had to repeat exactly; a rudimentary form of catechism, clearly degraded from a more complete catechism which, unfortunately, has been lost to us over the centuries. The aforementioned poem expresses the same motif:
Originally posted by Emma.:
I too thought that any refernece to "simon" or "s m n" were purely mythical... alhought there may have once been a person called simon, the myths and legends that have grown surroundding this figure are purely added...
quote:The Simon archetype asserts his authority. This authority is then questioned:
Simple Simon met a pieman
Going to the fair;
Says Simple Simon to the pieman,
"Let me taste your ware."
quote:Simon's subtle response makes the idea clear: he needs no penny, for his very standing guarantees him the object of his desire (represented in this bit of verse as the pieman's wares, thus adducing food as the most fundamental human need and desire, and pie as an especially sweet and delectable form of this basic necessity).
Says the pieman to Simple Simon,
"Show me first your penny."
Says Simple Simon to the pieman,
"Indeed I have not any."
quote:To some of us Simon often seems far away. About 8000 miles away, in my case.
Originally posted by Chorister:
hall I let on that Simon is about to go away for a few days
quote:Cool.
Originally posted by sophs:
sophs - hero worship on demand
quote:He'll reduce the distance to about two thousand miles away within the month.
Originally posted by RuthW:
quote:To some of us Simon often seems far away. About 8000 miles away, in my case.
Originally posted by Chorister:
hall I let on that Simon is about to go away for a few days
quote:You didst recognise him in the breaking of chocolate?
Originally posted by babybear:
He did eat the food that I had prepared, and didst favourably comment upon the chocolate dipped strawberries.
quote:We need to find a virgin.
Originally posted by Tortuf:
So, who is Mary?
quote:There is a hot link in the real sigfile. Isn't this kind of solicitation prohibited under the commandment banning advertising and spam?
Will you give me some money?
I'm making a trip to Ukraine this summer as part of Link Ukraine and we need cash!
quote:Someone's been watching the Hellhosts in action!
Originally posted by Scot:
Accidents and misunderstandings are lovingly and gently corrected.
quote:My suggestion would be to chill, hang about for a bit, look around the boards and get a feel for the place. Each of the boards has its own tone.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
I am guessing I violated the commandment of don't be easily offended. I am a highly sensitive person. Is that unacceptable to this community? I strive to put principles before personalities.
quote:Being "highly sensitive" certainly isn't going to help you. One learns early on to develop a thick skin, stick to the friendlier boards, or find another discussion board.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
I am guessing I violated the commandment of don't be easily offended. I am a highly sensitive person. Is that unacceptable to this community? I strive to put principles before personalities.
quote:I waited a month to post after I signed up.
Originally posted by Duo Seraphim:
quote:My suggestion would be to chill, hang about for a bit, look around the boards and get a feel for the place. Each of the boards has its own tone.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
I am guessing I violated the commandment of don't be easily offended. I am a highly sensitive person. Is that unacceptable to this community? I strive to put principles before personalities.
quote:Generally a host or other admin posts as an ordinary Shipmate, and so arguing or disagreeing with them is fine (depending on the board). But as soon as they sign a post with their official Ship of Fools title, that's it - no protests. Your only options are to shut up, or raise an objection here in the Styx.
6. Respect the Ship's crew
If you disagree with a member of the Ship's crew (in their official capacity), raise the issue in the Styx, our board for in-house stuff.
quote:Except I don't go to cocktail parties nor am I interested in those types of discussions.
Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:
Another friendly suggestion is to post to existing threads for a while before starting a new thread, especially on what was bound to be a controversial topic. Sort of like going to a cocktail party where you don't know anyone -- join an ongoing discussion to start.
quote:I don't believe I have gotten into any arguments with any staff members when they have spoken as such. I simply don't like the patronizing attitude of many of the ship members, but I'll deal, I'll be all right, they are no different than any other ship of fools on or off the internet. I expected human kindness and mercy and justice to abound when I entered the church. Not so. Oh well. So I am a cynic now. Such is life.
Originally posted by Hiro's Leap:
Miss Pixxie Styx,
Here's another top tip. One commandment that it's easy for the unaware to break is the Sixth:
quote:Generally a host or other admin posts as an ordinary Shipmate, and so arguing or disagreeing with them is fine (depending on the board). But as soon as they sign a post with their official Ship of Fools title, that's it - no protests. Your only options are to shut up, or raise an objection here in the Styx.
6. Respect the Ship's crew
If you disagree with a member of the Ship's crew (in their official capacity), raise the issue in the Styx, our board for in-house stuff.
(Personally, I think it's too easy for newcomers to miss the distinction between someone posting as a staff member and as a Shipmate. Some discussion groups reserve red text for official stuff, which makes life a bit clearer.)
quote:Have you ever walked into a room of strangers before? Work? Church? Anywhere that is friendly? Just translate to that situation.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
quote:Except I don't go to cocktail parties nor am I interested in those types of discussions.
Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:
Another friendly suggestion is to post to existing threads for a while before starting a new thread, especially on what was bound to be a controversial topic. Sort of like going to a cocktail party where you don't know anyone -- join an ongoing discussion to start.
quote:Your question displays an attitude I like dislike immensely. As I said, the overall tone of this community is one of sarcasm. Not all fools on this ship are disrespectful, but the majority of them are. I have no problem walking into a room of strangers anywhere and making myself and everyone else right at home. I hope you can adjust your attitude towards me, its very unpleasant.
Originally posted by The Bede's American Successor:
quote:Have you ever walked into a room of strangers before? Work? Church? Anywhere that is friendly? Just translate to that situation.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
quote:Except I don't go to cocktail parties nor am I interested in those types of discussions.
Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:
Another friendly suggestion is to post to existing threads for a while before starting a new thread, especially on what was bound to be a controversial topic. Sort of like going to a cocktail party where you don't know anyone -- join an ongoing discussion to start.
It does help around here to be adaptable and to think outside your previous experiences. There are people posting around here from pretty much all continents. We don't think alike. We use words in different ways. The benefits of taking this effort pays off in the long run.
quote:You asked a question. It was answered. You replied in a way that suggested you didn't have the background to understand what was being suggested to you. I suggested other ways to understand that answer. You suggested I was using sarcasm.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
quote:Your question displays an attitude I like dislike immensely. As I said, the overall tone of this community is one of sarcasm. Not all fools on this ship are disrespectful, but the majority of them are. I have no problem walking into a room of strangers anywhere and making myself and everyone else right at home. I hope you can adjust your attitude towards me, its very unpleasant.
Originally posted by The Bede's American Successor:
quote:Have you ever walked into a room of strangers before? Work? Church? Anywhere that is friendly? Just translate to that situation.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
quote:Except I don't go to cocktail parties nor am I interested in those types of discussions.
Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:
Another friendly suggestion is to post to existing threads for a while before starting a new thread, especially on what was bound to be a controversial topic. Sort of like going to a cocktail party where you don't know anyone -- join an ongoing discussion to start.
It does help around here to be adaptable and to think outside your previous experiences. There are people posting around here from pretty much all continents. We don't think alike. We use words in different ways. The benefits of taking this effort pays off in the long run.
quote:So, by metaphor, you're saying that you've looked over all the hundreds of conversations on the Ship that we're eagerly involved in and deemed none of them interesting to you. The natural response, in your eyes, is to introduce conversations we don't appear to be interested in. Fascinating approach, really.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
Except I don't go to cocktail parties nor am I interested in those types of discussions.
quote:Hint: This is not a church.
I expected human kindness and mercy and justice to abound when I entered the church. Not so.
quote:Your judgment of me is wrong and I refuse to engage with you. I can point out whatever I want. I wasn't calling this group a church. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't a Christian. I find you to be one of the most despicable people here yet. I have participated on the despair and self-harm thread. I find it interesting. Again, your analogy is off the mark. I don't find cocktail party conversation interesting, so that was a bad parallel to draw. If you are looking for an argument, look somewhere else. If authority is not allowed to be questioned here, what is the point?
Originally posted by RooK:
quote:So, by metaphor, you're saying that you've looked over all the hundreds of conversations on the Ship that we're eagerly involved in and deemed none of them interesting to you. The natural response, in your eyes, is to introduce conversations we don't appear to be interested in. Fascinating approach, really.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
Except I don't go to cocktail parties nor am I interested in those types of discussions.
quote:Hint: This is not a church.
I expected human kindness and mercy and justice to abound when I entered the church. Not so.
Hell, many of us would be appalled at the idea of being considered "christian".
Yes, my tone is not respectful to your contributions thus far. You don't need to point it out - everybody else can read too.
And please feel free to exempt me from Bede's request for not automatically assuming the worst intentions. Let's not kid ourselves.
quote:Flattery will get you everywhere. I'm not sure when someone last said something so nice about RooK.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
I find you [RooK] to be one of the most despicable people here yet.
quote:Too late. You already did engage RooK with this post.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
Your judgment of me is wrong and I refuse to engage with you.
quote:I wasn't. After all, this is what I said:
Originally posted by RooK:
And please feel free to exempt me from Bede's request for not automatically assuming the worst intentions. Let's not kid ourselves.
quote:Every St. George needs his dragon.
You might try to give some of us the benefit of the doubt when attributing motives or intent. Please. (Emphasis added)
quote:As The Bede's American Successor tried to explain, I used the cocktail party analogy just meaning any sort of social situation where you are new and don't know the other people.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
I don't find cocktail party conversation interesting, so that was a bad parallel to draw.
quote:Given that there are over 12,000 Shipmates, I sure hope you aren't holding your breath until we all do. OliviaG
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
... As I said, the overall tone of this community is one of sarcasm. Not all fools on this ship are disrespectful, but the majority of them are. ... I hope you can adjust your attitude towards me, its very unpleasant.
quote:RooK gets all the love around here.
Originally posted by Alan Cresswell:
quote:Flattery will get you everywhere. I'm not sure when someone last said something so nice about RooK.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
I find you [RooK] to be one of the most despicable people here yet.
quote:ITTWACW.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
I wouldn't be here if I wasn't a Christian.
quote:If you haven't found any discussions or Shipmates to your liking, perhaps the Ship isn't the right forum for you. There's terrific variety here, from Fluffy Bunny to...uh...Hellhost.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
Your question displays an attitude I like dislike immensely. As I said, the overall tone of this community is one of sarcasm....
quote:If someone chooses to get enraged with me, that is not my problem, that is their problem.
Originally posted by The Bede's American Successor:
quote:Too late. You already did engage RooK with this post.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
Your judgment of me is wrong and I refuse to engage with you.
Please make up your mind. Are you here to engage other people or the enrage them? Or, just to try to confuse us by saying you won't do something and then do it?
quote:You have surpassed the host of hell in your vileness. Am I allowed to say STFU up here or will I get banned?
Originally posted by comet:
quote:RooK gets all the love around here.
Originally posted by Alan Cresswell:
quote:Flattery will get you everywhere. I'm not sure when someone last said something so nice about RooK.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
I find you [RooK] to be one of the most despicable people here yet.
______
Pixxie Styx - I'm going to give it a shot here.
You keep saying you don't like people's tones or what they say or their attitudes. this is not how to win friends and influence people. You don't have to like it. We're not here to please you.
You may notice the Ship has over 13,000 members. that's a lot. if you leave, we have others to take your place, don't worry. it's a big world.
Meanwhile, your overall tone is very defensive and you seem to think you get to make your own rules of the game around here.
so let me be clear:my suggestion is you take the chip off your shoulder, quit worrying about what other people are doing/saying/believing/archiving, and actually try and learn something.
- if you want to play, you play our way.
- we are not all nice people, and most of us don't give a shit what your personal crises are. We have our own.
- If you want to discuss the moral implications of things, you're in the right place. but don't expect a pass. Shipmates expect you to defend your side of an issue. That part that says "robust debate" is not a joke. if you can't hack it, stay out of the deep issues.
- We don't care if you are sensitive. We're all sensitive. Along the way we decided that it was worth growing a thicker skin so we could grow intellectually and spiritually by engaging with eachother.
- you haven't even begun to see offensive and attack mode yet. see number 2. screaming "you're not playing nice" will get you mocked. We assume you are an adult and can hack it and don't need a kindergarten teacher to hold your hand. You want to succeed in the modeling world, you need to toughen up, child.
- on the off chance that you are hoping to go for shock value here with the issues you bring up - we have valued Shipmates who are more shocking than that before they get out of bed in the morning.
the bottom line is, you will not change us this way. if you want, we may very well change you - and you also have a positive impact on the Ship as well. But not like this.
Good Luck.
quote:In the same way, if you choose to be annoyed or irritated with others, or to find what they say disrespectful or unpleasant, that is not their problem, that is your problem.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
If someone chooses to get enraged with me, that is not my problem, that is their problem.
quote:Yes, I am quiet sure the Ship might not be the correct forum for me. As I stated, considering the person who referred me here tried to manipulate my priest, I am pretty sure it is not. I will give the private forum a go that she referred me to, and if that does not work out, I will try to leave this Ship alone.
Originally posted by Rossweisse:
quote:If you haven't found any discussions or Shipmates to your liking, perhaps the Ship isn't the right forum for you. There's terrific variety here, from Fluffy Bunny to...uh...Hellhost.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
Your question displays an attitude I like dislike immensely. As I said, the overall tone of this community is one of sarcasm....
If sarcasm is an issue, then you should probably stay away from Hell -- and, perhaps, the Styx (despite the fact that it's your family board).
Ross
quote:You are a gambler. I am asking if I can tell someone to STFU up or not. I did not see anything about that in the 10 Commandments. I clearly stated I would not post here if it was not the right fit. I suspect the community is too large for me. I do not do good in large communities, nor does any mentally gifted person. I need a private, supportive environment. Please answer my question as to whether or not I can tell someone to STFU without getting banned. Thank you.
Originally posted by Rossweisse:
Miss Styx, I'm starting to think that you want to be banned, and have a bet on to see if you can manage the feat before hitting Shipmate status.
It strikes me as a rather sad use of your time, but you know what works best for you.
Ross
quote:You might want to PM the host of the private board you're considering joining, and see if they'll be willing to give you a go when you reach Shipmate status.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
I will give the private forum a go that she referred me to
quote:Once again you assume that I have not done so already and make a fool of yourself. Thank you for answering my question. I request this thread be sent to hell. Am I allowed to do that without violating the 10 Commandments?
Originally posted by Josephine:
quote:You might want to PM the host of the private board you're considering joining, and see if they'll be willing to give you a go when you reach Shipmate status.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
I will give the private forum a go that she referred me to
And you're welcome to tell someone to STFU in Hell. Not in Styx.
quote:I hear you, hon! I've always had that problem, too.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
... I suspect the community is too large for me. I do not do good in large communities, nor does any mentally gifted person...
quote:yep. Pyx_e and Ancient Mariner (I think Pyx_e was the one called) but that very day there was like, 4 or 5. oh ye of the short memory.
Originally posted by The Bede's American Successor:
quote:ITTWACW.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
I wouldn't be here if I wasn't a Christian.
Has there ever been a Hell-call based upon a thread in Styx?
quote:Hey RooK! Neener!
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
You have surpassed the host of hell in your vileness. Am I allowed to say STFU up here or will I get banned?
quote:I was about to do my first Hell call. Damn you!
Originally posted by Triple Tiara:
Oh go on then, let's get real and go to the right place.
Comet, Rook .... it's coming your way
quote:You're the one that has to read them, not me.
Originally posted by comet:
quote:yep. Pyx_e and Ancient Mariner (I think Pyx_e was the one called) but that very day there was like, 4 or 5. oh ye of the short memory.
Originally posted by The Bede's American Successor:
quote:ITTWACW.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
I wouldn't be here if I wasn't a Christian.
Has there ever been a Hell-call based upon a thread in Styx?
quote:So right. He lives for this sort of thing.
Originally posted by Alan Cresswell:
quote:Flattery will get you everywhere. I'm not sure when someone last said something so nice about RooK.
Originally posted by Miss Pixxie Styx:
I find you [RooK] to be one of the most despicable people here yet.
quote:My opinion is hardly any sort of guarantee, but the link in your sig is pretty tame. I can't imagine that it would cause any problems.
Originally posted by Sha_Sha:
Would the link in my sig (or any other issues with the sig) be a problem?
quote:No, we're sarky, secure paranoids.
Originally posted by Gort:
It's certainly a comfort to know the Ship's H&As aren't sarky, insecure paranoids.
quote:I can't see a problem with the content, but I am probably not the only person on the web who wouldn't usually click a link which gives only an oblique clue of what might be on the other side.
Originally posted by Sha_Sha:
Would the link in my sig (or any other issues with the sig) be a problem?
quote:or his consort who
one of the most despicable people here
quote:I note that Miss Styx has not graced us with her presence since that day.
surpassed the host of hell in (her) vileness
quote:Many thanks. Most interesting and enlightening.
Originally posted by comet:
Merry Christmas.
quote:If the link is a germane part of a post, either continuing or starting a discussion, it's totally fine. As an opening post just saying, "Look HERE!" - that's what might come across as advertising and get closed by a Host.
Originally posted by Antisocial Alto:
I'm interested in posting a link about a guy who's doing sort of an independent Mystery Worshipper project. He's anonymously visiting a different place of worship every week for a year and blogging about his spiritual experiences and the styles of worship he encounters.
However, I was afraid that by linking to a blog (or a newspaper article about said blog) that I'd be breaking the commandment about advertising other websites. What say ye, Hosts?
quote:(As this thread has been bumped and pinned, I thought I may as well respond, I hit Preview, and the board fell over. I thought an 11th commandment (don't disinter 11 year old posts) had been created.)
Originally posted by Gill B:
It is worth bearing in mind that the British actor William Roache successfully sued for thousands of pounds (I think it was about 50K but I may have misremembered) for being described as 'boring' by the British press. What makes it particularly ironic is that it was actually the character that he plays (Ken Barlow in the soap Coronation Street who was described as boring rather than Roache himself. That's how tough the UK libel laws are.
Now if one of you kind souls will describe me as 'boring', I will have great pleasure in taking you to the cleaners...
quote:I doubt anyone can remember and considering it happened over 11 years ago, it really doesn't matter
Originally posted by passer:
What I really want to know is who was chastised and disemposted by Erin for flirting - anyone who's still here?
quote:
Originally posted by Ender's Shadow:
[snip]Trust the bishops? I'd rather trust a corrupt politician I'd just paid off; as Heinlein comments, a corrupt politician has to stay bought, once he's taken the money [snip]
quote:I'm not a lawyer either, but that's certainly my understanding or the relevant law(s).
Originally posted by anoesis:
or does it have to be directed at a named individual rather than a category of persons, to qualify?
quote:IMO "while the feathers fly" is no different to saying "handbags away" about a scuffle at a football match. Such a remark is usually aimed at MEN, and usually intended to be humourous rather than offensive.
Originally posted by Mark Betts:
Now, I'll just sit back and make myself comfortable while the feathers fly...
quote:Funny thing is, the longer I stayed, the more those two groups converged.
Originally posted by Mark Betts:
There are many on here who are worlds apart from where I stand, but still a few others whose views I very much value and which help me on my journey through life.
quote:Hmmmm - that's interesting, I guess it depends to some degree on where you stand in the first place.
Originally posted by Patdys:
Funny thing is, the longer I stayed, the more those two groups converged.
quote:Stirring up trouble and getting out the popcorn to watch the fight is not a debate, it's jerkish and trollish behaviour imo.
Originally posted by Mark Betts:
IMO "while the feathers fly" is no different to saying "handbags away" about a scuffle at a football match. Such a remark is usually aimed at MEN, and usually intended to be humourous rather than offensive.
I can honestly say that I never intended to offend anyone, so if I have I'm sorry.
Have I avoided the plank this time?
quote:FYI: that sounds like a British version of the apparently common occurence of male coaches referring to their male team as "girls", with a derogatory meaning. As an insult. I don't know how guys feel about it, but it's classic misogynism.
Originally posted by Mark Betts:
IMO "while the feathers fly" is no different to saying "handbags away" about a scuffle at a football match. Such a remark is usually aimed at MEN, and usually intended to be humourous rather than offensive.
quote:OK - I see your point, but I just wanted some input before I responded with my three penn-'urth. I think I've been on here long enough for people to know that I wouldn't start a thread without, at some point, contributing myself.
Originally posted by Ricardus:
I didn't think the issue was 'watch the feathers fly', but rather the 'sit back', which suggests you're not actually interested in debate, just in watching other people get angry. Which is pretty much the definition of flame-baiting.
quote:It's only a misogynism if you take it too seriously - but you can't go through life believing everything you hear must most likely be a personal insult against you - that's paranoia.
Originally posted by Golden Key:
quote:FYI: that sounds like a British version of the apparently common occurence of male coaches referring to their male team as "girls", with a derogatory meaning. As an insult. I don't know how guys feel about it, but it's classic misogynism.
Originally posted by Mark Betts:
IMO "while the feathers fly" is no different to saying "handbags away" about a scuffle at a football match. Such a remark is usually aimed at MEN, and usually intended to be humourous rather than offensive.
quote:If you think of human qualities as assigned to one of two categories, either Female=inferior or Masculine=superior, then 'he is not much of a man' = 'he is more of a woman'. So yes, it is offensive if it implies those values for 'man' and 'woman'.
Originally posted by Mark Betts:
If you really wanted to stretch a point, you could suggest that if you heard one man say of another, "he's not much of a man," that this is offensive to women.
quote:What about the poor man whom the offence was aimed at in the first place? But I suppose he isn't allowed to be offended, because if he does get offended, that in itself will be seen as offensive to women.
Originally posted by Firenze:
If you think of human qualities as assigned to one of two categories, either Female=inferior or Masculine=superior, then 'he is not much of a man' = 'he is more of a woman'. So yes, it is offensive if it implies those values for 'man' and 'woman'.
quote:Nor anywhere else.
Originally posted by no prophet:
Just one specific comment about the phrase. "While feathers fly" does not have the connotation of anything female in western Canada.
quote:Well, OK, moonlitdoor.
Now, I'll just sit back and make myself comfortable while the feathers fly...
quote:In that case it should have been posted in Hell - the place for ridicule.
Originally posted by moonlitdoor:
I wouldn't single out his opening post in terms of how far it aims at serious debate. We quite often get opening posts about US politics which take the form "Look what a stupid thing the Republicans have done now. I would like people to join me in ridiculing them."
quote:I can assure you it has been bought up in Hell - but, as I've said, I've bowed out of that topic, and the so-and-so's (can't use the word I want to) who post in that thread say much more about the sort of people they are, than they do about the person (in this case me) whom they're trying to attack.
Originally posted by Boogie:
...In that case it should have been posted in Hell - the place for ridicule.
Purg is for debate, so while one may think (and say) a person's views are ridiculous - one wouldn't ridicule them as people. Big difference.
quote:You misunderstand.
Originally posted by Mark Betts:
quote:I can assure you it has been bought up in Hell - but, as I've said, I've bowed out of that topic, and the so-and-so's (can't use the word I want to) who post in that thread say much more about the sort of people they are, than they do about the person (in this case me) whom they're trying to attack.
Originally posted by Boogie:
...In that case it should have been posted in Hell - the place for ridicule.
Purg is for debate, so while one may think (and say) a person's views are ridiculous - one wouldn't ridicule them as people. Big difference.
quote:Yes, simples - I get all that, I was just letting off some steam.
Originally posted by Boogie:
...You misunderstand.
The topic wasn't the problem - it was the way you introduced it. It's perfectly possible to introduce a topic without including your personal opinions at all. Then, as the thread progresses you can respond with your opinions - without attacking the person.
Simples?
quote:You still misunderstand - Hell is the place for letting off steam!
Originally posted by Mark Betts:
quote:Yes, simples - I get all that, I was just letting off some steam.
Originally posted by Boogie:
...You misunderstand.
The topic wasn't the problem - it was the way you introduced it. It's perfectly possible to introduce a topic without including your personal opinions at all. Then, as the thread progresses you can respond with your opinions - without attacking the person.
Simples?
quote:I know, but I'm not revisiting that thread (Zach82's thread), and the hosts won't let me start another.
Originally posted by Boogie:
You still misunderstand - Hell is the place for letting off steam!
quote:This reflects much about you.
Originally posted by Mark Betts:
I'm not revisiting that thread (Zach82's thread)
quote:No. The Hosts prevented you from starting an identical-but-inverse thread complaining about Zach82. Because that violates the philosophical rule about not letting children participate here.
the hosts won't let me start another.
quote:Again, not revisiting that thread is your choice, but you have to live with the consequences of that choice rather than trying to find other means of circumventing it.
Originally posted by Mark Betts:
quote:I know, but I'm not revisiting that thread (Zach82's thread), and the hosts won't let me start another.
Originally posted by Boogie:
You still misunderstand - Hell is the place for letting off steam!
quote:OK - so long as the same rules apply to everyone else and not just new(ish) posters.
Originally posted by orfeo:
Again, not revisiting that thread is your choice, but you have to live with the consequences of that choice rather than trying to find other means of circumventing it.
quote:Yeah, but it was funny.
Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
Josephine oversteppe...
quote:Quite a lot to do with Shipmates though. If people post and read posts about a given subject, then adverts on that subject will be more likely to appear.
Originally posted by PeteC:
Those ads come from Google and are related to key words found in your postings. Nothing to do with the Ship.
quote:Thanks for raising this. We've no plans at the moment to do this, as it doesn't really meet the criteria for Dead Horses
Originally posted by Jade Constable:
Hope this is the right thread to suggest this - can we please add discussion on the veracity of charismatic phenomena (speaking in tongues etc) to Dead Horses? It seems to clog up any Purg thread even tangentially mentioning charismatics.
quote:Of course there may be other subjects that could qualify in the future, which is why it's good to see suggestions on possible improvements, but when deciding what could qualify as a DH, we would take into consideration what is also said in the guidelines:
This board is dedicated to those topics that recur with tedious regularity on nearly every multi-denominational religious debate forum on the internet. Specifically: biblical inerrancy, homosexuality, the role of women in church and Christian households, creation and evolution, abortion, closed communion and bitching about church music.
quote:Thanks again for raising this, as it's always good to discuss this sort of thing
Dead Horses is not for things we're tired of, things that people disagree deeply about, or general arguments that go nowhere. It's really about keeping the usual detritus from Christian bulletin boards from cluttering up the Ship. It helps to keep us unrestful and different.