Interactions

I have been involved with various forms of online interaction since the 1980s.  Many online venues are plagued by trolls, cyberbullying, flame wars, and other tedious interpersonal mayhem.  That’s not my idea of a good time; I don’t frequent venues where it is the norm, nor do I condone it in venues which are my responsibility to maintain.  If it’s your  idea of a good time, here’s your invitation to the world; go find somewhere more suited to your tastes.  If you seek a lively yet congenial atmosphere, below are the parameters I have found conducive to creating that.

Civility

1) Please remember that you are dealing with real live people on this blog, not cyber-ghosts. Speak the truth gently if possible, firmly if necessary. Treat other folks with respect, and otherwise conduct yourself as a mature, responsible, civilized person.

2) Cyberspace has its own code of conduct, called netiquette.  This covers such things as writing coherently, not typing in all capital letters (THIS IS SHOUTING), staying on topic, and so forth.  Good netiquette is encouraged here.

3)  Free speech is a right. That doesn’t mean it can’t be abused. It also does not entitle anyone to a captive audience. Thus, comments detrimental to the positive exchange of ideas may be removed.

4) You don’t necessarily have to agree with me, or other folks in my audience. Avoiding logical fallacies in your counter-arguments is prudent. Congenial discussion or rational debate is preferred to name-calling, vulgarity, or other verbal litter.  If a conversation gets tense, try practicing verbal self-defense.

5) Practice tolerance.  Try to be sensitive and sensible about politics, class issues, sexism, racism, religion, and so forth.  Those can be touchy issues.  The focus in Gaiatribe  is making the world a better place.  Seek common ground there, even if you differ on preferred routes.

Warning: The content of this blog may cause permanent damage to narrow minds.