Happy Atheist Forum

1. Respect others. Treat people with the respect they deserve.

2. Preach in appropriate areas.  The forum is open to anyone. However, if a theist insists on preaching outside of the "Religion Corral" forum the user will first be warned, then trolled, then IP banned.  That location was created to allow those who wish to refrain from religious discussion a nice tidy forum.  Hint, we really would prefer you not preach at all; thoughtful discussion is a lot more welcome.

3. Do not spam/troll.  Spamming is a troll-able/bannable offense. (this should go without saying...how to determine which one, troll/ban, has so far been based on member input.  

What does this forum consider spam?
-multiple postings of the same topic
-threads which are posted to advertise products/links unrelated to this forum
-responses to existing topics which are completely unrelated to the subject
-hit and run postings of a trollish nature*

*When the spam falls under the hit and run category the poster will be given ~24 hours to show that s/he intended to discuss whatever content was in the post...after that time period it will be considered a hit and run if a second post has not been made.

3. Work friendly.  Keep forum content work friendly. For instance, if an image you want to post is pornographic or otherwise not appropriate for a work environment then link to the image rather than placing the image in your post.

4. Do not plagerize.  When quoting from a source other than yourself give credit where credit is due: use citations, links, names, etc. when possible.  Academic integrity is important to a lot of the members here; violating this rule can result in a ban.

Theists, if you are not familiar with atheism or have never discussed with atheists please look over FAQ for theists (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum13,faq-for-theists.html)

The rest of the agreement is standard of most forums and you should be familiar with the information contained within the agreement.

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Ok, I've never held rules in reverence before, but if it's a requirement, I guess I can go along. Does seem a bit odd for an atheistically based forum, though.

I know it's odd, but from being on other forums that theists will eventually register anyway, so there might as well be rules for how to handle them. That's why I created the Religion section, they can preach or make their arguments in that category and people will not have to see it anywhere else in the rest of the forum. But, since I also know that the fundies are the least likely to read/follow rules on an atheist forum, I imagine that once they start finding the forum I'll have to troll/ban quite a few people.

The rules aren't an invite for the theist to come here, just a means of controlling the inevitable. I think I still need to tweak the rules some so they are more clear on the purpose of the site and why it has a religion section.

Hi...I was teasing you about your 2nd paragraph..."Another copy of this will be included on the main website if you need to reverence it at a later date." I think you meant "reference" and I was just playing on that.

...oh, now I get it...i just read over the word just as if it was used properly. I need to fix that. I shouldn't have edited the agreement when I was tired.

Hey, just new to the forum. Been looking for an outlet for sometime. I understand the rules, but if the level of respect that is 'deserved' is the measure of respect, then we could all be in a bit of bother with the moderators should a theist need a good old cyber-crucifixion.

Looking forward to observing and contributing.

A theist who needs a "good old cyber-crucifixion" (lol) wouldn't be worthy of respect.  

I'm still working on clarifying the rules a bit.  If you can think of a way of wording the respect rule that is less subjective it would be nice.  Right now it's basically a rule that I can point to if a theist (or obnoxious atheist) is out of line and disturbing other members.

ok, i did make the mistake of posting in the wrong section, i;ll correct it from now on, although i did just reply again in the same section, because i was replying to your question that you asked me

laetus, thank you for being "johnny on the spot" with the warning today.  I was looking forward to seeing the troll; maybe next time.

You have two very clear rules.   It shouldn't be hard for most people to follow them.

Wow! I hope I don't screw up and post in the wrong place. LOL! I disagree with it being easy in here. It's only easy after you've become familiar with this particular forum. Besides, onlyme was replying to someone else in that post, so where was he supposed to post the response?

I mentioned in that thread that we could stand to be a little more forgiving of people who are new to the forum, especially when they apologize for posting incorrectly. It just confirms peoples' beliefs that atheists are nasty people when we don't show a little compassion for others. Everyone makes mistakes. I didn't get the impression that this person was a troll. He was accused of being a troll before he ever got the chance to respond to the barrage of posts to his initial post.

We need to take it easy people. Just my opinion, but it'll go a long way toward improving our image if we always take the high road in correspondence and debate.

Agreed, sometimes it's easy to point fingers. But I believe he is legitimately looking to discuss religion.

Quote from: "Jassman"Agreed, sometimes it's easy to point fingers. But I believe he is legitimately looking to discuss religion.

Is that a bad thing? Discussing religion, I mean.

No I think you have me misunderstood. I'm glad he's hear to discuss religion.

Quote from: "Jassman"No I think you have me misunderstood. I'm glad he's hear to discuss religion.

Yep, I misunderstood. It was the "But" at the beginning of your one sentence that threw me off.


 

onlyme's post in this thread was about when I had just mentioned in the religion category that any preaching was really intended to be kept to the "preaching corral" but that it was fine since he was new and the rules may not be clear.

Maybe the term "preaching" didn't get through to him, I don't know.  But it was after that when he posted a preachy response to MommaSquid de-conversion thread.  The little warning icon occured neither of us knew it would actually show a warning icon to everyone...that wasn't the intent.  I actually thought it was going to be a little behind the scenes please edit your post due to preaching warning.  But communication failed, probably due to us both being tired.  And then onlyme didn't get the pm so was confused about the warning.  So anyway, warning removed and he edited the post.

Neither Brian or I were trying to be mean or natzis about it...and not having used the sytem before didn't help much...should just use a pm next time and forgo the warning till much later...Just trying to enforce one of the few rules the forum has thinking it had already been made clear to the user.

I could remove that rule if no one cares about people preaching in various parts of the forum...although I do think it helps to keep the forum cleaned up.  I also apologize for the way it was handled..I've never had to run a forum before and wasn't sure to if it was proper to let the rule slide or not in that case...especially since it was a thread about de-conversions, not one asking to be converted.

So, anyway, that's what happened.  I hope onlyme wasn't scared off by it.

Quote from: "laetusatheos"I could remove that rule if no one cares about people preaching in various parts of the forum...although I do think it helps to keep the forum cleaned up.  I also apologize for the way it was handled..I've never had to run a forum before and wasn't sure to if it was proper to let the rule slide or not in that case...especially since it was a thread about de-conversions, not one asking to be converted.

I think it's okay in the Religion forum for somewhat preachy replies to any of the threads posted. It might also be okay if there is valid comments to be made from a Christian perspective about any of the threads in Science or Philosophy, but that's about the extent that it wouldn't bother me.

ok, thanks for all the shows of support.

i will try to keep things in the sections they should be in

by the way, what's a troll?

A troll is a person who posts stuff that's deliberately designed to get people's goat.

Quote from: "laetusatheos"onlyme's post in this thread was about when I had just mentioned in the religion category that any preaching was really intended to be kept to the "preaching corral" but that it was fine since he was new and the rules may not be clear.

Maybe the term "preaching" didn't get through to him, I don't know.  But it was after that when he posted a preachy response to MommaSquid de-conversion thread.  The little warning icon occured neither of us knew it would actually show a warning icon to everyone...that wasn't the intent.  I actually thought it was going to be a little behind the scenes please edit your post due to preaching warning.  But communication failed, probably due to us both being tired.  And then onlyme didn't get the pm so was confused about the warning.  So anyway, warning removed and he edited the post.

Neither Brian or I were trying to be mean or natzis about it...and not having used the sytem before didn't help much...should just use a pm next time and forgo the warning till much later...Just trying to enforce one of the few rules the forum has thinking it had already been made clear to the user.

I could remove that rule if no one cares about people preaching in various parts of the forum...although I do think it helps to keep the forum cleaned up.  I also apologize for the way it was handled..I've never had to run a forum before and wasn't sure to if it was proper to let the rule slide or not in that case...especially since it was a thread about de-conversions, not one asking to be converted.

So, anyway, that's what happened.  I hope onlyme wasn't scared off by it.

Thanks for explaining. I don't think "preaching" should be allowed anywhere, but I do think that we should be a little less trigger happy. I've been on enough forums to see that the regular members get a mob mentality when a newbie screws up. They also tend to be impatient and snippy. Something they probably do because they sit safely hidden behind the computer. They sure as hell wouldn't do it face to face. Just go on Skeptic.com's forum and see the flaming going on there as an example.
As I read the posts this morning I saw people snapping at onlyme and then having to apologize. I just think it's better to think long and hard before posting and try to put a human being behind the posts you make. Also think about the other person and put yourself in their shoes. It goes a long way to making good debate and keeping things from becoming a name calling contest. This is a general rule of thumb for all forums but will help here as well.
I'm glad for laetus being so consciencious about the forum. Thanks!
(this post not checked for spelling or grammar!)

Preaching is now allowed anywhere in the Religion Corral category, simply because trying to enforce it remaining only in the Preaching Corral (see other info) is too difficult.

other info:  I will be merging topics from the preaching corral into the religion forum....less confusion for now.  The preaching corral isn't being used much anyway and with the rule change has little use.  I will instead be creating an evolution vs creationism forum to help keep topics about creationism and ID out of the science forum.  Suggestions for other forum topics (either for the religion or general forum) are of course welcome.

Quote from: "laetusatheos"Preaching is now allowed anywhere in the Religion Corral category, simply because trying to enforce it remaining only in the Preaching Corral (see other info) is too difficult.

other info:  I will be merging topics from the preaching corral into the religion forum....less confusion for now.  The preaching corral isn't being used much anyway and with the rule change has little use.  I will instead be creating an evolution vs creationism forum to help keep topics about creationism and ID out of the science forum.  Suggestions for other forum topics (either for the religion or general forum) are of course welcome.

Groovy. I'll look and see if I can think of any useful categories.

Quote from: "laetusatheos"onlyme:  Any theist who comes here is going to want to convert us, that's to be expected.  I had just suggested that you use a little more variety in your replies...which you are doing.  You are, of course, welcome to stay and seem to be trying very hard to be respectful of others.

----------------

For everyone in general:

:arrow: Reminder of rule number 1:  It doesn't just apply to theists.

Respect that onlyme is being as respectful as possible.  We really don't want to add to the stereotype that atheists are all pissed off assholes...do we?

I don't want to have to do it, but will start enforcing the rule with penalties if necessary.  Not everyone is being disrespectful, those who are should know it and do their best to be civil.  I think free speech is very important, but gotta draw a line somewhere to keep this forum from being a complete free for all mess.  If you are unsure of what is considered disrespectful vs respectful, start a thread in the questions area and we'll all discuss where to draw the line.

Gee, where have we heard this two or three times before? Wonder if it will sink in now? If not, you could just change the name of the forum to "Bitter, pissed-off, ineloquent atheists". How do you say that in Latin?

Forgive me if I'm unhappy that you had to post this, but it was only posted because someone (that would be me) complained that certain members were being rude, obnoxious, abusive jerks.

Those members are more than welcome to come see me if they have a problem with being called that.

Yeah, you tell them McQ!

Quote from: "Big Mac"Yeah, you tell them McQ!

Oh, don't you worry, BM.

Quote from: "McQ"

Quote from: "Big Mac"Yeah, you tell them McQ!

Oh, don't you worry, BM.

Who me, worry? I'm an OT 7, my thetans are operational!

I think it's time to update the rules...they are way to vague and thus lead to confusion when trolling or banning does occasionally occur.  I want input from the community before I make the additions official..but here's my suggestions for addition because it's what I've been doing without having it written as a rule:

1)  Spamming is a troll-able/bannable offense.  (this should go without saying...how to determine which one, troll/ban, has so far been based on member input, and my mood...)

What does this forum consider spam?  
-multiple postings of the same topic
-threads which are posted to advertise products/links unrelated to this forum
-responses to existing topics which are completely unrelated to the subject
-hit and run postings of a trollish nature*

*When the spam falls under the hit and run category the poster will be given ~24 hours to show that s/he intended to discuss whatever content was in the post...after that time period it will be considered a hit and run if a second post has not been made.

2.  an expansion on the existing rule one which actually defines "respect they deserve" rather than making enforcement of that rule subjective.  -or- maybe delete that rule in favor of something else which describes proper conduct on this forum -or-leave it alone/get rid of it completely.  I meant rule one to essentially mean to be nice to those who are nice to you but I won't get on your case if some one's being an ass and you snap back.    

3.  Keep forum content work friendly.  For instance, if an image you want to post is pornographic or otherwise not appropriate for a work environment then link to the image rather than placing the image in your post.

4.  When quoting from a source other than yourself give credit where credit is due:  use citations, links, names, etc. when possible.


Thoughts on these or suggestions for other changes would be appreciated.

Quote from: "laetusatheos"I think it's time to update the rules...they are way to vague and thus lead to confusion when trolling or banning does occasionally occur.  I want input from the community before I make the additions official..but here's my suggestions for addition because it's what I've been doing without having it written as a rule:

1)  Spamming is a troll-able/bannable offense.  (this should go without saying...how to determine which one, troll/ban, has so far been based on member input, and my mood...)

What does this forum consider spam?  
-multiple postings of the same topic
-threads which are posted to advertise products/links unrelated to this forum
-responses to existing topics which are completely unrelated to the subject
-hit and run postings of a trollish nature*

*When the spam falls under the hit and run category the poster will be given ~24 hours to show that s/he intended to discuss whatever content was in the post...after that time period it will be considered a hit and run if a second post has not been made.

2.  an expansion on the existing rule one which actually defines "respect they deserve" rather than making enforcement of that rule subjective.  -or- maybe delete that rule in favor of something else which describes proper conduct on this forum -or-leave it alone/get rid of it completely.  I meant rule one to essentially mean to be nice to those who are nice to you but I won't get on your case if some one's being an ass and you snap back.    

3.  Keep forum content work friendly.  For instance, if an image you want to post is pornographic or otherwise not appropriate for a work environment then link to the image rather than placing the image in your post.

4.  When quoting from a source other than yourself give credit where credit is due:  use citations, links, names, etc. when possible.


Thoughts on these or suggestions for other changes would be appreciated.

These are all good things to have as rules. I think one of the rules that's hardest to define is any rule regarding behavior, attitude, flaming, etc. I know that I will tend to always challenge people, and I think I'm usually fair with them, at least at first. I don't usually start ripping people unless they misbehave first (I think). "Respect that is deserved" is pretty easy for the Admins to see, and it sounds fair.

I think just having a listing of "Proper Conduct" on the forum would be helpful. It would remind us all of how we want to behave. A lot of times people will cry "censorship" (and I don't like censorship), but this is a forum run by two individuals who have the right to say what does and does not go.

All in all, it looks pretty good.

Rules updated:

http://www.happyatheistforum.com/viewto ... highlight= (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=333&highlight=)