Keeping R&S Civil

[AB Editor]

Afternoon.

We've noticed it's got a bit "rough" in here recently.

We'd like this section to be accessible to all without fear of being "ambushed" by members who simply disagree with them.

Please remember calling someone an idiot (or similar) is very unlikely to aid the changing of their perspective.

We're not asking you to change what you say - we're asking you to change the way you say it.

In other news: we now have a small "welcome box" between the "enter a question" box and the questions below. Suggestions welcome for things we could pop in there.

All the best,

Ed

[NOX]

I do agree about the loaded questions, in fact I find myself almost constantly defending Muslim's rights to breathe in R&S (despite not being a Muslim myself) which I think is a deplorable state of affairs, however it remains about the only topic in AB which has any fire to what is said within in, and I think over moderation might make the threads unintelligible if lots of answers are removed. In that scenario I'd rather read things which are unpalletable than something which makes no sense whatsoever.
PS Can I be the R&S bouncer ED? lol

[jno]

jake, I think you'll find MarkRae was talking about religious debate on AB, not in the House of Lords. Religionistas on AB have no more privileges than atheistas.

[AB Editor]

"get your magic books out of public schools"

It's stuff like this which annoys people and doesn't contribute to your point. You just look like a loud-mouth. I may agree with you, but I would be wary of aligning myself (or saying so) with someone who can't debate without childish jabs.


"DT, if you've got someone to complain about or report, why not do so? The Report button is there for all to use. Failing that, dropping snide hints doesn't seem to be the way to go."

Agreed. Report it, or don't mention it.

[wolf63]

I don't see why all the R&S people can't just agree to differ - accept that we all have different views regarding religion - what's the point of the endless debate?

[sandyRoe]

They're fun. R&S would be as empty as the typical Protestant Church on a Sunday morning if they weren't.

[AB Editor]

"however it remains about the only topic in AB which has any fire to what is said within in,"

I think we do pretty well in news. But yes, we would like to retain the freedom of exchanges here.

"and I think over moderation might make the threads unintelligible if lots of answers are removed."

We're going to attempt the goldilocks style of moderation - aiming for "just right". As always :)

[woofgang]

I agree Wolf. I occasionally answer a question from my own knowledge, belief and experience if one pops up in the latest or recent posts but the pontificating in R and S gets tedious and as I don't really care what other people think or believe, I don't ever visit by choice.

[jomifl]

I have no objection to someone saying 'I believe in god', however when the statement goes beyond that to ' this is how god has told me that you must live your life' then it's gloves off.

[woofgang]

jomifli I agree. I believe in god and that has an effect on how I live my life. If you are interested in what god thinks of your life you will have to ask god.

[AB Editor]

I'd like to avoid having an actual theological debate on this thread if possible :)

I would just like it if everyone offered a bit of mutual respect for the posters of opposing view (not necessarily their opinions!).

[sunny-dave]

{{{{{{ group hug }}}}}}

that sort of thing ed ?

[emmie]

sunny dave, not a group hug, some on here might get more than their fair share. x always good to look in on R&S from time to time, when perhaps one needs cheering up.

[ChuckFickens]

euuugh. He touched me with his trunk during that hug!

[emmie]

Chuck, is that all xx

[mccfluff]

chuck its not the trunk you wan to to be worrying about...

[naomi24]

//I would just like it if everyone offered a bit of mutual respect for the posters of opposing view (not necessarily their opinions!).//

Since religion demands – and expects - respect, the opinions of non-believers – which are regularly supported by well-constructed and evidenced arguments – are often instantly, and erroneously, assumed to be personal slights – as is demonstrated by the good luck wishes, the comments about beating people up, and the apparent necessity of defending Muslims’ rights to breathe. All of this is an attack on the non-believer, and therefore I’m very pleased you’ve suggested *mutual* respect. Let’s hope it works.

Woofgang, //I don't ever visit by choice.//

Anyone who visits any section of AB does so by choice.

[woofgang]

naomi, what I meant is that I click on questions in the recent posts or latest posts column but I never ever click on the R and S heading and visit deliberately.

But maybe your misunderstanding was deliberate?

[maggiebee]

Ooohhh was that a pink pig I just saw overhead??

[mike11111]

No, just me.

[vascop]

//I would just like it if everyone offered a bit of mutual respect for the posters of opposing view (not necessarily their opinions!).//
What we need in this world generally is a lot less respect for other people's opinions. It's staying quiet that allows bad things to happen.