Updated Guidelines

The forum guidelines have been updated with a new rule 2. This rule is introduced to encourage a deeper exploration of issues and avoid obstructions. It reads:

Debate in good faith by addressing rebuttals through the introduction of new information or by providing additional argument. Do not merely keep repeating the same points without elaboration.

--Percy

Well that's ksc stumped then... DT

The Forum Guidelines have just received a modest update. Rule 4 has been modified to clarify when assertions should be supported. Here is the old rule 4:

4. Assertions should be supported with either explanations and/or evidence for why the assertion is true. Bare assertions are strongly discouraged.

Here is the new rule 4:

4. Bare assertions on controversial points should be avoided by providing supporting evidence or argument. Once challenged, support for any assertion should be provided.

And a new rule 9 requesting that new topics keep a narrow focus has been added:

9. When introducing a new topic, please keep the post narrowly focused. Do not include more than a few points.

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--	Percy
	EvC Forum Administrator

On the various pages, in the pull-down (dynamic?) menus, the "rules" link is rather obscure. Perhaps the "rules" should have their own link button, perhaps with red text to draw attention?Cheers,
AM

The Forum Guidelines have just received another minor update. A new rule 10 has just been added:

10. Do not cut-n-paste long excerpts into message boxes. Please instead introduce the point in your own words and provide a link to your source as a reference. If your source is not on-line you may contact the Site Administrator to have it made available on-line.

While this rule is making its first appearance in the guidelines, it has always been the request of moderators here in order to both conserve space requirements and keep discussion focused on points that members understand and can actually describe themselves.------------------

--	Percy
	EvC Forum Administrator

Today I noticed that the Forum Guidelines still said you could only change your user ID by sending email to board administration, but with the addition of the alias feature this is no longer true. About this the guidelines now say: I also made two other changes that have been on my mind for a while. Rules 4 and 5 are now expressed more clearly:

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--	Percy
	EvC Forum Administrator

Back in February the moderators discussed a revision to the Forum Guidelines, and they've finally been udpated to reflect the comments. Take a peek!There's a new Rules link at the top of the page that also takes you to the Forum Guidelines.

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--	Percy
	EvC Forum Director