Bending the rules

[jeskibuff]

Congratulations, Taxman, on your new role! I think you'll make a good, fair moderator!

Thanks, Mayor, for reinstating a new version of Hot Potatoes.

The new rules are interesting, but they obviously pose questions to me and to others.

Like most rules, they were put into place to solve a problem. Most people want to avoid problems, so have no problems when the rules make sense.

I opened this thread NOT with the intent to discuss subversive plans to get around the current rules in place, but instead to discuss the logic and rationale behind some of those rules. When people understand the reasoning behind a rule, they're more likely to comply with it. When zipping along a desert highway at 60MPH, someone is more likely to obey a "reduce speed to 25MPH" sign if they trust that someone put that sign there to warn of a hidden danger. If they feel the sign was placed there just so that one party could exert power and control over another party, they're more likely to ignore the sign.

So, my first question to Taxman is in regards to the "no external links" rule. I think I understand why this was enacted, but I would appreciate it if whoever invented the rule (Taxman? Mayor?) could explain the reasoning behind it.

If the purpose for the rule is what I think it is, I think we need to bend that rule a bit in order to best solve the problem that it's intended to solve.

But for right now, I'm pleased that HP is back. I liked the more frivolous name rather than "Religion and Politics", but the name really doesn't matter all that much. It looks like we've got a plan to aim for civil discussion OF THE ISSUES and I'm hopeful that it will be a successful one!

[Taxman]

You're probably right in your reasoning. Mayor and I discussed it. We decided that instead of outlawing all outside links, we've blocked certain sites. I hope that solves the problem. I'd much rather we discuss our positions using our own words instead of simply posting an entire article verbatim.

[mayor]

Originally Posted by Taxman

I'd much rather we discuss our positions using our own words instead of simply posting an entire article verbatim.

Ditto. In fact, I don't think posting entire articles here is called for. Either use excerpts or link to an external article. People don't like to be forced to read long articles and will likely scroll past them anyway.

Mayor

[angusmcgee]

so, is there a list of allowable sites to link to, or will we find out when we try to link to them?

Another idea for those who still want to link is to replace the [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now]...

with

...whatever...

(I tried that on the GWB speech thred and it got approved by our new moderator. )

[Taxman]

Just live by this guideline: If it isn't a "hard news" source, don't link it In other words, no DU, no FR, no NRO, no High Times, ect…

[freesurfer]

Just my 2 cents here....For us who are not as wording and capable LOL of understanding you all...I agree with not quoting the whole article. Pointing out the important points make life easier for me....oops I mean us of course!!! lol