Each January, I publish the list rules. The primary rule is that we avoid personal attacks while encouraging vigorous debate of topic associated with amateur digital radio. Most of the time, the rules are followed and I have very little do do.
The other day, i saw a post that John VE5MU posted and it singled out a AA6YQ on an issue. My first instinct was to step in and remind people of the basic rule. Knowing John VE5MU, I then decided that perhaps I misunderstood the context of his remark and thus I took no action. Upon return from the office this evening, I see that others have reacted to VE5MU's post and some personal issues have emerged. looks like my first instinct was correct. I am sure that John VE5MU meat no real "dissin", but context within an email is often difficult to discern. So, I apologise to the group, I should have addressed the matter in a friendly way and asked for the tone to be turned down a tad. Here is an except from the rules... This group is uncensored. Members are free to engage in the posting of information, solicit answers to questions, and engage in lively discussion. Expressions of diverse opinions are encouraged. However, expressions of opinion should be non-judgmental and devoid of personal insult. For example : You can say " I really disagree, and I think your view is totally wrong" but should not say "You are a jerk, and obviously have the I.Q of a mole". Racist remarks, or remarks intolerant of the diverse cultures found within the amateur radio community, are not allowed. The expression of fraternal greetings associated with varying holidays celebrated around the world are NOT prohibited. The use of swear words is discouraged. Please try to avoid endless debate of a topic. Make your opinions known by all means, respond to counterpoints a couple of times too, if you want. However, after a while debates often turn in to endless circular arguments. When this happens the moderators will occasionally "end the debate" by giving a 72 hour notice. This means after 72 hours notice, posting on the topic should end. Occasionally, a "cooling off" period is enacted whereby the list is placed on fully moderated status to allow the debate to cool of. In 2006 for example, this happened three times. Sanctions: The goal of this group is that no member will be removed or banned simply because they expressed an idea. Only one member has ever been banned If you post or reply to a message that is considered clearly inappropriate, you will receive a friendly message from the Moderator. If you continue to send inappropriate messages you will receive an official warning. If the offensive posting continues you will placed on moderated status for at least 30 days. Repeat of such actions after removal of moderated status will result in a one year ban from this group. The posting of pornographic messages or pictures (to Files section) will result in an immediate ban -- Andy K3UK www.obriensweb.com (QSL via N2RJ)
