On a forum like this where just about anyone can participate, it is not possible to legislate behavior. We have to rely on members to govern their own speech and behavior and not be rude or uncivil or put others on the defensive where they are left little choice but to defend themselves, which almost always ends up badly. And there is only so much that Moderators can do. Often the line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior is blurry and subject to varying interpretations, and Moderators have to be careful as not to act in such a way that they are viewed as being heavy handed and dictatorial and as stifling free speech. At the same time, I am aware that we have members who prefer a "no holds barred" approach on the forum. They would like to see other members be like hockey players and jab each other with their sticks and slam each other against the boards and draw blood. Admittedly, that is more interesting, exciting and entertaining but it can also lead to more casualties and hurt feelings. Speaking for myself, as a Moderator, where I am charged with trying to keep the peace, I would prefer that they act as fencers, where there is still a winner at the end but no one gets hurt.
I don't belong to many forums (only one other than this one and I don't often post there) and I don't have any idea as to what goes on there in terms of conduct of its members. My job is to worry what goes on on this forum and on my watch.
Peter
