R
Robert_Bay
Guest
- Civility and a respect for each other should be foremost.
- Posters are expected to treat each other as equals with equal expectations of each other in terms of research, logic, challenges, and portrayal of Catholic teaching.
- Questions are a better approach than assertions, unless the latter are framed in a non-confrontational and non-accusatory manner.
- Don’t answer a question with a question. If you don’t know the answer, say so.
- Rhetorical questions may be used to introduce a new aspect of inquiry but not to evade challenges or to call into question the intelligence, education, or any other personal qualities of another poster.
- It is acceptable to question policies and practices
- It is never acceptable to question the sincerity of an individual’s beliefs
- It is never acceptable to assume or say you know what another person thinks or needs.
- If you aren’t going to go into the discussion with the resolution that you could just possibly have your view broadened, you may as well not go into it.
- Terms of derision, derogatory remarks, baiting, and inflammatory statements are prohibited.
- Dredging up embarrassing historical incidents in the history, unless it is for valid discussion of the effect these have on current policy or practice serves no useful purpose.
- Expecting members of a mainstream political party to defend or answer for the excesses or extremism of fringe bodies is a technique that causes like retaliation and should be avoided.
- Avoid categorizing people by a term which could be considered derogatory (e.g., Nazi or neocon) unless they have embraced that title. In which case, you may qualify them with the term as long as you preface it with the word “avowed.” Posters are asked to use their best judgement when posting articles using such terms. Do not abbreviate terms.
- When you agree with a part of what someone said. Tell them. It doesn’t hurt your position to agree with some part of an opposing argument. In fact, it lets others know that you are listening.
Robert