I've had the misfortune recently of spending some quality time on another 
topical forum that, quite unfortunately, has no rules or terms of service to speak of. Alas, it's a topic not covered at B&B, so I didn't have much choice. This other forum has many good, helpful members, but the site is utterly plagued by rude and nasty behavior, and a persistent toxic undercurrent that greatly diminishes the potential value of the forum, especially to newcomers that are often very much in need of assistance.
Not only does this other forum not banish people that engage in hateful personal attacks and dialog, but they allow political discussion that divides the membership into factions. Those political threads are clearly marked as off topic, but the environment they creates permeates all discussion, and results in constant subhuman behavior among members over the slightest on-topic disagreements.
I've made mention there that there is a Better Way, and that I've seen it (but no names mentioned...I don't want them coming here!) only to be just ruthlessness attacked from all angles. "That's censorship" and "That's totalitarian" are the more kind responses.
Then, a light bulb in the dark (and right over my big head!). One particularly demeaning individual said "I could never stick around a place that would not let me say the things that I say". Bingo. It's not just that the civility guidelines/rules at B&B actively serve to remove such people. They actually create an environment that is intrinsically toxic to the hateful trolls of the world. Yeah, some get through, but overall, the momentum of good behavior created acts like a DEET for the mean and uncivilized. For that I thank not only the B&B leadership, but everyone here that's naturally selected. You make it great just by your presence and good sense.
That is why B&B is the best place on the Internet.
topical forum that, quite unfortunately, has no rules or terms of service to speak of. Alas, it's a topic not covered at B&B, so I didn't have much choice. This other forum has many good, helpful members, but the site is utterly plagued by rude and nasty behavior, and a persistent toxic undercurrent that greatly diminishes the potential value of the forum, especially to newcomers that are often very much in need of assistance.Not only does this other forum not banish people that engage in hateful personal attacks and dialog, but they allow political discussion that divides the membership into factions. Those political threads are clearly marked as off topic, but the environment they creates permeates all discussion, and results in constant subhuman behavior among members over the slightest on-topic disagreements.
I've made mention there that there is a Better Way, and that I've seen it (but no names mentioned...I don't want them coming here!) only to be just ruthlessness attacked from all angles. "That's censorship" and "That's totalitarian" are the more kind responses.
Then, a light bulb in the dark (and right over my big head!). One particularly demeaning individual said "I could never stick around a place that would not let me say the things that I say". Bingo. It's not just that the civility guidelines/rules at B&B actively serve to remove such people. They actually create an environment that is intrinsically toxic to the hateful trolls of the world. Yeah, some get through, but overall, the momentum of good behavior created acts like a DEET for the mean and uncivilized. For that I thank not only the B&B leadership, but everyone here that's naturally selected. You make it great just by your presence and good sense.
That is why B&B is the best place on the Internet.
