I agree with all the suggestions.
The biggest problem with the internet is that people can easily hide behind an avatar and think they are anonymous, can do anything they want and remain untouchable, and ultimately be unaccountable for their posts.
Therefore, "forcing" newbies to read a short list outlining the rules of engagement, as well as getting the new member to acknowledge that they have read those rules, might be the way to go. The fact that most people don't read them isn't an excuse. The bottom line is they have agreed to the terms. That way you've got them by the short and curlies when you have to give them the boot for bad behaviour
I've worked at a lawfirm too long, haven't I?
OK, maybe that's a little harsh. But when you've got a bazillion people joining a forum, they need to know the rules of engagement. Chances are I've broken many of them already because I don't know what the rules of engagement are here ...
I will admit that initially, I rarely pay that much attention to the stickies on any forum, because I want to read the posts. But I will say that each time I went to a new section here, I eventually took a look at the stickies. It all boiled down to how much time I had to take a "look-see" at the stickies.
The biggest problem with the internet is that people can easily hide behind an avatar and think they are anonymous, can do anything they want and remain untouchable, and ultimately be unaccountable for their posts.
Therefore, "forcing" newbies to read a short list outlining the rules of engagement, as well as getting the new member to acknowledge that they have read those rules, might be the way to go. The fact that most people don't read them isn't an excuse. The bottom line is they have agreed to the terms. That way you've got them by the short and curlies when you have to give them the boot for bad behaviour
I've worked at a lawfirm too long, haven't I?OK, maybe that's a little harsh. But when you've got a bazillion people joining a forum, they need to know the rules of engagement. Chances are I've broken many of them already because I don't know what the rules of engagement are here ...
I will admit that initially, I rarely pay that much attention to the stickies on any forum, because I want to read the posts. But I will say that each time I went to a new section here, I eventually took a look at the stickies. It all boiled down to how much time I had to take a "look-see" at the stickies.
