Updated 11/3/06

The reason The Wrest of the Story is here, and our Rules:

Why must we have rules? None of us likes to have to follow rules. Nonetheless, without them we have no method of maintaining civility and respect for all members here. Thus, our rules.

Why are we here?

A group of members from various forums with thousands of posts between them realized that having all sides of contentious issues where passions ran high weren't being debated in a productive fashion. This was due, in part, to some of the parties to the discussions seeming to be either unwilling or unable to recognize and acknowledge the sensibilities and points of view of all. Much effort was being expended in the struggle to wrest more than simple black and white answers to complicated questions. And so The Wrest of the Story was born, a place where the goal of full and open discussion, without prejudice or exclusion, has the opportunity of being achieved.

Our Rules

“Differing Opinions stated with Civility and Respect”

All Members are entitled to their own perspectives regarding any issue, and may state (post) those perspectives remembering that all others are entitled to their perspectives, and deserve to have their statements (posts) treated with respect and civility.

To that end:
 

• No Flaming will be allowed (name calling, inflammatory personal or cultural comments, you all know the drill).
  
   
• Personal attacks are not allowed, ever (“Listen you dumbshi*t”, and the like).
  
   
• Threats against another person or place, whether via Public Post or Private Messaging (PM) will be cause for immediate and permanent suspension.
  
   
• While we will not insist on Titles, Positions of Office, or Officially sanctioned position to be used, we will expect that all posters will use civility when referring to those in Public Office. Use of Slang, Derisive or Denigrating names when referring to anyone will not be acceptable.
  
   
• Topic (or Thread) titles: These will be found under each Forum item. They must reflect the intent of the original title named, and the post that originates that topic. The use of Inflammatory Titles will not be allowed.
  
   
• Do not post comments that will take the Topic, Off-topic. Keep posts in the “Thread” germane to the Topic.
  
   
• Abide By the Copyright Laws: Posting an entire article violates U.S. copyright law. Post enough to introduce the article you wish to cite, approximately 150 words or less, with links (UBBs) back to the original article and cite the date and author. If the source is not linkable, please provide sufficient source information.
  
   
• All posts shall be regarded as opinion or commentary unless the content is commonly accepted as fact. Anything presented as fact must be verified by a source citation within the post, or verifiable upon request in a subsequent post.
  
   
• “Taglines” (Signatures) are not to be inflammatory, or in poor taste. Those posting on this site should not need that “defined”.
  
   
• PM (Private Messaging) functions must be left on. Any member who turns this function off is subject to suspension.
  
   
• Photography (picture) Dos and Don’ts:
  
  All pictures posted should either be in the public domain, used with permission or your own.
  There are many pictures you can use to illustrate your posts if you search "free images" and the subject you are looking for on a search engine. Most images on “.gov” can be used. This includes those in the Library of Congress.
  
  Many web artists have websites where they invite anybody to use their images. You can find them by a search for "free gifs" or "free images".
  
  Images must not exceed 550 pixels wide. This will show up as an image running a little more than half-way across your message. Keep in mind that the more images you post, or the more images on a thread, the longer it will take for those without broadband or a DSL connection to open.
  
  No pornography. All images should fit in with a general audience rating. Breaking this rule is cause for immediate suspension of posting privileges.
  
   
• While Pseudonyms are permitted on the Arena, Real names are encouraged, and anyone wishing to submit Commentary for the Wrest of the Story Front Page must use their real names.
  
   
• Suspension of Posting Privileges, Membership, and Permanent Banning:
  
  The Editorial Board/Administrators will determine if a member has violated the rules of The Wrest of the Story.
  
  If the violation requires immediate action, a warning will be posted on the topic where the violation occurred, and a Private Message sent to the member. If the member does not respond to said PMs, the offending post(s) will be edited or deleted as deemed appropriate.
  
  Any member who has to be repeatedly warned will have his or her posting privileges suspended. Any suspended member may contact an administrator to discuss being re-instated.
  
  Disputes, arguments, feuds between members shall be carried out off the board by Private Message or by email, if email addresses are shared. In no event will threats or inappropriate language (i.e. bigoted, racially motivated, or harassing) language be tolerated, on the pubic Discussion Board, or in PMs. Personal inflammatory public posts or private messages (if reported) will result in Administrative and Editorial actions.

Added 11/2/06

•  No advertising. No links or references to sites selling your own items at a profit to you.

 

• When you cite your own published work it must be according to Modern Language Association Citation Styles Handbook.
  
   

To all: These “Rules” are a “work in progress”. They may be amended, or changed. If there is a significant change members may be asked to agree to them again before they post a message.

The applications for membership here at The Wrest… are coming in far faster than was expected (good news) and unless and until otherwise noted (by the Forum light being “on”) these will be the current expectations of members of The Wrest of the Story.

Please read these, and PM any of the Editorial Board (listed on the Front Page) your questions.