Unfortunately, we periodically need to re-visit the issue of the European Tribune community ethics, because new community members join in who don't seem to understand that the preferred communication style here is about RESPECT and civility. This is not to say that we don't have different points of view, have disagreements, or don't get emotional about certain topics...and in fact, that's not only fine, but makes for a richer environment when we can offer different points of view.
But...what is not cool here is to make personal attacks, to call people names, to tell them they are stupid, etc. We only ask for one basic thing from everybody: that we all treat each other with the respect that we would want to be treated with.
Have fun, express your opinions, but stay cool!
Peace & cheers!! Half the population is under the age of 18. Tanzania's future is NOW...join the 50% campaign!
Cheers! Half the population is under the age of 18. Tanzania's future is NOW...join the 50% campaign!
Indeed, and there's a further (but similar) policy that I recommend: In an exchange, state what you think, know, or feel about a subject, but avoid asserting that the other person wrongly thinks X, or is ignorant of Y, or has bad motive Z. Statements like these can be a form of personal attack. Alternatives include stating a contrasting view, asking whether a particular concern has been considered, and stating the conclusions that you see following from good motives. (In other words, more or less: You're wrong about genuine civility. You either don't understand the real issues, or you're trying to excuse front pagers for their veiled but uncivil attacks on the rest of us. So there! Nyah!) Words and ideas I offer here may be used freely and without attribution.
