Originally posted by zzeitg Can not agree with that. Any prohibition can't ever make the world better, just worse. There's not such a direct proportion (the more prohibition - the better world).
That being said, everybody should act reasonably - exactly to prevent unnecessary more restrictive rules.
Lord of the flies....
I'll assume you've both read and understood it.
In a perfect world with perfect understanding and perfect compassion we might not need rules nor direction. We would all act as reponsible adults who might not always agree but can be 100%civil when voicing differences. . .
But we don't have that perfect world, not even a perfect forum. Sometimes we all benefit from reminders.
The administration/ownership of the forum had already established rules before you amd I got here, which you, me, and every other member agreed to as a condition of being accepted to post here. The moderators are tasked with now enforcing the minimal rules-set so that the majority can enjoy the camaraderie and opportunities for learning and sharing without the smallest minority, sometimes just a single poster, deciding they don't like rules after being permitted to join and who choose to then ignore they exist, or worse insult others who may not have the same imagined skill sets.
Left to their own devices, and showing enough disrespect for other persons, they can end up running the asylum so to speak and discouraging the rest of us from taking part in respectful and civil discourse. I've watched forums be destroyed by a very vocal and selfish minority who attempt to shout down the more meek and respectful who may have wonderful views and stories to share if permitted and encouraged.
A private forum is not a democracy, and freedom of speech may be encouraged but not at the expense of putting up obstacles to polite discussions. It's here to serve a specific audience who have shared interests. Everyone is welcome, but no one should have permission to personally insult others or their talents because of a difference of opinion.
*Soapbox moved off-stage*