Rule: All the rage- names or no names.
I think this rule should be abolished, as it is a half-half rule.
Yes, it
could open the door to flaming, or fights, etc. However, keep in mind, pretty much anything can. It is the internet, after all.
Now, with this rule, there are touchy edges. If it were to be okayed, it should be followed by the sub-rules of no flaming, no derogatory remarks directed at said person, and
screenshot proof.
The screenshot proof is so that there is evidence, and not just some person going around trying to fabricate things about people just because they don't happen to like them, to try and rally support to make the person miserable.
Naturally, like everything, there are pros and cons about this.
Pros:
- You will know who to avoid. (Helps with scamming, getting gw-harassed, etc.)
- With people knowing how said person acts, said person may be inclined to stop their foul play.
- Since staff visit FF, they may see something worthy of intervention, which may result in a solution.
- People will not feel censored to a place they come to get away from dictation.
Cons:
- Could open the door to potential flames. (Can't everything? :P)
- Will 'single out' said person
- Could make a small amount more work for the mods
Now lets discuss the cons.
For the flames, really, anything could provoke them. Anybody could start them. No matter how much you try to sugar-coat things, just remember that sugar is a flammable substance, and even through this, you will instigate flames.
Singling out: Yes, the perosn doing the bad will get singled out. However, I will repeat myself- If they don't want to feel guilty or have people frown upon them for what they do,
they should not do it.
Work for mods: To deal with the inevitable immature people who WILL insult and be derogative. However, a few button clicks isn't too hard to do.
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I truly don't think having this rule abolished will open the floodgates to people flaming. Other game forums, both fansite and official, do not have this rule, and while of course the occasional problem arises, its never anything so extreme that the community declines.
Not saying everything in all the rage will be directed at a person in particular, and most people who have issues with people will prolly not even include their name, just whatt hey did, but there are cases that can become severe enough that you
SHOULD mention their name, to warn others, and make them stop.
You should trust the people within your community to be mature of the subject. If they can't, then they shouldn't be posting.
Its understandable to have such a rule on the official forums, but like I said, most people come to fansites to get away from the dictative rules of the officials, so they can more openly express their opinions, and get more accurate and in-depth knowledge.
You can't really force such ideals on the community and expect all of them to be happy about it, that's kind of like..fascism right there. We all have different ideals, and ideas and opinions of how to do things, but restricting freedom of choice in such a manner is well.... nawt dat gud 2 do aktully. =P
Oh yeah kt, you should add a poll maybe?