[HPforGrownups] This will probably get me kicked off the list, but .....

[Neil Ward]

No: HPFGUIDX 23518

Michelle Barnett said:

<<Frankly, if this is a forum for GROWN UPS, why is it that so many people
lack the ability to converse in a grown up fashion about things?>>  also
making reference to her recent 'HP and The Bible' post and expanding on the
need for healthy, heated debates.

***

That's the point, Michelle.  It is precisely because some people can't
behave sensibly in discussing contentious topics, that the rest of us have
to suffer a few restrictions.  The overall objective is not to stifle
opinion, but to avoid dragging the list into flaming territory, and we can
only draw on past experiences to identify potential triggers.

Very few topics are banned from discussion on HPfGU, and those that are can
be found in our Netiquette Tips file.  Penny has said, on several occasions,
that we do not ban topics lightly.  The previous discussion with Richard
Abanes' about his book led to some of the most disruptive, insulting and
thoughtless posting we've seen, so you might understand the swift action of
the moderators to avoid a repeat performance of that.

In general, the moderators, and many of the members, of this list will
always stress the need to "be nice to each other" and to respect the views
and beliefs of others.  That does not prevent people from expressing an
opinion, but it does remind them to choose their words carefully.

Neil
________________________________________

Flying Ford Anglia
Mechanimagus Moderator