Hello,
Let's try this again.
I've been debating the pros, the cons, and I think this is something worth having here. I think it's worth it for people on this forum to be able to engage in fiery, often times nasty debate about ideology out there....and then have place to come and realize that maybe that person you wish you could IRL ban isn't so bad if you're talking about something other then politics. But I think this also needs an update to the current realities of the Poli board too. So let's do some house rules:
1. Who is a regular?: This used to be about post count....I think it was something like "50 to 100 posts in poli, and you were a reg" no no no. Not working for me anymore. Let's amend this to "if you can manage a post or two a week, either in an existing thread or starting a new thread" we will declare you a regular and you will be welcomed here. But there's something else I'd like to add to this, let's call that rule:
1a. "Hi I'm new" provision: Is this you're first time in politics? Do you not know where to go? Why not stop here and say hello! Look, when I came to poli years ago, I stopped here first to get to know people here. I think that's valuable, it's important. Politics is a really charged topic, sometimes I think it's good to get to know the people you'll be talking to (and let's face it, arguing with) in a more relaxed spot vs. going into the deep end of the pool first. So if you're new to the board, why not stop in an introduce yourself? This is a ONE OFF type provision. I wouldn't myself, or someone who's been around almost as long (or longer) then me come in here and try to use this, it's just a cheap +1 and it should be beneath folks trying to build a real community. Which is the idea here right? Right. Thanks.
2. General rules of conduct:
a) This is not your blog. While yeah, this is absolutely the place to chat with people in a more relaxed and general way, it's just plain rude to come in here, talk about yourself and your life....then just drop out, soak up the comments, and then proceed to rinse and repeat. If you aren't here to socialize and talk with other regulars and build the community, then with all due respect, go away. Sure, there's no provision in the NG rules for me to do that, but I think you may find if you try this more then a couple times your audience may diminish. Courtesy, courtesy, courtesy.
b) NO POLITICS IN THE LOUNGE! This is the refuge from such things. There is a sliiiiight, leeway situation I think we have to offer. If your JOB is in politics (because certainly work bitching should be allowed) let's try to keep it as a-political as is possible there. If you work for a candidate, or a party, try to keep it about the day to day grind and not in trying to push ideology or any of that please? This is the place where the poli forum tries to build the community and community aspect....the lawyering and the arguing happens out there, ok? Ok. :)
c) BYOB: I ain't made of money!!!!
d) Have fun, be polite, respect your fellows, respect the rules of NG, respect NG. Don't make this become a place that I or others have to come to as a moderator, I think we'd much rather come here as fellow travelers.
Now, elephant in the room time....we all know the old lounge is gone, we all know WHY it's gone I think. So here's my promise to you: This is a GIFT I'm giving to this forum with no strings, and no take backs. I don't do this because I want to be lauded, remembered, ass kissed, etc. Yes, I discouraged attempts by basic users to do this, but only because I trust me, I trust my intentions. I have no plans to EVER leave NG currently, but if I did, because I have one or two other threads going in other places I'd want to see continue, if I were to leave, this account would be LOCKED, it would not be deleted, it's posts would never be wiped. You can trust that as long as there's an NG Poli forum, this lounge is going to stand. It's going to be as active or inactive, as successful, or as un-successful as the community wants it to be. You have my word, and my word is bond in this case. Away. We. Go....
You don't have to pass an IQ test to be in the senate. --Mark Pryor, Senator
The Endless Crew: Comics and general wackiness. Join us or die.
PM me about forum abuse.
