Don't shoot the messenger

[Chip]

My dear fellow ITD teachatters, I need to discuss something that ocurred this past evening, a discussion on politics and religion was taking place on our IM. I am sure we ALL have our respected opinions on many subjects, including these two.

Our gracious host has given us a very wide lattitude on areas of discussion. For example we can speak freely about our favorite tea vendors, including adagio's direct competitors. I can tell you as many of you can confirm, this is not the norm on a vendor's forum.

Adagio has given us a few simple rules to follow, and one directly asks us to refrain from discussing polical or religious opinions. Please see the rules link at the bottom of my post if you have a question regarding these rules.

I believe these rules are good rules, including the ones I just mentioned. Discussion on these subjects will in fact cause unneccessary conflict amoung otherwise civil tea drinkers, not to mention alienate some responders whose views might not be popular amoung current discussion participants. I sensed that given time, opposing views would have elevated our otherwise peaceful forum into a potential shouting match.

When I noticed the discussion, I asked everyone to please refrain from discussing these subjects but was ignored. I then needed to remind everyone of the forum rules. I realize this was not popular at the time, but I hope you can see my position as one of your duly elected moderators. This was not an action I took lightly, but I truly felt it was required to maintain order at the time.

Thank you for changing the subject at the time, I apologize if I seemed gruff at the time, it was not intentional.

Few Simple TeaChat Rules

[Space Samurai]

hahaha, I'm not laughing at you Chip, I was just expecting this, or something like it.

[Wesli]

What was the topic in particular? I'm trying to remember if I was there.

"3. Posts that contain offensive language and inappropriate, sexual, political, religious opinions are not permitted and will be removed. This also applies to the chatroom. AKA- don't be an jerk."

The above rule seems to solely adjudicate use of "inappropriate" political and religious opinions. I can't remember what the debate was like (if I was even there), but I believe that minimal religious/political meanderings is acceptable, seeming how it was a monk who brought tea to Japan.

[CynTEAa]

Actually, there's a comma after the word 'inappropriate' in the rule quote. Meaning it doesn't qualify 'political' and 'religious,'etc. - unless I'm misunderstanding...but I do believe mentioning monks is perfectly acceptable.

[Salsero]

Drat, I miss all the good stuff! Must happen during my nap time.

Don't you let those bad boys push you around, Chip.

[Chip]

I considered it to be a rather opinionated religious and political discussion which could have turned to debate. I will not get into any details.

Fuka, you were absent but showed up right after the dust settled.

[hop_goblin]

LOL@Space

[Chip]

Whatever. I will do it again if I need to. This is adagio's rule, not mine. I am simply a volunteer, elected to oversee the forum as moderator. Perhaps one should express displeasure to adagio for their few rules they place upon us.

I thought it would be nice to explain the action since we are adults here. Say what is on your mind here in an adult fashion, or say nothing. And move on.

The forum is not a personal platform to express one's political/religious views and stereotypes, not to condemn the beliefs or political affiliations of others. We are not here to offend or antagonize fellow tea drinkers. I thought we were here to come together.

I heard the comment last night about separation of church and state, I would also say separation of TeaChat and politics/religion. I for one support this rule and will not be discussing my politcal/religious views on TeaChat.

[CynTEAa]

Hope my earlier post wasn't misinterpreted. My intent was to support Chip (and point out the comma.) I'm for one grateful to have such intelligent, diligent and fun mods!

[Chip]

No Cyn, I understood you completely!!!! I appreciated it, thanx!!!!!

[CynTEAa]

Whew! So welcome!

[Salsero]

I also support the policy and thank Chip for performing his duties, even when they are not fun.

Thanks, mod!

[Chip]

...shucks, thanx Salsero. I truly appreciate your comments. And no, getting out the rule book is not my fav thing to do...and not my most popular either.

[brandon]

I've was picking on chip a little in the IM, but it is all in good fun.
I am glad Adagio provides us with an open forum here.

[Space Samurai]

Whatever. I will do it again if I need to...

I fear that I may have been missunderstood as well. I was only being flippant to ease any tention. I've gone a round or two with Chip before over this, and have no intention to do so again.