AI Rules, In Brief

Hi guys, established and new posters alike.

This is Armchair Intellectuals, a place for thoughtful discussion and debate on any topic, great or small. General in scope or minute in its specificity, it's welcome here.

Here are the rules -- we're keeping it simple, because we don't want to stifle your creativity or originality.

1. Keep it civil. This should go without saying. This isn't to say that you can't get passionate, and even in someone's face, if the situation calls for it. But don't go over the line into personal attacks or ad hominem (which is just weak debating anyway).

2. Stay on topic... when possible. Discussions move and evolve, but don't drift too far from the starting point if you don't have to. Start a new thread instead! The more the merrier, and if discussions weave between different threads, no problem. You can quote what someone said in another thread if you want, if it's more relevant in the new one.

3. Adhere to AI's high posting standard of content and presentation: nobody expects perfect spelling and grammar, or essay-long posts, but we want all posts to be worthwhile (even if a pithy and insightful comment can be made in three words) and look as if some thought has gone into them.

4. Each thread's original poster can make his or her own rules for that thread. So if an OP wants to make a discussion thread where flaming is allowed as long as so-and-so rule is followed, as an experiment or just to liven up a debate and have some fun, that's fine. And it's fine if you want to crack down strictly on certain things (and we will provide moderatorial support within reason). All this must be clearly outlined in the original post. ...However, if any given post or thread doesn't follow rule 3, it may be better suited in another forum.

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Coqauvin and I will be your moderators. We'll be moderating in the sense of helping keep standards of posting high and discussions on track and also in the sense of providing what original content we can and hosting periodic competitions and whatnot for your enjoyment. Ultimately, we are here at your service, to maintain and cultivate an environment that encourages interesting, thoughtful debate and your own insight. If you have any questions, feel free to come to one or both of us.

A note on infractions and warnings: Coq and I will be penalising unacceptable posts, but treat us like umpires: if you feel we have made an unfair decision or erred on the side of harshness, just shoot us a polite private message and you have a good chance of fixing the situation. Don't react aggressively; it won't do anyone any favours.