posted 03-28-2001 10:23 PM               

Recently we have had some questions regarding censorship on this board arise, and I thought it best to address them so as to avoid future problems.

First off, we are theoretically a censored board, although as a general rule this does not happen per se. We prefer to allow people the freedom to 'speak' as they will so long as it is on topics relevant to these forums. Posters to this board have the power to go back and edit their posts, and also have the power to delete them.

I think we have a wonderful vehicle here for re-enactors and living historians across the world to share ideas and knowledge on subjects. We have an array of posters with impressive credentials, and generally we post here with a professional attitude that encourages research and debate. I would hate to see this board damaged in any way as this sort of vehicle, and as a co-administrator, I will do all in my power to prevent any such thing happening.

I think we should solidify some rules regarding this board to help prevent any such event before it could happen. In this spirit, here are the additional "Rules of Engagement" to be followed on FireStryker.

1. Members should conduct themselves with civility when posting. Personal attacks will not be tolerated.I mean it.

In all eras of re-enactment, strong opinions are held, views clash, and peoples feelings run high on topics. Some people will bear grudges against others, this is part of human nature - but this board is not the place to air these feelings. If a post gets personal, I will go through a thread like Sherman marched through Georgia, offending parties will be warned, and repeating offenders may be blocked from posting. I never want to have to do this, but I will if the situation arises. To date, no person has been barred from posting here - lets keep it that way.

2.If you are the originator of a thread, please refrain from deleting it. A valid concern Peder pointed out is that a great deal of research goes into some of the replies to threads. It is hardly fair to repliers to a thread to destroy their efforts. If for some reason you wish to remove what you have posted and you are a thread originator, then edit the first message so nothing remains, but the thread itself is not destroyed.

In the spirit of sharing knowledge, I would ask you all not to eliminate your posts that contain useful information - the board exists for sharing that knowledge. If abuse to posters occurs further along the posts in the body of the thread, it will be dealt with as stated above in rule #1.

3. Please refrain from extreme profanity (this really hasn't been a problem, but best to close the barn door before the horse gets away). It is easier to maintain a semblence of scholarship without profanity, and it makes the site palatable to potential younger readers.

As a last point, contributors have mentioned being discouraged about participation considering events over the past few days. Please do not leave this board because of these events, the forums are the richer for your participation. I think we all learn a lot from each other.

Bob R.

"War without fire is like having sausages without mustard." - Henry V

If you see Fusil, fire is not far behind.