Yes, I know that page was written by one cranky individual and doesn't represent the overall spirit of the community. But that one person obviously is an administrator or something like that, and if that page remains in place to greet new members with undeserved nastiness then it has to be approved of by others, at least tacitly.
I don't apologize for being blunt in writing that page, because I mean every single word of it. There is zero hostility in it, it is simply short, sharp and direct to the point, removing any possible confusion from wording it with tact.
Tact can be misinterpreted, directness cannot... hence the difference of purpose to be achieved.
If I come to your website, I have no rights other than those you grant me to participate upon it. No different than if I come to your home... I visit by your rules, not mine. Very simple, direct and to the point.
A smoker lights up in your home, being a non-smoker:
Tact: Do you mind taking that outside please?
That is open to interpretation of the respondent now, being they could say, "yes, I do mind, and am quite comfortable smoking here" or they could say read the pleasantry in the tactful nature, and respond "no, not at all... sorry about that."
Direct: There is no smoking in our home, please take that outside now.
There is zero interpretation in that statement. There is NO smoking in our home, take outside NOW!
Experience running a mental health website, tact is the last thing you want to use, because it insights constant questioning from the thousands of personalities, some who read the tact, some who choose to ignore it and accept another option is present, some who simply can't read tact period.
Hope that answers the question... which again, is raised here just about every time the moon is full, being today.