Rules Request

[anthony]

(The poll is private)

I've had a request to create a rule for this forum, being that all new members introduce themselves, tell enough info that cites them as legitimate for being here… being they're a combat veteran. The site really doesn't have a rule set because veterans can have issues with such things, especially from an online forum.

Do you want a rule, really being the first one outside of the site requirements of being a combat vet, respectful to others and use common-sense.

This forum is run by members, so it is members who decide such things. In my opinion, it would take more than 80% of voting members to want this, because once you open this door you have created a precedence for further rules. Saying that… all communities begin somewhere and evolve as they grow, for the reasons some may experience here, being that rules keep the majority of issues minimised and create a left and right of arc to fire within.

This is not my decision… it is for the veterans that make this community.

 

[Jimmy1]

Anthony, I think there should be a line drawn in the sand. If you want to join and only read, then there is no need for an introduction; however, if you wish to participate or ask questions then you should have to introduce yourself. Only basics though like what country are you from, what service, and where you served. I just think it's common courtesy.

 

[JarHed]

I agree that it's good manners and courtesy to post an intro. That said, you can't have it both ways. What I mean is that if you want to create a rule, one which I would assume, would be programmed into the form you fill out when you join for instance, then you can only have it one way. Unless you want to make it more complex, programatically, to have more than one type of membership option when you join.

For instance, if you wanted to be a full member you would choose that. If you only wanted to read the posts you would make another choice on the form when you join. Sorry to play the Devils Advocate here, it just came to mind as I read Jimmy's post.

Personally, I'd opt for keeping it simple and making all that join have to post an intro before you could post anything else. I've never met anyone that was in the military that didn't want to talk about who they served with and where. Also, what country you were from.

As always, just my opinions.

Jar

 

[bobbybob]

Gentlemen,

As a new member of this forum, I believe that it is absolute courtesy that new members introduce themselves when joining the forum. As a PTSD sufferer, I find it very hard to trust people in general. By people telling their story I find that I can relate to them more.

This forum is like a family and even though I may be a contemporary veteran, joint experiences (or similar) just add to the effect!

Knowing who you talk to defiantly helps!

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Anthoney, me being still a NFG to this forum I have seen the merits of both sides of this discussion in my brief time here.
There is nothing 100% foolproof I'm afraid - the trolls will work around it and again we're the fall back in that event. It is the unfortunate truth that there will be legitimate vets who ignore the rule as well. I think jar touched on something to ponder toward a solution.

Not being a techy by no means but how about something similar to what we do on most downloads. Maybe a "I agree to the following terms of use" buttons to proceed under the heading.

Introductions, Creating Threads, Editing, Quoting, And All That Stuff

Ba

 

[tnkg1rl]

When I joined my intro was vague to say the least, but still I was welcomed with open arms. I think there should be a courtesy post so we know who were talking to.

 

[Chin Strapped]

You could force people to give an intro, or perhaps have the necessary information built into their profile, everyone displays; what country their from, who they served with and where? That way no one is forced to talk, but we know Who they are.

But agree with an intro of some sort, rather than 'maybe'. Jar is right, most vets will voluntarily share their time served anyway.

 

[vikingr12]

For what it's worth, I am with Jimmy. Hard to draw the line but there are guys who for the most part are lost in the system too. I have participated in forums where you almost had to send in your DD-214 and other proof. Never worked. An introduction should be requested but not made mandatory. A lot of guys just don't know what to do at the start. I was one and admit I was wrong. I hope I got it straight.

 

[Fargo1]

I think the system we have now works (for the most part) and the solution is simple. We are all big boys and girls. I understand being a little lost at sea, not fully reading or understanding the words on the screen. Especially when you are seriously down in the dumps, drunk, sleep deprived, and just flailing about for help.

• New person joins and for whatever reason doesn't introduce themselves.
• One of us notices and mentions it to them and asks them to post and Introduction.
• At this point there are three scenarios.

1. The FNG realizes that they have made a breech of etiquette and they say "Sorry, my bad" and make an intro — No harm. No Foul.
2. The new person is still flailing around, didn't notice the polite nudge in a random post they made. They now receive a PM as a warning. "Sorry you have having problems. You need to post an Introduction. There will be no further warnings." And they post an introduction.
   
3. The wanker is having some kind of major malfunction and isn't interested in playing well with others. And they get banned.

I think the less rules the better. Although we have served, or are currently serving and are well versed in rules and regulations. We are also dealing with the Beast and rules frustrate people even on a good day. I think the less frustration we, as a group, have the better.

Just my opinion.
Fargo

 

[Sarg]

Just a short "portal" that asks the basic questions. Country, branch of service, conflicts served in, current status (In the VA system, diagnosed, ect.). We're not asking for the guy's bank account number and pin number. And we will have trolls that will guess or lie their way in, They'll eventually be outed and he's gone.

Personally, the disruptions take much too much of our time and take our minds off the goal here. There is very important work being done here. Show of hands....how many of us have received very helpful and healing information here? (Sarg's hand goes up quickly). I rest my case.

Sarg

 

[Ned]

Agree with Fargo. That's what we've got and it works well enough.

 

[Sludge]

Is there a way that the existing format that asks basic info include a "Introduce yourself" block that auto posts the stuff entered to the Introductions forum? In my mind that simplifies and automates the process effectively forcing everyone that signs up to announce their presence. I suspect it will help discourage lurkers, trolls and most importantly spammer scammers.
Just my buck fifty.