The Critters newsgroup (sff.workshop.critters) has been deemed a No Flame Zone.

To encourage civil discourse on matters of importance, without invectives, a user posted these suggestions, herewith reproduced:

1) Exercise your writing skills by stating your point clearly in order to minimize alternative interpretations. Sarcasm, for example, might seem like an effective way of getting your message across. However, it is intellectually dishonest, and generally aims to score points rather than illustrate them. Be aware of the risk.

2) Check for understanding by asking if a poster really means what you think you are reading. For example: "Are you suggesting that coconuts migrate?"

3) Challange a postion, view point, thought process, mode of behavior, or method of expression. Never attack the person. For example: "That argument is based on the logical error of special pleading." Rather than: "I'm sorry you are too close-minded and defensive to agree with me."

4) If you are angry, walk away for a while. (Wait until tomorrow to write your reply, maybe even wait another day before you post it. If it's that relevant to life and the universe, time is NOT of the essence.)

6) Avoid the people you can't stand. (Use kill-files or just ignore them.)

5) Above all, think before you post.