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User Agreement Review
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RULES OF DEBATE
Members,
We do not encourage debates or extremely controversial subjects. These usually lead into heated arguments between people who can't express their feelings without being insulting and hateful. Occasionally, we will have a topic that leads into differences in opinions, and we ask that you respect each other's feelings and opinions. While defending our beliefs and opinions through debate is often a very educational experience, we find that it can be divisive if not done properly, as it often leads to intense feelings which get in the way of seeking help for veterans. Discuss the position, but do not attack the person.
[1] The debate is about an issue, not the person who brought it up or supports/opposes the issue. Ideas are challenged, attacked, defended, supported, etc… The poster is never to be personally attacked. Personal comments to the poster may be considered "a personal attack", as it departs from the topic being debated. So, please refrain from making direct statements to or about the poster. It is understood that in a debate the discussion may become heated at times due to certain topics. Try to remember that the best way to change someone else’s position to yours is to challenge the idea, not attack the poster. Avoid characterizing another Member's personal intent or motives and discussing personalities.
[2] The debate should be respectfully candid and honest, but must not resort to inflammatory language or devolve into character assassination of a participant in the debate, renowned figure, or a political candidate;
[3] The debate should be pertinent to subject or the political climate - that is, any relevant topic of importance can be discussed however broad or narrow; and,
[4] If an issue is too personal, leave it alone.
INAPPROPRIATE POSTING:
Swearing - The swear filter is enabled for a reason. We promote and encourage a member base of many beliefs and ages. Obscene language is inapropriate. Please be respectful of your fellow community members.
Flaming - Blatant and aggressive ad homonym attacks (personal attacks) are unacceptable. While often times, one may wish to engage in sarcasm or a bit of wit, please exercise caution when doing so. Granted, going "over the line" is subjective, but it is determined and enforced by the administration.
INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT:
Breaking of any of the rules above will result in punitive action taken by a staff member. You will receive a warning for first offense and for minor rule breaking. A temporary suspension of posting privileges for greater offenses and permanent outright banning from the community may result for repeated offenses or for violating more serious policies.
Arguing with anyone on the staff after having received a warning will lead to administrative admonishment. This may be in the form of temporarily revoking posting privileges for a period (decided by the staff). Should this continue, a ban will be put in place.
Any attempt to circumvent a temporary revoking of posting privileges, or temporary ban will lead to that ban being made permanent. Circumvention includes re-registering under a non-banned user-name, changing IP addresses to evade an IP ban, registering a new email account to evade an email ban.
Contacting anyone on the staff personally through pm or e-mail or on the board and posting insulting, indecent or vulgar material will be just cause for an immediate, permanent ban. That being said, however, if you have received a warning, suspending of posting privileges, or temporary ban and feel it was issued unfairly, you are welcome to contact a staff member and discuss it civilly with them.
Permanent bans are done as a last resort and are not something we enjoy doing. Therefore a lot of thought goes into these decisions. No posting of discussions from other board's threads - We have plenty of quarrels here. We don't need import them from other message boards. Please refrain from commenting negatively about other boards you visit on the net. Please do not "link" to specific posts on other boards! This will help to avoid controversy down the line. Please use independent links, when ever possible, to news sites rather than citing another board as your link
Spamming or flooding the forums with one subject will not be tolerated. If you have several sources for your viewpoint or topic, please keep them in one thread. Do not spread them out into individual threads. Don't just repeatedly post information. Don't just repeatedly post information. Don't just repeatedly post information. Don't just repeatedly post information.
If you see someone breaking a rule, please report it to a moderator.
The statements, opinions and points of view expressed in the articles published on this site are those of the authors and shall not be deemed to mean that they are necessarily those of the American Gulf War Veterans Association (AGWVA) the publisher, editor, writers, contributors or staff. We can not assume responsibility for the truthfulness, completeness, quality and usefulness of any information or content. AGWVA hereby expressly disclaims any and all warranties, express and implied, including but not limited to any warranties of accuracy and reliability of the information herein.
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