I'd rather talk about what is in and out of bounds on various threads..
Of course, that does vary from thread to thread, as we all know. Many threads have their own unwritten, or even written, codes. Yet even within particular threads, it will vary, depending on who is actively posting at any given time. Sometimes it can vary so much, and depart so far from the basic code, and from the very purpose of the thread, that the thread itself can be effectively destroyed.
I think there is probably one "rule of thumb" that all threads could, perhaps even should, apply to thread interaction. And that is to reserve all private exchanges to PMs. If the subject is not something to which more than two people can contribute, that in effect actually excludes others from participation, then keep it off the thread.
Do people want to insult each other? Let them do so privately. Do meateaters want to exchange lamb roast recipes on a vegetarian thread? Let them take it to PM. And so forth. I think this would help.
Joan |
