Ten Suggested Rules for a Silicon Thread-Master ...
Not that you asked me, Jas. But what a boring market day!
So I was just thinking. If you ( or anyone) were to become a thread-master, here are my suggestions for appropriate rules:
1. Do not lie, or make up stories, to people who choose to place their trust in you. (Not that I have overwhelming sympathy for anyone who places trust in a stranger they meet on the internet; but still, it's just not the right thing to do).
2. Don't share your personal illnesses (real or imagined), or your emotional turmoils, with your thread visitors. ( we really don't need to know about them; we have enough problems of our own that we don't burden perfect strangers with).
3. Don't share your family problems with your thread visitors. (see number 2 above).
4. Don't whine, throw temper tantrums, or complain constantly about all the mean people who are stalking you or insulting you. (Remind yourself that you are supposed to be an adult; remember the old adage about "sticks and stones...").
5. Don't pick up your marbles and run home to hide every time someone says something you don't like, or fails to show you the high respect you think you are entitled to. (see number 4 above).
6. Don't make promises or wagers you have no intention of honoring. (Doing so shows lack of character).
7. Don't pepper your posts with vulgarities and profanities. (women and children may be listening; anyway, it only shows your lack of communication skills, not to mention class).
8. Do not communicate with your readers in pig-Latin, a foreign tongue, or some other secret code (Remember that you yourself are a visitor being hosted by SI, and respect their wish to have their boards be open forums for all).
9. Do not ask your readers to bridge their anonymity by providing you with personal information about themselves. (see number 8 above, and remember that SI has good reason to scrupulously protect the true identities of all of its members).
10. Welcome all to your thread, and treat everyone alike, whether you agree with them or not, whether you see them as friend or foe. (Remind yourself, if necessary, that this is the whole point of open discussion forums in this great country we live in).
Jas, please don't think I am indirectly accusing you of having ever broken any of these rules. I certainly am not.
As I say, I was only thinking.
J.C.
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