Be civil

I wasn’t able to spend a lot of time patrolling the comments last week, and things have gotten out of hand in some places.  Coastsider is a place where people should feel free to participate without being attacked. I can see that the Golden Rule is not sufficient when someone is spoiling for a fight.  Here’s what I ask:

• Respect your opponents
• Stick to the facts
• Avoid labeling your opponent. The label "no-growther" is especially irritating. I’m not sure there’s an exact equivalent for the other side. If there is, avoid it too.
• Avoid ad hominem attacks (based on the identity of the person making the argument, and not the argument itself)
• Refer to people by name to clarify whom you’re talking to, not to be condescending (e.g. "Jane, you ignorant…")

I probably missed something, but this is a good start. It all boils down to respecting your opponents. I shouldn’t have to tell anyone this.