Ironworks Gaming Forum - Ironworks Mantras

I am trying to come up with a list of Ironworks Mantras to use as guidelines when debating/discussing issues, particularly controversial ones. These are NOT meant to replace our Terms of Service, which govern fundamental requirements for members here, but rather to complement them. I would like to see the Ironworks Mantras as being more like a set of bullet points that can help all of us in being able to conduct discussions/debates in a positive and mutually respectful manner, without resorting to personal flames/arguments/insults etc.

Here's what I've come up with so far. You may already be familiar with some of these - to me, this is what makes Ironworks what we are! [img]graemlins/superdude.gif[/img] To me, this is what defines our spirit and community.

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<h3> http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...ons/icon21.gif IRONWORKS MANTRAS http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...ons/icon21.gif</h3>
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I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. This is the cornerstone around which the concept of freedom of speech is built, as long as it is done with respect for others. - Memnoch
Debating at Ironworks is not about winning or losing, rather it's about expressing a point of view and listening to another person expressing theirs. There is no shame in agreeing to disagree when the argument starts to go nowhere. - Memnoch
Don't take things personally. Life's too short to get upset about another person's point of view. - Memnoch
If you can't handle people disagreeing with you, then don't get into a debate - you will not enjoy it and it will cause everyone problems. - Memnoch
A controversial viewpoint expressed politely, tactfully and respectfully will have a better chance of being accepted than a mainstream viewpoint expressed rudely and disrespectfully. - Memnoch
Remember that two of the most difficult things to do on the internet are: 1) admit that you can't change the other person's point of view; and 2) accept that failing to change the other person's point of view does NOT mean they are better than you. - Memnoch
Trying to imagine oneself in other people's shoes often helps a lot to understand their point of view. - Moiraine
A man/woman convinced against his/her will is of the same opinion, still. - Galadria
Oh, Great spirit, let me not judge a person until I have walked a mile in his moccasins. - Galadria
Unless you prove otherwise by your actions you will be treated as a mature person. Please use your time here in a manner that demonstrates respect for other members. - Mouse
No argument can be won or lost. There are quite often many answers which can be deemed correct. - LennonCook
Can't we all just get along? - Smoothie
Have the serenity to accept what you can not change, the courage to change that which you can, and the wisdom to know the difference. - Memnoch, with input from Smoothie
There is nothing to be learned from enforced uniformity or vituperative argument. But the courteous exchange of differing ideas both enlightens and invigorates. - Fable
what you give is what you get. - adam warlock
When quoting a previous phrase, remember to read what context it was written in. This would probably save a lot of redundant misunderstandings or clarifications. - Mistral4543
The one who feeds the flames is the one who will get burnt. - LennonCook
If disagreeing with someones post remember to read all of it. Don't just reply after reading the first point you disagree with. - Barry the Sprout
It is not a shame to be wrong. - Kaz
Don't know it all! - Ronn Bman
Be willing to learn from someone you're sure is wrong. - Ronn Bman
Avoid "shooting" facts from the hip. Don't post lists of dates or events without knowledge of those events and without the ability to discuss how they are important to the debate. - Ronn Bman
When in doubt about a person's intent, give them the benefit of the doubt. Rarely does someone actively seek to insult another. - Sazerac
Nothing is ever lost by walking away from a fight or a heated issue. You only lose when you lose control of yourself. - Sazerac
No one can keep up a facade forever. Sooner or later, their true colors will show. Let them hang themselves, and do not be so quick to provide the noose. - Sazerac
Treat others as you would have them treat your child: do not curse at, belittle, disrespect, or otherwise be mean-spirited. You are free to disagree, but you are not free to railroad someone else into agreeing with you.- Garnet Falcondance
Behind every name, there's a person. - Tancred
And behind every name, is an email address and IP, which can BOTH be banned. ;) - Ziroc
In a debate, you can always attack an idea, but never the person behind the idea. - Ryanamur
In a debate there is always a winner and a looser. Ironically you are usually both. - Ryanamur
Don't sweat the small stuff. And it's ALL small stuff. - DragonMage
Do not be upset to find that people have ideas other than your own. Expect it, and then respect it. - Pangur Ban

Disagreements, arguments, passion, etc are a fact of life in serious discussion - we expect that at times people's emotions will get the better of them. People will occasionally lose their tempers and say things they shouldn't in the heat of the moment. This is ok - but only if you can extend your hand to that other person and shake his/her hand afterwards, EVEN IF YOU DON'T AGREE WITH EACH OHTER. This is what respect is all about - it's not conditional on what opinion someone holds. It makes our jobs so much easier when we can participate, rather than mediate, in discussions.

I'd love to hear what you guys think, and I'd love for you all to add a Mantra or two of your own. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Edit: Updated the list of mantras.

[ 01-23-2003, 10:18 PM: Message edited by: Memnoch ]