[patriciaruth]

So you think we should just post "TIME OUT" in response to posters who are being too nasty or thoughtless in the way they are wording things?

You are probably right. A FOOD FIGHT thread wouldn't get it out of their systems, it would just get their blood up.

Self-regulating means that FReepers themselves need to express disapproval when someone goes over the line.

Dip a finger in indelible ink and post "TIME OUT" to someone who has not respected the:
NO profanity, NO personal attacks, NO racism or violence in posts
plea.

[Fred Nerks]

I second that, a brilliant idea.

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Believe it or not it works.I called a Freeper on this ,in one of the smoking threads and asked him ,to please stop with the insults and he actually did.

As for me ,I will leave a thread ,if I get to hot under the collar and feel myself slipping into wanting to personally insult someone.It is better to remove yourself and move on to an other thread,than getting banned.

[Alia]

Good post, patriciaruth. I don't know about the posting of a "time-out:" Adults are supposed to know or recognize the signs that they themselves are getting out of control. We put children on Time-Outs, and for a good reason; they are children and need guidance.

I always think it important to stand up when I'm being mistreated or maligned. But then sometimes, it's just not worth the bother given who is landing the assault and/or the type of assault. It's a walk-away time. Just not worth wasting my time on.

And yes, the hope is "self-regulating" grown-ups.

BUT OTOH, a posted "time-out" says plenty, all by itself. Definitely worth thinking about, PR.