And, truth be told, the rest of us could do with exercising a bit of thought before we post some of the things we do, too.
Completely agree r9. But exactly how, on a forum like this, do we do an even better job of policing ourselves? I don't prefer that a lawsuit be filed, or that it would be about punitive damages, it would be about tending notice that FR isn't going to take it anymore. I'm certainly open to suggestions.
I would never frequent a site that was by design hateful, bigoted, or anything else along those lines. There are a few in every crowd, but in general the discussions on this site are thoughtful and fair, although often passionate. I don’t agree with everything that’s said, and sometimes someone will go off the map a bit, but it is generally a great sight for legitimate exchange of ideas. Many of those who criticize FR are critical because they have no interest in exchanging viewpoints. They are convinced their’s is the correct viewpoint and they have no interest in an exchange of ideas.
I don't really know how to answer that in a "how" sense -- the real solution is more along the lines of a cultural reformation. What differentiates a civil society from a clamorous horde? It's lots of things -- self-restraint, ideas of duty and honor, good manners, respect for others, and so on.
I'm not suggesting that FR should become a stodgy and dull place. I love those free-wheeling threads that make you laugh out loud, and FReeper irreverence is a real treasure.
But when the topic is serious, wouldn't it be great if we could count on FReepers to address the topics seriously and thoughtfully, rather than letting their emotions get the best of them?