S&G readers are a polite and thoughtful bunch of folks, ones from whom I’ve learnt a great deal over the years. They police themselves so well that I’ve almost never, ever had to articulate the unspoken rules of this forum. However, that also means that the occasional newcomer crosses the line and has to get a stern (but private) e-mail about an unknowing infraction of an unwritten rule. So, to clarify the matter — and for future reference …
While you can say what you like about me (up to but not including the use of “hate speech”), other posters are off-limits. If you have issue with what Mr. X or Ms. Z has to say, please do so without resorting to pejorative or abusive verbiage. A well-argued point is far more resonant than “Yer mama wears army boots!”
One more thing: NO ALL_CAPS [sic] POSTING! If you have to yell to make your point, it probably wasn’t worth making in the first place … or else your “Caps Lock” key is stuck and seriously in need of repair.
Thank you. We now return to our regularly scheduled fun and frolic.
