We're in difficult times, folks. Indicators say the global recession is over (although recovery is still a long way away), but employers are still scrambling to make profits, and it rolls downhill to most of us...pay cuts, etc. It's a very hot summer. Politics are weird around the globe.
This is a time to remember that these boards are mandated by the man they formed around to be polite boards. Behavior that's perfectly fine (or encouraged) elsewhere is not welcome here. Remember to treat your fellow posters with respect and dignity, even if you're in extreme disagreement with their views.
This extends to groups. Making fun of a group of people...whether it be a country, a group of hobbyists, everyone who has a specific disability...is not allowed. Everyone here should be better than that, even under pressure.
Does this mean you can't talk about such things? Of course not...but treat them with respect, or if need be, incredulous curiosity...but not derision or mean-hearted snarkiness. And if someone treats you in such a way, don't rise to the bait.
Remember why you're all on the board in the first place. You're all fans of the work of the same man, and as many of you have discovered, the works of several favorites of you all overlap. You have a lot in common.
Belittling others shouldn't be one of them.
