Introducing The BIG Debate (and other changes update)
Hi all
I have been reflecting on the changes we introduced
recently and, in hindsight, and taking into account your feedback, I think that having two identical Discussions sections just wasn't really working.
Therefore I have made a few changes and additions...
- We now have a 'members-only' section (for ALL registered members). Inside the members-only section we have the older, '25 posts and 3 months' Members section (so the privacy level of those threads are maintained) but we may phase this older section out if it is no longer used.
- We also now have a facility where Mods can mark *any* thread in any forum as a 'members only' thread. This will be used for threads that we'd rather not be shown publicly, although we will currently just move threads to the members-only section for now. As before, please do not take it personally if we decide to move your thread or mark it as a 'Members Only' thread - it is merely a judgment call that we're making about the thread as a whole and its place on the forum.
- Finally (
edit: this idea is now on hold, skip to 'edit 2' below) we have a NEW section: The Big Debate! This section will have higher expectations than normal for the kind of threads posted and the level of debate expected. It is for grown-up debate. That means members can expect robust debate, but it also means putting your points in a considered and considerate way.
All threads posted in The Big Debate section will need to be approved before they are made live (as they will need to be started impartially, and as a 'debate' rather than a 'rant') and all replies must adhere to a strict standard of polite discourse. I will post up the rules once I have written them. The section won't be to everyone's taste, and is more aimed at those who have been asking for a higher level of debate.
Edit: Just to clarify, the new rules will apply to this section only. You can post as you always have on the rest of the forum
Edit 2: I have added another section 'Have Your Say' which will be, quite different to The Big Debate section More details here.
I hope you like the changes, and look forward to changing it all around again in 7 days time. (< Just kidding!)