An Official Truce

[Bodhesatva]

Kytiara said:
While I agree with the goal of this "contract", I don't see much value in it. Unless something like this is enforced by moderators, it won't change anything. The reason I say this is that the majority of the people would would come here and /sign it are those people who already follow these sorts of rules. Another problem ends up being that people often don't see their own behavior in the same light as others. Sony fans will indicate that its the nintendo fans causing all the problems. Nintendo fans will indicate its the sony fans causing the problems. The point is, even if someone signs this thread, they are going to construe people with an opposing viewpoint as being more radical than they see themselves. It's a noble aim to promote healthy and respectful debate, and I'm all for it, but a better way to attain that goal is ignoring those people who are disrespectful and insisting that moderators deal with people who do nothing but insult others and cause trouble. Leading by example is the best way to change behaviour.

Again, Kytiara, I'm aware of the problems with such a thread, and I'd say my list of problems almost exactly mirrors your own.

However, you'd be surprised how often "Please, be nice to each other" works when said in a direct and frank way. Provoking people by calling them stupid almost never works: shaming them by claiming their behavior is unkind or cruel doesn't always work, but often can. So it won't stop everyone, I agree with that. But if it stops 10 percent of the trouble, I'd say it's worth it.