Hey everybody,

To follow up on some of the recent posts about the site rebuild, you’ll be happy to know that we will be adding (or keeping) the following:

• keeping the VISUAL and CODE option (now called HTML)
• block quotes within blockquotes
• the ability to search comments as well as front-page posts
• added SIDEBAR to the white menu bar, which takes you directly to what is in the sidebar on computers
• added RECENT to the white menu bar, to go to Recent Comments
• 10-minute edit window
• ability to delete your own comment during the edit window

Today we want to talk about the new comment policy, now called House Rules.

As part of the site re-build, we are updating the comment policy.  Betty Cracker and I put our heads together, starting from scratch to create a new comment policy updated for the times – to go with the new site built on new technology.  Then we pulled in several commenters, and with each new person we got great new ideas, and we presented it to Cole.  Even John said he likes it, so take that however you want! :-)

So now we’re opening it up for input from you guys, just as we did the last time we updated the policy.  So have at it, and let us know what you think in the comments!   Just like with balloon guy, you don’t exactly get a vote but we definitely want  your input!

Balloon Juice – House Rules (Draft)

Welcome motherfuckers! Here are our Terms of Service. This ain’t Microsoft…you actually need to read these. There will be pop quizzes. 

We want to preserve this community as a place for smart and interesting people to talk politics and more.

So let’s be a place that welcomes new commenters, eh?

We are not open for business to people with ill intent. We’re just not. If your presence is hurtful or disruptive to the community, it’s fair to say that this won’t be the place for you for long.

If you believe that someone is a troll, don’t engage. Just don’t.

We all feel passionate about particular things, that’s who we are! Make your point, but also know when to move on. 

There are no like or dislike buttons on Balloon Juice because the goal is to promote conversation, not to score points or trigger one another.

There’s no such thing as a dead thread. Our best days on Balloon Juice are when we have conversations on multiple threads going at the same time.

Be kind to the front-pagers; we do this out of love for the community we’ve all helped build.

Green Light!

— participate in spirited and well-informed discussions

— agree, or not, or agree to disagree

— share your expertise, thoughts, ideas, experiences, and information

— promote social justice and democratic ideals

— be part of the Balloon Juice community

— and don’t forget the snark!

Yellow Light!

—  don’t help the other side by repeating inflammatory content from some rando without checking its accuracy first; due diligence is key.

— it’s better to presume good faith in a discussion and be proven wrong than it is to leap to the conclusion that someone is a liar or a troll or worse; don’t be quick to assume bad faith.

— it’s helpful to keep in mind that a difference of opinion is not a personal attack.

—  arguing is fine, but being abusive is not acceptable; so when you comment, make sure you’re on the right side of that line, and don’t argue in bad faith.

—  where’s the line between arguing vociferously and abuse? What constitutes bad faith arguing?  It’s Cole’s blog, and he will decide, so if you’re uncertain, then maybe dialing it back is your best bet.

—  when is a personal attack of a joking nature and when isn’t it? That should be pretty clear; if it’s not, you’re doing it wrong!

Red Light!

— no sexism, antisemitism or racism of any sort

— no targeting of marginalized people or communities

— no personal attacks (except of a joking nature)

— no bullying of front pagers or commenters (yes this even applies to people you don’t like!)

— no actionable threats or calls for violence

— no divulging personal information about a commenter or front pager

— no intentional disinformation campaigns or pro-authoritarian garbage

In Summary

We are an online community;  if you wouldn’t say something or act a certain way in person, then don’t do it here.  And don’t be an asshole for no reason!

If you see or experience a violation of this comment policy, please contact WaterGirl and Cole promptly with your concerns.

If that all sounds good to you, welcome aboard!

The post Site Rebuild – Update and Input appeared first on Balloon Juice.