Congratulations everyone, we've now collectively reached the milestone where the "unwritten rules" and personal self control are no longer enough to effectively keep the Nation a fun and informative place for Zips fans to congregate without the typical downsides of internet sports forums.
We've had an internal debate on how to handle this problem, and it is a problem. Some favor immediate and preemptive banning of the most egregious violators of our unwritten ZN.O common sense customs. Others of us think stepping up moderation and/or editing offending posts will help restore the sanity. Some members are apparently in favor of utter chaos.
I will not have utter chaos. CK & Dr. Z don't enjoy it either. And we don't have time or motivation to edit every post in the forum. None of the Porky's 7 had this in mind when the Nation was born.
And so it WILL stop now. And here's how:
#1: We will publish a list of brief rules to make up an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). I suggest you read them and do your best to adhere to the letter and spirit of the guidelines. It should not be hard.
#2: We will step up moderation slightly to enforce this new AUP when it is necessary. Having a public AUP will eliminate uncertainty where it comes to how to behave here. This stepped up moderation may or may not include additional Moderators. I've reached out to Terry Tate and Greg "The Hammer" Valentine to see if they're available. Don't PM us to volunteer. We'll reach out to you if we need your help.
#3: Problematic members will be banned after public chastising and flogging. You will need to earn this distinction, but if you try .. it can be earned. There are currently 5 members on the short list for this action. NONE of them are outside fans / contributors. These are all self proclaimed Zips fans. They will be given reasonable opportunity to reform their ways. If you think we might be thinking of you, then you're probably right.
So here we go with 8 Simple Rules for Remaining A Member in Good Standing @ ZipsNation.Org
- Add something to the discussion if you're going to post.
- If it's off-topic (and not Zips related) .. use the Off-Topic Forum. That's why it's here.
- Don't Troll Here ... and Don't FEED Trolls here. These are equally serious offenses.
- Don't paste outside published content here without a source link. Give credit where credit is due.
- Leave your personal attacks on the AD, Coach ___, and the Moderators in the sandbox at school. The Nation is a place for Zips talk, not direct negative repetitive bashing of people who all have the same interests we have: to have the Zips be successful.
- Think twice .. heck think ONCE before posting unsubstantiated rumors.
- Read, understand, and practice the rules regarding contact with recruits / families.
- Zips fan shall not attack Zips fan. Don't make the rest of the members wish you weren't around here. If enough of them want you out of their internet lives .. they'll probably get their wish.
As a bonus to celebrate this dubious milestone in the 7+ years of the Nation, I'm offering a 2 week ban for the next member that feels the need to trot out the "TW hired Ianello because they were drinking buddies in Madison, WI." It's ridiculous, preposterous .. and not a productive discussion point. Let it go. Got a football point to discuss? Then have at it.
Differences of opinion are differences of opinion. That's not the problem here. It's the constant descent into denigration of others and their opinions that's become a problem. Take a deep breath before you hit that submit button. Are you replying simply to point out that you think Member X is a fool or an idiot? Then you might want to reconsider.
This isn't hard, and frankly I'm embarrassed for the Nation that we've reached the condition in which this is a necessary step. Once upon a time this was an outlet for Zips fans to debate and discuss our favorite teams and enjoy the camaraderie that came from all of us wanting the Zips to be successful, however that's defined.
It can be that way again. If you need to step away for a bit and come back with a fresh perspective .. so be it. We all have jobs here .. this is an avocation, not a vocation for anyone here. The membership fees are modest. If you feel you're not getting your money's worth from the Nation or its Moderators, please PM me, and I'll make sure you get a full refund.
Thank you for your time, and for supporting the Zips.
Good times now and in the future.
Go Zips!
