So, to copy Blizzards intro...
"Due to recent events" I am writing this topic. I am not an admin, nor am I even a Mod. I used to be an Admin on a site before it's server crashed, but meh... getting off topic. So, point of this post, is to avoid flame wars.
If you start getting caught up in a thread that's "going south" really quick, I would suggest any, and all, of these tips:
1. Just because you didn't start it, doesn't mean you have to finish it!! Don't continue to insult or flame someone, just because they're doing it to you. It doesn't prove anything to anyone. Constructive criticism is one thing, even "borderline" comments may be acceptable, depending on their content, but outright insults and flaming is never productive.
"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it"2. If you must say something, say it in a way that won't sound derogatory, insulting, oppressive, etc. You should be able to figure out a way to nicely tell someone they are wrong, or, point out they were rude, ungrateful, etc. in an acceptable tone (I know tone is hard to convey via text and message boards, but try).
3. If all else fails, DO NOT respond to put your two cents in. Just simply contact an Admin, Staff, etc. and get it resolved that way.. (They're allowed to flame without getting punished as much
) If you have tried reasoning, kindness, and all that stuff, simply walk away and tell a staff member they need to
banhammer resolve something.
I'm sure there's more to add to this post, but, it's a start. I'll edit as necessary.