We Are A Happy Site, But There Are Rules
Wednesday, 15 December 2010 17:10 | Written by Alice Jester
We have a lot of new people coming to The Winchester Family Business recently and that prospect couldn’t excite me more. After all, we are a strange breed online anymore. We’re level headed, happy Supernatural fans. While that attracts a lot of viewers that have gotten frustrated by the excessive negativity on a lot of television sites, it also attracts people that might not understand what we’re all about.
We’ve especially had some issues recently with commenting on articles. While I’ve always had some general unwritten guidelines for people to follow when commenting, the need has come up recently to be clear about what those rules are. So, please excuse the bluntness and the legalities coming up in the following rules list, but they need to be said.
We’ve especially had some issues recently with commenting on articles. While I’ve always had some general unwritten guidelines for people to follow when commenting, the need has come up recently to be clear about what those rules are. So, please excuse the bluntness and the legalities coming up in the following rules list, but they need to be said.
Rule #1 - Be nice
Yes, that’s a rule on many sites. Let me be specific here though.
- No personal attacks. In other words, comments like “You’re a freaking moron” will likely get edited or deleted.
- Keep the discussions limited to the article, not other posters.
Rule #2 – Be constructive
- There’s such a thing as “constructive” criticism. It’s a lost art that existed once a long time ago. You can make points that disagree with the author, but do so in a respectful tone. Don’t sit there and start with “You bitch.” “I respectfully disagree” works better. Make your point without loads of bitterness, for people hate reading extreme negativity. It’s honestly offensive. Don’t say “Those stupid writers are completing ruining the show.” “I have concerns over the creative direction,” works better.
Rule #3 – No Sam vs. Dean nonsense, no Jared vs. Jensen nonsense
- One cannot be knocked down for the sake of building up another. It often happens though. People come on here claiming to be “Sam fans” or “Dean fans.” Here, we’re “fans.” We adore both brothers and actors, even if some of us might have a slant toward one or another. An obvious example is “Jared is a terrible actor, Jensen is the best actor ever.” Another obvious one, “Sam is such a waste, Dean is the only decent brother.” Now these are extreme cases. I take notice of “implied” comments too, aka using the brothers to raise an issue that isn’t there. Things like “Sam did this, so it must be Dean’s fault.” Um, no. Unless that’s exactly verbatim what the author says, don’t go there.
Rule #4 – Don’t put words in other people’s mouths
- You don’t know how many times I see “So you’re saying…” and then a wild conclusion is reached based on a comment. This is a fandom often times with a short fuse. Let’s give each other the benefit of the doubt, shall we? Try to get clarification on the intended meaning.
Rule #5 – When a discussion has reached an impasse, move on
- I can guarantee you there will always be someone that disagrees with a point. That’s perfectly okay. The dissenter or dissenters are more than welcome to discuss their issues. However, after a while, when it’s clear that both sides are at an “agree to disagree” point, there isn’t much more to discuss. Don’t continue posting comments loaded with bitterness, disapproval, and harping on other posters for answers. Just move on.
Rule #6 – Show respect
- This falls in line with “be nice.” We on this site love our show. Happily. Disrespect ruins the fan experience. You don’t know how many people I run into at conventions that don’t go online anymore because other fans were too disrespectful and mean on other sites. This site was created specifically as a refuge for those who didn’t feel welcome by the negativity of those other sites. We love our show. We want to be around positive people who love our show. When our favorite show upsets us, we come to discuss and talk through the concerns like adults. It’s a support group almost. This site is called the “Family Business” for a reason. If that’s a bit too much happiness and civility for you, there are plenty of other sites that will suit your other needs.
Rule #7 – Have respect for what we value on this site
- The Winchester Family Business has been around for two years. We have grown a lot in that time. Most migrate here because they want a fan friendly place. A place they can post comments, or just plain lurk without fear of attacks or excessive fan fighting. That environment will never change. If the moderators find you are not in line with what we value (see rules above) we will act. Posts will be edited. People will be warned or banned. All comments are kept in the administrator’s archives for future reference should those that want to stir up trouble come back. This site isn’t for everyone, we know that. We are not going to change to be for everyone though. What we’re doing seems to work fine for those we like to serve.
Okay, now that I have clearly stated the rules, just remember we have a lot of fun here too! We really aren’t that rigid. This is the first time I’ve ever had to make clear the rules. That’s not half bad. So, let’s take time to smile and remember we support the greatest TV show in the world. It’s all good.
New rules:
Rule #8 (Added 1/12/2011)
New rules:
Rule #8 (Added 1/12/2011)
- No baseless accusations or assumptions. Discussions get heated. People disagree with you. If you're going to question someone's opinion, don't make statements assuming something about any poster or writer without having something to prove your case. For example, don't call someone a blatant "Sam fan" or "Dean fan" when there is no clear evidence of that. Don't chastise someone for changing their mind and throwing accusations they've been manipulated or censored.
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Comments
It's the snide comments like this that make me not really want to come back here. Your bias is showing. So many examples to use, and you immediately go for these three.
the actores
and more important the show
so let us work by the rules
GO SUPERNATURAL FANS ^_^
I'm glad there is something in place to protect, in particular, the people who spend a lot of time, effort and love to write articles here about our show, give us food for thought and stimulating debate topics.
I respect and admire all your contributors and appreciate that we have a site that supports an exchange of views.
Thanks
The rules you set should be common knowledge and etiquette. It has been like that on this site for a very long time without the need of a reminder. That you saw it necessary to make it clear is most unfortunate. well, I agree that it was indeed necessary.
I'd like to suggest - would you like to put a link to those rules on the home page, so everyone who wants to have a look can find them right away (for instance in three months time when they won't be in the 'new' section anymore)? Just an idea.
Thank you for setting this up and thank you - again, for the umpteenth time - for being an awesome editor-in-chief who protects everyone who writes here with loyalty, common sense and humour - and thereby everyone who comes here to read, comment, share opinions. People are allowed to feel safe here, like members of a wide spread family.
Love, Jas
I feel like others, sad you felt you had to do this, but I do understand why this is necassary.
Can I say your rules seem to me not just perfect for this site, but life as well, why on earth cant people just be polite and nice to each other.
I think the `dont like the rules dont come here` mantra is perfect too, sending me into what I call `Becky mode`, I been there a lot this week.
I love this place and the real feeling of `Family` that is here and want to again thank everyone who contributes to this, but especially Alice, thanks for being so accessible and for creating this little sanctuary in a world of madness. Ju
Thank you for providing the list of rules.
It is sad that it had to come to this, but what else can you do?
I love this site and the special happy respectful atmosphere that it has.
It would be tragic to see it get diminished.
@ marie-a I too don't watch Fox News or know who Rush Limbaugh or Glenn Beck are...so I guess we both haven't missed much.
Especially since winter hellatus has begun and some of us may begin to get cranky!!
Thank you Alice!
This rules were always implied specially 'cause to me this are good education rules and it's a little sad that you had to put it in writing 'cause some people out there don't know how to behave.
Anyway, thank you Alice for the new rules and for making this site here a little piece of heaven!
Anyway, Alice we cannot let a few ill mannered 'ijits', ruin our fun.
Becsuse of your rules this is the only place on the net that I feel free to post comments on. So grateful for that.
Love this show and the posters here who can disagree and discuss without insults and denigrating others.
This is a great place to visit, especially with the long hiatus's we have to endure.
It saddens me too that people have to be reminded to be courteous and polite to one another. But as we all know, it not uncommon to see good manners go out the window in our cyber communities. I have often thought it is because we are anonymous, often using fictitious names. It gives people the belief that whatever they say will not have repercusions. In a way, they are right, there are no repercusions to them directly. But as a community, continued negative and hostile language only sours the experience for everyone else and deviates from the true purpose of the community and that is the love of our show.
Thank you Alice, for creating a place where such behavior is frowned upon.
Lara
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