The Winchester Family Business Commenting Rules
Updated – 11/6/2022
The Winchester Family Business is a site encouraging open conversation about “Supernatural” where all fan opinions are welcomed. Every since we started in 2007 the mission of this site is to be a safe haven for all fans, including those that are unhappy, happy, Sam fans, Dean fans, Castiel fans, Flying Spaghetti Monster Worshipping fans…it doesn’t matter. We’re all different, we all have opinions, and we’re allowed to express them here without retribution or ridicule.
In no particular order, here are our rules for posting comments in the articles and discussion pages:
Rule #1 – aka The GOLDEN Rule
- No personal attacks on other commenters. In other words, comments like “You’re a freaking moron” will get edited or deleted.
- No threats of another poster or anyone involved with the show. Threats will result in an instant ban from the site and depending on the level of the threat, a notification to authorities.
- Show respect in the comments, even if you don’t agree. Disrespect ruins the fan experience. This site was created specifically as a refuge for those who didn’t feel welcome by the negativity of other sites or those that chastise fans who prefer one lead over another. We love our show but 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.
Rule #2 – Remember what the discussion is about
- Keep the discussions limited to the article. DO NOT discuss other posters, writers, admins, spoilers (unless a spoiler article) etc. while posting on an article. You can take a topic like this to our Discussion Page if you wish where the topics are more freeform. We’ll entertain posts with attached photos or other links that are posted for fun, but long, heated side discussions about a topic that isn’t remotely close to the original one won’t be tolerated. Those threads will be deleted.
Rule #3 – Be constructive
- There’s such a thing as “constructive” criticism. It’s a lost art that existed once long time ago. You can make points that disagree with the author or another poster, but do so in a respectful tone. Don’t sit there and start with “You stupid bitch.” “I respectfully disagree” works better. Make your point without loads of bitterness. Don’t say “Those stupid writers are completing ruining the show.” “I have concerns over the creative direction,” works better.
- You are allowed to constructively criticize the thoughts of the author. You are not allowed to attack or threaten the author. Keep the tone of your objection respectful and try to back up your issues with good examples.
Rule #4 – No Sam vs. Dean, Jared vs. Jensen nonsense
- One actor/character 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.” Unless that’s exactly verbatim what the writer says, don’t go there.
- Do not call out another poster as a “Sam fan” or a “Dean fan.” They are a fan, plain and simple. Now, you can call yourself out as that, but don’t do it for someone else. It’s rude.
- Do not accuse another poster of posting Sam vs. Dean nonsense. Don’t like it, report the post to the admin.
Rule #5 – Character Bashing
- The phrase “character bashing” comes up a lot. When a poster is critical an action a character has taken and how another one reacts, that is NOT character bashing. That’s a call out to questionable or bad writing. This is allowed. The show’s writing is inconsistent and open to scrutiny and interpretation. While some opinions may turn out to be unpopular, they are not a violation of rules.
- Do not tell another poster they are “character bashing.” This creates more problems and fighting in the comments. If you’re concerned, report the post to the admin.
Rule #6 – 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 before throwing accusations. It’s the polite thing to do.
Rule #7 – 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. NO “one-upmanship.” Just move on.
Rule #8 – Have respect for what we value on this site
- The Winchester Family Business has been around for a while now. Most have migrated 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 or deleted. 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.
Rule #9 – Our spirit of discussion
- We welcome all opinions here, good and bad. Anyone who posts the comment “If you don’t like it, don’t watch” in response to a critical or negative post will have their post edited immediately. No warnings. That does not promote the spirit of discussion that we have here.
Rule #10 (Added 11/6/2022) – Be sensitive with your posts
- Any posts may not be disrespectful of any culture, individual, lifestyle, political or religious belief, and may not incite violence. We also ask that posts not be excessively vulgar or sexually explicit. This is a place for fun, where everyone should feel welcome.
When in doubt, just try to use common sense. Don’t say something to someone online that you wouldn’t say to their face.
Welcome to the Winchester Family Business and we want you to feel glad to be part of our discussion community. Thank you for spending your valuable time with us.
Oooh, deliciously strict-but-fair … 😉
“This isn’t Fox News, or Rush Limbaugh, or Glenn Beck.”
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.
Will U R right we love the brothers and
the actores
and more important the show
so let us work by the rules
GO SUPERNATURAL FANS ^_^
Alice’s site, Alice’s rules. And I’m with Suze, deliciously strict-but-fair. I’m not sure why it can be so hard for people to be nice to each other. I have been coming here for a long time, and will continue to come here. I have faith in Alice and her crew that it will remain the place most of us have come to know and love.
‘I’m not sure why it can be so hard for people to be nice to each other.’ You know, that part remains a mystery to me. Alice is right, those who are unhappy about the rules, feel free to go somewhere else.
I have been coming to this site for over a year now. I consider the people on here to be friends. By that I mean people that I respect and have fun discussing the show with even if i may disagree with their point of view.I agree completely with your rules and just want to thank you for all everything. I appreciate all of you hard work. Merry Christmas.
Thanks for posting these, Alice! I think that the majority of people who visit this site and comment do a great job and definitely adhere to these rules, and I for one greatly appreciate that.
I guess you finally got popular enough for “rules”. Kind of sad, but that’s the way the world works.
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
Happy there are more fans. Perhaps they have come because this site is uniquely positive, without boring homogeny. Stimulating but respectful. What a concept. And the most dedicated and creative contributors out there, hands down. Kudos.
Alice, admirable set of rules. I am moved and feel a bit sad that it had to come to this – that you felt compelled to set it up in this way.You know what I mean.
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
Hi Alice
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
I don’t see Fox news, and I don’t know Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck. I guess it’s not a big loss… So, has a lurker and occasionnally a poster, I have only one thing to say : thank you for that, for this will to keep the serenity of this site. It’s a pleasure to read all of you, and I agree with this post. I will be here to keep in the winchester vibes during the hiatus.
Hi Alice
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. 😉
Thank you, Alice. I agree with Jasminka about the “Posting Etiquette” link. (Hell, I think etiquette, reasoning,and how to make constructive criticisms should be taught from kinder to high school.)
I think it’s always a wise idea to have rules 💡
Especially since winter hellatus has begun and some of us may begin to get cranky!!
Thank you Alice!
It is sad that some people need to be told to be civil in public and to mind their manners, but I think it is because parents are no longer ‘parents’ but are more like ‘friends’. Meaning that instead of discipline they offer a ‘timeout’.
Anyway, Alice we cannot let a few ill mannered ‘ijits’, ruin our fun. 😀
*would* also like to comment. oops. 🙂
Thanks Alice.
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. 😉
I just wanted to say that I love this site and everyone here who put so much work into making this site happen, especially you, Alice. You have all made me feel welcome as a family would.
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.
I stopped watching the news and reading the newspapers because people stopped behaving in a civilized manner. And it’s a relief, seriously. I don’t need bad news. Your site, Alice, is a refuge. Thanks to you and everyone who keep it that way. I surely won’t stop coming here.
Lara
This is a peaceful place to come and enjoy the show. I tire of whiners and those who count brotherly screen time. I like it here! Cheers to the rules!!!! 🙂
Oh I love you for those rules. My main reason for staying away from many Fansites is that plain “I hate this, I hate that, Sam/Dean is bad/evil/stupid/selfish etc.” I hate it with every fibre of my guts! Obviously I love Supernatural, Talking about the brothers and speculating about upcoming episodes. Thank you for making this website like it is!