Some general guidelines toward 'Civil Discourse'

The goal of these guidelines is to provide a common set of expectations that can be consistent across all posters at What's News??. 

By adopting these guidelines, all posters will have a clear idea about what behavior is expected of them and, concurrently, what behavior they can expect from others.

Recognize a person’s right to advocate ideas that are different from your own

Discuss policies, politics, issues  and ideas, not people

Disagree without being disagreeable

Use civil and helpful, not hurtful language

Respectfully respond to differing points of view

When unsure of what another poster means by what they have written, ask for clarification

Realize that what you write and what people understand you have said may be different. Be patient and explain yourself again if other posters misinterpret your meaning

Recognize that sometimes people can and must agree to disagree

If you are not sure what you are about to say is civil, find another way to say it or let it go

Reliance on labels for groups of people is often the first step toward the netative. Whenever possible, avoid them. They rarely add to the quality of any discussion