Originally posted by NovusOrdoMundi
But a nice start would be to clarify what is and is not allowed on ATS, namely, comments and opinions that, to some, hold no class or respect.
While that might seem like a good idea in theory, I've rarely seen such attempts work well in practice.
We'd all like a determinable, specific, exampled set of guidelines for what is 'acceptable', or even encouraged, but such rules are always, in practice, inexact and/or inaccurate.
It's like blob of mercury -- try and squish it down and it just slides to the side or in some unpredicted direction.
As much as specific rules give a definite sense of certainty to those who would stay inside them, following the ideals that inspired them, they also allow those who would skirt the rules a 'safe margin' to be legal by the letter, but violate the principles of civility, decorum, and honest discussion.
I can't speak for the staff, but I feel that is perhaps why T&C's are currently worded to allow such indefinite leeway of moderation.
1. We, as members, need to address the topic of the thread, not each other. It's really VERY simple. You can debate someone for DAYS without ever
calling them an "Obamite" or accusing them of working for the government or saying that they are despicable for having such disrespectful
opinions... ALL DAY. 
