**** Elizabeth Warren Group****

[Autumn]

We have had a lot of news on Liz recently. We have also had to block a few members from the group and that is not a pleasant thing to do and it's not something that we want to do.

I think that the members of our group should have input on setting up some rules as we go forward. Here are a few that we have come up with.

This is our group for supporters to discuss all news about Liz and we prefer zero tolerance for personal insults, or obvious flamebaiting, or trolling of the group or it's members should not be tolerated.

Questions about Liz and her life and policies are fine, that is what we are here to discuss. There will be members that disagree with her policies and articles that are written about her and those will make interesting and lively discussions . We will not all agree but we should make sure that when we do disagree it is polite disagreement. Don't attack and harass the other members who post in here.

First offense, we will block the member for 30 days - after that, the offender can return if they ask.

Second offense, would be a permanent block

Any input from our members as to how we want to go forward with our group is more than welcome.

[djean111]

1. I am tired of folks who come in here and think that they are the school-marm or whatever,

with their directives on letting poor poor Elizabeth Warren alone. That "delusional" thing would get booted right out of the BOG or HRC groups. It is not discussion, it is (delusionally) believing that one or two posters can tell other posters what to do.
Out in GD, fine. But, IMO, that stuff is really just trolling.

[Autumn]

2. Yes it is trolling. They were asked not to do that but they continued

so they were blocked from the group.

[jehop61]

3. I'm a huge supporter of Sen Warren

and think she has wonderful ideas. But who in your group determines what is lively discussion and what is harassment? To lay down such stringent rules appears somewhat anti free speech. It is a very narrow line.

[djean111]

4. Not stringent at all.

We discuss Senator Warren. That is what this group is about.
Telling us that we are delusional, repeatedly, is in no way "discussion".
Oh, and here is the "free speech" narrow line - you only get to exercise free speech if it is your own web site.

To make it easier to understand, pretend DU General Discussion is a street. You are welcome to stand out there and ridicule, belittle, hector, whatever. Even then, you are supposed to support Democratic candidates at election time.
But you cannot go into someone's home - the BOG, HRC, and now, hopefully, the Warren group, and belittle and hector, etc.

In actual reality - if Skinner owns this website, then he can decide what constitutes free speech.
Some folks think they can actually come into this group and pretty much tell us to disband it - and even think they can tell outside groups to disband. Um, nope. Plus, once, and being told to cut it out - fine. To continually troll with the same silly stuff is harassment.

Take the "delusional" stuff to GD. In my opinion. And try to tell the HRC and BOG people they are delusional to think their fave politician is liberal. See how long you last.

[Autumn]

5. The hosts decide. Have you read the community standards for DU?

Do you think that those CS rules are stringent and anti free speech? This is a protected group for supporters of Elizabeth Warren. The hosts and members decide what they will tolorate.

Our Community Standards

It is the responsibility of all DU members to participate on our discussion forums in a manner that promotes a positive atmosphere and encourages good discussions among a diverse community of people holding a broad range of center-to-left viewpoints. Members should refrain from posting messages on DU that are disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate. These broad community standards of behavior are maintained through the combined efforts of members posting and serving on citizen juries, using their own best judgment to decide what behavior is appropriate and what is not.

Members who cannot hold themselves to a high standard risk having their posts hidden by a jury of their peers, and being blocked out of discussion threads they disrupt. Those who exhibit a pattern of willful disregard for the Community Standards risk being in violation of our Terms of Service, and could have their posting privileges revoked.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=aboutus#communitystandards

[L0oniX]

6. I'm ok with some minimal rules as long as it doesn't turn us into another BOG.

[Autumn]

7. We want to avoid that. Criticism of any politician, within reason is fine

and most is easily refuted. Attacking the members and trolling the group is an entirely different matter.

[CTyankee]

8. Thank you. I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would attack or harass

other DUers over Elizabeth Warren. She is one of the most dignified political figures
out there. I wish more DUers had read her recent book, A Fighting Chance. It should be required reading in this group!

The formation of this Group makes me very, very happy. I feel like we are making history!

[L0oniX]

9. Those with the Hillary corporatist 3rd way desires have been on the attack.

[RiverLover]

10. Very reasonable guidelines, Autumn.

Here's a Yes vote. Thanks!!

[Autumn]

11. Anything you would like to add?

[RiverLover]

12. Not really, I like the guidelines, very fair.

I can see what you mean about wanting to not be like the BOG. When I went there & clicked on "About this group" & scrolled down to blocked members, & kept scrolling & scrolling & scrolling....

Wow, over 100 posters blocked. But at least it truly is a safe haven for the group, gotta give them that.