Guidelines For Participation in the
Society of Vineyard Scholars Discussion Forum
To the end of promoting dialogue informed by our guiding principles of
mutually-informed responsibility and freedom within this discussion forum, the following practical rules and guidelines will direct the culture of discussion.
Code of ConductParticipate. This is a shared learning environment and for the maximum benefit to all, everyone is encouraged to participate.
Be Patient. Read everything in the discussion before replying. This will help you avoid repeating something someone else has already contributed. Acknowledge the points made with which you agree and suggest alternatives for those with which you don’t.
Explain, Don’t Just Assert. Make sure that when you make a claim, you defend it. Conversations, especially online conversations, go better when participants clearly and generously explain their position. Say both
what you think and
why you think it.
Cite Your Sources. If your contribution to the conversation includes the intellectual property (authored material) of others, e.g., books, newspaper, magazine, or journal articles, online or in print, they must be given proper attribution.
Respect Diversity. It’s an ethnically rich and diverse, multi-cultural world in which we live. Use no language that is or that could be construed to be offensive toward others. Racist, sexist, and heterosexist comments and jokes are unacceptable, as are derogatory and/or sarcastic comments and jokes directed at religious beliefs, disabilities, and age. Any such comments will be immediately deleted and the person who made them will be sanctioned or banned.
Be Polite, Please! Criticism must be constructive, well-meaning, and well-articulated. Please, no tantrums, rants, or
ALL CAPS YELLING! Any such comments directed at any other contributor are simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The same goes for profanity (except in situations of legitimate
academic merit). Remember, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Let’s hew to these qualities.
Avoid “Me, Too, I Agree!” The me-too post is a frustration in the online environment and does not add any depth to the discussion or learning. In a study by Stodel, Thompson, and MacDonald (2006), “Learners got frustrated with the constant agreements and comments such as ‘Good point’ and ‘I agree’; feeling it made the conversation overly positive and fake.” Therefore be sure to post substantive ideas and avoid the "I agree" posts which just clutter up a discussion board. If you want to express some wordless appreciation for another's post, use the "Like" button.
The Role and Responsibility of ModeratorsModerators Rule. This forum is a highly benevolent dictatorship, run by the moderators. These are trusted people who have a singular commitment to ensure that conversation on this forum conforms to the guidelines stated here. Be nice to them. They have a hard job. They are not censors. They are more like pastors. Love them. And they will love you.
