If intervention is necessary, measures will be taken. I ask that all users respect the tenets of this cork so as to minimise the necessity of such.

Note that SOI rules have always been adhered to since the inception of this cork, and are in addition to cork rules. My usual standards of objectivity and impartiality apply, and standards of proof rest on my interpretation as is accepted policy on all other corks and consistent within my remit as cork owner.

In all but the most extreme and serious of cases, anyone who attempts to circumvent the rules of the cork by bypassing my authority and fails to notify me of their discontent and allow me to address the matter first will incur an automatic ban. In the hopefully unlikely event of a matter of such seriousness arising, I would ask that I be contacted regarding the situation as well.

Rules will be under constant review and any changes will be notified on the zncork. Should an unforeseen incident or action occur, Like Whatever reserves the right to take whatever action they deem appropriate.

1. As always, civil debate, disagreement and diversity of topic are welcome and encouraged.

2.Verbal abuse will not be tolerated and will incur deletion. Persistent offenders will be blocked from the room. Note that it is against SOI rules to attempt to circumvent a ban by adopting another handle or by changing IP’s.

3. Harassment will not be tolerated. Note that my definition of harassment may not coincide with site admin’s.

4. Unrecognised and/or unregistered handles adopted solely for the purpose of flaming others will incur both deletion and ban. Similarly, handles used only to snipe and stir trouble will be dealt with in the same manner.

5. I would ask that anyone considering deleting a top level thread be aware that they are censoring others’ valid opinions and disrespecting the ethos of this cork. Please use your discretion when deleting a post and do not implement it as a method of control. Repeat offenders will be warned.

6. Persistent insinuation or accusation against another individual must be satisfactorily and willingly proven or remain unspoken. Failure to do this will be deemed on a par with slander, and thus harassment.

7. Unpalatable truths are not deemed abusive statements (see below)

Examples of abuse include:

“you fucking whore”

Examples of acceptable argument/hyperbole include:

“This is a hypocritical, bigoted statement for reasons x and y..”

“I am fucking sick of my job.”

Ambiguous statements will be evaluated on my personal judgement as they arise. I would ask that you reflect on Rule 6 before thinking of indulging in, for example, statements such as “you are a fucking bigoted idiot” if you cannot provide a clear example of such behaviour. Saying “everybody agrees with me” is not good enough!

Points to address:

I would ask that we all use our common sense in interpretation of these rules, and refrain from trying to pick loopholes in what I hope are clear statements of intent.

Anonymous handles adopted for issues of sensitivity and privacy are respected. As are new, non-registered handles who establish themselves in a positive light. I’m sure we can all agree that establishing a new presence through attack/abuse is not an indicator of good intent.

In summary, this looks like a lot of rules. It is a big step away from how I thought the cork would develop. We all have a part to play in this and unfortunately this is partly what has necessitated such action and I would ask that we all adopt a more positive role to play in future.

It is not my intent to treat you like children and censor to the point of banality. I am confident that these rules will have minimal impact on the most of you.

As ever, thank you