“Pool Rules” appearing on discussion boards are nothing new, but I have recently been seeing more and more websites (particularly newspapers) including a set of them right avove or below the comment box. I think it is a great idea. Certainly they just “keep honest people honest” and wouldn’t prevent a troll from speaking their mind innapropriately. Yet, if we don’t express our expectations for each other, why would we ever believe that strangers would recognize them or meet them?
Here’s a great example I came across today:
Pool Rules
- Keep it clean.
- Stay on topic.
- Be honest and accurate.
- No personal attacks. Don’t bash anyone based on their race, creed, heritage, or orientation.
- Don’t say anything here you wouldn’t say in front of your mother at the dinner table.
- Use the ‘Report Abuse’ button when you spot a rule violation. (Don’t report comments just because you disagree.)