Introducing a new Story Games rule!
(added to the "Rules and Purpose of Story Games" sticky.
Introduced to us by Giulia B, this rule is used on GenteCheGioca, aka “Story Games: Italy”. We think this rule has the potential to really improve some difficult or sensitive subjects, while at the same time nearly impossible to abuse. So we are applying it here at Story Games.
Here’s the rule: It is called “SLOW DOWN”.
===== RULE BEGINS =====
SLOW DOWN
Intention: When discussions get heated, sometimes people talk past each other and stop listening. Or people “gain ground” or “win” the discussion simply because they have far more free time to post, and post to the point that other voices are drowned out. Traditionally, we have Sunk or Closed these threads when they got out of hand, but we’re going to try a new method out. It is a tool to foster listening, thinking and empathy before replying to hot issues.
Implementation:
* The discussion’s creator and the admin team can turn Slow Down on, or turn it off.
* If the discussion’s creator (or admin) believes that the discussion is getting heated and people aren’t listening (or are posting too quickly without reflecting, etc), they can start Slow Down by creating a post in the thread which simply says something to the extent of:
“Hey everyone, I’m turning on Slow Down. Please abide by the rules for Slow Down”.
(and add a link to the Slow Down rules to this post)
* This can be used at the start of a thread, if you think the discussion is likely to be contentious. However, do not overuse this feature.
* The discussion creator or admin edits the first post in the thread: They change the Thread Title, adding the words “[SLOW DOWN]” at the beginning of the discussion title.
Ex:
“I had a weird experience at a convention” ---> “[SLOW DOWN] I had a weird experience at a convention”
* If Slow Down was started by an admin, then an admin can stop Slow Down.
* If Slow Down was started by the thread/discussion creator, then only they (or an admin under unusual circumstances) can stop Slow Down.
* To turn off/stop Slow Down, the creator or admin simply creates a post to the extent of:
“Hey everyone, I’m turning off Slow Down”
* Then, she can edit the thread title, removing the words “[SLOW DOWN]” from the beginning.
Slow Down Rules:
* During a period of Slow Down, from the point of the “I am implementing Slow Down” post” onwards, each participant only gets to post **one single public reply in the discussion per 24-hour day**. If you’re wondering the start point of that “day”, use your own time zone. If there is contention on this point, then the “day” will begin 24:00 GMT/UTC.
* There are no exceptions. If the admin or discussion creator revokes the Slow Down status but requests that the posters follow additional rules or guidelines throughout the thread, follow them.
* For further communication with thread participants during a Slow Down period, we highly encourage people continue communication or take their discussion to other channels like private whispers, email, G+, etc.
Caveats:
* If the admin believe that the discussion creator is implementing SLOW DOWN in a way not representative of its intentions (Ex: To “win” an argument; and not to foster better communication) we’ll whisper or email them our thoughts in a private warning.
* Don’t re-edit your post to respond to things that people say after your post; simply reply the next day if you felt like you had more to say.
* Do not harass the discussion creator regarding their decision to implement Slow Down. If you suspect misuse, contact an admin.
* If an admin and the thread creator differ in opinion as to when Slow Down should be started or stopped, the admins will discuss this with the thread creator in private.
* We will also address overuse of the tool: If one person uses it to a degree we find too frequent, we’ll address that in private. Frivolous overuse can lead to private warnings, up to removing your privilege to institute this rule.
* If you have questions or concerns about the use of Slow Down in a thread, whisper or contact an admin.
===== RULE ENDS =====
Note: In the forum software we use, “Threads” are called “Discussions”, which is why we alternate between talking about the original “thread creator” and “discussion creator” (same thing).
Hopefully we won’t need to use this for some time. If you feel the need to try it out, PLEASE DON’T*. That’s not the point.
-Andy
* Don't be that guy who immediately creates the most contentious thread possible with the sole purpose of wanting to test drive this rule.
