MODERATORS' STATEMENT
Joint message from both Moderators:
The Tour is coming up, and that seems a good time to lay down some reminders of what is expected here so that everyone can enjoy the forum as part of their way of following it. The large majority of users cause no problem, and even those whose enthusiasm sometimes gets the better of them only rarely cause issues: that is why this is a good forum and why we come here. Informed, animated and responsible chat about cycling is not easy to find on the internet: this place should deliver that.
But that can be spoiled, and we do not want that to happen during the biggest event of the year. A repeat of the state of a couple of threads on the last weekend of the Dauphiné will not be tolerated.
In essence, just remember that no-one reads this forum to know the opinions of members about each other: there is simply no need to say anything judgemental, demeaning or insulting to or about anyone else here. We can and will have different opinions, long may it remain so, but points can be debated, evidenced, challenged or queried without breaking the key rule here:
Civility is compulsory.
Equally, trolling will not be allowed. Our working definition is "
Deliberately attempting to agitate other users." It is not about whether the person it is directed at is being thin skinned: it is our interpretation as moderators of the intent of the poster. In that light, crass insults about a rider, which must be assumed to be done in the knowledge that it may agitate his supporters, will be considered trolling. If you believe another member is trolling, please do not engage: report the behaviour.
We are sure that nobody wants to find themselves on a ban from the forum during the Tour (or at any other time): we do not want to have to issue warnings that may or may not (depending on your warnings history and the level of the offence) trigger a ban. But if maintaining civil conversation here requires that, it will happen. Those who have had previous warnings can expect longer suspensions for repeated breaking of these rules: this has been in the instructions for moderators for a long time, but not always applied. If you haven't looked at them recently, it might be an idea to remind yourselves of
the forum rules.
Some of us will be delighted at results in the Tour, others will be disappointed. Share your feelings, but without gloating or victimising others: assume we are all fans of the sport, with something valuable that unites us, above and beyond any partisanship.
And whether or not the race goes the way you might wish, we hope that following it here will be enjoyable.
futureplc.com
. Thanks for the support.
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