Board Thread:Consensus Track/@comment-1251315-20151018142559

Hi there

As mentioned in the weekly update, this thread is to discuss the current issues with chat policy.

Please note that this is not a dig at the chat mods, who do a good job. The problem is that the vast majority of the chat policy either lists things that are no longer valid and even continues to give the impression that you cannot question a chat moderator. Just because a chat mod does something does not immediately mean you cannot question or enquire into the decision. Chat mods are humans, like all of us, and they can make mistakes: the current wording of most of the policy gives the illusion that chat mods are always right (therefore, don't question them) and also gives the illusion that the chat is extremely authoritarian.

Please note that most of the time, the chat is not like this. However, because users are asked to read the chat guidelines when they join, this gives the very wrong impression about how chat actually is and people may be less inclined to join as a result.

I propose that we do some cleanup of the document, rewriting the policies and making them sound less harsh or making it sound like most of the violations will result in instant bans. There are some things that really don't need to be listed, because they're obviously things you don't do (which should be rewritten into a "use common sense. don't post NSFW material without moderator permission" etc).

Discuss below. Please do NOT vote!

- Sajuuk 