No, this isn't a place to discuss recent, but unfortunate events. No, this isn't an attack on the great staff we are lucky to have. These are four rules I've created for myself, over my time as a moderator(s) and even once as an Admin of various sites. And I feel I should share them.

1. Be respectful. Always. Even when emotions run high, don't attack. It's not worth it, and it doesn't help anybody. Give the staff your respect, and if they are worth their salt, they'll return it.

2. Be accountable. When you make a mistake, break a rule, or insult somebody, own up to it. If your pride is so big you can't do that, you have other issues. Coming clean the first time, every time is the right thing to do and it saves everybody's time.

3. Be forthcoming. Don't let an issue sit and boil with another member until it explodes. If you have a problem, talk to a staff member about it. The longer you let it sit, the bigger the explosion will be. Somebody will be hurt, somebody may leave, and nobody wants that. Don't let it happen.

4. Be honest. You can lie and hide, but the truth comes out over time. And it's never pretty. When asked by staff anything(except obviously, that which is personal or degrading(common sense!).), be honest. Saves time and it's respectful.

I've learned these over...oh, several years now. Good rules to live by, and good rules for online. I just felt like I needed to share them, as a small reminder given the current mood.

Again, this isn't to discuss recent events and this isn't an attack against the staff. This is just me, feeling like the site could use this reminder.