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Thread: Veganism with Jo Stepaniak

  1. #1
    Ex-admin Korn's Avatar
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    Default Veganism with Jo Stepaniak

    Veganism with Jo Stepaniak




    Here are their guidlelines. I like how they have made a 'short version' of their guidelines; we'll do something similar here too. Our short version would probably be very similar to the their short version...it's not copyrighted....hmm.....

    Discussion Board Policies

    As far as etiquette goes, there are general VegSource Policies, but because this board is specifically about compassionate vegan living, there are a few additional standards that apply.

    Here's the short version:

    1) Respect each other.

    If we cannot respect other vegans, then it is fairly hopeless that we will respect nonvegans and nonhuman animals.

    2) Stay on topic.

    This board is about compassionate vegan living, and its purpose is to provide support, encouragement, and information for people who are interested in, transitioning to, or practicing a vegan lifestyle.

    3) Express your opinions without putting down those who disagree with you.

    Stimulating and thought-provoking conversation is encouraged, but not when it is at the expense or dignity of anyone else.

    4) Maintain the compassionate tone and positive spirit of the board.

    Offer others the same consideration, understanding, tolerance, and kindness you would like to receive. Anyone who would like to post on this board and is willing to honor the standards of our on-line vegan community is invited to join us and will always be welcome with open arms.

    How To Communicate Respectfully

    This forum is a great place to practice how to be diplomatic, tolerant, sympathetic, and kind. Because it is the written word and we can take our time with it and change it, we don't need to stamp out a retort the moment we read something upsetting. We can be patient, think it through, and step away from it knowing it will still be here when we return. If a subject upsets you terribly, try to be aware of this and know that it may be best if you don't respond at all. Just let it go. Try not to be so attached to your opinion or subjects that rile you.

    Acknowledge that there is a real live person at the other end of a post -- someone who can be hurt as easily as you, someone who is as passionate about her or his choices as you, and someone who brings a complex history of experiences to the board that may be totally unlike your own. We can't make decisions for others or know what is right for them because we haven't been in their shoes, aren't living their lives, and may not know the full story behind their choices or what they are saying.

    Be aware of being judgmental. Notice when you are being biased and looking down on someone. Realize that the more we endorse or ignore arrogance the more likely it is someone is going to treat us the very same way.

    Think before you speak. Think about how you are going to appear to others and whether your words will hurt or help. Think about the purpose of your post -- are you just trying to get the last word in, act superior, belittle somebody, or do you have something genuinely worthwhile and supportive to say.

    Listen to what somebody is saying. Try to hear it from their point of view. You may not approve of what they say or what they are doing, but know that their beliefs and preferences are real and valid to them, just as yours are to you. None of us "knows it all" -- even though we might think or act like we do.

    As the saying goes: "If you can't say something kind don't say anything at all." Use this as your barometer. If your post is unkind, don't submit it.

    Don't respond to people who are being rude. Some newcomers stop by with an agenda of their own. They want to spout their own rhetoric and do so with an aggressive rage. DON'T RESPOND TO THEM. You will only start a war. Let me know and I'll take it from there.

    Avoid posts that state or imply "I am right; therefore, you are wrong." We all think we're right, for goodness sakes. Maybe we are, and maybe we're not.

    Don't gang up on someone. This is not a contest to see how many posters oppose or object to another's perspective.

    Allow people to disagree with you. Try to learn from what they have to say instead of dismissing it automatically.

    Let people keep their dignity. Don't try to tear people apart just because you don't like their post, their choices, or how they live.

    We have an opportunity to practice our communication skills here so we can be kinder people -- to other vegans and to nonvegans -- on or off the board. It's a rare chance. If you want to know how you might have been able to say something in a more respectful manner, just ask. There are many great people here -- tactful and talented communicators -- who are willing to help out in this way.

  2. #2
    antony abrennan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Veganism with Jo Stepaniak

    "Don't respond to people who are being rude. Some newcomers stop by with an agenda of their own. They want to spout their own rhetoric and do so with an aggressive rage. DON'T RESPOND TO THEM. You will only start a war. Let me know and I'll take it from there."

    That's a good one Lord Voldemorte, I mean cute furry seal.

    I was looking here:

    http://www.veganforum.com/forums/faq.php

    and the big single block of text makes not very easy to read, perhaps some people don't read it. The Vegsource text is set out well and easy to read. That kind of things affect how well text is absorbed by the reader.

    Antony Shakespeare

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    Ex-admin Korn's Avatar
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    Default Re: Veganism with Jo Stepaniak

    I was looking here:

    http://www.veganforum.com/forums/faq.php

    and the big single block of text makes not very easy to read, perhaps some people don't read it. The Vegsource text is set out well and easy to read. That kind of things affect how well text is absorbed by the reader.
    You are right. Their text is well written and easier to read. (The version people see when they register is easier to read than the one in the FAQ, due to different coding (line breaks etc)).

    We'll improve the look of the FAQ, and try to make it shorter as well.

    Most people may have not read these rules, but still never break them (all they say are basically 'Be Nice, Be Vegan - and no spam please!'), but we'll try to make them better, shorter and easier to read. Thanks.

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