Is God Imaginary?

Forum => About This Forum => Rule Updates => Topic started by: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 06:17:11 AM

Title: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 06:17:11 AM
Hi all, during the last month or so there have been several instances where one member says that another member is lying.

After some debate amongst the moderators and staff of this forum we have decided that the statement "You are lying." (and similar derivatives) is 100% equivalent with calling that member a liar and this means that saying that a member is lying breaks our rule #6 - No insults.

Rephrased:  do not describe another member as lying or you will be moderated for breaking our rule #6.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: catwixen on December 20, 2008, 06:20:00 AM
Soooo if they are lying? Tough luck?
What if they say...Obama is a girl, can we call them a liar then?
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 06:25:32 AM
You are not allowed to call someone a liar even if they are lying.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: rakhel on December 20, 2008, 06:28:38 AM
interesting to see how this will play out....... ||think||


You just have to make it that much harder, don't you? ||hammertime||
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 20, 2008, 06:29:49 AM
I don't feel right about this. When a member lies, especially about what another member has said, and you can prove that they've lied, this rule lets them off scott free. Why, what's to keep some members from lying their ass off about what you've previously said? When somebody claims you've said something that you've not said, calling them a liar lets them and any other readers of the thread know that you're watching what's being said about you.

An example:

Member A:  I don't think rapists should get off scott free.

Member B: Member A wants rapists to get the death penalty and i don't see how he can say that.

Member A: Well, i'd call you a liar, since i didn't say that, but it's against the rules. I guess i'll just reply that Member B IS a rapist. After all, i can't be called out on lying, because it's against the rules.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: catwixen on December 20, 2008, 06:32:06 AM
It's getting a bit to watered down and nice in here......
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 20, 2008, 06:33:19 AM
Quote from: catwixen on December 20, 2008, 06:32:06 AM
It's getting a bit to watered down and nice in here......

Catwixen eats poo.     ||razz||    (You can't say i'm lying, cat! Now do me!)
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 07:01:17 AM
Quote from: Vynn on December 20, 2008, 06:29:49 AM
I don't feel right about this. When a member lies, especially about what another member has said, and you can prove that they've lied, this rule lets them off scott free. Why, what's to keep some members from lying their ass off about what you've previously said? When somebody claims you've said something that you've not said, calling them a liar lets them and any other readers of the thread know that you're watching what's being said about you.

An example:

Member A:  I don't think rapists should get off scott free.

Member B: Member A wants rapists to get the death penalty and i don't see how he can say that.

Member A: Well, i'd call you a liar, since i didn't say that, but it's against the rules. I guess i'll just reply that Member B IS a rapist. After all, i can't be called out on lying, because it's against the rules.

Where is member B's intent to deceive?  Why can't you just describe member B as being in error (i.e wrong) or, as I have done once or twice, describe member B as having the comprehension skill of a jellyfish?
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: rakhel on December 20, 2008, 07:03:23 AM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 07:01:17 AM


Where is member B's intent to deceive?  Why can't you just describe member B as being in error (i.e wrong) or, as I have done once or twice, describe member B as having the comprehension skill of a jellyfish?

so insulting someone in a subtle way is ok
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 07:04:28 AM
Quote from: catwixen on December 20, 2008, 06:32:06 AM
It's getting a bit to watered down and nice in here......

We (the staff) are not adopting this position in an attempt to further enforce our notions of good forum behaviour on our members - we are doing it because it is the correct interpretation of our rules.  If we want to be allowed to describe someone as lying then we need to change rule #6.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 07:05:44 AM
Quote from: I_am_a_foreigner_here on December 20, 2008, 07:03:23 AM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 07:01:17 AM


Where is member B's intent to deceive?  Why can't you just describe member B as being in error (i.e wrong) or, as I have done once or twice, describe member B as having the comprehension skill of a jellyfish?

so insulting someone in a subtle way is ok

Of course it is.

6.  No Insults.  Do not personally insult other members.  Posting "Your comment is dumb/stupid/idiotic/etc because [reason]" is allowed but posting "You are dumb/stupid/idiotic/etc" is not - regardless of the reason.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: rakhel on December 20, 2008, 07:07:24 AM
 ||think|| okay......
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Fit2BThaied on December 20, 2008, 07:09:11 AM
Okay, I will no longer tell them they are lying, or that they are a liar.
                Can we say:
"I am convinced that that is not true"
"What you have just stated is unbelievable and incredible, resembling something that an untruthful person might say."
"No, you are not telling the truth."
"Actually, the evidence shows you did not tell the truth."
"Your mother consumed bovine excrement, and that is how she made you."
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: catwixen on December 20, 2008, 07:11:29 AM
LOL ^

Change rule #6 Assy, strong/insulting debate makes for a more interesting forum.  ||tip hat||

Vynn fabricates fecal matter.....
Oh and he deceives on a regular basis.  ||shocked||
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 07:14:39 AM
Quote from: Fit2BThaied on December 20, 2008, 07:09:11 AM
"I am convinced that that is not true"
"What you have just stated is unbelievable and incredible, resembling something that an untruthful person might say."
"No, you are not telling the truth."
"Actually, the evidence shows you did not tell the truth."
"Your mother consumed bovine excrement, and that is how she made you."

I think all of those are okay but I'm not a moderator.  "In war truth is so precious that she must always be accompanied by a vanguard of lies."
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 07:15:13 AM
Cat, go f*ck yourself.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: catwixen on December 20, 2008, 07:30:38 AM
Hey I am simply the voice of dissent...don't shoot the protester.... ||rolleyes||
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 07:42:52 AM
Quote from: catwixen on December 20, 2008, 07:30:38 AM
Hey I am simply the voice of dissent...don't shoot the protester.... ||rolleyes||

||guns|| ||banana||

||Ben||
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: SkunkButt on December 20, 2008, 07:52:38 AM
Tell me lies
Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies.

Fleetwood Mac

Stevie Nicks was awesome and that is no lie.   ||razz||
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: catwixen on December 20, 2008, 07:59:00 AM
^ White witches are usually awesome.  ||tip hat||
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: CosmicScherzo on December 20, 2008, 08:18:23 AM
How about, "If a liar were currently busy lying about the thing you were talking about, they would say exactly what you just said, since your statement is identical to the lie of that lying liar."? 

Does that work?
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 10:14:25 AM
Quote from: CosmicScherzo on December 20, 2008, 08:18:23 AM
How about, "If a liar were currently busy lying about the thing you were talking about, they would say exactly what you just said, since your statement is identical to the lie of that lying liar."? 

Does that work?

I think that's okay too :)
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Happy Evolute on December 20, 2008, 12:25:06 PM
Quote from: Fit2BThaied on December 20, 2008, 07:09:11 AM
Can we say:


Quote"I am convinced that that is not true"

Yes.

Quote"What you have just stated is unbelievable and incredible, resembling something that an untruthful person might say."

Yes.

Quote"No, you are not telling the truth."

Yes.

Quote"Actually, the evidence shows you did not tell the truth."

Yes.

Quote
"Your mother consumed bovine excrement, and that is how she made you."

Could be considered insulting, if not obviously in jest.

Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Happy Evolute on December 20, 2008, 12:28:51 PM
Quote from: CosmicScherzo on December 20, 2008, 08:18:23 AM
How about, "If a liar were currently busy lying about the thing you were talking about, they would say exactly what you just said, since your statement is identical to the lie of that lying liar."? 

Does that work?

Yes, and +1.

See?  Having rules inspires creative thought!
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: hideousmonster on December 20, 2008, 03:09:35 PM
I like this rule. Mainly because I don't ever accuse anybody of lying, yet I get called a liar or told that I'm lying often, when I believe that I'm being as technically honest as I can.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: sky on December 20, 2008, 03:34:11 PM
I think the rule to not allow people to call each other "liars" is a good one. I don't automatically call people a liar. I would probably say something like.."that's not correct". Then I could prove them wrong for what they said.

Can we tell someone they are being "dishonest"?
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: hideousmonster on December 20, 2008, 03:47:22 PM
Quote from: sky on December 20, 2008, 03:34:11 PM
I think the rule to not allow people to call each other "liars" is a good one. I don't automatically call people a liar. I would probably say something like.."that's not correct". Then I could prove them wrong for what they said.

Can we tell someone they are being "dishonest"?

I find that just as insulting. "I disagree" is the closest thing to that that you'll get out of me. Occassionally, I'll reply to something with a, "then how do you explain this..." comment. That doesn't necessarily expose a lie, but in fact gives someone an opportunity to explain their own opinion of something which some may consider in conflict with a claim.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Cricket on December 20, 2008, 03:51:04 PM
Stupid rule.   ||hammerhead||
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: hideousmonster on December 20, 2008, 03:57:57 PM
I must clarify, though... when I say "I like this rule," what I mean is, I like the interpretation of a lie accusation as being an insult... I don't like the anti-insult rule. I think insults should all be allowed. Insults indicate insecurities and irrational thinking. While that may not be productive to a conversation, it at least makes it more clear from the beginning that the person to whom your talking is only interested in preaching their own beliefs, and belittling those who disagree with them.  To me, knowing that makes it easier to assess the value of a conversation early on. Will the conversation be insightful, annoying, or will I just have lots of fun pressing somebody's buttons by acting more civil than they, listening carefully to their insults, and continuing to disagree? The freedom to insult makes it much easier to predict what you will get out of the conversation.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Happy Evolute on December 20, 2008, 04:59:41 PM
Quote from: hideousmonster on December 20, 2008, 03:57:57 PM
I think insults should all be allowed.

Try this (https://www.theologyonline.com/index.php?page=active) forum.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Lillium on December 20, 2008, 05:23:58 PM
Quote from: Vynn on December 20, 2008, 06:33:19 AM
Quote from: catwixen on December 20, 2008, 06:32:06 AM
It's getting a bit to watered down and nice in here......

Catwixen eats poo.? ?? ||razz||? ? (You can't say i'm lying, cat! Now do me!)

The mendacity of your post quite appalls me.? And indeed, I do say that I am questioning the veracity of this statement.

||razz|| Bwa ha ha! Using big words to say that someone may or may not be lying is quite fun.?

Oh wait.... am I allowed to say that?

Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: hideousmonster on December 20, 2008, 05:35:27 PM
Quote from: Happy Evolute on December 20, 2008, 04:59:41 PM
Quote from: hideousmonster on December 20, 2008, 03:57:57 PM
I think insults should all be allowed.

Try this (https://www.theologyonline.com/index.php?page=active) forum.
I would, but that forum didn't send me a personal invitation.  Had this one not, I don't know what I would be doing with my time online.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 20, 2008, 07:05:52 PM
I like the "no insults" rule, but it produces rules like this which enter into a gray area.

Premise A: Some individuals lie on this forum. (This can be shown.)
Premise B: Some of the individuals that lie on this forum, will take another look at what they've said, if it's called a lie, versus something else.

Conclusion: To say that you can't call out a chronic lier for lying is to allow an enabling of this behavior.


I'm insulted when people use the word "indeed" please adjust the rules accordingly.  ||grin||
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 20, 2008, 07:07:00 PM
Quote from: hideousmonster on December 20, 2008, 05:35:27 PM
I would, but that forum didn't send me a personal invitation.  Had this one not, I don't know what I would be doing with my time online.

Manatee pron?
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Lillium on December 20, 2008, 07:13:47 PM
Quote from: Vynn on December 20, 2008, 07:05:52 PM
I'm insulted when people use the word "indeed" please adjust the rules accordingly.  ||grin||

Indeed.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: sky on December 20, 2008, 10:21:26 PM
Quote from: Vynn on December 20, 2008, 07:05:52 PM
I like the "no insults" rule, but it produces rules like this which enter into a gray area.
Conclusion: To say that you can't call out a chronic lier for lying is to allow an enabling of this behavior.
  ||grin||

And the gray area would be whether we should allow others to lie to us while laying down? Does that make them a chronic lier or liar" which is worse?

Indeed I don't want the liar laying down on the job.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 11:36:34 PM
Vynn, how can you tell when a member is lying to you?
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: JustMyron on December 21, 2008, 04:04:28 AM
I have never read a post on this forum where I was confident that someone was deliberately lying to gain an advantage in a debate, rather than just demonstrating a lack of basic reading skills that makes my head hurt to think about it. I generally see a correlation between apparent "lies" and people with a strong viewpoint which predisposes them to see what they want to see rather than what is there. So person B might think person A doesn't mind letting rapists go, because A is an atheist, and therefore a moral relativist who only cares about himself. So person B reads "I do not think rapists should be locked up" when what was said was "I do think rapists should be locked up". And then when he states that person A's position as what he thinks it is, rather than what it actually is, it looks like a lie, when it's just narrowmindedness and lack of careful reading.

For this reason, I think this:

Quote
Quote from: PersonAI do think rapists should be locked up

See this ^^^? Read that again, and tell me I'm pro-rapist. If you cannot read, or are unwilling to do so, then there is not a lot of point to us continuing this conversation. If you are interested in continuing, I trust in future you will not assume blatently offensive things about me that contradict what I said.

would be more effective than calling someone a liar anyway. Personally, I'd be calmer in tone than that, but that's just me. If you're worked up and want to make the person you're talking to feel like crap, it can be done more effectively by treating it as a mistake and an example of stupidity/illiteracy than by saying "that is a lie"/"you are a liar".
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 04:07:51 AM
Quote from: Vynn on December 20, 2008, 07:07:00 PM
Quote from: hideousmonster on December 20, 2008, 05:35:27 PM
I would, but that forum didn't send me a personal invitation.  Had this one not, I don't know what I would be doing with my time online.
Manatee pron?

A natural conclusion.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 04:09:25 AM
Quote from: JustMyron on December 21, 2008, 04:04:28 AM

Quote
Quote from: PersonAI do think rapists should be locked up

See this ^^^? Read that again, and tell me I'm pro-rapist. If you cannot read, or are unwilling to do so, then there is not a lot of point to us continuing this conversation. If you are interested in continuing, I trust in future you will not assume blatently offensive things about me that contradict what I said.

What if I think you mean rapists should be locked up and raped, because rape turns you on?

You didn't technically say that you're anti-rapist.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 04:22:59 AM
Quote from: Vynn on December 20, 2008, 07:05:52 PM
I like the "no insults" rule, but it produces rules like this which enter into a gray area.

Premise A: Some individuals lie on this forum. (This can be shown.)
Premise B: Some of the individuals that lie on this forum, will take another look at what they've said, if it's called a lie, versus something else.

Conclusion: To say that you can't call out a chronic lier for lying is to allow an enabling of this behavior.


I'm insulted when people use the word "indeed" please adjust the rules accordingly.  ||grin||

Premise A: A lie requires a delibrate attempt to mislead. You can not show a member's intent, and therefore you can not show that a member is lying.
Premise B: This premise is based on a rather archaic belief that negative reinforcement works better than positive reinforcement. Some people use the same logic to justify child abuse, which only turns their children against them even more.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: JustMyron on December 21, 2008, 04:51:42 AM
Quote from: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 04:09:25 AM
What if I think you mean rapists should be locked up and raped, because rape turns you on?

You didn't technically say that you're anti-rapist.

Then I would say you're jumping to rather unlikely conclusions, and clarify that I am in fact anti-rapist. But if what I said didn't contradict what you said I said, then how would it even be possible for me to call you a liar? And if there was a genuine misunderstanding and I took that sort of a negative tone with you, implying you couldn't read and whatnot, then I'd have to apologize for that, even if it irked me to apologize to someone who thought I was pro-rapist. That's why I would take a calmer tone.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 21, 2008, 08:09:32 AM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 11:36:34 PM
Vynn, how can you tell when a member is lying to you?


It's not always cut and dried, but sometimes it is. For instance, if i went to another thread, and posted that i knew nothing of this "no lying rule" that'd not only be asinine, but a lie. I think if i did this i would deserve being called out on this lie. Note that i'm not saying that i should be punished, but that somebody should have the right to call me a liar for lying. I want to be held accountable and i want others held accountable. If i post some lying bulls**t, i would hope that somebody here who cares about me would do me the honor of calling me out on it.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 21, 2008, 08:15:05 AM
Quote from: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 04:22:59 AM
Premise A: A lie requires a delibrate attempt to mislead. You can not show a member's intent, and therefore you can not show that a member is lying.

It depends on who you talk to. Yes, i've heard this definition before, but i think if a blatant falsehood is stated, it can be labeled a "lie". (For example, if i said that member hideous monster had not posted on this thread, that's a lie, because it's so patently obvious that you have.)


Quote from: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 04:22:59 AMPremise B: This premise is based on a rather archaic belief that negative reinforcement works better than positive reinforcement.

No. It's saying that negative reinforcement sometimes call attention to the issue. It's not saying that it's the only way to do things, or that another method can't be used simultaneously. I'm not claiming that this is THE ONLY method to use, i'm saying it's a handy method to have available. I like having the freedom to use any tool in my toolbox, not just the ones Mrs. Robinson allows me to bring into her house.


Quote from: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 04:22:59 AMSome people use the same logic to justify child abuse, which only turns their children against them even more.

You should have compared it to something Hitler did. I find that gets a much bigger emotional response than the "this-is-used-to-justify-child-abuse" argument. I'm not sure why.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 21, 2008, 01:21:22 PM
Quote from: Vynn on December 21, 2008, 08:09:32 AM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 11:36:34 PM
Vynn, how can you tell when a member is lying to you?


It's not always cut and dried, but sometimes it is. For instance, if i went to another thread, and posted that i knew nothing of this "no lying rule" that'd not only be asinine, but a lie. I think if i did this i would deserve being called out on this lie. Note that i'm not saying that i should be punished, but that somebody should have the right to call me a liar for lying. I want to be held accountable and i want others held accountable. If i post some lying bulls**t, i would hope that somebody here who cares about me would do me the honor of calling me out on it.

It's possible that you had forgotten about reading this thread when you post in some other thread that you knew nothing of this "no lying rule."

If you had actually forgotten about this thread when telling the forum that you didn't know about this "no lying rule" would you prefer to be queried about your inconsistency or would you prefer to be called a liar?
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 02:05:38 PM
Quote from: JustMyron on December 21, 2008, 04:51:42 AM
Quote from: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 04:09:25 AM
What if I think you mean rapists should be locked up and raped, because rape turns you on?

You didn't technically say that you're anti-rapist.

Then I would say you're jumping to rather unlikely conclusions, and clarify that I am in fact anti-rapist. But if what I said didn't contradict what you said I said, then how would it even be possible for me to call you a liar? And if there was a genuine misunderstanding and I took that sort of a negative tone with you, implying you couldn't read and whatnot, then I'd have to apologize for that, even if it irked me to apologize to someone who thought I was pro-rapist. That's why I would take a calmer tone.

Well, I'm just saying that a person can make a statement that only appears to contradict the evidence, and yet still not technically be lying, because he or she interpretted the evidence differently.  So, there's still a possibility that the apparent lie is not a lie.  So, why not give the poster the benefit of the doubt, rather than throwing insults?
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 02:12:09 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 21, 2008, 01:21:22 PM
It's possible that you had forgotten about reading this thread when you post in some other thread that you knew nothing of this "no lying rule."

If you had actually forgotten about this thread when telling the forum that you didn't know about this "no lying rule" would you prefer to be queried about your inconsistency or would you prefer to be called a liar?

Thank you!  If you had not written this reply, I would have made the same point.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 21, 2008, 02:18:48 PM
I see no +1...
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 02:29:31 PM
Quote from: Vynn on December 21, 2008, 08:15:05 AM
Quote from: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 04:22:59 AM
Premise A: A lie requires a delibrate attempt to mislead. You can not show a member's intent, and therefore you can not show that a member is lying.

It depends on who you talk to. Yes, i've heard this definition before, but i think if a blatant falsehood is stated, it can be labeled a "lie". (For example, if i said that member hideous monster had not posted on this thread, that's a lie, because it's so patently obvious that you have.)
Perhaps you didn't bother reading the names of the posters, or you somehow think that somebody else is logging on under my name, and posing as me. In either case, the statement could theoretically be an honest mistake on your part.  

Quote
Quote from: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 04:22:59 AMPremise B: This premise is based on a rather archaic belief that negative reinforcement works better than positive reinforcement.

No. It's saying that negative reinforcement sometimes call attention to the issue. It's not saying that it's the only way to do things, or that another method can't be used simultaneously. I'm not claiming that this is THE ONLY method to use, i'm saying it's a handy method to have available. I like having the freedom to use any tool in my toolbox, not just the ones Mrs. Robinson allows me to bring into her house.
But if the tool in the toolbox is banned, say because it's considered an insult, then you only have that freedom in a publically owned place. But regardless of freedom, it doesn't mean you have to use those tools. If there are methods of calling attention that are not insulting, then why not use those? Does that not make for a more polite, friendly, and considerate exchange of ideas? Discussions that involve harsh words or attacks on character are no more productive than those that involve zero, but they have the disadvantage of deteriorating the mutual respect among those involved.

Quote
Quote from: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 04:22:59 AMSome people use the same logic to justify child abuse, which only turns their children against them even more.
You should have compared it to something Hitler did. I find that gets a much bigger emotional response than the "this-is-used-to-justify-child-abuse" argument. I'm not sure why.
No, the Hitler analogy has been done to death. That card's been played so much that people can see through it too easily.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 02:31:03 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 21, 2008, 02:18:48 PM
I see no +1...

Oh right... +1...

Sorry, I don't place a lot of value in karma, so it doesn't spring readily to mind when it normally would for others.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Dragnet on December 21, 2008, 06:50:30 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 21, 2008, 01:21:22 PM
It's possible that you had forgotten about reading this thread when you post in some other thread that you knew nothing of this "no lying rule."

If you had actually forgotten about this thread when telling the forum that you didn't know about this "no lying rule" would you prefer to be queried about your inconsistency or would you prefer to be called a liar?

I do not recall any rules listed against telling lies.
Maybe I am missing something.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 21, 2008, 07:43:52 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 21, 2008, 01:21:22 PM
It's possible that you had forgotten about reading this thread when you post in some other thread that you knew nothing of this "no lying rule."

If you had actually forgotten about this thread when telling the forum that you didn't know about this "no lying rule" would you prefer to be queried about your inconsistency or would you prefer to be called a liar?

Well, suppose you queried me, i insisted that despite my many posts in this thread, i knew nothing of this rule. You then link me to this thread, and point out my many posts in it. What then? I think at that point you should be able to call me a liar.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 21, 2008, 07:46:36 PM
Quote from: hideousmonster on December 21, 2008, 02:29:31 PM
No, the Hitler analogy has been done to death. That card's been played so much that people can see through it too easily.

I agree. In fact, i think that comparing someone's logic to that used to justify child abuse should do nicely in the stead of saying that they are lying.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 21, 2008, 08:12:02 PM
Quote from: Dragnet on December 21, 2008, 06:50:30 PM
I do not recall any rules listed against telling lies.
Maybe I am missing something.


Yes. Saying that another member has "lied" is now equivalent with calling them a "liar". Calling someone a liar is now equivalent with an insult. There's a rule against insulting other members.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Dragnet on December 21, 2008, 09:42:32 PM
Quote from: Vynn on December 21, 2008, 08:12:02 PM
Quote from: Dragnet on December 21, 2008, 06:50:30 PM
I do not recall any rules listed against telling lies.
Maybe I am missing something.


Yes. Saying that another member has "lied" is now equivalent with calling them a "liar". Calling someone a liar is now equivalent with an insult. There's a rule against insulting other members.

OH I understand that, the comment was to the "no lying rule" . Is there a rule against telling a lie?
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: SarRawr on December 22, 2008, 04:34:34 AM
Yo momma's face is lying!

I agree with cat, someone was dipped in bovine excrement before giving birth to y'all forum goons.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 22, 2008, 04:37:40 AM
Quote from: SarRawr on December 22, 2008, 04:34:34 AM
someone was dipped in bovine excrement before giving birth to y'all forum goons.

You're NOT lying.  ||grin||
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: SarRawr on December 22, 2008, 04:57:32 AM
I had to google s**t.  I didn't know what it meant.  ||grin||
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 01:47:33 PM
Quote from: Vynn on December 21, 2008, 07:43:52 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 21, 2008, 01:21:22 PM
It's possible that you had forgotten about reading this thread when you post in some other thread that you knew nothing of this "no lying rule."

If you had actually forgotten about this thread when telling the forum that you didn't know about this "no lying rule" would you prefer to be queried about your inconsistency or would you prefer to be called a liar?

Well, suppose you queried me, i insisted that despite my many posts in this thread, i knew nothing of this rule. You then link me to this thread, and point out my many posts in it. What then? I think at that point you should be able to call me a liar.

If you were intentionally trying to deceive me with some falsehood then yes - you were lying and could quite properly be called a liar.

But our rule has absolutely nothing to do with the veracity of the charge of lying.  I called a member of this forum a racist and received a rule #6 break as a result - same deal.

If we want to be allowed to call someone a liar then we need to change rule #6.  Maybe we should have a "No lying." rule? :)

Quote from: Vynn on December 21, 2008, 08:12:02 PM
1) Saying that another member has "lied" is now equivalent with calling them a "liar". 2) Calling someone a liar is now equivalent with an insult. 3) There's a rule against insulting other members.

1) Saying that another member is lying has always been equivalent with calling that member a liar.  I started this thread to let our members know that we will now be prosecuting certain instances that we were previously ignoring.

2) Calling someone a liar has always been against our rules.

One out of three isn't bad :)
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 22, 2008, 06:35:19 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 01:47:33 PM
If you were intentionally trying to deceive me with some falsehood then yes - you were lying and could quite properly be called a liar.

But our rule has absolutely nothing to do with the veracity of the charge of lying.  I called a member of this forum a racist and received a rule #6 break as a result - same deal.

If we want to be allowed to call someone a liar then we need to change rule #6.  Maybe we should have a "No lying." rule? :)

This is only because you are defining "that's a lie", with "you're a liar", and defining "you're a liar" as an insult. Yes, anything the mods decide is an insult is against rule #6. I've already made this point.


Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 01:47:33 PM1) Saying that another member is lying has always been equivalent with calling that member a liar. 

I disagree. Someone can commit an act a few times and not be defined by that act. If i accidentally take a pen home from work, i've "stolen" that pen. The fact that i've stolen a pen doesn't mean that generally, i'm a thief. I think the same applies for lying.


Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 01:47:33 PM2) Calling someone a liar has always been against our rules.

Not explicitly it hasn't. It's only now against the rules because it's been deemed an insult. By that logic, any word at all could be deemed an insult at any time by the mods. Hell, why advertise it at all if it's so malleable a rule? <-- This sentence could be judged by the mods as insulting to you, and the result is the same.


Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 01:47:33 PMOne out of three isn't bad :)

I have no idea. I don't know what the three or one is.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: hideousmonster on December 22, 2008, 07:24:08 PM
Quote from: Vynn on December 22, 2008, 06:35:19 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 01:47:33 PM2) Calling someone a liar has always been against our rules.
Not explicitly it hasn't. It's only now against the rules because it's been deemed an insult. By that logic, any word at all could be deemed an insult at any time by the mods. Hell, why advertise it at all if it's so malleable a rule? <-- This sentence could be judged by the mods as insulting to you, and the result is the same.
Precisely. Ultimately the mods can do what ever they want. If you don't like that, tough. You can either try to avoid accusing people of lying, and find other ways of expressing disagreement, or you can find or make a forum that offers you the freedom to insult others which you desire.

If accusing people of lying is such a necessary part of your online community participation experience, then don't be surprised if your kind of motives conflict with forums like this one, where a goal is to keep it civil, congenial, and open-minded.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 22, 2008, 07:43:33 PM
Quote
Precisely. Ultimately the mods can do what ever they want. If you don't like that, tough.

Duh. I didn't know that this obvious sentiment was in need of being expressed. I do think it's quite telling when it eventually gets said, though. I've seen this ultimatum on various other forums, and it's always been a precursor to more ambiguous power being given to the mods to f**k the members over in any way that they want. Evidently, this is supposed to make the members feel better about not being worth s**t to those in power. I dunno..


Quote
You can either try to avoid accusing people of lying, and find other ways of expressing disagreement, or you can find or make a forum that offers you the freedom to insult others which you desire.

Nice accusations, Hal. Unfortunately, you're now arguing the same strawmen as the mods at ATT, and with the same empty accusations that dodge the issue. Are you catching this s**t, Assy?


Quote
If accusing people of lying is such a necessary part of your online community participation experience, then don't be surprised if your kind of motives conflict with forums like this one, where a goal is to keep it civil, congenial, and open-minded.

FAIL

Wait, should i now say something about the necessity you feel to erect strawmen in order to feel better about your side of the argument?

You're welcome to search my post history and see how many times i've accused someone of lying if you'd like. It has nothing to do with something "being a necessary part of my online community participation" and EVERYTHING to do with what is and isn't moderated and what will or won't be moderated tomorrow or next week. I'm not taking issue with this because i want to go around and call people liars, i'm taking issue with this because it's a useless rule that only serves to promote the powerful by serving notice that they can do what they want, when they want. You don't think this rule changes anything, or keeps people from being insulted, do you? Please. The members who want to call another member a liar are still going to find a way to do that without using the letters "l", "i", "a", and "r". You know this as well as i do. This is just a rule to ban one word that's deemed unacceptable for whatever reason. It's been demonstrated over and over that if people want to be insulting and call somebody a certain thing, they're going to find a way to do that. Sure, you can ban certain words and phrases, or you can act like responsible individuals with a decent pair of balls and look at what people are actually saying, and make decisions based on that reality. My point is that everybody here knows this, and yet shout "hooray" and "hallelujah" when somebody suggests sticking gum over the crack in the radiator. Ya'll be sure to let me know what the next outlawed word or phrase will be. I'm sure it'll be just as successful. We'll have a whole 'nother party then, too. We'll have to switch to cheaper champagne after a while though. I mean, have you ever looked at how many words can be used to be "offensive"?!?
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: rickymooston on December 22, 2008, 08:10:39 PM
Quote from: Vynn on December 22, 2008, 07:43:33 PM
Duh....
...

This Vynn guy is a serious offender in terms of implying insults, ... ||666||

I think he is accusing his opponent of stupidity. Of course, I suspect his opponet owns the board and will counter with a nastier accuation.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 22, 2008, 08:18:40 PM
Quote from: rickymooston on December 22, 2008, 08:10:39 PM
This Vynn guy is a serious offender in terms of implying insults, ... ||666||

I think he is accusing his opponent of stupidity. Of course, I suspect his opponet owns the board and will counter with a nastier accuation.

LOL!

The point is so freaking simple i'd think it would be obvious. You can't end certain behavior by banning groups of words. That's like trying to stop stealing by banning crowbars. The no insult rule is a fabulous rule that should be USED by the mods. Banning words and phrases is merely empty and useless posturing.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: rickymooston on December 22, 2008, 08:23:05 PM
Quote from: Vynn on December 22, 2008, 08:18:40 PM
The point is so freaking simple i'd think it would be obvious. You can't end certain behavior by banning groups of words. That's like trying to stop stealing by banning crowbars. The no insult rule is a fabulous rule that should be USED by the mods. Banning words and phrases is merely empty and useless posturing.

Well, ... see the moose's take on rule #6, its much more than the use of words, now that implied accusations of lying are taking to imply a person is a "liar"

https://isgodimaginary.com/forum/index.php/topic,21613.0.html (https://isgodimaginary.com/forum/index.php/topic,21613.0.html)

As somebody who disagrees with people on this forum, you are one of the main offenders. ||666||


Disagreeing with somebody implies that their opinion is stupid. If a person who lies once is a liar, isn't a person who says stupid things stupid

Note that having proof that your oponent is lying does not allow you to claim he is lying.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: JustMyron on December 22, 2008, 09:13:48 PM
Quote from: hideousmonster on December 22, 2008, 07:24:08 PMUltimately the mods can do what ever they want. If you don't like that, tough.

We'll see. True, the mods/owners of this board have the power to do whatever they like, but they have agreed to listen to the members, and be accountable to them. So far, they have done a good job of listening, but that gets tested each time someone disagrees with a decision taken by the moderators.

My thought is that calling someone a liar is an insult under #6, and saying they are lying is very similar. Vynn (or perhaps Cosmic?) made a good point about saying someone is a liar indicating a pattern of behaviour, while saying someone has lied or that something they have said is a lie only indicates single instance, so it's less insulting. But after thinking about this for a while, I think that misses the point. Rule #6 is meant to deter people from talking about their opponents and keep the discussion focused on the arguments they make. Saying someone has lied is addressing the person rather than the argument (or at best, the person AND the argument), because (to most people anyway) lying requires an intent to deceive. Saying something untrue which you believe to be true is a mistake, and not a lie, to most people. On the other hand, saying that what someone has said is not true, or that what someone has said makes them look like a liar (or look like anything else insulting, for that matter, such as a stupid lying racist pedophile), is addressing the argument and should be permitted. It seems pretty simple and reasonable, and I'd like to keep it that way.

If the intent is to increase consistency and transparency in how liar-type insults are handled, then I think that purpose would be best served by posting things that contravened the insult rule (and others that didn't but were flagged as possible contraventions) somewhere, so that members can see how things were handled, and why the distinction between "insult" and "not insult" was made in each case.

Oh, and Ricky, I think AK made it pretty clear that dealing with implied insults was outside of the scope of #6, at least as it pertains to calling someone a liar.

Something a little funny to think about: There are seven words you can't say on television, and we're moving in the direction of having one you can't say on this forum. I'm not sure it belongs on the list, or that starting a list is a good idea. NOTE: Audio content contains language that is not safe for work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDWTp5as1vE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDWTp5as1vE)
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:33:26 PM
Quote from: Vynn on December 22, 2008, 06:35:19 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 01:47:33 PM
If you were intentionally trying to deceive me with some falsehood then yes - you were lying and could quite properly be called a liar.

But our rule has absolutely nothing to do with the veracity of the charge of lying.  I called a member of this forum a racist and received a rule #6 break as a result - same deal.

If we want to be allowed to call someone a liar then we need to change rule #6.  Maybe we should have a "No lying." rule? :)

This is only because you are defining "that's a lie", with "you're a liar", and defining "you're a liar" as an insult. Yes, anything the mods decide is an insult is against rule #6. I've already made this point.

Can someone tell a lie without being a liar?  I don't think so.

As for defining "you're a liar" as an insult this is not some weird twist I am putting on these words - calling someone a liar is always an insult.

Quote from: Vynn on December 22, 2008, 06:35:19 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 01:47:33 PM1) Saying that another member is lying has always been equivalent with calling that member a liar.

I disagree. Someone can commit an act a few times and not be defined by that act. If i accidentally take a pen home from work, i've "stolen" that pen. The fact that i've stolen a pen doesn't mean that generally, i'm a thief. I think the same applies for lying.

If you accidentally take a pen home from work then you have most definitely not stolen that pen.  Words (their definitions) actually matter...

Do you agree that someone must have an intent to deceive before they can be described as lying?
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:46:23 PM
Quote from: Vynn on December 22, 2008, 07:43:33 PM
I'm not taking issue with this because i want to go around and call people liars, i'm taking issue with this because it's a useless rule that only serves to promote the powerful by serving notice that they can do what they want, when they want. You don't think this rule changes anything, or keeps people from being insulted, do you? Please. The members who want to call another member a liar are still going to find a way to do that without using the letters "l", "i", "a", and "r". You know this as well as i do. This is just a rule to ban one word that's deemed unacceptable for whatever reason. It's been demonstrated over and over that if people want to be insulting and call somebody a certain thing, they're going to find a way to do that. Sure, you can ban certain words and phrases, or you can act like responsible individuals with a decent pair of balls and look at what people are actually saying, and make decisions based on that reality. My point is that everybody here knows this, and yet shout "hooray" and "hallelujah" when somebody suggests sticking gum over the crack in the radiator. Ya'll be sure to let me know what the next outlawed word or phrase will be. I'm sure it'll be just as successful. We'll have a whole 'nother party then, too. We'll have to switch to cheaper champagne after a while though. I mean, have you ever looked at how many words can be used to be "offensive"?!?

Vynn, that's crap.  Saying that someone is lying is directly equivalent to calling them a liar in the same way that saying someone has sex with babies is directly equivalent to calling them a pedophile.

Stop trying to misrepresent my motive for highlighting this issue - this issue was debated for some time in the staff-only area before this thread was started.  I have not suddenly taken a dislike to members saying that other members are lying - this issue is all about consistency of rule interpretation.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:49:29 PM
Quote from: JustMyron on December 22, 2008, 09:13:48 PM
Oh, and Ricky, I think AK made it pretty clear that dealing with implied insults was outside of the scope of #6, at least as it pertains to calling someone a liar.

Clarity is totally wasted on Ricky.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Captain Luke on December 22, 2008, 10:19:29 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:49:29 PM
Quote from: JustMyron on December 22, 2008, 09:13:48 PM
Oh, and Ricky, I think AK made it pretty clear that dealing with implied insults was outside of the scope of #6, at least as it pertains to calling someone a liar.

Clarity is totally wasted on Ricky.

Is this not the same as saying that Ricky is muddle-headed or stupid? Is that not an insult, albeit a veiled one? Even DaveDave treats Ricky with more respect than you...
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 10:22:13 PM
Quote from: Luke on December 22, 2008, 10:19:29 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:49:29 PM
Quote from: JustMyron on December 22, 2008, 09:13:48 PM
Oh, and Ricky, I think AK made it pretty clear that dealing with implied insults was outside of the scope of #6, at least as it pertains to calling someone a liar.

Clarity is totally wasted on Ricky.

Is this not the same as saying that Ricky is muddle-headed or stupid?

No.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 22, 2008, 10:29:12 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:33:26 PM
Can someone tell a lie without being a liar?  I don't think so.

I think so, but i understand why some people don't take this view. I think you can take an action rarely, and not be defined by that action always. Someone can steal, and yet not be defined by that action and be called a "thief". The same is true of many descriptive words versus labels. I use drugs occasionally (legal ones), but i'm not a "druggie".


Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:33:26 PMAs for defining "you're a liar" as an insult this is not some weird twist I am putting on these words - calling someone a liar is always an insult.

I disagree. I'd prefer if there was freedom of speech here, and if someone could somehow point out that another person lied, in a gentle enough tone and demeanor, it'd not automatically be assumed to be an insult.



Quote from: Vynn on December 22, 2008, 06:35:19 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 01:47:33 PM1) Saying that another member is lying has always been equivalent with calling that member a liar.

I disagree. Someone can commit an act a few times and not be defined by that act. If i accidentally take a pen home from work, i've "stolen" that pen. The fact that i've stolen a pen doesn't mean that generally, i'm a thief. I think the same applies for lying.


Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:33:26 PMDo you agree that someone must have an intent to deceive before they can be described as lying?

Sort of.  ||smiley||
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 22, 2008, 10:36:07 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:46:23 PM
Vynn, that's crap.  Saying that someone is lying is directly equivalent to calling them a liar in the same way that saying someone has sex with babies is directly equivalent to calling them a pedophile.

No. I'd comment further, but why? You've clearly demonstrated that you're not willing to discuss this with an open mind. You've declared that you're right, and that's that. Congratulations.


Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:46:23 PMStop trying to misrepresent my motive for highlighting this issue -

I'm not misrepresenting anything. -1

I'm simply representing my opinion. Isn't this allowed? Or from now on when i simply state my own opinion, where it happens to disagree with your, i'm "misrepresenting your 'motive'".


Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:46:23 PMthis issue was debated for some time in the staff-only area before this thread was started. 

Big deal. Is that supposed to mean that we members can't voice our opinion because the almighty staff has reached their almighty decision on it?


Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:46:23 PMI have not suddenly taken a dislike to members saying that other members are lying

Then you'll need to discuss this with a member who thinks you've done this. I don't.


Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:46:23 PM- this issue is all about consistency of rule interpretation.

I've not claimed otherwise. I'm looking forward to the soon to be assembled list of words and phrases that we can no longer use on this forum. We need that consistency, Assy. Let's get it done.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Captain Luke on December 22, 2008, 10:38:14 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 10:22:13 PM
Quote from: Luke on December 22, 2008, 10:19:29 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:49:29 PM
Quote from: JustMyron on December 22, 2008, 09:13:48 PM
Oh, and Ricky, I think AK made it pretty clear that dealing with implied insults was outside of the scope of #6, at least as it pertains to calling someone a liar.

Clarity is totally wasted on Ricky.

Is this not the same as saying that Ricky is muddle-headed or stupid?

No.


Well I find it insulting.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 11:12:14 PM
Vynn, please define "lying".  I think we might be talking past each other here - either that or you're a druggie :)
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 11:28:12 PM
Quote from: Luke on December 22, 2008, 10:38:14 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 10:22:13 PM
Quote from: Luke on December 22, 2008, 10:19:29 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:49:29 PM
Quote from: JustMyron on December 22, 2008, 09:13:48 PM
Oh, and Ricky, I think AK made it pretty clear that dealing with implied insults was outside of the scope of #6, at least as it pertains to calling someone a liar.

Clarity is totally wasted on Ricky.

Is this not the same as saying that Ricky is muddle-headed or stupid?

No.


Well I find it insulting.

I really don't know why clarity is wasted on Ricky, only that it is.  He may be muddle-headed.  He may be stupid.  He may have ADD or suffer from poor comprehension levels, or have bad eyesight, or a bad attitude to English - I only know that clarity is wasted on him.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 11:31:58 PM
Vynn says (above) that describing someone as lying is not equivalent to calling that person a liar.

Is Vynn correct?
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Lillium on December 22, 2008, 11:37:45 PM
Everybody is a liar! ||666|| Now put me in the corner...
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: DungyQuipu on December 23, 2008, 12:13:42 AM
?If you obey all of the rules, you miss all of the fun.?

Katharine Hepburn
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: rickymooston on December 23, 2008, 01:02:17 AM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 11:31:58 PM
Vynn says (above) that describing someone as lying is not equivalent to calling that person a liar.

Is Vynn correct?

I think almost everybody except possibly morningdewb has lied in their life about something.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: JustMyron on December 23, 2008, 01:04:55 AM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 11:31:58 PMVynn says (above) that describing someone as lying is not equivalent to calling that person a liar.

Is Vynn correct?

You are talking past each other because Vynn's definition of a liar is someone who lies frequently and is likely to continue doing so, whereas yours is someone who lies even once. Both work. Under your definition, saying someone has told a lie is equivalent to saying someone is a liar. I think that semantic debate is secondary to deciding what we should do about this issue, because "is Vynn's definition of a liar correct" can be answered different ways by different people. If there was only one way, we could use the definition to decide, but since there are multiple ways, we have to use something else. I think considering the spirit and intent of rule #6, and deciding based on that how to handle someone being told that they have lied, is a reasonable way to go. I'll give you my thoughts below.

The point of rule #6 saying attacking the argument in a potentially insulting way is acceptable, while attacking the person in a potentially insulting way is not, was twofold. First, to give an easy and transparent way for moderators to decide which types of insults should be curtailed, in something approaching an objective and impartial manner. And second, to put into practice the underlying principle that what you're trying to do here is have a good debate. That requires expressing disagreement, which risks insulting members. At the same time, deliberately attempting to "get a rise" out of a member, or insulting them because you feel offended and want to retaliate, adds nothing to a debate, and makes the atmosphere worse for everyone. So, the spirit of the no insults rule as written is, "let's try to leave people as free to express their opinion as possible, while stopping people from insulting others if it's not constructive or helpful to advancing a discussion". The "attack the argument, not the person" idea was a good one in my opinion. It achieves transparency and balance between openness and civility fairly well, and I think we should stick with it.

If you agree up to this point, the question then becomes, does saying someone has told a lie amount to a personal attack, or an attack against their arguments? Judging whether it amounts to a rule-break in this way is entirely consistent with judging other breaks of rule #6, by the way, so if the reason this was considered is because we want consistency, then my logic works for that goal as well.

My answer is that saying someone has told a lie is personal because of the difference between a lie and a mistake/misunderstanding. Since I view lies as requiring intent to deceive (whereas a misunderstanding of the truth does not), by saying someone's statement is a lie, you are making a statement about that person's intent (and possibly their character as well), as well as the content of their post. Further, since you can't determine intent from a post, you can only assume and guess, calling someone a liar is very likely to cause more difficulties in an argument than it solves, so allowing it goes against the spirit of rule #6, as well as the letter, in my opinion.

If you (anyone reading this) do not view lying as requiring an intent to deceive (if you use a different definition than I do) then you need to make that clear when you post saying someone has told a lie. For example, if you were to say "that is a lie. You may not have deliberately meant to post something that was not true, but you did, and I view anything untrue as a lie" then the personal aspect of saying someone has lied is removed, and as you can see that statement becomes much less offensive/insulting as a result. In my view, that should be seen as a comment on the post and not the person, and so be outside of the scope of rule #6. But, for those who think lying does not require intent, I think it's important to realize that not everyone sees things that way, so for the sake of a good debate, if you want to say someone has lied, you have a responsibility to make it clear that your definition of "lied" is meant to be a comment solely on the content of the post, and not on the person's intent. If you fail to clarify your definitions, and someone reasonably takes it as an attack upon their person rather than their argument, and a moderator agrees, you're stuck.

And that's how I think we should solve that. For the sake of consistency, the deciding factor should remain: is this "insult" an attack on the person, or on the argument?". And the responsibility of demonstrating that they are criticizing the argument rather than the person should rest with the person who posted the contentious "insult", who then has a motivation to make sure their intended meaning is clearly stated and does not contravene the rules.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Lillium on December 23, 2008, 01:08:58 AM
I say, Just Myron must be an essayist.  He writes the longest most in depth posts than any other member around here.

Reminds me of me on another forum. ||thumbs||
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: rickymooston on December 23, 2008, 01:10:13 AM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 20, 2008, 07:04:28 AM
We (the staff) are not adopting this position in an attempt to further enforce our notions of good forum behaviour on our members - we are doing it because it is the correct interpretation of our rules.  If we want to be allowed to describe someone as lying then we need to change rule #6.

||666||

Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: rickymooston on December 23, 2008, 01:16:04 AM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:49:29 PM
Quote from: JustMyron on December 22, 2008, 09:13:48 PM
Oh, and Ricky, I think AK made it pretty clear that dealing with implied insults was outside of the scope of #6, at least as it pertains to calling someone a liar.

Clarity is totally wasted on Ricky.

||666|| Should rule number 6 be altered to allow this when one is be provoked.

An evil bastard would take this as "insulting" ricky yet somebody else may say the moose kind of deserves it.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: rickymooston on December 23, 2008, 01:22:32 AM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 11:28:12 PM
I really don't know why clarity is wasted on Ricky, only that it is.  He may be muddle-headed.  He may be stupid.  He may have ADD or suffer from poor comprehension levels, or have bad eyesight, or a bad attitude to English - I only know that clarity is wasted on him.

If statements such as the above are legal. Then the moose feels better about rule #6 in its current form and Jawood's original statement should be 100% legal as per Happy Evolute's logic. ;-).
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: rickymooston on December 23, 2008, 01:33:16 AM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 10:22:13 PM
Quote from: Luke on December 22, 2008, 10:19:29 PM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 09:49:29 PM
Quote from: JustMyron on December 22, 2008, 09:13:48 PM
Oh, and Ricky, I think AK made it pretty clear that dealing with implied insults was outside of the scope of #6, at least as it pertains to calling someone a liar.

Clarity is totally wasted on Ricky.

Is this not the same as saying that Ricky is muddle-headed or stupid?

No.
Good just checking.

||laughroll||

For the record kind of sad about the applaud that got away, applaud 228 turned into smite 118.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: JustMyron on December 23, 2008, 01:37:17 AM
Quote from: GamerGirl on December 23, 2008, 01:08:58 AMReminds me of me on another forum. ||thumbs||

I'd like to see that. Unless it's an anime forum...

You don't have a typical "soon to be English teacher" persona on this forum, so it'd be interesting to see that side of your personality.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Lillium on December 23, 2008, 01:53:19 AM
Quote from: JustMyron on December 23, 2008, 01:37:17 AM
Quote from: GamerGirl on December 23, 2008, 01:08:58 AMReminds me of me on another forum. ||thumbs||

I'd like to see that. Unless it's an anime forum...

You don't have a typical "soon to be English teacher" persona on this forum, so it'd be interesting to see that side of your personality.

Well, this forum I'm speaking of has been through several different versions domain hopping and such.  I think most of my lengthy posts were on the older versions and are unfortunately non-existant.

;] I am now an Admin though and you can check it out. cv.lejimmeh.com

and no... It's called Christian-View formerly Christian-RPG.

SomethingAwful did a weekend web about it.  here (https://www.somethingawful.com/d/weekend-web/christian-finalfantasy-unicycle.php)  I'm the only one anybody ever said anything positive about.  ||cheesy||
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: rickymooston on December 23, 2008, 02:36:08 AM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 01:47:33 PM1) Saying that another member is lying has always been equivalent with calling that member a liar.

Just to be clear on the source of the moose's confusion, there exists a statement from AssyrianKey about intent

Can't find the quote. But do believe I misunderstood the donkey's intent.

If Jagwood's statement is considered calling his opponent a liar, I have an issue. Otherwise, I have none. ||666||.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: Vynn on December 23, 2008, 02:47:18 AM
Quote from: Assyriankey on December 22, 2008, 11:12:14 PM
Vynn, please define "lying".  I think we might be talking past each other here - either that or you're a druggie :)


Well, the action of lying, to me, is stating a known falsehood. (I know that many people tack on the "with intent to deceive" bit, but i think that's irrelevant in some cases. If i say that i've not posted in this thread, that's a lie, whether or not i'm trying to deceive anybody on the issue.)

Two further issues.

1. A person is not necessarily defined by their intermittent actions. While in one sense we are all liars, in another we aren't, as that's not our primary descriptor. As a teen, i stole some cassettes. While in one sense i'm a thief, because of that, i would object to you calling me that. You have every right to say that i've stolen something, and this doesn't mean that because you state this fact that you are calling me a thief, or automatically insulting me. Because of this, you can can say that someone has just lied, or that their statement was a lie, without implying that they are a full-time, scumbag, lier OR being insulting. The reverse is true, too. You can use plenty of IGI politically correct terminology, and still insult someone here. That's why the "no insult" rule is good, and this sub-micro-rule within it is bad. I say let the mods do their job and decide on a case by case basis whether or not such comments are insults. I suspect that most of the "you're lying", or "that's a lie" comments will be deemed insults by those professionals, but maybe not every case. The members on this forum are already under the authority of the mods decisions on individual cases anyway and what they say already goes.

2. It's pointless to start telling people what words and phrases are politically correct here. That's just going to wind up generating a list of words and phrases that people can work around at will. I think we can all agree that it's insulting to tell somebody to "f**k off". At the same time, i've had someone tell this to me and within the context of how they said it, and because of who it was, it was one of the most hilarious things i've heard. I think if i were to start telling people here that i'd never been a christian, or never been a minister, you'd have the right to tell people that those statements were lies. For you to point out that these statements of mine are lies would not necessarily be you labeling me a liar, and it'd not necessarily be insulting, either.
Title: Re: Describing another member as lying
Post by: SarRawr on December 23, 2008, 02:55:33 AM
Quote from: Vynn on December 22, 2008, 07:43:33 PM
Quote
Precisely. Ultimately the mods can do what ever they want. If you don't like that, tough.

Duh. I didn't know that this obvious sentiment was in need of being expressed. I do think it's quite telling when it eventually gets said, though. I've seen this ultimatum on various other forums, and it's always been a precursor to more ambiguous power being given to the mods to f**k the members over in any way that they want. Evidently, this is supposed to make the members feel better about not being worth s**t to those in power. I dunno..


Quote
You can either try to avoid accusing people of lying, and find other ways of expressing disagreement, or you can find or make a forum that offers you the freedom to insult others which you desire.

Nice accusations, Hal. Unfortunately, you're now arguing the same strawmen as the mods at ATT, and with the same empty accusations that dodge the issue. Are you catching this s**t, Assy?


Quote
If accusing people of lying is such a necessary part of your online community participation experience, then don't be surprised if your kind of motives conflict with forums like this one, where a goal is to keep it civil, congenial, and open-minded.

FAIL

Wait, should i now say something about the necessity you feel to erect strawmen in order to feel better about your side of the argument?

You're welcome to search my post history and see how many times i've accused someone of lying if you'd like. It has nothing to do with something "being a necessary part of my online community participation" and EVERYTHING to do with what is and isn't moderated and what will or won't be moderated tomorrow or next week. I'm not taking issue with this because i want to go around and call people liars, i'm taking issue with this because it's a useless rule that only serves to promote the powerful by serving notice that they can do what they want, when they want. You don't think this rule changes anything, or keeps people from being insulted, do you? Please. The members who want to call another member a liar are still going to find a way to do that without using the letters "l", "i", "a", and "r". You know this as well as i do. This is just a rule to ban one word that's deemed unacceptable for whatever reason. It's been demonstrated over and over that if people want to be insulting and call somebody a certain thing, they're going to find a way to do that. Sure, you can ban certain words and phrases, or you can act like responsible individuals with a decent pair of balls and look at what people are actually saying, and make decisions based on that reality. My point is that everybody here knows this, and yet shout "hooray" and "hallelujah" when somebody suggests sticking gum over the crack in the radiator. Ya'll be sure to let me know what the next outlawed word or phrase will be. I'm sure it'll be just as successful. We'll have a whole 'nother party then, too. We'll have to switch to cheaper champagne after a while though. I mean, have you ever looked at how many words can be used to be "offensive"?!?

This qoute is longer than most of my essays