The Rules in the World of Running

One of the fascinating things about forums that I have found from reading other class member's blogs is that the forum seems to take on the characteristics of that particular interest. For instance, one of my class members mentioned that her literature forum had registration questions regarding Shakespeare. Another blog mentioned the rules of the wedding forum were written like vows. The rules in the Runner's World forum were quite simple and straightforward, just like running. Unlike yoga or zumba, running does not have particular positions or moves. You just start running and try to remember to breath. The forum seems to live out this simplicity in what they call their "reasonable rules". 

The first rule is:

 "1. Don't post offensive content.

Material that is deemed obscene or offensive is not permitted. Use common sense; we want to able to show this site to our kids."

This first rule seems to be consistent in most forums; it also goes right to the heart of digital citizenship. For a forum to exist successfully and peacefully, the moderators of the forum must require members to refrain from offensive comments. Staying true to the simplicity of running, the moderators remind the members to use their "common sense", to not post something they wouldn't want a kid to see. 

The second rule of the forum also supports digital citizenship by prohibiting "personal attacks". The moderators go so far as to inform members that the terms "stupid" and "idiot" will be considered personal attacks. This demonstrates to members that it is safe to assume anything worse will also be seen as an attack. Once again, it is clear the moderators are doing their best to ensure good digital citizenship and keep the forums peaceful and helpful, rather than offensive. 

The most entertaining rule included was the sixth and final rule, "Don't be a troll". By this the moderators mean, "Accounts created for the purpose of being intentionally disruptive will be banned".

I personally had never even thought that people might consider doing this. Clearly the moderators have experience handling a forum of this size and are aware of all sorts of interruptions to good digital citizenship. 

The moderators also empower their members with the responsibility to maintain the digital citizenship. They conclude the list of rules stating: "The moderators cannot possibly review every piece of content. If you see something that violates the rules, please report it, and the moderators will take appropriate action." The moderators are essentially telling their members that if they want the forum to remain a positive place, they should be responsible for reporting bad citizenship. 

I found that analyzing the rules was an excellent way to see how the moderators of the forum handled digital citizenship. However, as the term goes on, I will have the chance to see if these rules are followed and if the digital citizenship promoted in these rules is maintained.