We debate in peace!

I’ve received some email about some of the acrimony and nastiness creeping back into the tone of the conversation here on the In Box.

So let me make the pitch again that this is a place for civil, neighborly conversation. Please come armed with a sense of humor and a passion for argument.

If you see something you disagree with, chime in and make a strong case for your own position.

But leave the ad hominem, personal stuff out. The basic assumption here is that we’re all good people, looking for good solutions.

Assume as you’re typing that you’re going to meet the person on the other end of the conversation at church on Sunday, or in the supermarket, or at the next village meeting.

If you wouldn’t say it to their face, don’t say it here.

If you can’t work within these rules — if you think people who disagree with you are bad or stupid or corrupt or whatever — then please go elsewhere.

The web is chock full of opportunities for flaming, shouting, and denouncing.

This isn’t an argument for milk toast. In fact, one of the problems with our current shoutfest online media culture is that you get burnt milk toast, the same flavors over and over.

Here we’re looking for nuance, surprising new ideas, smart fresh arguments. Don’t attack, convince. Don’t shout, converse.

In your heart of hearts, you may think the In Box is too liberal or too conservative (trust me, we get both complaints).

But I hope you’ll also find that it’s a place where your views, expressed cordially, will get a fair hearing and an interesting response.

Your thoughts? Comments welcome below…