http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/may
"
c —used to indicate possibility or probability <you
may be right> <things you
may need> ; sometimes used interchangeably with
can <one of those slipups that
may happen from time to time — Jessica Mitford> ; sometimes used where
might would be expected <you
may think from a little distance that the country was solid woods — Robert Frost>"
The term 'may' is not the same as the words 'shall' or 'must'.
So, what is the purpose of this thread?
OK, here goes.
Last night Big Louie made a thread concerning an upcoming poker tournament. The poker tournament is something a lot of members look forward to and have looked forward to for years. It isn't anything illegal or even immoral, however most of the people who attend are either in the hobby or have retired. Either way it's something we can see old and current friends and enjoy our time.
All of a sudden our resident problem child who hates 'fatties' and has used the term 'whores' on more occasions that should be allowed, complains about the thread and quotes a rule.
Now here comes a moderator and locks the thread, then quotes a 'rule'. Before I get to that 'rule', let me state that IMHO wakeup has broken more rules on the site than most users could ever do. IMHO, every time he posts the term 'whore' he breaks this rule. His many 'fatty' comments are not only condescending but is also disrespectful and rude (rules 1 and 3). Just because some may state that fact is just a fact, the facts can also be disrespectful and rude.
- #1 - Avoid cases of unprovoked rudeness to others. No place for it here. Yes, with the dynamic nature of the threads and topics, tempers will flare and things will become heated from time to time. You may often encounter individuals who become passionate or emotional when expressing one's opinion or point of view. That's all understood and perfectly acceptable within reason…….but, start slamming or bashing another member and be met with consequences.
- #3 - Disrespect to others, IN GENERAL, will be considered an item of low tolerance, especially when posting in our coed forums. Follow the Golden Rule and treat others as you wish to be treated yourself. This applies to fellow members as well as staff. We do not require that you have respect for us, but we do require that you treat us respectfully in the public forums. If you feel the need to vent, gripe, or blow off some steam regarding a staff member's action or decision, we ask that you keep it private. Email, RTM, or the PM system would be the appropriate avenue to take in such cases. In cases where you would like to request additional clarity about a staff decision, you are free to pursue an answer in either a public forum or private means of communication. If handled publicly, post your inquiry in a respectful manner.
Let's discuss the term 'whore'. Not only is it rude (rule 1) but it's also disrespectul (rule 3).
So wakeup being wakeup, for some reason or another, decides he doesn't like Big Louie presenting something to the board that he doesn't like. Why doesn't he like it? Well being of sound mind, I really can't relate to whatever he thinks.
What's so sad is that it's immediately locked after wakeup complains.
Here is the rule that is quoted to lock the thread.
#30 - ECCIE does not, in any way, sponsor or represent social events, meet and greets, or similar activities. On occasion, events may be announced here by our members, however, ECCIE is not associated with or responsible for such events. We are not involved with any related aspects, such as guest selection, screening, or hosting. Should members of our volunteer staff choose to participate in such an event, it should be understood that their personal involvement is of their own choice and responsibility, and in no way connected to their duties here on staff. If you are the host of one of these events, we will allow for ONE "announcement" post to inform the membership, which will be immediately locked to prevent further public discussions regarding the event.
Let's look at one sentence from this rule.
Quote:
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On occasion, events may be announced here by our members, however, ECCIE is not associated with or responsible for such events. We are not involved with any related aspects, such as guest selection, screening, or hosting.
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The quote included the term 'may', which unlike the terms shall and will, means the term isn't an absolute, but a variable. Shall and will are absolutes.
I would like to request the Houston moderator staff to discuss unlocking the thread started by Big Louie. According to the rules, he didn't break any rules as the term 'may' gave him an out.
How about doing the right thing and instead of listening to one person and quoting a rule that isn't really a rule due to the term 'may', unlocking the thread that benefits many people.
What is the definition of the word 'may'?
