The Rules and Purpose of this Blog

Lately, there has been some issues with people misunderstanding the rules and purpose of this blog. I would like to clear up any confusion right now.

First, I would like to address the rules, primarily comment moderation. Comment moderation exists on this blog for non-contributing authors out of necessity. Contributing authors/Danegeld staff members are subject to losing their accounts if they violate this trust. Anonymous comments may be eventually banned if etiquette is too often disregarded (well, guess what: as of 2/11/08, anonymous comments are banned). Being that this blog is connected with Viewmont High School, we must follow District rules regarding Internet Use and Publishing, and are required that we block personal information and inappropriate or threatening language. Comment moderation is necessary to do this. Besides that, the free exchange of ideas is promoted on this blog. I will never reject any comments or delete any posts that do not violate District rules. I encourage you to take a look at the Acceptable Use Agreement and District Publishing Guidelines, which are available on the footer of the Viewmont High School homepage, as well as on the footer of the Danegeld homepage (where you can access PDFs of past issues; it can be found by clicking on the Danegeld Online icon below the picture of the school on the Viewmont homepage).

Secondly, I would like to stress the purpose of this blog, if it was not communicated clearly before. This blog's purpose is to give Viewmont students, parents, and faculty an open online forum to discuss issues, pertaining to the Danegeld newspaper or not. Nearly all views and opinions are acceptable, and diversity is encouraged. But what is not acceptable is threatening comments, or anything that is purposefully and/or directly hurtful to either a person or persons (including groups of all sizes), or the blog itself. Let me remind you, that an opinion that contradicts your opinion, and may seem offensive to you, does not necessarily mean it is offensive. An opinion in itself does not warrant offense. It is the target or direction of the opinion that warrants offense. Also, behaviors inspired by that opinion can be offensive if they are threatening and/or hurtful, and may be examined if the need presents itself. If you find something to be stupid, whether it's about an opinion or something else, express your thoughts and/or feelings through respectful dissent. You may have many people agree or disagree with you. As long as you stick to the rules, though, you will always be in the right. I will often face this issue, as I have views that are contradictory to many people in this community. You are welcome to debate an issue or address a concern, but remember to stay adequately polite. Criticism, when constructive, is welcome and encouraged.

Lastly, representation/advocacy has come up as an issue. An anonymous crude comment (which I had to reject due to its language) on my Faith Persecuted? post complained that the views in the post should not be views advocated by the school newspaper. An individual's opinion on this blog, whether through a post or a comment, does not necessarily represent the views of the school and/or the school's newspaper, the Danegeld. This principle is the same as with op/eds in the Danegeld newspaper itself, which are not necessarily representing the school and/or the newspaper. But, individuals still have the right to have their opinion and to share it. For many people not on the newspaper staff, by sending letters to vhs.danegeld@gmail.com, this blog may become a place to write their own op/eds, or to respond to things read in the newspaper, or to voice concerns (new rule - 2/11/08: Only members of the newspapers staff may be contributors, although non-members may still comment and send letters via email, which will likely be posted if relevant and appropriate). For people on the staff, this may become a place to write their opinions that can't fit or didn't make it into the newspaper. But also, this blog should not become just an op/ed piece. Other posts of interest are encouraged and expected.

I know that this blog can be a great success as long as people understand the rules and purpose of the blog, as enumerated here (but also including anything I forgot to mention, such as implicit and expected/obvious unenumerated rules), and contribute regularly. Thank you everyone! Go Vikes!

- Adam