Fizban

Just as a note, this is the rule as written: Gravedigging Replying to, or “bumpingâ€, old topics which have been inactive for at least a week (5-7 days). Threads in the Recruitment Threads forum are immune to this rule. This is the text of the warning that was given: If there have been no posts in a thread for a month or more, leave them be.

Topic moved to Moderation Support, where questions of moderation rules should be posted. Fox Fire, feel free to either re-edit your post or post it again here.

This topic was locked because it appears to be spam. Be sure any topic you create clearly describes its purpose in the original post. If the topic is intended to be a forum game, place it in the appropriate forum.

Let's try to stay on topic, folks.

I would advise against that. Just because we offer incentives to create more posts doesn't mean that we do not respond negatively to posts that are created without contributing anything of substance. Exercise good judgment.

This thread is for members to report having reached posting milestones. It is not for conversation or for asking questions about the program. If you want to have a conversation, have it in the General Discussion forum. If you want to ask questions about the program, do so in the Game Discussion forum. Sheepy should be able to know that if there is a new post in this thread, it is because someone is entitled to a bonus. Please do not post in this thread again unless you are reporting a posting milestone.

Let's try to stay on topic, guys.

Let's try to stay on topic, guys.

Unless we decide it isn't having the effect we want it to have.

I'd like to reiterate that the purpose of this thread is not to discuss whether the use of this term should be prohibited or regulated. I think it would be helpful if we made sure the discussion actually addresses the issue that was asked in the OP. Why do you use the term "retard," when there are other terms that convey the same meaning without the baggage? Alternatively, why do you not use the term "retard," even though it is clearly making its way into the general consciousness as an insult devoid of the baggage associated with the term? "It's normal" is not a useful explanation. What I'm trying to spark here is some meaningful analysis. Take some time to think about why you use the word (or don't use the word). Then, if possible, try to explain it to the community.

There has been much ado about the use of the word "retard" on these forums in recent weeks. Some players have reported others for its use, and moderation staff issued warns against players for using it in jest against others. These moderator actions were met with reactions of anger and distress from posters upset at being censored for what they considered a legitimate figure of speech that serves to best express their position. These objections were not unreasonable. Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of any free society, and Sheepy has wisely determined that the use of the term "retard," when not being used in a malicious manner, will not subject posters to warns. This thread is not about that policy. This thread is about the use of the term "retard," and whether it should continue to be used, even though it is permitted. I begin with two statements that I believe cannot be disputed. First, the term "retard" is never used to express praise or satisfaction. Second, notwithstanding its purely negative connotation, posters should not be punished by moderation staff for use of the word "retard." Even though it never has a positive connotation, and never has an appropriate negative connotation that cannot be expressed with an alternative word, the term continues to be used, and continues to be deemed acceptable. John Franklin Stephens eloquently describes how the word is harmful, even when it is not directed at a person with intellectual disabilities. The Military Special Needs Network has provided a useful flow chart for determining when it is OK to use the word "retard." I won't issue any further warns for the use of the term, but I think it would be helpful to have an open discussion about the issue. So tell me, community: Do you use the term "retard" in your everyday conversations? If you do, why? If you don't, why not?

Welcome!

What does the pension plan look like? I'm asking for...a friend. You'll be missed.

Halloween is the best time for Draconians to hide amongst the population. Be on guard.

Welcome to Politics & War!

Welcome to Politics & War!

Welcome back to Politics & War!

Welcome to Politics & War!

Sheepy manages all in-game bonuses and updates on his own, without the assistance of additional staff. Please do not pester him because he doesn't immediately provide you with a bonus that he is offering as a gift.

I'm not really sure what that means, but I'm not a fan of goat. I find it tough and chewy.

What!?! No no no no no. Zifnab is most certainly not the same as me. He and I couldn't be more dissimilar. I mean, come on: his name starts with a "Z!"

The same thread you quoted, just further down.

You know that posts in this forum don't add to your post count, right?

An old man in mouse-colored robes walks out, and squints his eyes at the post above him, "Hmm, something doesn't seem to be right there. Let me spruce it up." With a wave of his wand and a few slightly misspoken words, the spelling errors in the OP were corrected, and then some.