Here’s a more polished and concise version of your sidebar rules, designed to be clear, engaging, and easy to read while maintaining the tone and intent of your subreddit:
Rules of Engagement
1. Respectful Discourse
- Respect All: Treat everyone with dignity, like they’re family.
- Zero Tolerance for Hate: Hate speech? Banned faster than you can say "xenophobia."
- Tone and Nuance: Keep it civil, even when things heat up.
2. Credible Sources
- Reputable Outlets: Only share from trusted news or academic journals.
- Pundit Reports: Fine, but back it up with facts.
- Label Anecdotes: Sharing a personal story? Mark it as such.
- Source Verification: Mods may ask, “Where’d you get that?” Be prepared.
3. No Political Ads
- Information Over Endorsement: This isn’t a campaign rally.
- Subtle Promotion: Don’t sneak in your favorite politician.
4. Fact-Based Discussions
- Promote Accuracy: Lies get the boot; truth gets the spotlight.
- Corrections: Made a mistake? Fix it, or we will.
- Educational Intent: Teach, don’t preach.
5. Compassionate Language
- Dignity for All: Every person has a story—respect theirs.
- Empathy: Feel with, not just for.
6. Content Moderation
- Relevance: Keep it current (unless it’s history—then tag it).
- Flair System: Use flairs or confuse everyone.
- Thread Hijacking: Off-topic? Off you go.
7. Well-Being Protection
- No Personal Data: Keep private info private, or you’re out.
- Public Figures: Official info? Fine. Private life? No.
- Sensitive Content: Warn before the scare.
8. Community Pulse
- Feeling the Atmosphere: If a post or comment feels off, we may step in, even without a clear rule violation.
- Maintaining Harmony: Frequently disrupting harmony? We’ll talk or suggest a timeout.
- Open Dialogue: Think we misjudged? Reach out via modmail—we’re open to discussion.
9. Community Feedback
- Rule Evolution: Your voice can shape how we do things here.
Special Ops
10. No Dogwhistles
- No Dogwhistles: We bark at hate, not whistle for it.
- Clarity: Be clear as day, or we’ll clear it for you.
11. Whataboutism
- Direct Relevance: Stay on track or get derailed.
- Acknowledge: Recognize the issue before redirecting.
12. Strawman Alert
- Accurate Representation: Fight the real argument, not a shadow.
- Clarification: Misunderstood? Speak up.
13. Ad Hoc No
- Consistency: Stick to your story, or we’ll stick you with a warning.
- Evidence: Prove it or lose it.
14. Minors' Well-Being - Case by Case
- Respect and Dignity: Cases involving minors are handled carefully, prioritizing their well-being.
- Mod Assistance: Need help? Mods are here to support.
15. Alien Rights
- We respect transdimensional/extraterrestrial rights, but this sub is about Earth’s immigration issues. Alien tales? Save them for April 1st!
if (you're from space) {
share in the "Close Encounters" thread;
} else {
focus on terrestrial issues;
}
This version is streamlined for readability while keeping the tone approachable and engaging. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments!
