Welcome to the first of many posts on this new feature here at the Collective! You're all familiar with the Moderator of the Month campaign that we have for all the moderators. Well this month's was a little different. Community Manager Jody asked that some of the moderation team submit an article for all to read. 

What's the article about? Well, it could have been about anything that is GameSpot forum related. Over the next few months you'll get to read these articles and have the opportunity to comment and ask questions.

Remember that in these "sessions" to remain respectful and follow the terms of use. Let's not turn any of these sessions into a heated debate

That being said, congrats to our first winner and test subject for these sessions: SkylinePigeon.

Here's what she wrote, and I personally think everyone should take it to heart! 

 

What does it mean to be respectful?
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The word "respect" never once appears in the TOU, but if I had to boil the whole document down into one word, that's the one I'd choose! Most of the rules, even the technical ones, can boil down into this concept. What exactly does it mean, though, and how do we put it into practice on the forums?

Respect, simply put, means showing regard and good will towards other users of the site. Having respect for each other is what helps us get along and function as a community.

Respect does NOT mean that you cannot have your own opinions, or that you have to be afraid to express your own beliefs. It doesn't mean that we cannot argue or debate. Being respectful doesn't mean like you have to act like everyone is right, no matter what they say.

It does mean that, when others express views different from their own, you don't call them names. It means that when you talk about your beliefs, you still need to allow people to believe what they want. Respect means being civil and tactful, addressing other users without malice.

Here are some tips on maintaining a respectful attitude while posting:

1. Always be open to ideas other than your own. There are lots we can learn from listening to the opinions of others. Other users may not always be right or you may not always agree, but you can learn more by at least looking at what they have to say and not dismissing it outright.

2. Read the other person's opinion carefully before formulating your counter-argument. Treat the other person's words the same attention detail as you would want them to have for reading yours.

3. Sometimes, the opinions of other users are so different from ours that they make us angry! That anger can come out in posts and result in flaming, or attacks aimed directly at the user. If you find a post makes you angry, take some time to think before formulating your next post in the debate.

4. If another user isn't respecting you and has resorted to TOU-breaking behavior, don't respond in the same way-that makes you guilty, too! Just report it to the moderators and we will handle it.

5. When engaging in heated debates, always keep the discussion on the topic - don't resort to personal attacks. It's immature and doesn't make your opinion look stronger, but weaker. Look over your post and check to see that you avoid antagonistic words like "idiotic," "stupid," etc., and that you avoid other trolling behavior.

6. Try to understand a person's reasoning behind what they post. If you look at something from the eyes of another, it may just begin to make sense!

7. When making absolute statements, use phrases like "I believe" or "I think." It still allows you to state your opinion strongly without insulting the opinions of others.

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SkylinePigeon

I agree with all of that, those are all some great things to consider on here.

 

 

I never like to see the words Proved or proof.

 

 Even on the rare occasions where there is backing for an argument brought in you can say you have evidence to support an argument but still it falls short of verification in almost every case.  

 

 I have tried to be careful to avoid saying proven because that only annoys people that disagree, many of whom will "know" better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms Pigeon is spot on. Respect is a valued and sought after gem that is sometimes lacking. When showing respect you will also receive respect, a pretty good trade.

It's a good philosophy to have when posting. I've also always found it best to be nice, and that if you can help and you have the time then you should. I've never found it funny to belittle or be condescending to other users or to attack them on trivial issues that in the long run doesn't really matter. Regardless of what you do here the important thing is that you enjoy yourself (within the rules of course). Whether it's blogging, watching videos, posting, writing reviews, faqs, or helping out another user. There is a plethera of options to do on this site so I've never saw the sense in judging another user just because they take enjoyment from another aspect of GameSpot that I do. One of the things I like the most about GameSpot is that a majority of the user base is very nice and respectful and that the ones that aren't are eventually banned and you don't have to deal with them anymore. I agree wholeheartedly with this article and it's something I've tried my best to follow over my years here as well. *Looks at his Moderation History* ... Of course, nobody's perfect.

All incredibally good tips. I'm sure Gamespot would be much better place if these words are taken to heart

awesome info