Hi John,

I think that the intro is good, and I would make the following comments on the list:  I think it would be helpful to have some rules of engagement.

Great initiative John!

Wow I am the exact opposite of Sebastian - I think your list of points is great but had some suggestions for the introduction.

This website enables invididuals throughout the world to come together freely - transcending barriers such as nationality, language, education, locality and individual bias - to explore the writings of Rudolf Steiner and the development of anthroposophy, at least inasmuch as these express or imply a philosophy, science or art that promotes the creation of the truly free human being. 

The only dogmatic principle we subscribe to is that any truth rigidified into dogma immediately becomes untrue.  We seek through our continuous human activity of thinking, listening and communicating to bring to birth ever new aspects of the truth that reveals itself to all who seek it. 

We welcome all serious and playful explorations of alternative perspectives in our global classroom, where all participants are teachers and pupils simultaneously. Plurality of perspectives is encouraged. It is better to have at least one person representing any given point of view here than to have no representation of it at all.  And even better if as one person you can represent many points of view!

Hi John,

Just wanted to add that my suggestions are given without ego attachment.  They are what came to me in that moment.  Do with them as you will.

:-)

S.

Thank you for your input. I will redaft in a week or so.

Keep the comments coming in, and of course expect them to undergo metamorphosis and grammatical adjustment. You are allowed to change your minds and post again if you can cope with all that freedom! If not don't.

What a pity Sebastian - I was hoping to put your ego through some metamorphosis and grammatical adjustment. ;-)

As promised, here is the shiny second incarnation. Having had a little public and private feedback, I conclude that we do not yet have consensus for the adoption of such a document. This may be the last you see of it...

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Etiquette in the Philosophy of Freedom Community = second draft
 
This website enables individuals throughout the world to come together freely to explore the writings of Rudolf Steiner and the development of anthroposophy in a manner that promotes the truly free human being. Through our continuing activity of thinking, listening and communicating we seek for ever new aspects of truths that are available to all devoted seekers. Any truth that becomes rigidified into dogma immediately dies into untruth.
 
You are respectfully requested to follow the advice here for contributing journals and responding to the posts of other members.  We invite all serious and playful exploration of perspectives in our global learning environment where all participants are simultaneously teachers and pupils.
 
We encourage plurality of perspectives so that we may transcend barriers such as nationality, language, education, locality and individual opinion.  A person can represent many points of view. It is better to have one person representing a point of view here than having no representation at all.  Please make an effort to support others in their learning and development.
 

• Freedom of expression carries personal responsibility in the context of our common work toward the ideals of ethical individualism. Please accept responsibility for your writing on this website, warts and all, and refrain from making accusatory or derogatory personal remarks.
• Remember that all contributions are public, even those that specifically address another member. If there are issues that are of a private nature, email the member personally through their contact page.
• Online communication is a craft where countless pitfalls of misunderstanding have to be negotiated. Readers come from parts of the world where your culture of language may be unfamiliar. What is understood may be different from what was intended, even between people fluent in the same language.
• Humour may be mistaken for a serious remark, so make it clear to readers when you are joking. If you are unintentionally responsible for a misunderstanding, be honest and open about the mistake.
• Take time to write offline and make your contributions as clear and unambiguous as possible.  Be aware that genuine misunderstandings may occur so be patient in understanding and explaining. 
• If you read a contribution that evokes a strong emotional response, try to empathise with alternate points of reference before making a thoughtful and balanced response. This community often acts like a mirror: when you write from a true place, your message will get through. At other times what you receive may only be your own reflection.
• There may be disagreements in spiritual endeavour, but there is no need for rivalry. There is room for all. Striving for a deeper understanding may become heated at times, which can be exciting and positive as long as it does not become personally disparaging. If you believe a contribution to be misguided, offer advice and examples of how to do better. If your advice is not taken up, acknowledge the freedom of others to choose differently.
• If you encounter a problem, it may be helpful to reflect on your own contribution in working towards a resolution in yourself. In the conversation groups, contact the manager privately through the contact page if you encounter an irreconcilable issue.

If you read a contribution that you believe conflicts with the advice here, you may respectfully refer the writer to this document.

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I would be happy to try to work to these guidelines.

There is no "enforcement" procedure.  The worst sanction is that someone be referred to a piece of writing.  That, for me, is in line with the nature of this site.  Ultimately, Tom, as owner of the site may take action, or individuals may chose to absent themselves. Both these things are things that can happen and are acceptable (in my opinion) although probably sad (in my opinion).

I would like there to be guidelines such as these to be floating around somewhere in the background.   Perhaps it could be titled:

"In September 2007 the community of this site at that time published these guidelines for contributors to bear in mind because they felt that these guidelines could be a support to the purpose of this site."

Sometimes the purpose of this site is on the frontpage and sometimes it is not.  At the moment it is not there.

S.

I really like this John - and not just because you've very graciously taken my suggestions into account!

As for any "official" status, perhaps the fact that this document has been worked on by a group of online community members is enough official status - it has just as much importance as anything else posted on the site and I believe that no spiritual striving of this nature is every truly lost.  I would certainly feel free to re-post it and refer to it as a work in progress at any time unless you object.