Question

In regards to yesterday's post that spiralled out of control. Some points and clarification for those involved and other bystanders.

Answer 1

1. Name calling is not allowed.
We are not saying that you cannot express disagreement. To clarify, saying "you did not need to do that" is fine, but when you say "you are literally the most annoying user" then it becomes a personal attack.
Also keep in mind when you stoop to personal insults, your argument loses credibility regardless of if you are in the right. It also reflects poorly on you. Just keep that all in mind.

2. Direct answers.
This is a tough rule for even us to implement. This is somewhat subjective, but we may permit high-quality explanation at our discretion. In general, if we're certain that the user is not going to return, it makes sense to provide an in-depth quality response so that other users who find this question later on will be able get the assistance they came looking for.
Often times in math, some questions might be too simple to explain further without doing the entire question for them and giving the answer. In these situations, it's best to find (or make) a similar example and show them how to solve that instead.

3. Responding to a post even though someone else has responded is permitted, and is especially encouraged if the response provides more information or another method to solve the question.
Now obviously this requires some common sense. If someone is already helping the asker, you should wait until they're done before you show another way to solve the question.

4. You cannot use freedom of speech to insult other users or say whatever you want.

Here's a wonderfully written piece by Eric. Just replace OpenStudy with QuestionCove.

\(\color{#0cbb34}{\text{Originally Posted by}}\) @e.mccormick2
What freedom of speech? Have you actually read the law? Ever heard of a non disclosure agreement? Perfectly legal. Ever heard of employees being fired for swearing at customers? Perfectly legal. Freedom of speech and the press is only applied when the government tries to suppress truths that are not an issue of national security. All of this comes from two parts of the Constitution of the United States of America, and there are similar doctrines in other countries.

Fist, they have the right to make all laws as needed: "To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof."

Second, there are some laws they can not make, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

OpenStudy is \(\textbf{not}\) congress. Therefore, if they want to make a rule about what goes on their web site, they can. It is 100% legal.

Also, liable and slander laws have existed forever. Why? Because these are not seen as free speech or free press. They are seen as lies, fraud, etc. Therefore, there are even limits on free speech that go all the way back to the Constitution and the founders.

Before you quote law, you need to learn what it means. In this case, it does not even apply. A corporation has every legal right to restrict what content is put on its web site.
\(\color{#0cbb34}{\text{End of Quote}}\)


5. Deleted replies are still subject to moderation.
Deleting your response does not mean that we won't see it. There is no point in saying things to provoke a reaction and then deleting your reply.

6. Finally, please avoid starting a dispute especially on a question thread that is not related to the issue. This puts QuestionCove in a bad light for new users when they see arguments like this.


Some final closing points:

The best course of action in these situations is to just report it and wait for moderators. We understand that we're not always available to resolve it immediately, but it's best to not respond   because as you can see, the back and forth banter clearly exacerbated and prolonged the situation.

Whenever a heated discussion happens, it's best to step away and cool off. Nothing good is ever said in anger. Also, it's best to leave your egos behind. Furthermore, there's no reason to get involved in issues that don't involve you. Just report it and move on.

Lastly, if you can't tolerate or handle another user, then ignore whatever they say and don't respond to them. You can also use the block feature to help you.
Learning to ignore those you don't like is a valuable life skill that you might as well learn now. You'll encounter many people in your life who will irk you. There's nothing you can really do about it except live your own life and not get bothered by them.

Answer 2

I know this is a long post, but please read it in its entirety. If you have any questions, feel free to message them to me.