Forum rules

[mudgripz]

I agree with your attitude and position Tussock - consideration with regard to language/content is certainly desireable.

If I may add some old-schooler's thoughts - it is important to differentiate between what's ok in a public bar, and what's acceptable in a public domain such as this national and international website.

I link with this site because it is a New Zealand Hunting and Shooting Forum. Important to note 'New Zealand' because it will attract not only kiwis throughout the country, but international viewers also. It is good to present with care as do other nations' sites eg rimfirecentral, marlinowners, leverguns etc. If people wish to vent language/dope detail etc, private blogs are appropriate for that, or perhaps the NORML site.

Further, its important to realise this is specifically a Hunting and Shooting site, that it carries no necessary freedom of swearing and dope discussion etc purpose - and it shouldn't. And here I'd make a point - after 50 years hunting, competing etc I am happy to confirm that lots of swearing, dope talk, pushing social boundaries etc adds precisely zero to your shooting skills, hunting skills, or ability to learn. Zero. It is not required to be a competent kiwi hunter. One shooting team I currently belong to has past club/provincial/NZ champions in it - men very capable on range and in field - but you actually don't hear much swearing. It is simply not necessary to be a good hunter/shooter, and its not appropriate in a public forum attracting women viewers, kids, overseas guests etc.

I agree with the call for reasonable self-restraint in speech and content on this public site - setting a reasonably positive and acceptable culture. Its what we do in clubs etc., and as a matter of common sense it's generally self-moderated. I can swear with the best of them esp if I drop and ding a new rifle as I did recently - could have been heard in Rarotonga - but public domain is different. Remember - the core business for this site is hunting and shooting discussion, and excessive bad language/content is neither necessary nor desireable for that. It adds nothing of value at all, and as such isn't a right worth supporting.