Originally Posted by
Kempion
I hate to use Gazza as an example, this kinda gets close to the topic at hand. Ok, I posted a question in the help section in chinese (I think it was chinese) because I figured it might convey my message more easily. Well, Gazza gave me a friendly warning for post in a non-english language, as that is the rule here.
This kind of adherence to the letter of the rules is borderline. I was try to help and got a warning for it. If I say "c'est la vie," can I expect a warning? I like sauerkraut, another warning? Sure, common expression versus a complete post in a non-english language are two different things. However, this can also apply comments beyond language.
For example, if two people are friendly with each other and are comfortable enough to take cheap shots at eachother, being friendly still, do they get warnings for poking fun at each other? If a mod sees this going on, are they going to know the full context or are they simply going to react to the letter of the rules?
Do you warn or ban someone by the book or do you consider the context and intent?
Going strictly by the book is going to create animosity toward the mods and put off many posters because they won't feel comfortable. They would feel like they are being watched (in fact, I was being watched; check out my not a report thread in the report mods forums). Posters won't respond well to being overscrutinized.
Now, Gazza and I discussed the matter and it's in the past (but I think I will continue to pick at him/her over the incident :D).