I'm sorry if this has been posted before, but what causes the moderators to snip a flame? And what is considered a flame in the first place? Thanks.

From the forum rules:

Do not start, engage in, or encourage 'flame wars'. A good general rule: "criticize ideas, not people." Personal/racial/ethnic/gender-based insults, slurs, or derisive comments will not be tolerated.

Does that help?

stymie said:

A flame is a personal attack or insult against another person on the site. Any insult, derogatory comment, or personal put-down can be considered a flame.

The rules are pretty clear on this: criticize the idea, not the person. That's basically it, and it's at moderator's discretion how and when they enforce it.

Safest route is to avoid insulting people

I will give you a "live" example.



Thread by PersonA:I think Prince's music sucks!

PersonB:Yeah, he sucks

PersonC:I don't like his music either.

PersonD:No he doesn't...YOU suck! <--- Flame!


Let me note however, that there are persons, whom the moderator's are well aware of, that flame for "fun" and these orgers regularly do this amongst each other...so, it's up to the moderator to decide if it is indeed a "flame" or just how the participants toy with each other.

Don't ever be sorry for questioning what you see, everyone here is more than happy to explain!

Moderators in FULL FORCE!

LaVisHh said:

Here's another example: "Wahh LaVisHh your username sounds like "Lav flush" you really are lame haha!

Now that you know, don't do it

Thank you all for taking the time to answer my question.

You are welcome, stymie.

How cool! That was the first time I have seen what someone said before it got snipped!