It's difficult to legislate civility with any degree of completeness, and I won't attempt to try. I will say that I just asked the VC how to handle what I consider to have been rancorous remarks. I was considering shutting down the Steam Room, but wiser heads convinced me I would be closing a vehicle when what I want to do is stop passengers. Sorry for the metaFords.
So, let's be nice to one another. I understand that our threads wander, and Lord knows I've never talked a straight line in my life, but let's not hijack threads and turn them from stamps into something unrecognizable. Let's not purposely jab at one another with quips and barbs intended to offend.
We sometimes drift into politics (sometimes it's perfectly germane to the topic: how else could one discuss the start of the First World War or America's delayed entry into it), but when we do, can we please keep to facts, even contested ones, as long as you can source it.
Religion is likewise fine IF you are quoting from the Koran or giving meaning to the Caball or explaining a Vatican ecumenical statement or discussing the relative merits of the fourth crusade from military and financial PoVs. If you're arguing about the creche or assigning value to another's actions, well, please don't.
I guess I could go on and on and on and.... But I hope you all get the idea.
If you're not sure how your intended quip's gonna play, ask a trusted source first, privately.
David