An Olive Branch and The People's Charter

[Evil Monkey 52]

I''d like to start this thread with a public apology to Ralph Wright for

calling him a Binner last night.  I was angry for various reasons

which have been well documented, however that does not excuse my

casting such aspersions.  I apologise whole-heartedly.

But it''s got me thinking.  One thing I hate on these boards is the

petty name-calling and bickering that many threads often descend into.

So maybe it''s time for everyone to publically sign some kind of

"People''s Charter" to agree to stamp out such practices, and to respect

the views of your fellow posters, however much or little they agree

with yours.

Some early suggestions, based on recent personal experiences would be:

• No name-calling and, in particular, no referring to fellow posters as Binners (unless they''re Bruce Bogtrotter or his ilk).
• No questioning the support of your fellow posters - this includes
  suggestions that one person is more of a supporter than another because
  they drive more miles to matches/attend more matches/sing louder than
  someone else.
• Respect opinions - if you disagree, enter into reasoned debate
  using your knowledge and beliefs on the matter, and facts (where
  appropriate - this is football, after all, and it seems to be mainly a
  matter of opinion).
• Support your fellow posters.  People like Saint Canary can
  always be relied upon to say a good word or two about most people,
  regardless of whether he agrees with their views.  We''re all on
  here for the same reason - a love of Norwich City Football Club. 
  I have a friend who still supported Worthy during the darker days of
  last season, and whilst I would debate with him, he is still my friends
  and is still a top bloke.  Differing views do not make us bad
  people.

These are just a few I could think of, maybe we could get more together

and hopefully get a public agreement on these principles? Or maybe I''ll

just get called some names...

I, Death of Canaries, and all subsequent incarnations of my username,

hereby agree to abide by the principles of good will and respect whilst

posting upon this forum.

Thank you.

[Woodford Canary 0]

Amen. Sign me up.  Might be enough to move me from my current state of being so fed up with all the forums that I just lurk from time to time.

[canary cherub 1]

Well said DOC.

I''d just add a clause about how best to respond to childish posts, which inevitably will continue to crop up fttt.  It can be very difficult if you''ve been personally insulted, or if you''re like me and can''t resist wading in to other people''s battles,* but if you can ignore it then you''re the winner.  Leave them muttering away to themselves in cyberspace.

(* I''d be the sort of player who would run 70 yards to get involved in something that had nothing to do with me in the first place!)

[Evil Monkey 52]

Nice to see this thread has been well received...