I will likely link to this in the various forums, but I felt I needed to address an issue in writing, not generally a problem with our typical writers, but that occasionally occurs among our drive-by-posters. Sanjuro has asked for less "cut-and-paste" in the past, and I as well concur that in order to survive the shifts going on in the internet, we must maintain a quality publication.
Rather than keep you guessing, Sumofyourfears, posted a "Liv is a coward" post the other day, because I deleted his overtly racist, copy-and-past article, and he discovered it. I immediately deleted it, and this is in response to that. Effective immediately, I would encourage content to be original and unique, and racist, hatred, or xenophobic topics will be deleted.
SouthernFriedInfidel is a GOOD example of how we all should be writing. Clear concise titles that sum up the article, with little on no copied text from other articles. (SFI generally links to the article, rather than reposts it which is a good method.)
Example
Any copied text (quotes, snippets, etc.) from other websites should be placed within quote-tags and cited as necessary (most of us do that already) and should adhere to 1-2 sentences. Search engines are currently cracking down on "copied texts", and unfortunately this is an easy adjustment for us all (me included). I realize there are exceptions, and if you can defend the need for additional quotations, do it, but place it in the quotes brackets.
Internal quotes (content originating from other Greensboring members on this site) are fine, though quoting pages of previous content seems superfluous and may be edited by moderators. In general, when quoting our own content try to aim at being clear and concise with other members simply as a courtesy.
Example of a bad quote:
Take a look at the lawman
Beating up the wrong guy
Oh man! Wonder if he'll ever know
He's in the best selling show
Is there life on Mars?
It's on Amerika's tortured brow
That Mickey Mouse has grown up a cow
Now the workers have struck for fame
'Cause Lennon's on sale again
See the mice in their million hordes
From Ibeza to the norfolk broads
Rule Britannia is out of bounds
To my mother, my dog, and clowns
An example of a good quote:
Is there life on Mars? -David Bowie
Article-Leads (first posts) [aka proto-posts] should be a minimum of 2-3 sentences of unique thought or opinion in addition to any quotes, with quote content not exceeding (percentage wise) the amount of "original" content.
The bottom line is, there's no need for us to host content elsewhere on the web. We can comment, or post opinion on it, referencing it with a URL.
Here's a good example of what we should strive for:
Notice most of the content is original, and the text that is quoted from another site is minimal, and a proper link is given. (The link can remain in the quote if necessary.)
Here's a bad example:
Notice how the only original text is the single line at the bottom: "What do you think you commie socialist nazi kkk peoples?"
This is why Summy's post was deleted, and for no other reason. I want to move forward making this as much of a quality website as possible. I truly think we have an opportunity to do so, but in the past we've allowed a bit too much extremism to ruin discussion.
Remember that these are just guidelines, that can help us all be on the same page, and should give us all a sense of comfort knowing what to expect from each other.
