I have discussed this a while back directly with @Stephen Coles, who was unsure about changing the policy for “existing members and the expectations they had when they dedicated themselves to the forum.” He suggested I post the discussion here, which I am doing now.
When Typedrawers launched, I was deeply opposed to the Typedrawers “manifest” that blocked certain individuals from joining the forum. I see no reason to exclude people from the outset, when we have perfectly good tools to moderate the debate. If someone cannot behave in a proper civilized manner in our forums, sure – flag them, give them a warning, and ban them if they keep at it. But a community built on exclusion? In my opinion, that is immature, arrogant and a deeply embarrasing moment in the proud history of type.
When Typedrawers launched, I was deeply opposed to the Typedrawers “manifest” that blocked certain individuals from joining the forum. I see no reason to exclude people from the outset, when we have perfectly good tools to moderate the debate. If someone cannot behave in a proper civilized manner in our forums, sure – flag them, give them a warning, and ban them if they keep at it. But a community built on exclusion? In my opinion, that is immature, arrogant and a deeply embarrasing moment in the proud history of type.
