Looks like we've had a major amnesty for the new year...

[opiate69]

Here's hoping for some good, open, honest discussions in 2014!

[ElboRuum]

1. ???

Amnesty? What'd I miss?

[opiate69]

2. Scope out the "about this group" tab for this group.

The "banned" list has been culled.

[ElboRuum]

3. Ah. I see.

How many were on before? I seem to remember a handful, maybe ten or so.

[opiate69]

4. That's about what I recall too

[Behind the Aegis]

5. They are more forgiving than they should be, IMO, of course.

I do hope there will be some changes with the new year, but don't hold out much hope. It has been waning for months now. To be clear, I think the hosts here do a fantastic job given the lies and hate this group endures, even from seemingly rational and good people.

[Agschmid]

6. It's good amnesty is a good thing, IMO.

[lumberjack_jeff]

7. The hosts discussed this and decided to give it a try.

Here are my reasons for supporting it.

a) The high road is served by enabling serious, even occasionally contentious discussion.
b) It's better to have challenging discussions here instead of G-D
c) Tempers flare. I think most people deserve second chances.
d) Several of the people in question took part in good productive discussions prior to leaving during one or another of last years blowups.
e) Nobody likes being 86'ed. It's a move that should be used only when necessary because of PR ramifications.

All of the above is one person's humble opinion. If it blows up... mea maxima culpa.

Seven people were removed from the list btw.

[opiate69]

9. Agreed on all counts. And to second BtA's sentiment..

You hosts have always done an outstanding job, often in the face of unbelievable bullshit. Cheers.

[Major Nikon]

10. I feel the same way

I think that as a protected group the civility should be kept to a higher standard than the rest of DU, but that doesn't mean that someone who is uncivil one day will be the next. I think once people understand the atmosphere we are trying to create they can participate appropriately and the more inclusive we can make it the less of an echo chamber the group becomes.

[In_The_Wind]

12. It's a new year. I hope the list can stay small.

[westerebus]

8. I think that's an excellent idea. n/t

[Warren DeMontague]

11. Yeah, I think it's a good call, too.

Sets a good example.

[loli phabay]

13. got some new profile pics up, tell me what you guys think

[opiate69]

14. Beautiful as usual, loli

[loli phabay]

15. thank you, i so love the new profile pic.