It is now the day after the Patch ended local control. Even before the local editors signed off for the last time, the sites started to look like the 'wild west show' with some participants stepping over the bounds of civility and appropriate decorum. It reminded me of when the teacher would step out of the classroom and chaos would break out. This may be expected behavior of adolescent students, but supposed adults?
We have a rare opportunity to continue exchanging opinions on the Patch without close oversight. Part of this opportunity is to exercise self discipline and responsibility to control our own behavior. That doesn't mean that we can't disagree with passion and resolve, but as adults we can and should do it in such a manner that stays within civil bounds. The use of profanity will not be limited by any external source but is a matter of good taste and civil decorum to be limited by each individual. Threats and libelous statements also haven't any part or portion in the exchanges. Just remember that this is a public site and children to the elderly can be viewers. Let's control ourselves so that the site remains civil and makes everyone feel welcome. The last thing we should want is to drive people away because of a few who aren't mature enough to exercise self restraint.
