NationStates Jolt Archive

Something I read by another poster recently implied that the "appropriate" use of the word idiot would not be considered a flame. Sorry, but the exact post where I read that isn't remembered and the poster isn't named for their protection (although I'm quite sure most of the mods know who I mean.)

I just wanted a clarification: is calling someone an idiot no longer a flame if it's done in an appropriate situation? If so, has the appropriate situation been clarified?

I would think that it depends on the case and the way it is used. Personally, I would consider the world 'idiot' to be borderline flaming if its not used repeatedly, and if its used, along with other derogatory comments (swearing), it would be flaming, but I, as well as you, will wait for a moderators official decision.

First, I assume that we're not talking about insults made in jest*.

Calling someone an "idiot" or a "moron" is a direct attack against another NationStates player and is, technically, flaming. However, these insults are considered so mild that usually a "Knock it off" comment from a Moderator is the most that is called for. That is, an isolated incident isn't going to result in an official warning (indeed, one such incident is not going to draw serious attention from a Mod). However, if a NationStates player begins exhibiting a pattern of behavior and calls other NationStates players "idiots" or "morons" on multiple occassions, then an offical warning will ensue.

If the use of mild insults suddenly becomes prolific enough that we notice it, then we Mods may decide to crack down. Until then, though, we don't see this as a serious problem.

Long-story-short: We Mods don't like seeing players insulting each other, but there is an unspoken, unwritten minimum point at which we expect players to be able to take things in stride. What that point is, exactly, will remain unspoken and unwritten as we don't consider it worthwhile to write more and more rules for increasingly minute details.

* If someone takes offense to an insult made in jest, then the offender can be asked to retract their post; the offender is required to retract their post in such a case.

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation
"Think about it for a moment."
NationStates Game Moderator