Sometimes discussions can get a bit heated on the board just like in real life. I think we all agree that personal attacks reflect poorly on the person making the attack - and is not the way to present oneself to the public and other Realtors. Not only do such attacks derail intelligent discussion but if you are disparaging others - chances are you are killing any chance of getting some referral business from other Realtors and the general public!

I do not personally have time to read all the threads on this board and when threads degenerate to the point where the discussion no longer fits the category - I generally will remove the thread once advised.

So, if anyone has a problem with the direction of any discussions please advise the moderators. If you have a problem with any moderator that you feel is guilty of causing a thread to degenerate instead of moderating the posts - then please advise me with complete details.

While recognizing that moderating is not an easy task, we do expect a higher standard from moderators - they should be able to moderate degenerating posts without themselves getting involved in slagging other participants.

Participants in these forums should also feel that they should be able to participate without being attacked and belittled. We are all adults here and should know how to treat other people with respect.

Since we should all know better to begin with, if I receive complaints about repeat incidents of abusive behavior I will block the instigator(s) access to this board without prior warning.

"While recognizing that moderating is not an easy task, we do expect a higher standard from moderators - they should be able to moderate degenerating posts with themselves getting involved in slagging other participants."

You're saying that moderators "should" get involved in slagging other participants? or is that a typo?

"I think we all agree that personal attacks reflect poorly on the person making the attack - and is not the way to present oneself to the public and other Realtors."

If we disagree with someone and let them know that, is this considered a personal attack?

Should we all just agree with each other no matter what's said and live happily ever after?

Attacking a person's ideas is what is done in any exchange of ideas or debate and is perfectly acceptable. You can disagree with a person by arguing ideas.

Attacking the person though is not acceptable - you do not win a debate by calling someone names and attempting to diminish them as a person. Such tactics are used in schoolyards.

Realtors are supposed to adhere to a Code of Ethics which says disparaging a fellow Realtor is not acceptable behavior.

So, since we all conduct our business according to the Code of Ethics - that extends to this board as well.