Encyc talk:Rules

I think it's time to overhaul the rules. Suggestions or comments are welcome. I'm going to be bold in consolidating old pages and if I step on any toes please don't take it personally. Auggie 04:55, 29 September 2010 (UTC)

• I'm already starting to think this is too ambitious, and that maybe there should be a hierarchy. Auggie 05:14, 29 September 2010 (UTC)

I suggest you change "Rules" to "Policies". There is a deep and profound (but perhaps mathematically subtle) distinction between "rules" and "policies" that makes all the difference in the world. And if you don't appreciate what this difference is, then you are likely to suffer, in the manner that Buddha sought to remediate. Moulton 11:50, 29 September 2010 (UTC)

I guess I don't understand the subtle difference. It seems to me that rules is a simpler word and conveys basically the same message. Are you alluding to your dislike of "If, then, else" rules?

Is there a better word than policy? I'm looking to improve on Wikipedia, not simply mimic it. (I really hate the term pillars as it applies to encyclopedia writing). Auggie 11:56, 29 September 2010 (UTC)

• It's the "Or Else" clause that is the main problem with rules. "Or Else" is a perennial source of conflict, drama, and suffering. I recommend "Policies and Practices" rather than "Rules." Moulton 12:36, 29 September 2010 (UTC)

How about calling this page "Encyc: Manual" and organizing it by chapter? Auggie 12:17, 29 September 2010 (UTC)

• I favor "Policies and Practices" or "Policies and Best Practices." Moulton 12:36, 29 September 2010 (UTC)

Why so simple

I spent over a year on Wikipedia, and was always discovering new policy pages. I think that having such a complicated system leads to unnecessary confusion, hurt feelings, and conflict. Auggie 12:15, 29 September 2010 (UTC)

• Correct. Rules that are enforced with various sanctions, clubs, banhammers, etc, define a competitive game (or drama). Such a system is anathema to the concept of collaboration (unless the collaboration is to intentionally define a competitive game or to mount a staged drama). Moulton 12:36, 29 September 2010 (UTC)