FAQ - 1.5 Freedom of Speech and Responsibility

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1.5 Freedom of Speech and Responsibility

BuckeyePlanet was created for the free and open dissemination of information among Buckeye fans. One of the founding principles was to allow Buckeye fans an open atmosphere to talk about a wide variety of topics. An openness and variety that were not available on other Buckeye specific web sites. In general this pertained to ‘how’ a site was being run and what direction a site was heading. BuckeyePlanet is a community project, and as such, we welcome feedback on how the site operates and in what direction it is headed. On many levels this type of discussion is encouraged. It is the way in which BuckeyePlanet has grown, in many cases by leaps and bounds, beyond other sports specific web sites. Instead of squelching a conversation or argument, we’d rather discuss it, debate it, and arrive on the other side of such an exchange, the better for it. That takes courage and a willingness to admit shortcomings and an even greater eagerness to grow from past failures.

This ‘freedom’ does not, however, give any member the right to say whatever they like. BuckeyePlanet is privately owned and operated. As such, the “Freedom of Speech” we enjoy as Americans to question public authority doesn’t apply to BuckeyePlanet. We make every effort to let our members have freedom of expression, but with that comes a responsibility. That responsibility is to follow the board rules. A responsibility to make BuckeyePlanet a better place, to treat the members here, and in the Buckeye community at large, with respect and courtesy. Please don’t cry “Freedom of Speech” if you’ve been asked to follow the rules at BuckeyePlanet.

Constructive criticism is tolerated and even encouraged at times. Saying “Player X is not quick enough to seal the corner on a sweep” is completely different than saying “Player X stinks and I wish he weren’t a Buckeye”. This site exists to enrich our enjoyment of Ohio State Athletics. Many recruits, current players, their family and friends frequent this site. It is our last wish that anything would be done to damage a positive relationship between those folks and the Ohio State University. You are responsible and accountable for your words at BuckeyePlanet. It is safe to say that Clarity would rather close BuckeyePlanet than to have anything said here adversely affect the views of a recruit, player, their family or friends.


The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule

Editor’s Note: While there are few absolute rules at BuckeyePlanet, we would hope that everyone tries to apply the Golden Rule as often as possible.

The golden rule is best interpreted as saying: "Treat others only in ways that you're willing to be treated in the same exact situation." To apply it, you'd imagine yourself in the exact place of the other person on the receiving end of the action. If you act in a given way toward another, and yet are unwilling to be treated that way in the same circumstances, then you violate the rule.

To apply the golden rule adequately, we need knowledge and imagination. We need to know what effect our actions have on the lives of others. And we need to be able to imagine ourselves, vividly and accurately, in the other person's place on the receiving end of the action. With knowledge, imagination, and the golden rule, we can progress far in our moral thinking.

The golden rule is best seen as a consistency principle. It doesn't replace regular moral norms. It isn't an infallible guide on which actions are right or wrong; it doesn't give all the answers. It only prescribes consistency - that we not have our actions (toward another) be out of harmony with our desires (toward a reversed situation action). It tests our moral coherence. If we violate the golden rule, then we're violating the spirit of fairness and concern that lie at the heart of morality.

The golden rule, with roots in a wide range of world cultures, is well suited to be a standard to which different cultures could appeal in resolving conflicts. As the world becomes more and more a single interacting global community, the need for such a common standard is becoming more urgent.