Google Earth Community: ** NEW: Posting Guidelines for Current Events **

Dear all,

The Google Earth Community was always intended to be a place where everyone can share information and experiences, and ask questions. We hope that by visiting, people will find an agreeable mixture of content that is educational, informative, and perhaps even entertaining.

The "Current Events" forum in particular was created as a way for people to discuss topical issues and use Google Earth to add context to that discussion.

However, given that a significant proportion of current events are conflicts of various kinds, and given our very large membership, it follows that a conflict of opinions will arise in those who post here.

A conflict of opinions is fine. In fact, it is to be encouraged. The free exchange of opinions is what keeps societies healthy and lets them thrive.

But... there is a difference between arguing and bickering:

In arguing:

- we respect that the other side is entitled to their opinion
- we debate issues rationally
- we are armed with facts and informed opinions
- we are prepared to change our minds
- we are patient with the opposition
- we admit at the outset that we may be wrong

In bickering:

- no one wins
- everyone loses

If you disagree with this, if you believe that it is your right relentlessly to insult other people, their cultures, their countries, then perhaps you should consider posting those opinions elsewhere. There are many places that encourage full-on flame wars between the irrational and the insensible. The Google Earth Community is not one of those places.

The moderators here do a great job of promoting debate and quelling fights. They're not perfect, but they do the best job possible in the circumstances. I hope that you will all join me in helping them to keep this community a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their culture or creed.