I don't report. Even when I've been unjustly and spectacularly abused, I didn't hit the report button. Somebody else did, however, and I'm grateful to him for that, in spite of my laissez faire, laisser passer approach. I didn't defend myself either, I chose to let God handle it on the two times I was abused and slandered by the same member. I'm not a pushover, though, it's just that when I do react I don't mess around and go nuclear, which is one reason I rather let it slide. Should that bloke come and try pushing the same shenaningans again, he's gonna get a virtual bloody nose, no less than he deserves. I'm still not reporting him.
My upbringing instilled in me a deep respect for authority, thus, I naturally respect the mods on any fora and don't like taunting them or challenging them or calling them out or questioning their decisions publicly or daring them to ban me. My upbringing also instilled me with a dislike for cheap and quick violence, verbal or physical, and whilst I tend to be arch and mischievous I'm never out to provoke others into anger or to belittle them or call them names for the heck of it. I behave online in the same way I behave in 'real' life—I don't act like a jerk online because the other guy is too far away and can't reach through the wires to sock me on the nose; if you were to meet me in person you'd find that I'd behave and talk the same way as I do here. Only exception would be an attitude adjustment if there are ladies about: my upbringing also inculcated a deep respect for women, even if/when they strive to make themselves not worthy of such respect (I've seen cases, not here, but I've seen them).
Now, why am I typing a verbose post? One reason: I agree with the rules and I reckon some people have been made felt unwelcome here of late. Sometimes we take the jokes too far and other times a joke doesn't come off. Sometimes we get too passionate about stuff we care about and take very seriously (such as love for Lord, lady, and land, among other things). I acknowledge that. I also acknowledge the job the mods do and which is not easy: I've been a mod and a teacher at some points in my life, so I know.
The reason, though: whilst we should strive to be kind and welcoming and, above all, respectful, there are times when some people come with a snowflake attitude that renders anything that does not praise them or their choices, or that points out a flaw or a problem with what they do/buy/think that all of a sudden these 'unflattering' posts become 'abuse' and they start crying foul. This is highly immature, counterproductive, and downright vexing. This is not ADULT behaviour and this is a site for adults. I take my portion of the admonishment doled out by the mods/admins, but I would also beseech them to moderate (privately, why not, I don't need to know the details) those prima donnae who make a storm in shot glass simply because they weren't mature and humble enough to take criticism.
