Randy -

How do I request that some effort be initiated/undertaken (by Talkboard? other?) to establish some sort of guidelines for moderators to follow in observing the various "fat" threads that frequently pop up on FT? I am not questioning moderator actions, I just am not aware of any guidelines on this topic that moderators can utilize to polize the hatefulness that usually erupts on these threads.

I am all for debate, and recognize that this is a problem for airlines and passengers. Debate on the topic is appropriate and useful. Namecalling and insults are not.

I do not want censorship - I want to ENCOURAGE fruitful debate. Unfortunately it is a fine line. Guidelines would help.

Sincerely,

JHattery

I can't speak for Randy or moderators but I think I can predict it is not a matter Talk Board would (or should) become involved in.

Heck I bet I near qualify for being charged for 2 airline seats but I've honestly never seen a thread on FT that bothered me on the topic.

AFAIK "name calling and insults" that you say bother you, are already clearly covered by the TOS, and mods are there to enforce them. If you see any posts that bother you and breach those written guidelines, hitting that little red "Report Bad Post" red triangle button might quickly achieve the desired effect?

If "fat" threads seem to bother you, I was admittedly rather curious to read your signature tag line:

I'm not afraid to look like a big, hairy, smelly, foreign devil in Tokyo, though I do my best not to, I really do. A.Bourdain

I wonder if this is the thread that the OP had in mind:

Join Me in Calling for a Ban on Fat Marriage!

Could be, as OP has posted on it several times. Heck it is OMNI, and I for one had a few good laughs reading it just now. Some very clever lines in there.

Maybe there have been some edits, but I for one did not see any insults or name calling in what remains.

i really can't tell from your post what you are talking about. The word "fat" could honestly mean just about anything these days, from the size of the thread (ie number of posts), to slang for something to weight gain, etc.

The best thing for something like this is to specifically help me help you. I frankly would not know where to begin in searching or looking to assist you. Specifics can easily be PMed or emailed to me and I'd take a look.

Regardless of what interpretation we end up here. One way in which all members can participate in FlyerTalk is when you see something objectionable, let the other member know personally and if there are enough concerned community standards - in addition to the mods, etc. - perhaps that member will be less likely to continue with their thread introductions on these type of topics.

If the word 'fat' is meant in relation to weight, that is of course difficult to monitor. As you might be aware, one of the largest grossing independent films in the last few years was "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and of course the word 'fat' went on to be part of several sit coms on TV, thus one might be learned that the term is comfortable for the mainstream. And then there's Adam Sandler in Shallow Hal and who could forget Fat Albert in the early days of Bill Cosby.

Again, I have no real idea from your post but would be glad to exchange views in private messages.

Thanks for the post and I look forward to hearing from you.

Randy