PvXwiki:Chill Out

The Guideline
When discussions reach the point where facts are lost in walls of opinionated text the next step is normally Administrator intervention. It's times like these when your contributions have lost their value and warnings or bans may be issued.

Before a situation reaches this point, you should consider chilling out. Stop posting replies, go outside and get some sunshine. Have something to eat. The conversation will still be there when you get back. If you strongly believe in what you are saying then come back in an hour and post a sensible, succinct, well-constructed, and (most importantly) civil reply.

When This Should Be Used
Apart from being aware of this yourself and attempting to adhere to it, it should be used by third-parties when they recognise a situation in which all persons involved should take a break from the conversation. Their post should be short and distinctly neutral with regards to the conversation. Something such as "This conversation seems heated. PvX:CHILL."

Common signs are:
 * Posts have become emotional and/or difficult to read.
 * Posts are in breach of PvX:NPA.
 * Posts have become large enough that the contributor's points are unclear.
 * Posts begin crossing multiple pages, such as a discussion moving from a Build, to a User page, to the Admin Noticeboard.
 * Persons involved begin vandalising.

Remember, it is not the job of the common contributor to police the actions of others. Be neutral and assume good faith. Those involved are probably just carried away.

When This Should Not Be Used
This is not a tool to be used against someone in an argument. If you find yourself involved in an escalating situation, simply follow the guideline yourself. Suggesting that others involved review this policy may inflame the situation. No one likes to be told what to do, after all. Saying something like, "I'm going to CHILL for a while." may have the desired effect; if you step away from the situation, then that gives all those involved the opportunity to settle down and collect their thoughts.

In Short
Don't be an obnoxious drama llama. If something is important to you, remain calm and civil. Reverting to childish or dramatic behavior only works against you.