Hello.
I feel something needs to be said about respect and tolerance for views, opinions and personal choices on this subreddit. Lately, and for whatever reason, an increase in the number of derogatory and judgemental comments have somewhat disturbed the mood and unsettled some users.
To those who have just made their way here, especially those who have been confronted with the topic of zoophilia for the first time, keep in mind that a little filtering of what you say can go a long way towards creating a better, more harmonious future for everyone. Even if you disagree with someone's view, keeping calm and communicating in a way that is polite and informative is much more effective in reaching a form of mutual understanding than flaming and insults. Zoophiles clearly do not conform to mainstream society, and pointing that out in a judgemental fashion does not help either party's cause.
To existing users, I'd like you to keep in mind that downvoting posts/comments just because you disagree with them isn't the proper use of the voting system. If another redditor makes an argument, even if you interpret it as being anti-zoo or otherwise offensive, it is unlikely that it was intended as such. One of the disadvantages of being a meek minority is that a lot of ignorance is retained in the general populace - the only way to eliminate that is to address it.
As is said in the sidebar, I think it'd be good if we all started to treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Step into the shoes of another and try to see the world from their point of view. As I'm known to come off as cold and closed in my replies, this applies just as much to me as everyone else, and I'll work alongside all of you to make sure this community remains something we can all be proud to be a part of.
Cheers,
T-V
Edit (09.08): I've removed the subreddit from /r/all, in hopes of reducing the numbers of those who come here, say something abusive, and then leave. I will probably unsticky this post if it's effective.
[deleted]
I'd like to, but I won't. If history has taught us foolish humans anything, it's that forced change readily reverts.
I believe the only way for people to make changes that stick is to empower them to change their actions themselves, and thus all I can do is to ask them to do so. The real change is up to them.
[deleted]
Can you give an example of where you feel downvotes were inappropriate? I've been using the reddiquette suggested concept of "If you think something contributes to conversation, upvote it. If you think it does not contribute to the subreddit it is posted in or is off-topic in a particular community, downvote it."
So for example, if someone posted a "I'll pay you to fuck your animal" post in the zoo sub, I'd downvote it, but if it was in the bestiality sub I'd ignore it...
Not correct?
I think the thread of this comment got more downvotes than it deserved. Sure, the first probably deserved a torrent of downvotes, but those following did not in my opinion.
I'm not suggesting that the majority of users of this sub misuse the voting system - it's just something that's good to keep in mind. Most users (yourself included) use it properly. You don't need to worry about it.
Edit: I recently removed the subreddit from /r/all, in the hope it may reduce the number of stray haters and thereby curb the need to downvote - we'll see whether it makes any difference.
Nice post.
But downvotes are the norm here on Reddit, sadly. If it's not fellow forum posters, it's random newbs who chance upon the forum and freak out. It's just life here. I've been a Redditor a long time and look at my Karma score, sad really, lol. It's why I have an account for this stuff, and another for non-animal sex posts.
But at least the zoo forums aren't censoring people just for posting their opinions. Unlike some other forums around here I've come across.