I have added some thread prefixes that people can use to help flag what type of discussion is intended to take place (or is taking place) in their thread. You'll see these as an option in the thread title area when starting a new thread, and if you select "edit thread" on an existing thread of yours you should be able to apply them. Staff may also change the prefix of a thread if they feel that would be helpful to readers.
You do not need to use a thread prefix. Just use one if it specifically applies to this discussion.
Support
Use for: Threads asking for support with real-life problems.
Implications: All posters please recognise that this is a real-life issue and be particularly careful to be compassionate and supportive. Where rebuke is called for, don't avoid saying it, but try to give it politely and concisely. Take theoretical discussions inspired by this situation somewhere else (though feel free to share a link to them in this thread).
Meat
Use for: Threads digging into narrow issues, robust theological or theoretical discussion.
Implications: When reading such threads, remember:
Use for: This solely exists so that if someone mistakenly thinks they have to use a prefix, and tries to select one from the dropdown menu, they don't mislabel their thread as "Support" or "Meat" when those labels do not apply.
Implications: Same as no label. Doesn't mean anything.
In the "Prayer Requests" subforum, two different prefixes are available:
Prayer Request
Prayer Answered
If your prayer request is answered or resolved, please change the prefix to "answered". If you've ever used bug-tracking or service request forums, this is like marking an issue "resolved". This will help people focus their prayer on issues still requiring attention, and provide encouragement by showing that God truly does answer prayer.
You may also see a prefix "From Staff" occasionally, staff may use this when they wish to flag a post as being an important message from staff that you should probably read.
I may change these prefixes or add new ones, feel free to comment with suggestions below. I do want to keep this simple so everyone can understand it, so they're actually useful and don't just become decoration.
You do not need to use a thread prefix. Just use one if it specifically applies to this discussion.
Support
Use for: Threads asking for support with real-life problems.
Implications: All posters please recognise that this is a real-life issue and be particularly careful to be compassionate and supportive. Where rebuke is called for, don't avoid saying it, but try to give it politely and concisely. Take theoretical discussions inspired by this situation somewhere else (though feel free to share a link to them in this thread).
Meat
Use for: Threads digging into narrow issues, robust theological or theoretical discussion.
Implications: When reading such threads, remember:
- Expect your all statements to be dissected and discussed (or opposed) in great detail. If this occurs, people are not attacking you personally, they are taking the issue seriously and paying great attention to detail.
- Individual statements only apply in the context of that thread, and are not necessarily general recommendations for real life. For example, in a discussion on slavery in scripture, any statements that sound pro-slavery in that context would not necessarily imply the person making the statement would support slavery today. The same goes for all other controversial matters.
Use for: This solely exists so that if someone mistakenly thinks they have to use a prefix, and tries to select one from the dropdown menu, they don't mislabel their thread as "Support" or "Meat" when those labels do not apply.
Implications: Same as no label. Doesn't mean anything.
In the "Prayer Requests" subforum, two different prefixes are available:
Prayer Request
Prayer Answered
If your prayer request is answered or resolved, please change the prefix to "answered". If you've ever used bug-tracking or service request forums, this is like marking an issue "resolved". This will help people focus their prayer on issues still requiring attention, and provide encouragement by showing that God truly does answer prayer.
You may also see a prefix "From Staff" occasionally, staff may use this when they wish to flag a post as being an important message from staff that you should probably read.
I may change these prefixes or add new ones, feel free to comment with suggestions below. I do want to keep this simple so everyone can understand it, so they're actually useful and don't just become decoration.
