I think the best rules to follow are..
1. read the post WELL before responding
2. think before you post
3. be RESPECTFUL
4. think before you post
I've seen so many controversies started in forums because a poster or posters have not read a post
thoroughly and perhaps have missed key words.
I know myself, I've become upset by the odd post...sometimes very upset, but I don't respond right away...I cool down first 'cause I know if I typed what I really thought at that moment in time, I'd probably get kicked off...lol...and rightfully so!!
I think if we all respect one another, and only type what we would say to that person's face, that alot of disagreements wouldn't begin. The computer sometimes can be so impersonal that it's easy to forget that there's a human being sitting behind the other computer...perhaps someone who's having a really bad day...someone who's life isn't that great at that moment...someone who's in pain. Perhaps it's someone who can't express themselves too well on the computer and their post can easily be misinterpreted.
I think we should all just take it easy on each other. We're all here for a reason and that's to talk about our yorkies (and other stuff!) We're all just human and life is too short to be nasty and short with people.
Just think...the nice words you say to someone may really perk up their day...really make a difference in how they feel about themselves. I think I'd rather have a positive influence on someone than a negative one.