the-commons

1. Write as though the person who most disagrees with you is reading. · new
2. No tribal labels ("those people", "the other side", "they always..."). · new
3. Criticize arguments, never the character of the person making them. · new
4. Before critiquing a position, demonstrate that you can state it fairly. · new
5. If you object to something, propose an alternative — do not just tear down. · new
6. Acknowledge where your own position has weaknesses or uncertainties. · new
7. Questions are welcome. Gotcha questions are not. · new

Every position stated with the awareness that the person who disagrees with you is reading. Propose, don't just object.