I think it depends on what extent the banter reaches. Neither are prohibited. However the odd tounge in cheek remark is fine, but when it starts to be taken seriously by members, and the comments cause members anger and frustration, it turns members off the forum. No one wants to be told their team is usless or failing, and when comments persue it gets over board. If you want to see the difference between good healthy banter and unhealty, offensive remarks, I'd use the threads -
http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...ica-v-Lions&highlight=South+Africa+Lions+Test - South Africa v Lions 1st Test (good and positive banter, favourite among many members)
http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...w-Zealands-sporting-prowess&highlight=Infern0 -
New Zealand's Sporting Prowess (A member called Infern0 rubishing all of New Zealand's acheivments, creating a bad mood and probably resulting in many New Zealand members leaving)
I chose the NZ Sporting Thread not to illistrate NZ can't take a joke, or that remarks against NZ should be taken more seriously, because that clearly isn't the case. It was just a controversial thread which resulted in many NZ members, who were getting enough crap at the time, getting really annoyed. I think there is a grey line between banter and egotism, as a rugby supporter, people will always be proud of their team, and relish the oppertunity to show their support. I think it does come up to the individual to think "will this comment create a healthy enviroment or not?", "will this comment be received in good spirit, or will it be taken as disrespectful?" and obviously the golden rule "If I was in the their situation, how would I take this comment".
Obviously it's not my job to police these type of things. Members shouldn't feel restricted when posting about something that they're obviously passionate about. My only wish is that comments were constructive or at the minimum, the comments come from a good place, and won't cause other members to enjoy the forum less.
