These are the new rules for debate threads agreed by the T21 staff. I was given a whisky-chloroform cocktail while they were worked out, so they should be fair.

• We recognize debate threads are a different style of discussion. They will be marked so members can decide if they want to be involved, and staff will ensure a fair balance between all types of thread in General Chat
  
  
• These threads will carry a warning making it clear they may contain analysis, and possible criticism, of opinions
  
  
• Staff posting threads will refrain from stating their opinion in the initial post so members can begin the discussion
  
  
• Staff will endeavour to make only short and to the point posts, and would appreciate members following suit
  
  
• Threads should stay on topic: site issues should be discussed in Feedback, and member-specific complaints should be made by email to staff
  
  
• Posts should always be polite and comment on opinions not the person posting them
  
  
• Members should accept that people's choice of discussions vary, and should not post on threads just to air how boring/not to their taste it is

I hereby call this House to order, and ask the right dishonourable members to excuse me while I go and satisfy my new laudanum craving.