It seems like the rule changes boil down to three points:
* Use gender neutral pronouns in most prose
* When directly addressing a user, use their pronouns, as configured on the user profile
* Specifying your own identity is optional, intentionally ignoring the identity specified by others is not
On the one hand, SE can be esoteric enough as it is, more rules will make for less ease of use.
I absolutely think that there should be some level of natural resistance to all new (and existing) barriers to entry.
On the other hand, this new rule isn't particularly difficult to understand (imo) and aligns fairly well with current best practices.
I feel that it's particularly disingenuous to foist this issue as the straw that will break the camel's back, given how thoroughly declawed this rule is. Most infractions won't even constitute an official warning (though I am certain there are people who will test this rule to the limits, which will certainly be interesting to watch unfold).
* Use gender neutral pronouns in most prose
* When directly addressing a user, use their pronouns, as configured on the user profile
* Specifying your own identity is optional, intentionally ignoring the identity specified by others is not
On the one hand, SE can be esoteric enough as it is, more rules will make for less ease of use. I absolutely think that there should be some level of natural resistance to all new (and existing) barriers to entry.
On the other hand, this new rule isn't particularly difficult to understand (imo) and aligns fairly well with current best practices. I feel that it's particularly disingenuous to foist this issue as the straw that will break the camel's back, given how thoroughly declawed this rule is. Most infractions won't even constitute an official warning (though I am certain there are people who will test this rule to the limits, which will certainly be interesting to watch unfold).