Thank you for your input. As stated in the sidebar, discussion is welcome but arguments are not. I consider arguments to contain a measure of aggression or unpleasantness, unlike discussion and debate which remain civil. You are allowed to disagree and correct misinformation.

I took exception with OPs comment because they weren’t replying to anyone or engaging in a discussion or debate, they came straight out of the gate being extremely aggressive and unpleasant. However, I am aware that gun safety can be an emotive issue for some so I was lenient - I didn’t remove OPs comment or give them an official warning, I just reminded them to follow the rules. In OPs reply to me they were still passionate and seemed to disagree with me, but they weren’t aggressive about it and that is completely acceptable.

Lemmy.org’s citizen code of conduct is pretty clear on what behaviour is and isn’t expected. Here’s a few relevant snippets:

• Please be kind and courteous. There’s no need to be mean or rude.
• Respect that people have differences of opinion and that every design or implementation choice carries a trade-off and numerous costs. There is seldom a right answer.
• Please keep unstructured critique to a minimum.
• We will exclude you from interaction if you insult, demean or harass anyone. That is not welcome behavior.

Lemmy.world’s code of conduct expands on these rules a little:

• [the code of conduct] is intended to ensure that our platform is as welcoming and inclusive as possible, to create a supportive environment, where people freely share their passions and are excited and positive about each other’s successes.
• Do not engage in name calling, ad hominem attacks, sealioning or any other uncivil behaviour. Remember to criticise ideas, and not people.
• Bullies, trolls, and disruptors are not welcome in Lemmy.World. We will moderate accordingly.
• We are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all
• This is a voluntary community. You chose to be here. When you choose to join, you have implied that you agree with this Code of Conduct and will follow it.

They are not my rules, they are the rules everyone agrees to follow by participating here. I’m expected to implement the rules, primarily by responding to mod reports.

Finally, it’s not my role to tell people what they can or can’t discuss as long as it doesn’t break any rules:

• The moderators are not morality or thought police. They are guided by this Code of Conduct. Post what you want, as long as your post follows the rules, principles, and goals outlined on this page.

I think people underestimate how “strict” the rules are on lemmy, and as a lone moderator it is really difficult to decide when to step in. I can only try my best and promise to be as transparent as possible when I delete, warn or ban a subscriber. To help with this I have made a stickied post requesting additional moderators and welcoming feedback and suggestions. I’ve had no takers. I will update the sidebar with links to the code of conducts I cited because they’re not particularly easy to find. Hopefully our entire community can work together to make this a pleasant place to be.