Declaring yourself to be operating by "Crocker's Rules"
means that other people are allowed to optimize their messages for information,
not for being nice to you. Crocker's Rules means that you have accepted
full responsibility for the operation of your own mind - if you're offended,
it's your fault. Anyone is allowed to call you a moron and claim
to be doing you a favor. (Which, in point of fact, they would be.
One of the big problems with this culture is that everyone's afraid to
tell you you're wrong, or they think they have to dance around it.)
Two people using Crocker's Rules should be able to communicate all relevant
information in the minimum amount of time, without paraphrasing or social
formatting. Obviously, don't declare yourself to be operating by
Crocker's Rules unless you have that kind of mental discipline.
Note that Crocker's Rules does not mean you can insult people;
it means that other people don't have to worry about whether they
are insulting you. Crocker's Rules are a discipline, not
a privilege. Furthermore, taking advantage of Crocker's Rules does
not imply reciprocity. How could it? Crocker's Rules are something
you do for yourself, to maximize information received - not something
you grit your teeth over and do as a favor.
"Crocker's Rules" are named after Lee Daniel Crocker.