I think this is it (i.e., the actual rule(s?)): > By declaring commitment to Crocker's rules, one authorizes other debaters to optimize their messages for info

I think this is it (i.e., the actual rule(s?)): > By declaring commitment to Crocker's rules, one authorizes other debaters to optimize their messages for information, even when this entails that emotional feelings will be disregarded. IIUC, the article is just worded rather confusingly.