I realize that this will be assumed to be aimed only at some recent postings, but it is time for a new reminder about "free speech" on these forums. I am NOT specifying any one player or any particular post, and most of you know me and should trust me on that matter.
First off, this is not a governmental board. We do not have an AA Constitution granting all posters absolute free reign.
This is a public forum, yet a private one as well. It is maintained by a single individual and a few Moderators. The site owner has all rights to determine what will be edited, deleted, or otherwise closely observed. That precludes any notion of true free speech. The Moderators have the same ability and obligation. It is used very rarely. I am a Moderator myself, and I have never deleted a post, for example. I usually try to work it out with the poster either online or off rather than removing things. There are (and will continue to be) cases in which the information in the posts is either so irrelevant, aggressive, or confusing that the post will be edited or deleted. It isn't censorship. It's control, sure, but for the benefit of the many other people who view and use these boards. I joke and poke and prod on these boards as much as anyone. It's a fun place. I refer to posts that either encourage illegal activity, questionable suggestions, unsafe practices, or simply do not in any way apply to what is being asked or stated in the thread.
Remember also that it is the specific post that is being edited or deleted, and not the account of the person who posted. Nobody has been banned from the boards for making a statement that didn't fit that I can recall. I have had posts deleted myself.
Differing opinions are not targeted by the Moderators. Every player has a differing view. It's why we don't all carry MP5s and wear one BDU type.
Lastly, very few edits or deletions are made unless/until several emails have been sent to the Moderators suggesting it or asking for it. It's rarely the vote of one, but the requests of many.
I have joked about Free Speech here as well, but in jest. This is a great place to congregate, but that right is not without limitations. Almost all of us do a great job here and our name is growing across the country. Most of us have messed up here as well. There are no judgements intended in this post, just reminders. This is an outstanding group of players and I am very proud to be one of you.
Thanks, and keep it coming.
-Kyle
