Suggestion for yanking a thread

**Iolaus** · 25th December 05, 09:47 PM

I'm not going to argue with the yanking of my thread, the last posting I saw did indicate that it was heading in an untoward direction. However, if I may make a suggestion...

In the future, it might be appropriate to notify the posters of a yanked thread (or at least the thread starter) that it was being removed, and why. Having it simply disappear is a rather rude way to handle things.

**deadelvis** · 26th December 05, 02:31 AM

I’m sure my post was what got your thread pulled. However I feel my remarks, considering the topic, were quite poignant. Furthermore I find the reaction to pull the thread comparable to that of the group in which the thread made reference to.

I am a member of the board and as such must abide by the rules; even those which I’m not sure have been violated. Be that as it may I am left wondering exactly what the “Off Topic” section is for.

**Mike1** · 26th December 05, 05:13 AM

The Off Topic section is for discussion of topics that do not fit well into the other forum sections. That is not to say that it is open for discussion of topics that might be seen as offensive to others. Further, it does not exist as a section to discuss issues that simply do not fit this forum. For instance, if you want to discuss a religious topic, you are better off on a forum that deals with those topics.

The forum staff have tried, repeatedly, to leave gentle (and some not so gentle) reminders that this forum not only attracts people of all nationalities, but also of both sexes and of all ages.

The initial posting was 'on the edge' and we recognized that. We decided to wait and watch, to see what direction it would head. Unfortunately, it started to veer the wrong direction and it was dunked.

I think it is time to point out that while we do have forum staff in several time zones, we just cannot provide 24/7 coverage. And, because of that, if a thread looks potentially threatening, it is often removed to prevent it from degrading before the next staff member might see it.

I do apologize that you were not contacted with the reason that the decision was made. While I did not take that action with this particular thread, I am willing to bear the responsibility for the oversight.

I hope that everyone here will come to a better understanding that we have a forum that is attracting all ages and genders. And that we need to remember that fact, as we are submitting posts to the open forum. If you find yourself saying things in a forum post that you would not discuss at a family reunion, then you may want to reconsider what you are about to submit. It might be your wife, your child, or your parent that reads what you have to say.

Your comments and observations of the actions taken by the forum staff have been noted.

**Iolaus** · 26th December 05, 10:24 AM

Fair enough.

**Iolaus** · 26th December 05, 10:56 AM

I'd like to add, however, that we are a family here, and like any family, there will be differing opinions of what is offensive. I would like to think that we would be able comment on any subject politely, and that those who were offended by a subject would simply decline to participate, but that doesn't always happen.

If anyone thinks I should be making a bigger fuss, remember: While we are family, this is not my house, I'm just visiting. I make the rules in my house, and can through out anyone who doesn't follow them; it's the same situation here. I may disagree with the tight restrictions, but I value my time here too much to argue with the rule makers.

**Jerry** · 29th December 05, 07:27 AM

I've found that PMing a mod and asking why something was removed gets an explanation fairly quickly. I've made a few mistakes, especially when I had a little too much single malt or other beverage. I've even, after coming to my senses, Pmed a mod and ask to have something removed. I think they all do a pretty good job policing this bunch of non-conformists. I'm sure they make some mistakes, we all do, but I think it is better to err on the side of maybe being too strict than to allow this forum to become like some I have seen

**Iolaus** · 29th December 05, 10:29 AM

Oh, I understand the reasons, like I said, "I would like to think that we would be able comment on any subject politely, and that those who were offended by a subject would simply decline to participate, but that doesn't always happen," and I agree that I don't want to see the forum degenerate into petty attitudes being thrown about willy-nilly. I was just expressing my disappointment in human nature, I guess.

BTW, I have PMed a mod over something, and he was very responsive.

**Colin** · 29th December 05, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by Iolaus

"I would like to think that we would be able comment on any subject politely, and that those who were offended by a subject would simply decline to participate, but that doesn't always happen,"

That has been evident since day one on this forum. Unfortuantely it helps people add to their post count if they comment on everything whether they agree or not. It's one of my biggest pet peeves on here. The right to disagree and debate is good, but blanket statements to pad the posts is silly. My grandmother would have just called them "sh*t disturbers".

I don't envy the moderators of this site. How do you accomodate all personality types and keep the peace without ruffling a few feathers.