Closing threads down

**MartinGrenoble** · 6th January 09, 02:47 AM

With all due respect to our esteemed mods ...
Just how squeamish can you get?

Should minors not be encouraged to wear kilts?

Should they not be allowed to avail themselves of the advice, opinions and experience of older members of the forum.

As far as I know, even American boys are born with the usual anatomy, just as in pother parts of the world. Or do these bits appear suddenly when they reach voting age?

It is quite possible that my grandparents grew up fairly innocent of sexuality, but in our world of commerce and television, I find it hard to imagine that today's youngsters remain ignorant of their own bodies.

So why do we see :
"Since ... question has been answered, and ... to prevent a thread already on the edge of our family friendly guidelines from plunging into the realms of the completely inappropriate the Moderators have decided to close this thread."

I am not expecting an answer to my question; just felt like expressing annoyance at censorship and the way things can be decided so undemocratically.

Martin

**Paul Henry** · 6th January 09, 02:54 AM

Martin, I so agree, but that's just the way it is on this board, but I suspect a European view is different from one in the States, the are lots of good things on this site, but sometimes, just sometimes we have to sit quietly with buttoned lips!!
It's not the first time, and doubtless not the last either!!!

**CDNSushi** · 6th January 09, 03:37 AM

Well, whether I agree or disagree is irrelevant. I am (and have been) a member on numerous online forums, and I am (and also have been) a moderator on other forums as well... The one rule I have learned (sometimes the hard way) is that: it's not your website. You are a guest and invited to converse because and ONLY because the site creator(s) see fit for you to do so.

Most forums are not democracies, nor do they pretend to be. Some mods tend to be heavy-handed, others not. I can tell you that on one very popular forum, the moderators' heavy-handedness resulted in some major splits and people going off to start their own forums. I hope that doesn't happen here -- and from what I can see, there's no reason why it should. Here, the mods for the most part, participate actively and positively in forum life and discussions and don't use their "powers" unless it is necessary. I also don't always agree with moderation decisions, but I value the camaraderie far more than any temporary ire I might feel at any given moment.

I apologize if this comes across as unsympathetic, but we DO need to remember that we are guests, subject to the rules that have been created by those who started this place, and decisions were never intended to be democratic. You can't really miss something you never had, IMO.

I'm sorry this issue caused you to get upset -- really I am... But hopefully by having mods that are a bit more on the strict side rather than being too lax, the forum will continue to grow and gain popularity with rabble from all walks of life.

**Scotus** · 6th January 09, 04:23 AM

What an odd topic for a thread, since we are all here by our own free will. No one is forcing you to make posts, and when posts step over the line, the thread should be closed. This forum is successful because it has rules that are followed.

Anyway... I think our moderators do a great job, and having a family friendly atmosphere is one of the great strengths of this forum. I tip my hat to the moderators of the forum!

**Jack Daw** · 6th January 09, 04:23 AM

Apparently. you haven't seen how wild a forum can get when the moderators don't do anything. It's like throat-cutting anarchy. It was surprising how adults would act like children if there wasn't some control enforced. Sometimes it seems that the moderators are too strict, but I prefer that to other.

**macwilkin** · 6th January 09, 05:38 AM

Martin: Did you PM one of the Mods with your concerns before you started this thread?

Regards,

Todd

**Riverkilt** · 6th January 09, 06:53 AM

Grumble....I must have missed the other thread...and of course I'm now curious....

Oh well....

Ron

**Thunderbolt** · 6th January 09, 07:05 AM

Wait for it....Waaiiittt for it.....

**Peter C.** · 6th January 09, 08:08 AM

Martin, I think the problem it is a cultural one. In the USA children are rigorously shielded from all things sexual, in Europe we are much more relaxed about things like that. The moderators have the very difficult task of making sure that nobody on this multi-national forum, feels upset, embarrassed or insulted no matter what their cultural background.

On this forum they give us the right not to be embarrassed or insulted, not the right to say what we like regardless of other peoples feelings, that is what makes it such a great forum.

Peter

**macwilkin** · 6th January 09, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by Peter C.

Martin, I think the problem it is a cultural one. In the USA children are rigorously shielded from all things sexual, in Europe we are much more relaxed about things like that. The moderators have the very difficult task of making sure that nobody on this multi-national forum, feels upset, embarrassed or insulted no matter what their cultural background.

On this forum they give us the right not to be embarrassed or insulted, not the right to say what we like regardless of other peoples feelings, that is what makes it such a great forum.

Peter

Spot on in your explanation, Peter. As a former Mod I can attest to your point that the job is at times a thankless one, as someone is never happy about your actions.

We're a' Jock Tamson's bairns, folks.

Todd