Freedom of Speech and Forums

[boebroerik]

Forums and blogs are providing a vital avenue to promote freedom of speech - and a challenge to those businesses that wish to both have forums that promote not only freedom of speech but also the goals of their business.

It's also a hot topic on the Internet - here's one article I had found and posted on my own forums at one point:
blog.wired.com/underwire/2007/11/site-collects-h.html

[cabinfever98]

Interesting

[cabinfever98]

still interesting ;D

[cabinfever98]

This is why a moderator should be totally bias and follow only what the rules of the forum allows.I have no problems with a moderator being on hand if things get out of hand like what's been going on around here.

[ana]

I think that when our forefathers provided us the right to freedom of speech, they intended for us to be moderators of ourselves. I do not believe that they intended for us to use our speech as a weapon to hurt or defile others. To attack or belittle, to insult or defame our foes. Mrs. Kelley taught many of us that these rights are sacred and should be revered as such. I believe that they wanted to provide us with liberties they were not afforded them in the old country.

I believe as with all things there are ramifications and that every single action has a reaction.

Therefore, if we participate in an open forum such as this or others, we must be prepared to have our comments agreed with, countered, and just down right slaughtered. However, I also believe that as long as comments are constructively given and taken, banter among members is acceptable. When members begin using obscene profanities, making threats, and making remarks that are defamatory, their right to free speech should be limited. These limitations should occur not only on the forums, but in daily life as well.

[shortcircuit]

I totally agree with you ana, excellent post! There is a VERY fine line between "moderation" and "selective moderation" though. I agree that there are times when posts need to be deleted, but I hope that in doing so that people who are trying to make legitimate arguments don't have their posts censored on this site.

[cabinfever98]

Well it was good to see that Marshall(moderator)made a presence tonight.

[ana]

We will just have to wait and see if his presence is revered or rebuked.