Originally posted by boccaccio
C'mon we don't need an appeals process. Just let people say what they want to say.
Hey it's nice to be able to say what ever you want to but what's to stop me from saying that someone is an asshole, a moron, or what ever other insults my fingers can type? Should we allow these things to slide? Should we allow people to insult each other, berate each other, or other hurtful things?

Is it right to allow these things to happen?

Absolutely not.

Wouldn't you want someone to step in and resolve a situation from a somewhat unbiased opinion? If there is a squabble that is getting out of hand in the public forums is it not better to have a mediator/moderator to make sure things don't go to far?

I think so.

Do you want someone who is a constant trouble maker, such as Whipit, to have free rien; to berate people; to insult and hurt?

I should hope not.

And that is why we have moderators. And why do we have so many moderators? Because there are times when one, two, or even more of us are gone for an extended period of time, for what ever the reason may be. Also, there is a better chance of one of being on when something happens and help smooth things out before they get too far gone.

What I find funny is that people consistantly complain when new rules are made and "leaders" are picked, especially if it is not them who did the rule making. If they aren't in control, it doesn't matter what the ones who are in control do, nothing the can appease them. But if something happens to them, if they get insulted or attacked they always seem to be the ones that scream the loudest, demanding that something be done.

I don't see how everyone can get so bent out of shape about having a few rules and moderators for the good of the site in general.

In reality, how many posts have we really edited?

How often have we supressed someone's right to free speech?

How many times have we let heated discussions go without stepping in, closing or deleting a thread?

How many people have we banned without first giving ample warning?

We have let a heck of a lot more slide than we have interfered in. Those who oppose the moderators always seem to dwell only on the few negative aspects, the few times we have intervened and don't even seem willing to recognise the amount we let eveyone "get away with."

Also, a few more things those who are complaining might want to remember.

This is a free site, at least the forums are. And since it is free, I should think that you would at least be willing to live with a few rules and a few people to enforce them. You cannot have it all.

The moderators are all volunteers. We do not get paid for what we do. That, in it self, should warrant a little more respect that what we are given. At least in my opinion.

The moderators are human and have opinions of there own. Just because the post an opinion that contradicts yours does not mean they are saying you are wrong. Nor does it mean that they are censoring you. They are simply using their god given right to post their opinions that you all seem to constantly be screaming about.

No matter where you go in the world, there are rules. Not because we wish to restrict you, but because we wish for this to remain a pleasant place to be; a place that won't get shut down for copyright infringement; a place where we can safely express our opinions without fear of being made fun of. This place is no different, nor should it be. That again is just my opinion.

The bottom line is:

There are going to be rules and there are going to be moderators and you need to learn to live with it. If you have a comment or suggestion of a way that we can improve upon a rule, by all means suggest it and it will be discussed and given honest consideration. But please realize that, just because you don't like them, neither the moderators nor the rules are going to go away.

(Steps down from her soap box)