Censorship

[bobov (imported)]

I put a lot of time and thought into several recent posts in the Bayard Rustin thread. Today, I checked to see if there'd been any responses, or new posts, only to find that the thread had been "closed" without explanation. I see no reason, and resent what seems to be a ham-fisted, undemocratic, and oppressive intervention. Kristoff wrote to complain that the thread had veered away from Bayard Rustin. So what? The Forum participants have no right to discuss what they want? Other threads don't bounce from topic to topic? If I look at the recent posts in an active thread, they'll all be about the official topic? Who here has the right to silence or censor the thoughts of the other members?

I've had to write about this sort of thing twice before over the years. If moderators or administrators don't like what's being said on a thread - tough! The Forum isn't an echo chamber for your personal opinions. You have no right to silence or censor other members. Don't be power junkies! If you have the need to tell others what to say, become dictators of a small country. EA is supposed to be a free and caring community. Remember?! Not every member of a community has the same opinions. Get over it! If your heavy thumb keeps coming down on the scales of opinion here, EA loses its value.

[bagman (imported)]

bobov

There is a Bibical quotation which springs to mind " let everything be done decently and in order" posts dont get closed for no reason I am sure the moderators will explain in an open and fair fashion , if the closure is a mistake they are as we have seen before very willing to apoligise and restore, my best advice is to be patient and the reason will emerge, but ranting and raving without knowledge of the reasons is not in keeping with the friendly comradeship we enjoy in this forum. Yes ask questions as to the reasons why but be moderate and temperate in your attitude.

[Paolo]

I don't know why it got closed.

I didn't do it. I have, however, accidentally closed or even deleted threads before by pushing the wrong button.

I will ask around and find out why it was closed. In the meantime, I will go over it a few more times and see if it deserves to be closed.

[bobov (imported)]

Bagman, I don't doubt that the people who closed the post had a reason. There's always a reason. But allow me to suggest that without people "ranting and raving," the world would be a much worse place than it is. Is it "

in keeping with the friendly comrad

ship we enjoy in this forum" to rebuke me with the Bible!? I'm an atheist, but isn't there a Biblical quotation (I think it was the Prophet Jeremiah) that says "mess not with your brother, lest he mess with thee"? Patient submission to the will of higher authority may work if the authority is a benevolent god, but if the authority is a whimsical moderator, excuse me my rebellious thoughts. You're prejudging the situation, just as you suggest I'm doing.

[bobov (imported)]

Thanks, Paolo. Much appreciated!

[kristoff]

For what it is worth I closed the post - without intent. I was looking at the thread tools... I often print out and save select posts, but first put them in printable form. I have access to the editing functions for all threads. The default function anytime the tool is open is to close the thread. Obviously I activated the close thread tool. The thread is now open.

On the other hand, I take offense in that I find that your post here is extreme, hot tempered, and inappropriate, especially from someone as obviously thoughtful and considered as yourself. I don't really give a crap relative to any of the offered quotes from the bible or elsewhere. But I DO give a crap about your abusive comments. A simple inquiry would have been quite sufficient. I am NOT censoring them, nor am I closing this thread. Not only do I deserve an apology, so also does every administrator, hell every member here.

[bagman (imported)]

Bobov you are excused I simply made a quotation and qualified from whence it came, it is possible to make a point without rant and rave Kristoff has a point. I expect it is as simple as when we attempt let of steam someone is likely to be offended so least said is soonest mended. Certainly it is not anybodies perogative to force ideas on others this is a forum but good taste is vital debate without acrimony is healthy and helpfull

[bobov (imported)]

Kristoff, I'd never seen a situation like this before at EA, so I was not aware of the potential for casual or accidental closings. Evidently, these things can happen without serious intent. Seeing the thread suddenly closed without explanation, I could only assume it was a considered action, and could think of no reason other than displeasure with the content. There were instances, years ago, when people here expressed a wish to censor content they disliked. I'm happy to learn that's no longer true. My memory of those long ago discussions colored my reaction to what happened today.

It's never my wish to give offense unintentionally, and that seems to be what I've done. I misunderstood what was happening, and made groundless accusations as a result. To all of the hard working and dedicated people at EA, who make real the possibility of what EA can be, and who embody the spirit of this community, I extend my humble and heartfelt apology.

[kristoff]

Kristoff, I'd never seen a situation like this before at EA, so I was not aware of the potential for casual or accidental closings. Evidently, these things can happen without serious intent. Seeing the thread suddenly closed without explanation, I could only assume it was a considered action, and could think of no reason other than displeasure with the content. There were instances, years ago, when people here expressed a wish to censor content they disliked. I'm happy to learn that's no longer true. My memory of those long ago discussions colored my reaction to what happened today.

It's never my wish to give offense unintentionally, and that seems to be what I've done. I misunderstood what was happening, and made groundless accusations as a result. To all of the hard working and dedicated people at EA, who make real the possibility of what EA can be, and who embody the spirit of this community, I extend my humble and heartfelt apology.

Thank you. Nuff said.