freedom of speech

[woody]

Mitch...

I did say in my case/opinion - however looking around the posts today I see the belts are tightening with regards to the "Off topic" removal of comments and "unnessary comments" around the forum.

Not entirely sure why cos some of the comments i'd read previously and they didn't seem too out of order...

Seems i spoke too soon!

Woody

[Turblue]

It is very interesting to sit back and see what goes on here. It's a reflection of social standards, beliefs and perceptions.

All of a sudden, there seems to be "outrage" that a few posts/threads have disappeared. Ok, it upsets some people. I accept that. I also know, that very few posts are ever moved, editted or deleted.

Woody, it is perception (I feel) that is the reason people are now more conscious of moderation by Staff.

It is actually not the case.

[woody]

Ohh i dunno if i'm outraged... mildy miffed maybe, slightly perturbed at most...

I've not been a memeber nearly as long as most of the active users on this site but in my observation over the duration of my membership it seems that there have been more removals/edits by mods over the past two weeks then at anytime before.

Maybe i'm wrong, maybe it is just my perception.

I understand the need for mods/admins I understand the removal of threads/posts due to the bad/offensive content, i think a level of lieniency needs to be excercised on the removal of posts due to being "Off topic", banter is part of the process.. sharing witicisms and joviality is part and parcel of the nature of such forums, agreed if the topic goes way out then mods should step in. But i'm seeing single posts removed as they do not adhere to the letter of the topic.

If we move to a totalitarian ethic in the posts you loose some of the fun of being here in the first place.

all's i'm saying is - mods and admins you go do your job, love your work, but lets remember why we're members, we want to share information stories and updates to our cars, sure we may get slightly off topic sometimes (and i refer only to the slight deviances) but is that really soooo bad?

Woody

[Rhino]

OK Guys, here's what I think, and try not to assume 'tone' in my post, I'm just trying to let you know the duties I think we assume as moderators/admin.

The 'power' (term used loosely) of a moderator is that he/she under certain guidelines from admin - CAN control the forum in a manner that we see fit to ensure that things run smoothly and in the interest of ALL users <- key point!

At the end of the day, we do not have to justify ourselves and our actions. But take into consideration the following:

In cases where threads can get non PC - they will first be removed and then the admin and mods WILL discuss whether or not the decision was justified.

If threads have been posted that are WAY off topic, and considered forum spam (In my opinion like the one stating that we had a high number of users on a certain day - it is a site feature that tells us this anyway :bang: ), we discuss the appropriate action BEFORE we remove them. (Yes I know it is still there)

If it is found that the mod or admin was a bit harsh, it usually gets replaced. But we discuss all movements of threads as a team. There is no "What I say goes" attitude here.

This is a car club, not a dating service, self-help group or knitting class... Although we do offer an 'off topic'... topic (too many topics), it is IDEALLY our aim that it be kept informative and relevant to members at all times. Yes, it can be off topic AND relevant.

Whilst you may find some decisions made by moderators to be harsh, I think you will find that it contributes to a well run forum (I really do think you have to agree), free from member bashing, spam, and 'incidents', whatever they may be. Keep in mind that whilst we think it is fantastic that we have over 800 members... there are 9 of us trying to make sure they don't offend or upset anyone else!

We do thank you all for on the whole, making our life easy and understanding our decisions. But like most things, there are exceptions to the rule and we do have to step in occasionally.

In summary, keep it:
• relevant
• appropriate
• clean

Personal motto:
If you wouldn't want to see it printed on the front of the newspaper - DON'T WRITE IT.

[Vectracious]

I think what some people are forgetting is that our membership accounts on OpelAus.com are a privilege granted by the Administrators, not a right. The Administrators are the ones who run, update, maintain and pay for this forum, therefore we play by their rules.

If someone came into your home and started breaking your rules, would you just sit by and let them do it, or would you put a stop to it?

So if an Admin/Mod has edited/removed your post, well they would have had good reason to, and it's their right to keep their house in order. And if you think that they are being over zealous, well, don't let the door slam your ass on the way out.

My $0.02

[Mr T]

With regard to Rhino's and Turblue's post - I understand your position of trying to keep the site clean and decent for all to view.

Three weeks ago I had a disagreement with the "conditions" of OpelAus, so I made a post about it. I believe that this post was polite and the idea was for this post to allow comment from other users and generate opinions of the issue.

This post was removed within about 10 mins of me posting my carefully constructed wording as to not offend. I was not notified by any admin/mods and this post still has not been released back into the forum as promised.

I really enjoy OpelAus, the social scene is good as is the forum its self, but if admin/mods continue to remove posts/threads for personal and/or ill informed political reasons than eventually people will soon become bored and will socialise elsewhere.

[Rhino]

Sorry to hear that mate. I am not aware of the post...

[Anonymous]

So what happens when a Admin/Mod. violates the Rules/Conditions of the Site/Forum?

I'm generally happy with the Running of the Site, Theres still creases that need Ironing out.

I'm happy to talk to ANYONE in PM,MSN,Phone

[frankie9fingers]

Come on Glenn, post a more tricky question!! We get rid of the post and all the bickering happens behind the scenes until someone has to buy them a rose to get over it. It's happened b4 and it'll happen again.

[dug74]

I agree...what happens when mods violate the rules?????

This happened to me 2 weeks ago when i posted about my sharkfin and sunroof and the post was deleted within 5 minutes by a mod who wont be named....REASON: I need pics of the mod before i could post about them :screwy: :screwy:

Since then....things are looking better....and i have settled down..

I was given a pm to explain why my post was deleted.