If I may.
Citing a few examples of where you think a few things got through does not a double standard make.
Some of these threads did not "get through" they had involvement from Moderators
Anybody watching this site over the past few years knows how much activity the moderators have been engaged with in trying to calm down threads, moving them to appropriate forums, such as the Consumer Watch or the mfg's own forum if it has one, and closing numerous threads when disputes get out of hand.
I am not doubting any of the Moderators in doing the job they do, I for one am very grateful for this site and the friendships I have made as a direct result of it.
I have to wonder when someone says they believe such actions have not been taken.
I did not say anything in relation to the other threads because I as a purchaser am thankful for any info that may help in the decisions I make as to who I purchase parts or services from, Ultimatly we are all adults and if warned of poor business ethics we are all old enough to do some research before making our decisions.
With regard to folks promoting themselves within forums, you will obviously never be aware of what goes on behind the scenes. When we do attempt to reign in such over-exuberance, we end up getting flak from those who think the mfg or builder ought to be able to promote themselves.
I can understand both sides of what your saying here but have to wonder why some are warned about banner adds (publicly) yet others are not. You are correct in saying we do not know what goes on behind the forum.
It is indeed a fine line. We prefer never to intervene whenever possible. We prefer calm winds and clear nights so that we can enjoy this place as much as anyone instead of watching what a particular poster bent on testing our wills intends next.
I agree with you 100%
Because of the size of this place, in many instances we can only react to reported posts. My intervention in this instance was in response to a couple of PMs of folks who were concerned about your Club's forum turning into a battleground. And, in answer to your next question, the PMs were from folks not aligned with either side to the dispute. I do not recall any Reported Posts about the person promoting himself here...did you send one? I've checked my log and see none.
I did not send you any PM's with concerns, as I have said, I am greatful to hear of any issues and think we are all old enough to make up our own minds.
In this instance, the poster in question was warned three times in this forum over the course of a single day, not to mention the exchange taking place with private messages. He was provided with a link to the Consumer Watch area, and a specific link to its guidelines. This was not a case where the person was prevented from making other folks aware of a problem (from his perception)...it was a matter of that person simply ignoring the advice given to him about how to go about it. This advice was given to him despite his remarks here and in private. When he finally did post in Consumer Watch, he flat ignored the guidelines and did so in an unreasonable manner. Before I edited it...the remarks were basically to the effect of calling the other person a name and warning him to "watch out" without giving any details as to the dispute. Much the same occurred in the three threads he started here. Have you read the guidelines in Consumer Watch? If so, what, pray tell, do you find wrong in what they ask folks to do?
I am not privey to what exchanges took place between the Moderators and the thread poster, from what your saying it does sound like he was given fair warning, and if there was name calling involved and threats made, then I agree with you totaly in closing the thread and removing the remarks.
It is rather easy to critcize the moderators, especially since you see little of what we do. That's fine...we've never asked for any thanks, and we don't now. But we do ask folks to be considerate of one another.
Again I agree with you completly.
I suspended the person for a limited period of time to allow him to think it over a bit. I've asked another of your group to discuss the situation with him in an effort to see if the suspension might be lifted early. As a new member, the poster might well have heeded the advice and read the guidelines posted in numerous locations around this site...they were put there by the administration for a reason...rather than telling us how he thinks the site ought to be run and shooting the messenger.
Funny thing...I've received PMs asking why I didn't ban the person outright and sooner, and PMs asking why I took any action. Neither Ron nor I can recall a specific instance where any act of moderation we engaged in was met with everyone in agreement. Nor do we expect that to ever occur.
Sorry to interrupt what is normally a very quiet and fun place at this site. Simply trying to keep it that way. You asked a valid question, and I do hope this provided you with an answer.
