By request....

By Request

Ted Owen, Moderator

>You'll notice some deletions here, which I concluded were necessary for posterity. Sorry that some good points lost their context and had to disappear with the bad.

Best, Ted

Re: By Request

Mike in Mystic

>I didn't notice any deletions - but how would I?

I'm a little baffled at the decision to edit threads - if there aren't any cuss words or racial slurs, or whatever else - why do it? You can't make everyone happy, and now I'm dying to know what was so horrible to merit censorship.

Just my $0.02 - don't edit posts!!!

Censorship of Posts

Frank Mutchler in Colorado Springs

>Regarding comments made in the "By Request" thread, I agree with Mike in Mystic. Unless a post is obviously vulgar/obscene/politicaly-religously-biased, I don't appreciate anyone protecting me from myself.

The sign of a healthy community isn't that everyone snoozes along uninterrupted (soma, 1984) but that disagreements and differences of opinion are expressed & accepted with good grace.

Now, who is the arbiter of 'good grace' (obviously Ted Owen) and what rule book does he/she use? Duck, here come the lawyers. It's a dirty job, Ted, but someone has to do it...or do they?? ;>)!!

What's not in the FAQ

Jonathan Peck - N.Y.

>While Ted is always fair and equitable in this public forum, do not misconstrue this as a signal that a private disciplinary message will be as fair and lenient. Believe me when I tell you, it's Ted's way or the highway. So I caution all to censor yourselves, and don't let it get to far. A private repremand will come with consequences that are not up for discussion.

Having read the deleted posts last night before the edit, I can tell you that they went way over the top and went on for quite awhile even after Ted's initial warning before they were deleted.

I only hope that all will be treated equally whether or not they are a sponsor, contributor of reviews and articles, or just part of the rank and file

Regards

Jonathan

Re: Censorship of Posts

Ted Owen, Moderator

>Yes, Frank and Mike, I agree that edits and deletions on the Moderator's own initiative should be rare. And as I see it, they are.

Personal Attack also is offensive, however, and usually will elicit Moderator action.

Best, Ted

Re: Censorship of Posts

Lyn J. Mangiameli

>As one who has had some of his comments included in the deleted thread, I want to say that I have no problem with what Ted has done. I'd like to think that mine were the baby that went with the bathwater, though I'm not sure everyone would share that opinion. Regardless, once a thread is cut at some point, I understand there are times when it is difficult for following posts to be understood in the necessary context. Removing everything from the point of major offense seems a very even handed and impartial means to deal with the issue, even though we sometimes loose useful insight, and fail to see the good efforts of the group to police itself.

Ted ended the thread at the point of a diatribe against a specific product, one that didn't even have the least bit of application to woodworking. I think Ted must weigh the informative value of posts, and our opportunity to be candid and frank, with his responsibility to protect WC from outside criticism (including possible legal action). I think that is being responsible to our entire community and at such times censorship is the side-effect, but not the main intent.

Finally, if this post, too, should be seen as somehow detracting from, rather than helping, the situation, then Ted, know in advance I have no hard feelings about this post be removed as well.

Re: Censorship of Posts

Joe Rogers, Northern Virginia

>I also had posts removed,I believe rightfully so. I support Ted in his mosly thankless job. I know that moderators are a requirement for a smoothly operating forum. They usually only get static because they become involved with problems. Ted (and Ellis) may delete my posts whenever he deems it necessary.JR

Re: By Request

Dean Burke - The Yakima Debunker

>Didn't I read somewhere in the rules that we were not to publicly comment on message kills? What's all this?

Dean

Re: By Request

Joe Rogers, Northern Virginia

>Q: What are the forum rules?

A: Historically, we have not had a lot of official rules at WoodCentral, yet our forum has always been very civil. We abide by the generally-accepted, largely-unspoken rules of respect, courtesy and common sense that guide all communities, real or virtual. When in doubt, treat others as you would have them treat you. We do ask, though, that you refrain from discussing religion or politics, and we never allow:

* Spam in any form.

* Off-color posts, dirty jokes or swearing. Please refrain from saying anything you wouldn't say in polite company or in front of your children.

* "Flaming" or personal attacks on others. Healthy debate and respectful disagreement are welcome; name-calling, bickering and back-biting are not.

* Commercial postings and links. (See next question also.) If you are an individual with something to sell, feel free to post it on our classified board. If you're a business and would like to advertise on WoodCentral, please send an e-mail to ads@woodcentral.com or call toll-free 1-877-933-4637 during business hours.

Nope. can't find any thing here that applys to those posts.JR

Re: By Request

Ted Owen, Moderator

>Yes, that's generally true. It's a personal rule I impose as Moderator here, not one that appears in the FAQ's. So I'm not quite as unbending about enforcing it.

Now it's time for it, as well as any further personal attacks, to stop.

No reply to this posting is necessary.

Best, Ted

Re: By request.... Marbles hatchet

Tom Price

>Thanks for the picture Rob! I found a Marbles hatchet head at the flea market ($2 - gloat) in like-new condition and have been wondering what pattern to use for the handle.

- Tom