[DISCUSSION] Censorship

[Languorous Lass]

This seems like an appropriate spot to raise an issue I brought up in the "Making a case for Glenn" thread, but that seems to have been missed:

Who decided that on this board, "staying on topic" in a particular thread means "supporting whatever side of the issue being discussed is espoused by the original poster"?

I've been an assistant sysop on one board that I frequented for seven years, and have been a regular (and prolific) member of several other boards. I've never seen a policy like this before. In fact, it seems completely contrary to the entire concept of open discussion. To me, an essential part of that concept is allowing all sides to be heard in the same discussion, so that direct responses can be provided.

Understand that I'm not asking this question rhetorically; I really want to know the answer. Can someone please enlighten me? In particular, I'd like to know: What was the justification for this decision? Was it decreed by the creators? Were forum members consulted in the decision? Was there a vote of some kind?

[Broken Kid]

Who decided that on this board, "staying on topic" in a particular thread means "supporting whatever side of the issue being discussed is espoused by the original poster"?

I'm not sure where you got that impression, Lass, but that is not the case. The moderators have guidelines for when and why to lock a thread or split up a thread.

I'd like to point out that the original post (and subject of a post) can influence the discussion in a thread. Those who agree will do so, and those who don't can often feel like they're being attacked, which will lead not to a courteous and productive discussion but rather flaming. We've seen this happen a lot on here. And so a thread can get inappropriate even if remaining on topic.

Also, in the particular case regarding the issue of Glenn's involvement, we have been asked by the Creators to not discuss allegations and suitability for his continuing based on allegations. Thus a thread that is even on topic may be split and locked to prevent that (or other conversations that seem unproductive at a particular point based on the subject matter or the ability for people to discuss it productively).

None of those are really the case here but have been previously and may be going forward. As Apotheosis pointed out in the other discussion thread, a thread is not off topic just because someone disagrees with the point of the original post.

[HyeMew]

I really don't understand what the beef with my post is.
I never said if you don't agree with me you can't post in it..
I was just laying out the facts for all to see and to highlight what I feel to be an inapprorpaite length of elapsed time regarding this issue which has only caused rumors to snowball into high crimes and Glenn's reputation to sink lower and lower. For them to not even indicate whether any of the rumors are of substance and whether or not there is any truth to what has been flying about (mind you the proof seems to suggest there isn't) for a good week now, allowing people to formulate their own ideas which have flown fast and furious, is totally reckless.

I fear at this point some people have made up their minds against him and are convinced of his guilt of such outlandish things as exchanging porn with minors, and for that believe he not only should be fired but HAS been fired (something which I have heard from sources higher than the mere forumite), it very well might be true despite the fact he didn't actually do what he was accused of and the Creators know it.

For these reasons I feel they are using this incident to their own gain and are playing a game with us as well, for which reasons I demand (and think we all) that SOMETHING of substance is released as soon as possible. This mere "stay quiet until we make an announcement" is totally unacceptable as it merely allows people's misconceptions to take hold and perpetuate themselves in their minds. If they announce three weeks after the fact that Glenn is innocent... does it even matter then? Rumor and intrigue are already halfway around the world while truth is still putting its boots on. Come on.