I find myself somewhere in the middle as regards editing of the posts (by the "clones", many of whom are anonymous).

It wouldn't bother me so much except for the fact of having had a post deleted before (complete with an accompanying, scolding email).

I wouldn't mind if y'all went back through my entire history (it's open) and note that, though I'll get into some pretty heated discussions here, I have never posted what I think most would consider a "troll" post.

But a clone thought so.

I do wish this forum was moderated, but I fear that if it were moderated (even more than it already is), the shared ideals of the clones would most probably cross the fine line between "moderating" and "censoring".

As it currently exists, though I represent a minority voice (by a very large margin), I am at least almost always allowed to post as I wish -- this, despite the fact that, of the clones I am aware of, all disagree with my POV.

And there are safeguards built in. If I were to get edited on a regular basis (instead of the one embarrassing time), I would fire off PMs or emails to everyone I know here, and I bet that kind of discriminatory editing wouldn't happen so quickly again.

To be honest, the one function that I have trouble believing isn't availible to us here is the ablity to edit our own posts. EVERY other forum in which I participate allows it. It's amazing how that one simple function aids civility. You can...

1. change your mind and clarify or soften what you've said (sure, we could proof-read better, but accidents can and do happen). When these unitentional flames are left to stand, they have a tendency to recycle with each recycling of the thread.

2. So much of the acrimony that arises here is the oligarchical nature of a group of anonymous "clones" who, though I usually have no problem with, seem arbitrary. This acrimony is further exacerbated by the makeup of this forum -- the majority of whom have VERY (extremely?) egalitarian world view. They don't take well to being "lorded over".

3. As a creative person, I hate having my creativity cramped by the lack of this function. I bet I'm not the only one so frustrated.