the practical difference is that as a private site posters have no right to free speech - and Max (or his appointed designees) have the right to edit, delete, modify, etc any content whatsoever. On a truly public site this is not so.

In a practical sense - most posters (certainly long-term ones like me) would willingly respect that Max has these rights and recognise them as inherent but are grateful these rights have been traditionally held in reserve. These rights are not the issue. The reality of some of 'his appointed designees' hiding some far less noble designs behind the now - all too regular exercise by some of them - of these rights - is the issue that we should face up to now.

For Max shows has shown respect over many years to the free speech and (many others aspects) of posters and the results of this mutual respect (worry and hard work) have made our forum the special place it just about struggles to remain.

Max has historically reserved these rights and posters have (generally and) historically respected this. I only hope that Max will continue to struggle-on and continue to ensure that this mutual respect can continue on our forum. And be prepared to take the necessary steps (whatever they may be) to understand and ensure that it is Max's true wishes that we respect.