Subject: RE: Objections to Joe Offer
From: Bill D
Date: 02 May 05 - 03:49 PM

" why do so many changes have to be imposed upon fellow poster's contributions - without their knowledge or consent or any attempt to obtain it?"

Because it is better that way. And there really AREN'T that many changes, anyway.


Why is it thought better to impose this - and to whom is it better – posters who know they will always themselves be safe from any imposed changes to their contributions and show no concern for others who may not be so fortunate?

As to the opinion that there AREN'T many changes imposed upon fellow posters – the following thread contains the evidence to the contrary. Including two recent cases where the routine imposition by anonymous volunteers was found to be mistaken and had to be CHANGED BACK.

Censorship on Mudcat

Is even one imposed change without a fellow poster's knowledge and consent (where there are no urgent concerns) – one too many?


But let's look and all the personal judgements involved and the number of imposed changes - needed to be justified by our volunteers - on this issue alone. To protect us from what terrible harm – exactly?

The imposed closure of two entire threads and the leaving of one thread in the music section called 'Objections to 'FELLOW POSTER' – by a named volunteer.

The (then anonymous) closure (at the request of the originator) of this thread called Objections to 'FELLOW POSTER'.

The re-opening of this thread called Objections to a 'FELLOW POSTER' by a named volunteer (without the originator's knowledge or consent).

The imposed moving of this thread called 'Objections to 'FELLOW POSTER' to the B/S section whilst leaving the thread called Objection to a 'FELLOW POSTER on the music- related section.

That is just the story – so far. Now is there anything demonstrated in this evidence – that is open, fair or showing any clear and consistent objective about our current censorship, so-called 'system'?

When you may not know what to do – for the best – to prevent yourself from making matters worse and doing the wrong thing. The very best thing – is to do nothing. The more judgements that our volunteers think they need to urgently impose upon their fellow posters - as a matter now of routine – the more chances there are of making a mistake, giving out the wrong message, confusing posters and making matters worse.

Posters loyally defending - (mainly because our volunteers are thought well-intentioned) - all the excuses and justification given of all this of this imposition by our volunteers is only going to make matters worse – in the long run. It is time for a re-think - before it is too late.