Freedom of speech again...

[ken_uk]

Just noticed a thread has been deleted on this forum, in the press release section.

Can I ask why, as a perfectly valid question was asked as to the legality of the original content on a site, and the methods used to start the site, the question being based on the content of the press release itself, and also further comments in the thread.


No mention has been made of the deletion, it was done 'quietly' almost as though it was been hidden under the carpet.

Was there a legitimate reason the thread was deleted? I hope the forum is not trying to cover up any illegal activity, and that there really is a good explanation.

 

[DuaneJackson]

Hi,

I deleted the thread.
I didn't do it quitely. I posted to the thread to say I would do so and why. I assumed most people have email alerts. A few minutes after posting I deleted it.

It's nothing to do with hiding anything - jus a matter of netiquette. If it was in any other part of the forums I would have left it. But I don't think that the Press Releases section is the place to criticise fellow members businesses. It's the one place on this forums where "If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all" most applies IMO.

 

[ken_uk]

Ok, sorry was not online during the few minutes your post was up so missed that..


So what your saying is, anyone can post anything they like in the press release section, but only positive comments can be made in response?

So people will never get to hear any about genuine problems in the press release, as its not 'nice'? They will only hear the good things? A 'yes man' forum?

So in future if a press release raises a serious legal issue, or implies one has been committed or maybe even points to risk of a crime being committed, its not 'on' to raise that point, just keep quiet and say nothing?

I suppose people could use the 'report button' and get the post deleted, but that does not help the people who have the press release to sort the problem out, as if one person has noticed it, many others will have, and surely the best way to proceed is to have the issue clarifed.

After all, if no crime occured, then it would be a simple matter to post and clarify that point, to put peoples mind at rest. Obviously if that could not be done, and naughty deeds had taken place, then surely it is in the public interest for that fact to be known?

 

[Alice3537]

I was disappointed that it had been deleted as I was going to take a look at the site in question! Quite fancied the idea of it myself! I couldn't find it on the press release section so went to history to find it....got the message but it then went missing from history so I couldn't even find the name of the business person named in the release!

I'll just have to PM the poster!

 

[DuaneJackson]

So what your saying is, anyone can post anything they like in the press release section, but only positive comments can be made in response?

So people will never get to hear any about genuine problems in the press release, as its not 'nice'? They will only hear the good things? A 'yes man' forum?

Just my opinion - Sifts and Mods may differ - but yes. That's what I'm saying. Especially if the post is being made by an established member or about an established members business. It's no secret that I've not always seen eye to eye with the business owner in question. Infact I've often been quite rude to him in public on here. But I'd never dream of hijacking a press release.

So in future if a press release raises a serious legal issue, or implies one has been committed or maybe even points to risk of a crime being committed, its not 'on' to raise that point, just keep quiet and say nothing?

I read the press release and I couldn't see that as being the case. If that is how you see it then by all means post what you want, or contact who you want. But don't be surprised if the stuff that moderators have control of is moderated.

Forums aren't for free speech. I'm not even going to argue why (Again!)

After all, if no crime occured, then it would be a simple matter to post and clarify that point, to put peoples mind at rest.

I don't think that's the case. I think a debate would ensue and further subvert the whole point of the PR section

By all means, if you have any concerns over anything any company is doing -start your own thread about it. As long as it doesn't breech rules or leave Sift or the mods vulnerable to legal action then it'll be left where it is.

The bottom line is that I don't think it's 'on' to post criticism to a press release thread. That's all

 

[DuaneJackson]

Just my opinion - Sifts and Mods may differ - but yes. That's what I'm saying.

To clarify that comment. I'm talking specifically about the PR section of the forum - not the forum as a whole

 

[Alice3537]

By all means, if you have any concerns over anything any company is doing -start your own thread about it. As long as it doesn't breech rules or leave Sift or the mods vulnerable to legal action then it'll be left where it is.

The bottom line is that I don't think it's 'on' to post criticism to a press release thread. That's all

The comment I am about to make is in NO way intended as a personal criticism, or as a criticism of the forum...BUT that should be made part of posting rules, or posted as a sticky at the top of the Press Release forum - merely in order to clarify things for members. You may also want to post in that sticky, or the sake of fairness, that if members wish to comment on a particular company featured on that forum, they are free to start a thread elsewhere (subject to the parameters you outlined).

The job of admin/mods is generally a thankless one and one that has to balance the legal considerations versus the 'wants' of the poster. I understand that.

 

[DuaneJackson]

that should be made part of posting rules, or posted as a sticky at the top of the Press Release forum - merely in order to clarify things for members. You may also want to post in that sticky, or the sake of fairness, that if members wish to comment on a particular company featured on that forum, they are free to start a thread elsewhere (subject to the parameters you outlined).

Very fair point. My actions were a result of my own view rather than anything written.

It's only fair to all concerned to have some sort of agreed policy on this rather than inidvidual mods using their own opinion on ow it should be done.

Posters will then know where they stand. Mods can then point to a rule.

Easier life all round! I'll ask Darren and Paula to have a look

 

[Alice3537]

Thanks!

 

[ken_uk]

Sounds fair

 

[DuaneJackson]

Cool. A happy ending. I'll now proceed to the bar and buy you both a drink.

 

[Alice3537]

Cool. A happy ending. I'll now proceed to the bar and buy you both a drink.

Don't do that - I might tell you what I REALLY think!!




Actually, I was just kidding and quite fancy a double Baileys with ice!!

 

[t.costamallo]

Actually, I was just kidding and quite fancy a double Baileys with ice!!

We should have drinks together - I was thinking the exact same thing

 

[ken_uk]

Im easy, lager will do

 

Damn, I have a day off and miss it all.