Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Moderators on Columbuzz.net Violating Own Usage Policy?

Are the moderators on Columbuzz.net violating their own Usage Policy?  Let’s look at the evidence.  The Usage Policy states that “… if you use inappropriate language (even when typographically obfuscated), or make potentially slanderous or libelous comments when using this site and its features, or engage in ad hominem attacks on fellow commenters, people mentioned in stories, contributors or anyone associated with Columbus Private Networks we reserve the right (but assume no obligation) to remove any and/or all of your contributions.”  It also states “… we reserve the right, but assume no obligation, to remove comments, stories written and ban accounts of users that foster incivility.”  One example of incivility mentioned by the moderators is name calling.  One of the moderators, Bob Freeman, said the following in a comment on Sept. 25, “Post about the issues and be civil without calling names.”  So let’s look at a few articles by Mr. Freeman.  In an article from March 1, 2010 (http://columbus1.ath.cx/index.php?news=3963),   Mr. Freeman writes “And these monsters are in charge of our system.”  If I’m not mistaken, I think he is calling all of the current people in the trustee’s office monsters.  In another article (http://columbus1.ath.cx/index.php?news=4908) from Sept. 21, he writes “What an idiot”.  I think here he is referring to the current trustee, Fred Barkes.  Now if a commenter called Mr. Freeman a monster or an idiot or even a monster idiot, Mr. Freeman would most likely delete the comment and refer to the Usage Policy as justification.  But shouldn’t the policy apply to everyone?  The policy does say they are not obligated to remove it, so they cover themselves, but I still think it is unfair.  In another article (http://columbus1.ath.cx/index.php?news=2886), which I believe Mr. Freeman wrote, there is some inappropriate language typographically obfuscated.  Now some may think this is a petty complaint or that I’m just whining, but I believe otherwise.  Is it fair to hold your web site users to a different standard?  Is this a case of “Do as I say, not as I do”?  Should Mr. Freeman be banned from the site because of fostering incivility?  Here’s what Mr. Freeman might say to other uncivil posters (actual quotes from Mr. Freeman):
"So, you play by the rules here, or you don't remain here"
“Stay on topic, stay civil, or stay away. It's really that simple.”

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