Apology to Tonycamp

While I wasn't around when this last thing happened and didn't see any of it, I'd throw a few thoughts out.

First is that I'm glad that you're making amends with Tony. He's a good cat to have around. I appreciate his input even though I don't see eye to eye with him on some things, but other things I agree with him totally. It just goes to show that people are going to think how they think and it's really about how they deal with disagreements that is important in life, rather than avoiding disagreements altogether. Avoiding them isn't going to work and it's only going to make those who feel strongly enough about something to raise their voice feel like they are being censored and/or otherwise not taken seriously. Now I know that's not the case but feelings and emotions aren't conveyed well on the internet and words can be read in many different ways according to how the reader's emotions are running.

In situations like what I *think* might have happened in that other thread based on what little I've seen discussed about it, I can only offer what I personally think would be the best option. That would be to simply either start with the announcement locked, or move troublesome posts to an alternate thread I.E., if the thread was "XXXXX announcement" then make "Alternates to XXXXX Product" or some such. It's probably more work that *should* be needed, but at least those folks will still have their opinions out there so they don't feel like they are being censored.

Secondly, this is also my personal opinion again.. Someone mentioned that manufacturers should have thick skin. That's absolutely true. they should. Either a customer is going to buy their product or they are not. If their product withstands the court of public opinion then they will have sales. If not, then they will fail. That's a fact of selling things on the internet these days and hopefully they are well prepared for it. I don't feel it's anyone's job to look out or protect these manufacturers, especially not random Joes on a forum. People are going to offer alternatives to those products they don't feel fit the price/hype/performance/color/shape/whatever. That's also a fact of internet forums.

I don't necessarily agree with deleting posts as a peacekeeping operation but I also don't feel it was Gearsluttian to do so. This is because it wasn't the advertising manufacturer acting as a moderator deleting threads/posts that offer alternative opinions on their products. You are simply a guy trying to keep the peace by slapping some hands.

I get it and I don't see anything wrong with it, I'd just hope that it wouldn't go further than that. From the apology, I can tell that it's not going to go any further than that and I'm relieved by that.

So I'd say that we should have a policy here that states that at no point in time will an advertiser become a moderator nor will they have any say in the operation of the forum or threads therein. That will keep the main GS BS to a minimum. If they choose to mingle with the rest of us in the threads of the forum, they should do it as a fellow member and nothing more.

I understand what you are saying. I think if you want to do an announcement, that is one thing, but if you want folks to discuss it, that's another. As someone said in the movies, "one thing's got nothing to do with the other".. Discussions are likely to have dissenting opinions, so you'd simply have to keep that in mind and decide whether you just want to let people know about the product, or if you are willing to let folks yak about it until they feel they are over it enough to let it go.

Maybe.. You should ask those in the forum how they want to handle these situations? Have a poll about it or something? I don't know if you want to go that far with it, but it's an idea to get a feeling of how folks would react to various situations and therefor what the most fair and amicable way to deal with it.

so you are trying to balance openness for discourse and censure: in an imperfect medium and world

So i think we need pragmatism, obviously personal insults , defamation, slander are non starters. I also think a certain sensitivity to profanity is warranted

Here's my but, if people start making off topics remarks, instead of John playin badcop why don't we all step up and just ask the person to stay on topic or start a new thread. If they continue, then john can flip rm a pm similar messaging and the possibility of censure

Shit happens: we all speak from the heart not the head so times and if you feel passionately about something: welcome to the good , the bad and the sometimes ugly , but most people come around

John its clear you take these actions cus you care but perhaps you want to strike a couple of lieutenants: 2 other trusted people you could touch base with on these sorts of issues before a final decision is made? Seems like most people here are thoughtful and considered in their typical responses so you are building a fine community here !

Yes i know you have mods but i meant actually have like a 3 person executive to which you turn to discuss , seek guidance and concurrence: you would retain decision making authority but this advisory role would be more than moderating but you might call on them 3-5 times a year ?

I hope Tony continues to contribute here.