The Question and Answer Board

[WTMHouston]

Moderators, on off topic boards only, should be able set certain rules and be able to control the posts according to the rules.

The key words you used are "certain rules" and "able to control the posts according to those rules." The key words are not, and in my opinion should not be, "any rule they want" and "able to control based solely on what or who they like or dislike on any given day."

An arbitrary moderator and arbitrary rules, regardless of who makes or enforces them, are in my view detrimental to this site long term. The ignore feature lets those who want to ignore someone, but lack the self control to do it themselves, (sorry if that offends anyone) do so. Nothing else from mature people should be necessary.

The difference in what I am trying to point out is found in the post you linked. You begin the discussion saying you do not like book length posts with no individual commentary. That, in my view, is not an unreasonable rule and is pretty easy to objectively gauge and enforce. However, after discussing that, you then conclude "Just don't storm the party and attempt to cram your opinion down our throats." This is not a rule, it is an opinion. You might as well just say, you cannot post here if I think you disagree with whatever I believe. This is not a rule, much less one that can or should be one.

One final disagreement with your statement "This is Gary's and my house. This is our party." Actually, it is not, unless you two have become owners of IHUB. It is Matt and Bobs party and house. You may have the non-exclusive use of a room in the house, but it is not your house. Those who pay to enter the house have been told they can enter any room in the house so long as they follow the house rules. They have not been told, "you may only enter those rooms where someone else decides they want to let you enter."

I suppose that one's view of any situation is always affected by one's perception of his own vantage point. This is no different.

My understanding of the basic philosophy of this site has always been that all discussion, views, and people were welcome so long as it and they were civil. I do not recall the philosophy of the site being you and your opinions are welcome only if liked, agreeable, or approved by someone else. The basic philosophy of this site was what made and makes this site unique. Abandoning it will abandon the uniqueness of this site.