Replies to post #453 on IHub Moderator Ethics in Practice

[Phil(Hot Rod Chevy)]

Thanks Dan for posting the link to the new handbook.

I think all new moderators should have to read the handbook and pass a test before allowing them to be a moderator.

This is the section we are currently dealing with, as you already know:

[edit] I don't understand why calling the CEO of our company a liar is not considered a personal attack.
The Terms of Use covers Posters on our site. Members are welcome to post their opinion (positive, negative or neutral) about public figures associated with the company and this is not considered a TOU violation.

[edit] The CEO of the company is a member of iHub. I don't understand why I can't remove posts that discuss her as being "off topic" (discussing other Members) or "personal attack" when others say her business practices are shady.
Discussion of public figures associated with a company is appropriate dialog for our stock boards. If one of the principals of the company chooses to post on our site, they do not have the same level of immunity under the "personal attack" provision in the Terms of Use. The bottom line and rule of thumb when it comes to "personal attacks" is that iHub members are protected from them but officers of the companies being discussed are not, even if they are Members. However; Members should still be civil and express their views in a manner that is appropriate for a public forum.

[edit] This poster is making libelous claims against our company and its officers! Why can't I remove these posts?
Libel can only become a fact if a judge says it is. Nobody else, including Moderators or Site Admins can nor will determine that Member posted content is libelous. Members are often of the opinion that a post is libelous, but no Moderator should act based on that opinion. Libel is decided by a judge in a court of law after conducting proper evidentiary hearings. If such a judgment is issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, iHub will abide by that ruling. Otherwise, it is not a matter that Site Admin or Mods can decide. Our only role here is to ensure adherence to the Terms of Use. Anecdotally, quite often the information that some Members allege to be libelous ends up being accurate, which is why neither Site Admins nor Moderators remove posts on the basis of being allegedly false or libelous.

Phil