I have been reading some of the comments on the local government thread, and there seems to be a misconception about what is public domain/entertainment in the context of this board. Some view monitoring and removal of messages as censorship of their free speech. Others view this as a question of fair play vs. biting commentary. Finally, others say relax, it's entertainment.

We should all remember what Ted wrote in July when he re-started this board. Remember, at that time, some of us were starting to cut below the skin of the people in the public light. Some thought it was OK, others didn't. I have taken the liberty to paste in here what was posted in July.

"And now, philosophy:

3) We continue to reserve the right to delete any post for any, or no, reason.

4) Posts that are harassing, abusive or threating to individuals or institutions, by name, title or description, are not welcome and will be deleted. I will be editing/deleting such posts with a very heavy hand. As I've said before, my goal is to help Glen Ellyn. I have no desire to assist those wish to disparage and otherwise tear it down."

So, those are the ground rules. I can live with it. I believe we can still shine light on poor performance of civic duties. But, I am going to agree with t.a., and add that, when posting a person's face in the context of Betty Loren Maltese, you have crossed a line into unfair play. If you think the Village President is incompetent or is manipulating the voting process, say so. Many do, and many have.

But I also felt the picture and context went too far.

Okay, thanks.

And Ron, whether I agree with you or not is not an issue...because for the most part, I do. I think the issue is the selective enforcement of what is "crossing the line" and what isn't "crossing the line" as it pertains to certain individuals.

Vicky Hase, Michelle Thorsell and Peter Norton have been getting killed on here lately - probably rightfully so...and most of it until yesterday within the boundaries of tasteful public criticism with a touch of snark. However, if a single word of critique is written about some, namely JP, the post is immediately ripped down and in the case of Diane, the poster is banished.

When there are no consistent guidelines, people are bound to cross them...be it intentionally or intentionally.

my original post was written "IMO." as long as this board allows folks to post their opinions there will be always be knuckle-heads like me rubbing people the wrong way. there will also be lots of us offering entertaining insults, wisecracks and assorted visuals. that's ONE reason folks keep coming back -- but not the ONLY reason.

my logic in writing the other post was this: i truly believe that 2009 can be a real turning point in GE politics. i further believe that there are many who post here who can help bring about this positive change by enlightening any fence straddlers who may visit this BB. i also believe this type of positive momentum can/will lose a ton of steam when we play games to entertain ourselves. it can also get picked up and played in other media, working against us.

be that as it may, this is everyone's BB and people can do as they please (or as ted pleases, i guess). no directives from me -- just wishes.

salaam. . .

quote:

Originally posted by t.a. superette:
my original post was written "IMO." as long as this board allows folks to post their opinions there will be always be knuckle-heads like me rubbing people the wrong way. there will also be lots of us offering entertaining insults, wisecracks and assorted visuals. that's ONE reason folks keep coming back -- but not the ONLY reason.

my logic in writing the other post was this: i truly believe that 2009 can be a real turning point in GE politics. i further believe that there are many who post here who can help bring about this positive change by enlightening any fence straddlers who may visit this BB. i also believe this type of positive momentum can/will lose a ton of steam when we play games to entertain ourselves. it can also get picked up and played in other media, working against us.

be that as it may, this is everyone's BB and people can do as they please (or as ted pleases, i guess). no directives from me -- just wishes.

salaam. . .