The thread 'Overzealous Moderation' and the small spark between Togakure and Caravel were I believe both caused by the closure of Warman's thread, 'Rivals', which was rather obviously begun after he had taken offense at my jesting.

I am not assuming responsibility for the rashness of others, as I believe all of this kerfuffling is absolutely the kind of childishness the moderators have been attempting to prevent, but I feel I have good cause to say something to those I have indirectly affected.

On the issue of moderation, let me note this: Firstly, when I used the word 'bastard' in a Frontroom thread some days ago, I was contacted by a Frontroom moderator who in a most friendly and approachable manner informed me that as a result of discussion, the word was decided unacceptable for the Frontroom, and therefore I was to avoid its use in future. Not only this, but the moderator tempered the mood of his post with compliments regarding my other contributions to the Frontroom and the forum, and insisted I make him aware of any misunderstanding. I responded in a similar manner.

Secondly, I posted an indirect and chiding remark to the effect that I believed Warman's thoughts to be skewed by testosterone in the Frontroom. The moderators discussed this, found it unacceptable, sent a warning infraction through PM. They then reviewed the post, not looking for anything wrong but rather attempting to find some benevolence in the writing. Although I meant absolutely no compliment to Warman, the moderators actually discovered a way in which my post could have been meant for good, and chose to believe this instead.

They then withdrew the infraction point and apologised.

I have as many infraction points as anyone - certainly far more than average - and for a wide range of reasons. To my immediate memory none of them have been misunderstandings, and all of them have been lenient. I have never argued the case at all, and sometimes wondered why the punishment was not more severe. I am not about to become a Senior Member - I have no productive contributions to the forum outside the Main Hall - and I am quite a thorn in the enjoyment of the majority of members. Yet I have never had any trouble with the staff, and always found their judgement fair.

The Frontroom and other such places are not choked by the moderators, but by the attitudes of the clientel. In previous times, there was much raillery, jesting, insults and rivalry. But there was primarily discussion, news, ideas and fresh meat as they say, which made the more illegal but fun content more of a cultural sideshow. Now however the old members (Who are the only members at all), nostalgic for this, rather attempt to start a new thread and focus on being illegal and controversial, trying to make primary what was really a secondary by-product of interest, enjoyment and really civility.

You don't see the fellows on the TWC worrying about how things might go downhill, or how good things are - they are too busy living it - they are it, the way the Org was it.

You can't force it, you can't create a theorem and formula to make everyone sit down and have a good time, it will happen or it won't, and focusing on what you consider good old days is only preventing you from moving forward.

-----

Lastly I would like to say that I respect both Caravel and Togakure, and I think both were equally immature and rash in the way they took sides against each other over a small tiff that really wasn't their business anyway.

Kiss and make up.