[HPFGU-Feedback] Re: My two knuts

[Iggy McSnurd]

Iggy here:

A few quick things I'd like to point out, since issues of the courts,
the law, and censorship have been brought up in this whole situation.

1:  As stated before, a list is a community with an agreed upon set of
rules that are enforced by the list admin, and are consented to by the
members of said community when they join the list under those understood
rules.  Ultimately, freedom of speech (in this community or any other)
is regulated by the leaders of that community.  Even the American
government can regulate such materials if they feel it is for the common
good, such as where and how pornography can be displayed with relation
to its view-ability by the public.  When you get down to it, our freedom
of speech manifests in two ways... it's what we can say within the
guidelines of the rules established by our accepted leadership, and in
the other way, it's the freedom to leave a community when we don't agree
with those rules.  (It's either that, or you lock yourself in the attic,
shut off the light, and lay in the corner under a blanket... sucking
your thumb and trying to ignore the world.  That way, you don't have to
talk to anyone, or hear what anyone else has to say.)

2:  The Admin is, effectively, the governmental leaders we have on the
list.  The Elves act as police officers and advisors to the community as
a whole.  To liken the lists to our RL communities, we have the ability
to say what we wish, and how we wish to.  But, if we become obnoxious or
overbearing about it, or persist when people ask us to stop, then the
police have the ability to arrest us.  (The grounds under which they can
do this usually are:  "being a public nuisance,"  "disturbing the
peace," or "harassment.")  Now, on the upside, we tend to be grateful
when the police deal with someone in our favor, but we also tend to get
upset or cry "harassment" by the police when we're the ones getting in
trouble.  I'm sorry, but you can't have it both ways.  Either accept the
protection across the board, or don't complain when your rights aren't
defended.  

3:  Being put on moderated status is very similar to being put under
house arrest or low security prison.  You have some access to the rest
of the community, but you're under a watchful eye when you interact with
others.  Being banned can be likened to having a restraining order put
out against you.  You are not allowed to approach, harass, talk to, or
contact in ANY way, the people who took out that order against you.
When a restraining order is taken out on you, you are not even allowed
to contact the group or individuals by proxy.  (Such as what some people
have accused Cindy and Tom of doing.  I am not voicing my opinion, just
pointing out an example.)  Ultimately, what this means is that, if
someone is acting on the restrained person's behalf, they are also in
violation of the order, and can either have the order extended to them,
or be arrested themselves as being in violation of said order.  (This is
because they are voluntarily aiding in violating the restraining order.)

4:  The list Admin isn't trying to censor anyone.  They are merely
trying to do their jobs and do their best to look out for the common
good of the group.  This includes dealing with people who either work to
undermine the harmony of the community, or seek to harass the
individuals or admin of the list itself.  This is, ultimately, no
different than the authority that can be exercised by an ISP when a
valid enough argument (in their opinion) has been made for disciplinary
action against a subscriber who causes problems for others.)  So long as
you comply with the terms of usage, you get to use the ISP.  Break them,
and you can lose access to internet service.  It's no different on these
lists.  (Also, by accepting the rules when you join, you are effectively
agreeing to a contract.  If you do not adhere to those rules, or try to
get around the rules or a ban, you can be found to be in breach of
contract.  Be this in RL, or on a list like this.)



Just my neutral two centaur's worth.

(As always, these statements are objective relating of observations,
facts, or advice and do not always represent my personal views or
opinions.)

Iggy McSnurd