Let the flaming begin - Forum Rules ?

[simonm]

Blimey bbb you're not doing your cause any favours!

This has come up every now and then over the years and I've been on both sides of the argument, but at the moment I am against this sort of censorship. First because of the difficulty of deciding what is racist or sexist and what is frank discussion and the arguments it would create. Second because it will upset as many people as will agree with it. But third and most importantly in my mind is that it is better for these opinions to be aired and then shot down by the likes of you.

TBH I knew this was going to be your answer.  When you said about not having sticky posts in the other suggestions I knew it was a lost cause.  Too much of an effort for the admin and too much looking like the bad guy (light touch=no touch).

IMO this isn't censorship, it's being polite (sexism and swearing are pretty clear in my mind).  With regard to racism I think if it doubt, throw it out.  It doesn't matter about the posters ethnic origin either if it refers to people by their colour/race in a derogatory/insulting manner bin it.

As an aside I don't think you can easily accuse most forums of censorship either, moneysavingexpert, Ubuntu, whoever are not interested in censoring what people are trying to say unless it's upsetting, degrading or provocative.  It's just laziness to use that excuse.

I also really don't understand "these opinions to be aired and then shot down by the likes of you".  Nothing has been shot down, nothing has been clarified, no progress has been made (no touch).

You can have conversations on many topics without sexism/racism/swearing coming in to it at all.  mechanics, motor bikes, racing, none of those topics is offensive until people make it so.

Thanks for at least commenting even if it was pointless.