As a new member, maybe I shouldn't be saying anythin - but that just isn't like me so.....
I frequent a couple of other forums on fishing and hunting as other here probably do also. Moderation is an issue on every forum I have visited. I used to read a completely unmoderated forum and it was really offensive at times so I eventually gave it up.
On the other side of the coin, I have a subscription to hunting dog magazine that only allows current subcribers to post on the forum. On top of which, it is heavily moderated and the guideline is not to post anything you wouldn't allow a young child to read. While very tame and unoffensive...the forum is also pretty boring.
Moderating a forum is a balancing act. If you let people say whatever they want, you end up having to wade through the hatred and ugliness that comes with anonymity. It's amazing how crass people can become when they can hide behind keyboard.
I don't think it's right to call people you don't agree with an idiot on a thread, as it then can quickly turn into a name calling contest. Besides, someone can have idiotic ideas without being an idiot. What's so difficult about being civilized and treating people like you would in person?
Personally, I prefer a forum where racial slurs, name calling and foul language is not permitted...but hey, that's just me and I'm new.
