***Administrative Advisement*** Re: "censorship"

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Please read this entire post before replying I generally handle issues like removed discussions privately. But since this perception of censorship seems to be a very public issue here lately, I will address this here. First, let me state that whether it was my moderator who removed a post, or I have done so personally, it ultimately falls on me. The first amendment prohibits the government from censoring free speech, even very controversial speech. But it does not prevent private entities from doing so in their respective places. Mylot is not the government. We have the right to regulate speech how ever we see fit, for the purposes of our business. With in these parameters, I try to preserve the spirit of free speech here. I will not remove certain topics simply because they are controversial, unless they violate the guidelines. I was recently accused of "censoring the truth". Implying that posts are removed because I am trying to further a particular agenda or trying to bury other agendas. I am not a political person, though I consider myself very well informed. But to be honest, I stay away from discussing it or being an activist. In short, I really don't care. I am not part of some cabal or conspiracy. I am the admin for a social network site,which itself has no interest in political agenda. Mylot exists as a business, to make money and give people a platform for discussion and socialization while offering the members an opportunity to make a little money themselves. In this endeavor, I have no problem with even extremely controversial topics, whether or not I agree with the view point being presented, or even if it is a very minority view point. But when it is done so in a manner that reads out like nothing more than a sensational, tabloid sort of post, it comes across as nothing more than trolling for attention, and is absolutely not the sort of behavior I am going to stand for. Either your subject matter is enough to draw traffic to it, or it is not. Do not create sensationalism for it's own sake. Not only is it something that degrades content, it is just a poor strategy for earning here, as I am sure some of the more veteran members can attest to. This sort of behavior will serve to do nothing but drive others away from the site, not to mention from any valid point you think you may have. By the same token, I understand that some topics can be very personal to people of various back grounds, religions, locations, etc. That in itself is not enough to have a discussion removed, provided that it is presented as a matter of discussion. If you find a topic too controversial for your personal tastes, simply scroll past it and move on to the next post. Or if you wish, present a counter argument to it. I think most members here are mature enough to disagree with out being disagreeable. All of that having been said, I am going to start cracking down on certain behaviors. Posts that present themselves as nothing more than an attempt to get a rise out of others, with out attempting to actually discuss the topic at hand are going to be viewed as trolling and will result in a 5 day suspension. Subsequent violations will result in permanent removal. I have seen some very touchy subjects handled in a very productive manner here. If you are unsure whether or not a post will be seen in this way, feel free to contact me and ask before hand. I will be glad to discuss how to go about it with you. Or if you are not comfortable doing so with me, there are a number of very experienced members who would also be glad to guide you. Message one of them, or for that matter, post a post about it seeking some guidance. I'm sure you receive no shortage of advice. This post may be subject to editing as the discussion continues and clarification is required. Such edits will be noted and marked as edits