Forum Content Discussion

[wrtiii]

Carrie, Internet forums in general are private. This is Rob's place. Things posted here are not public or protected free speech, they are things being posted on Rob's site. As such, Rob certainly has the right to set the terms of use and to limit discussion to things he deems both appropriate and civil, just as he would if we were visitors in his own house. I think this is made quite clear in the forum guidelines and FAQ. I know many people use the word "censorship" to mean "you won't let me post what I want on your Web site." However, that's a misuse of the term. Anyone is free to set up their own Web site with whatever rules they want. Censorship would mean not allowing you to do that.

Any of us may believe that what we have to say is really important for others to hear. That doesn't mean Rob has to agree with us, or supply us with an audience.

While I too have seen things posted that I considered harsh, I also know that people have a tendency to read a completely unintended "tone" into a message. My own writing style tends to be quite blunt, and I have several times had people take offense to a message that I thought was a simple statement of fact posted in response to a question.

I find this forum to contain vast useful information, and in general to be extremely well-moderated to keep everything friendly and on track. In the forum guidelines, it makes clear that this is not intended to be a Jamaica news site, and offers suggestions as to where to go for news. The news sites have their own comment sections for discussion of the latest events. This is not the only site I check when I'm planning for Jamaica; different sites have their own focus.