To clarify, and not to get into a knock-downer:
I agree with you completely on your point that GNET can run this place however they want. This is a private "club", if you will, and they can exclude whomever they want, and enforce whatever TOS they want, as long as everyone knows the rules.
I'll agree that "Evil Emile" is a world-class moron. And if I thought his idiocy should go unchallenged, I would have never answered any of his posts.
TOS rules here, you must admit, are pretty damn vague. They ban "improper or otherwise objectionable" posts which means... what, exactly? I've been suspended for something not written in the rules. The rules need more definition.
So, no, the purpose of SI may not be to promote free speech and totally open discussions, and they surely do not have to adopt that standard.
But should they strive for free speech to the greatest extent possible, whether that means allowing "bashers" on a board or giving bigots some (not total) ranting room?
It's a close call, but I tend to think so. |
