Woland unfit to be moderator

[Ronald_Barbour]

Dear Admin:

Woland is totally unfit to be a moderator! After all, the primary qualification to be a moderator is objectivity and Woland has demonstrated in countless posts that he is a highly opinionated leftist. Also, he has made countless personal attacks against me and threats of physical violence. I think we are dealing with a highly unstable character here.

Of course, if the purpose of Russia.com is to allow a person with an pronounced authoritarian personality to determine who will be allowed to post here, then that would be a very poor business decision indeed.

Sincerely, Ronbo

[oca]

Dear Administrator:

What a delightful surprise! Dr_Woland a moderator at this site...I am speechless. I'm sure he'll keep the "riffraff" out of this board.


Sincerely,


Oca

[Dr_Woland]

I'm happy to see the board expand to include anyone - with whatever views - who respects the commonsense rules for participation here at Russia.Com :-)

I only have one major allergy, which is commercial "spam". As far as I am concerned, there is a section for commercial messages, the "Business" section - and if it turns-up in other sections, it will not stay there long :-)

Dr W.

[admin]

Hello Members!

Thank you all for your comments and concerns. We are confident that the appointed Moderators will do a fine job upholding the policies of Russia.com.

Your freedom to express yourself will not be affected by the presence of a Moderator, unless you choose to do so in an offensive manner. But, if you have additional complaints and concerns, then please email me directly, boards@russia.com.

All the best,
Admin

[Ronald_Barbour]

Dear Admin:

I don't about that. How can a moderator be also a commentator? Let us take a newspaper's editorial page for example - the editorial page editor decides which editorial will be run, as well as which columnist will be printed. Clearly, many editors would like to run their commentary and print opinions from others that are close to their own. However, it is common practice in most newspapers for the editorial page to be balanced with the views of the right and left, and the reader decides who has the better argument.

Hence, the objectivity of the editor is paramount.

Therefore, since Woland has long demonstrated an ideological ax to grind, he is absolutely the last person on this BB who should be allowed to be a moderator!

Sincerely, Ronbo

[admin]

Thank you Ronbo for your concerns about the moderators. However, you are assuming that the Moderators have the ability to select every post that is to be seen (or not seen) on the boards. I assure you that the Moderators do not have the authorization or ability to perform such tasks. They have been appointed to edit vulgar language or any other posts in violation of our policies. I suggest you review: http://www.russia.com/mbd.html. Then, if you have additional concerns, please email me.

Sincerely,
Admin

[Dr_Woland]

Your analogy with "editors" is mistaken in my view. An editor chooses the content of a publication and determines the relative prominence of differing items. Moderators have no such ability, nor indeed does anyone have such an ability on a public discussion-board. All points of view which are expressed within the forum rules (which all members agreed to adhere to on registering) are valid, and appear with equal prominence. Subjects here are listed purely on date of most recent posting, as you well know.

I would prefer the analogy of traffic cops. The codex of offences is clearly laid-down, and members/drivers can only be pulled-over for specific breaches. If you believe you've been unfairly treated, you can go to a higher authority to complain. The cops do not make the rules. They have the right of discretion to caution offenders without prosecution (as I have done to you today, Ron). And furthermore - unlike an editor - traffic cops hold their position so that all those who abide by the rules may use and enjoy the freeways as much as they wish, without being endangered by a minority who are unable to abide by rules which exist for everyone's benefit.

Now please move along safely - your Licence is in order and we hope you have a nice day.

Dr W
(Car #49)