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Posted By: leon

A few tidbits of thoughts here. There are rules against calling folks derrogatory names on the board. There are definitely rules against bringing folks families into the matter (my biggest pet peeve, just so you know)...and there are other rules for the protection of our community. I advise everyone to read the board rules so you at least understand what is accepted or not. We modertators (there are 3 currently, Brian, Elliot, and myself...not sure what happened to Bill's superhuman privileges but he says he no longer has them) try not to ever step in if at all possible. I know I do it as a last ditch effort to get back on track and don't do it too often. The other 2 do it far less than I do. "Never" would be the perfect amount but that is an utopian thought. So far I know of about 20-30 lawsuits threatened on this board...probably 1/3 - 1/2 of them directed at me. Before threatening a lawsuit everyone needs to read the Federal Statute 230, Bloggers Act, it was passed as part of the much-maligned Communication Decency Act of 1996. It says that whomever is the AUTHOR of something on a forum/blog IS LIABLE for what they write, but for the most part a moderator/owner isn't. As long as a moderator didn't personally write something, or change something that was written, then they aren't liable. It's a very strong law. As Cobby says damages must be shown too...however, and I am no lawyer, but I think I am aware of a case where no damages were shown and punitive damages awarded as a disciplinary act. I believe it can be done. Bottom line is you are liable for what you say on this board so please do be careful. I am glad this little tiff got worked out while I was sleeping. And please remember the easiest way to get kicked off this board is to bring someone's family into it....or repeatedly not do what a moderator asks you to do, when in line with board rules.....This will continue to be as open of a forum as is possible...One last thing...I have very little tolerance for anonymous posts that are inflammatory....and will delete them fairly quickly....best regards