Freedom of speech – something many Americans (and others) hold near & dear. We enjoy living in a society where we can speak our minds, and even speak out against those in charge – within reason. Internet chat rooms & forums are a bit of a different beast though. Most forums are based on a central theme or topic, and the sections contained therein may limit the posters to certain criteria in order to make the site as inviting to as many members as possible. There are rules to follow, which some feel limits their freedom of speech, but in a manner (more or less) consistent with polite social behavior. I wonder though how some of the conversations here differ from how the same conversations would take place face-to-face. “Internet anonymity” as I like to call it makes for a very different means of communicating, conversing & debating. Few people put out their real name or picture of themselves in order to hide behind an assumed persona. This has the advantage of allowing the poster to say things they wouldn’t otherwise say in a face-to-face conversation. It’s not always the case, but there is a sense of security in knowing there is little to no immediate reprisals for speaking one’s mind. There is also the matter of time – in a normal conversation, you can respond right away. In a forum, you can consider your words more carefully, or just cut loose and say what you will. Sometimes as we type what we think we want to say, because there is the mechanics of typing the message, we have more time to mull over what we are saying, and how we want it to come across. We also have the advantage of audio/visual tools & aids. In a face-to-face conversation, you can’t just reach into your pocket and pull out a picture, chart, written reference or video to add to the conversation, the internet affords the poster these opportunities. On these boards, there is a time limited option to edit or delete a post once it’s made. There is also the underused “ignore” function. I’ve only felt the need to use this twice, once on another board, and once here. It can make things less stressful if there is a member you’re always at odds with.
A post is also subject to moderator approval, which brings me to the second part of this dissertation: Forum Decorum. Most forums have a uniting theme or subject matter, but it seem like all have an area where members can converse about a multitude of topics. It doesn’t take long to see which topics people can become impassioned or even irate about. Politics & religion are two “hot button” topics, and very tight reins are usually kept on any conversations involving either or both. Everyone has an opinion/point of view, and while it’s OK to state yours, it’s generally not OK to tell someone with an opposing view they are wrong. Moderators are overseers, and while some people think they infringe on their “Freedom”, they have their duties to keep everything friendly.
Recently, one of the members called out a moderator:
“How do you reconcile such a sweeping immoderate statement with your role as "moderator"?”
And the retort?
“Being a moderator does not bar me from having an opinion.”
Having the title & responsibilities of a moderator does not mean the person is limited to a moderate point of view, nor liberal nor conservative. A moderator makes sure everyone is playing by the rules – no fighting or name calling, no pornography, no “swear” words etc., but they have just as much right as anyone else to state their opinions and viewpoints.
This is probably old hat for many of you, but it never hurts to be reminded or enlightened.
