Folks, as we do not censor content, we do not delete it either.
We also do not delete users.
As a registered user, you have ability to modify content written by you, please utilize that ability if you feel the post/comment needs to be modified.
MP.
Hi Admin,
Your
Terms and Rules state:
"The providers ("we", "us", "our") of the service provided by this web site ("Service") are not responsible for any user-generated content and accounts ("Content"). Content submitted express the views of their author only.
You agree to not use the Service to submit or link to any Content which is defamatory, abusive, hateful, threatening, spam or spam-like, likely to offend, contains adult or objectionable content, contains personal information of others, risks copyright infringement, encourages unlawful activity, or otherwise violates any laws.
All Content you submit or upload may be reviewed by staff members. All Content you submit or upload may be sent to third-party verification services (including, but not limited to, spam prevention services). Do not submit any Content that you consider to be private or confidential.
We reserve the rights to remove or modify any Content submitted for any reason without explanation. Requests for Content to be removed or modified will be undertaken only at our discretion. We reserve the right to take action against any account with the Service at any time.
You are granting us with a non-exclusive, permanent, irrevocable, unlimited license to use, publish, or re-publish your Content in connection with the Service. You retain copyright over the Content.
These terms may be changed at any time without notice.
If you do not agree with these terms, please do not register or use this Service. If you wish to close your account, please contact us."
When members report "Content which is defamatory, abusive, hateful, threatening, spam or spam-like, likely to offend, contains adult or objectionable content, contains personal information of others, risks copyright infringement, encourages unlawful activity, or otherwise violates any laws.",
you, as Admin "reserve the rights to remove or modify any Content submitted for any reason without explanation. Requests for Content to be removed or modified will be undertaken only at our discretion. We reserve the right to take action against any account with the Service at any time."
So if you are served with a Cease and Desist letter or Court order, is that the only way you will ever delete reported illegal content?
How do you deal with members who post Private Messages sent by other members? Any other forum I've belonged to has strict rules about not posting PM's privately, and that is usually grounds for a ban.
If you don't ever delete members, how do you deal with members who are breaking the law?
I've been a Moderator on a couple Canadian review boards and have studied a bit about Internet Law.
Here's a good resource if you're interested:
http://www.stpub.com/internet-law-the-complete-guide-online
Internet Law: The Complete Guide
Item Id: NLO1
Eric P. Robinson, JD, PhD
Michael J. Lambert, JD, DCL
Steven Imparl, JD
Internet Law: The Complete Guide has been completely updated and is the ultimate reference for the rapidly changing field of Internet law and regulations. With its coverage of e-commerce, intellectual property, practicing law online, and individual rights, Internet Law explains how issues in this dynamic field affect all forms of business.
Internet Law is used by corporate counsel in all forms of business, lawyers, law professors and their students, Internet service providers, bloggers, social network operators, web designers, web training consultants, systems integration consultants, and government officials and employees.