A quick word on "Overwhelmingly Negative Influences"

[Fidel_Castronaut]

That is a very misguided and uninformed accusation and assessment, Nymph. I don't recall ever discussing the financial situation or flow of traffic to the forum in our discussions in the staff areas. Of course you have to take my word on that, but it's true.

Indeed, the flow of traffic and financial support for the forum in relation to this discussion is, for me, irrelevant. It comes down more to the basic foundation of the forum, a forum I joined several years ago and which I stuck around on and contribute to both with time and money because I agree with the free speech ethos. Advertisements don't bring in any money, the only thing that does is the contributions I and the other contributers pay out of our own coffers. So you'll excuse me for taking issue with the accusation that all we care about is controversy to generate revenue. It's way wide of the mark.

I doubt I can say anything to placate you or the situation that has arisen as a result of the discussions in other threads. Apart from stating the obvious that this is the Internet, and not everyone will agree all the time, this forum has always, and will always, be based on people speaking their mind. Of course we regulate where needed, and we discuss (and discuss extensively) when matters such as this arise. But we are not in the business of policing beliefs or reactions to those beliefs. As abhorrent as some people's beliefs are, and as 'offensive' as their reactions and posts might be, people are not going to be banned for airing them. The forum is replete with harsh posts, and even harsher responses, and allah knows I've been involved in some of them in the past, but I am thankful those conversations and interactions were not stymied based on the reactions of myself or others.