Cheers,
CMS1903
While I often moan about the quality of some posts on the messageboard, this is not the only site which can be infected by inappropriate discussion. The chat room section of the official Aberdeen website has been closed by the club following a spate of controversial postings by visitors. While it may appear a bit of a laugh to post outrageous things from the anonymity of the keyboard, you have to remember that someone somewhere has the responsibility for what appears on the board. The oft used 'allegedly' protection provides no such thing to the editor of the site. I and other editors can be held accountable for messages that appear on sites. It is impossible for the majority of sites to monitor all the messages that appear on message boards. Most run a site for the love of the game and cannot afford to have 24/7 monitoring. Even official sites cannot provide that kind of support.
A statement on the Aberdeen website says that the decision to close the chat room with immediate effect was taken because: "a minority of fans, despite repeated warnings, have continued to embarrass and undermine AFC with postings of a libellous nature or containing completely unsuitable subject matter. Aberdeen Football Club is ultimately responsible for the content of the chat and the level of complaints regarding its content has increased substantially over the past few months."
I would hate to think that a minority would be able to spoil the fun of the majority. I try my best to keep the discussions on SF.net within the bounds of reasonableness. However, I have to rely on you to play your part. As they used to say on Hill Street Blues: "Let's be careful out there".
EdScottishFitba