I have had groups of one sort or another for probably 30+ years.? When I moved a group from a LISTPROC email server (everyone was moderated) to Yahoogroups probably 13 years ago, the other co-owner and I agreed we would TRY to unmoderate the group because of the traffic levels that meant we spent a lot of time moderating.? Our group was "mature" and we THOUGHT that would be sufficient.? I can tell you that within literally HOURS after we made that switch and unmoderated the 1000+ members, the flame wars started in earnest.? It took us probably 2 weeks to go in and MODERATE that group using the Yahoogroup tools available at the time.? In the meantime, we lost probably 1/4 of our members (unsubscribing due to the nasty nature of the postings).? It was a lesson I learned and have never forgotten.
I default my groups to MODERATED, period.? As owner, I have the ability to unmoderate anyone in the group on a selective basis.? I watch and see who is responsible and who follows the rules, as well as who is posting regularly.? THEN, and only then will I consider unmoderating an individual - and as always, I reserve the right to re-moderate them if they change their habits.
"Freedom of Speech" applies to government entities only.? As a private group, you are allowed to establish your own rules of conduct, including what kind of speech you will allow.? No one forces people to join your group, they are free to come and go as they please.? If they don't like the rules, they can leave.
Bill Hickey
Boulder, CO
Bill Hickey - WA3H