It has come to my attention that there is a lot of discussion 'behind the scenes' about a certain post that is on this website. For whatever reason the person concerned has chosen NOT to remove it (up to now). It was even suggested to me that the post had been 'locked'.
Rather than speculate, I contacted 'admin'. He/she has confirmed to me today that although they have received one solitary request to remove a post within the last few days, it did not state which post to remove. The user has been contacted for clarification.
I'm not really sure why there is so much fuss about one particular post, or why others want to see it removed so badly. Would they be happy if the same fuss was made about posts they made.
What are everyone's thoughts on free speech??
BBCCSA
clarification
my understanding is that the post referred to names a third party and by default also her child. The third party has categorically denied what was written about her in the post and was very upset that her son has been "named" on a public website. A blackpool councillor who has previously posted on here contacted the auther of the post who agreed to remove it. this councillor, (rather foolishly in my opinion!) gave an undertaking not to post on this site until the post was edited, removed or corrobarated. I don't think anyone is challenging free speech but there is an issue here of wether it is right and proper to use third party names without their permission, especially when they say they have a contrary view. if a post becomes in danger of bringing the website into disrepute then admin should act swiftly to resolve the matter, one way or the other.
mary
So, do the same rules apply to the lies that have been told about Mrs Alderson (and others) on here? There didn't seem to be any councillors intervening on her behalf, when rumours were flying around about her. I agree that it may have been foolish to post about a third party using names, but I really don't see how it differs from posters using Mrs Alderson's name. Mrs Alderson (under suspension) was unable to reply to any of the false accusations made against her. And let's face it, the fact that Mrs Alderson is now back working in a school, makes it quite clear that those rumours were false.
Why can't the named third party post on here to refute what was said? Why does she have to approach a councillor to do it for her? She should not be under the same restrictions as a suspended teacher. Surely she has freedom of speech - or has that been removed from her as an employee of Blackpool Council? Now I come to think of it, I seem to remember hearing that the staff at Marton were banned from posting on this website (in their own time). Freedom of speech? In Blackpool? Nearly as laughable as a super casino.
Lisa
Well - a few phone calls later and I now know what this is all about!
I agree that when using names on posts you should be careful. But if the poster genuinely thinks they're right I assume they don't feel it should be removed. Why doesn't the person who is named contact admin directly.
There are thousands of forums like this on the web, and I think people would be surprised how many times names are mentioned on the internet. I know I came across one such site by chance a few weeks ago which had a thread going about a local employer. There were numerous comments about local people, I assume posted by their work colleagues. I told a friend I knew (who was named) and she contacted the site and the particular post was removed.
I have heard that teachers of Marton have been told they are not allowed to post on the website (wrongly in my opinion), but there's nothing to stop them contacting admin! If it was me, that's what I would do. It seems that by going about things the way they have they have drawn even more attention to the story.
There are always 2 sides to every story. It's a shame that the other side of this particular story is being kept so private.
admin
Post removed
I have received a request (01/02/07) to remove a post from this website from the original poster. That post has now been removed.
I am astonished from what I have read on this forum but also from what I have heard has been said about this matter.
This forum was set up as a vehicle for people to express their views and to pass on information. It was important that anonymity was allowed on the website due to allegations of threats and bullying. There were clear rules laid down at the forums inception, with minor additions along the way to combat situations which arose.
The main thrust of the rules, which are pertinent to this matter, were that posts should not be vexatious and should not be wild speculation. Any post could and can be challenged with myself, the Admin, and every such case would be judged on it's merits. There were no rules about naming individuals as long as the statements were not libellous or defamatory. Anyone named on this site has the option to contact me to ask for the post to be removed and, based on their arguments, I would remove any such post.
I have tried to administrate this forum fairly and have had minimum intervention to ensure this happened. Despite what has been said in the past, I have not removed or prevented posts from anyone save one user who was banned from the site due to multiple rule breaking.
This whole issue has raised many questions in my mind about what is happening behind the scenes and what certain people's motivations are. I am not sure if people are using this site to air a grudge, to forward their careers or aspirations or whether everyone has a simple motive of trying to do what is right.
I will endeavour, however, to continue to do the right thing and to provide a forum where people are free to express their views, concerns or feelings. I originally set this site up because I was privy to a whole host of information from many different quarters. This was not speculative information, but solid confirmed information, a lot of which I had actually experienced first hand.
My final thought for this post is that we should all continue along the path that our hearts tell us to travel along. We should not be put off by the bullies and the people that would profit from good men standing back and doing nothing. Trust your feelings - stay true to yourselves - never give up until the very reason you were fighting for ceases to exist.
Thank you....and carry on posting.
mary
Well said, admin!
R. Thornton
Well done admin!
Congratulations admin, sense has prevailed. I have been aware of some content of emails, and chose not to post as I didn't think the Forum was the place to air views on the subject. I have had occasion in the past to check the rules set by the hosting company, and it is quite clear that any complaint about a post should be directed straight to you.
We are all grateful to you for your excellent administration, and, as you say, not become sidetracked from the main issues.
