Looks like Philip has locked the thread and made an announcement
This post on TIG from Josh_T sums up the oponion of many in the RS Community
This is one of Philips quotes that bothers me the most
Quote from Philip_Wise:
"There is no freedom of speech in this forum."
Source: http://forum.rebelscum.com/t1079830-2/#post18778484
While Philip does have the right to run his forum anyway he wants, apparently he does not understand the definition of freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is the right to express ones ideas or opinions, with the following exceptions: libel, slander, obscenity and incitement to commit a crime, without fear of censorship. Yes, Joe may have used obscenity in his posts but he did not use it without provocation or just for the sake of using it. How does making a statement that freedom of speech is not allowed contribute to creating a positive, welcoming environment for the forum? According to Philips own statement nearly every member of the site should have been banned by now for simply making a post and expressing an opinion or idea. I understand the policy of not allowing political, war, or religious topics to keep arguments at a minimum and I also understand that there should be some level of respect and civility among members but a discussion forum cannot exist without allowing members to speak their minds or express their opinions and ideas even if they disagree with each other. Once you start down this path of instilling fear in members that they may be punished for anything they say where does it end?
Thoughts?