@Multisubject — I agree with you on a lot of points. Yes, it is hard to moderate a forum. Yes, not many people have the desire to do so.
However, when moderation becomes "policing", that's where I draw the line. We are all nearly adults on here capable of forming our own opinions and making decisions which deem us fit.
If I am allowed to drive a car from one end of the USA to the other, then why am I not allowed to talk about a member who has departed five separate times because their ego has been bruised and everything is "just different"? On a forum no less.
I understand I do not control the medium. And thus I am powerless, in a way. But I can't fathom a world where the ENTIRE internet is masked off in red tape, including this forum.
I can't stand censorship. Look at the UK and what is happening there. People are getting fat fines or even prison sentences for speaking out against political figures or even making MEMES. It is clear that people whose opinion acts as a "universal truth", without any kind of explanation, fall under the branch of tyrants... we see this in our day-to-day lives.
I just don't want one individual with very specific tastes and opinions to "rogue police" a forum designed to accommodate people across a variety of spectrums... and we have an off-topic board section for a reason. I know Euro members think it's a cataclysmic failure of the forum system, but I disagree... it brings a lot of productive conversation to the table and even builds bonds and friendships beyond the discussion of lamps and lighting.
but I do see what you mean. Not being able to discuss another member’s departure is a bit harsh.