Originally posted by S_Couture
Again, why do you feel the need to delete based on 'thread drift'? Almost all threads drift. Alt.sex.stories.d was set up to discuss sex stories and writing. It has turned out to be anything but. For all intents and purposes, it is where authors hangout and shoot the shit about everything but sex stories.
Originally posted by GaryWilcox
When I delete a single posting, it is because the content of the posting is 1) off topic and 2) meant to antagonize.
Topic Drift alone isn't the reason. As you see by this comment earlier in the thread, I specifically pointed out two important elements.

I agree-- leniency and patient judgement is needed. Letting someone talk about favorite foods in a thread about guilt over enjoying BDSM in the age of Elizabeth Smart is the kind of harmless topic drift the community wants.

Someone arguing that the Moderators are out of control in a topic called "Deleting Threads (and Posts)" is something the community also wants.

Someone going off topic to launch an attack on another forum member is something the community doesn't want.

Originally posted by S_Couture
What neither of you seems to understand is that this is a community. The extra stuff that TG is doing is great, but his foremost job is removing posts that are in violation of the law, so as to further to continued use of this community by its members. And secondly, to keep the majority of its members happy and spawn increased contribution by its members.

I think you have done a terrific job meeting the first of your criteria. However, I think have have not done a very good job with the second. You have behaved, not as mediators, but as dictators. I do not argue that you had good intentions. But the most popular thread here was deleted. A veritable flame war has broken out. And people aren't posting.
A mediator is a peacemaker, someone who goes between warring parties to try ro remove hostility. That's generally my nature, but not what I'm on trial in this thread for.

Dictator: NOUN: 1a. An absolute ruler. b. A tyrant; a despot.

Come now... isn't this just veiled name calling? Am I really that bad, or are you just assuming a bunch of things about me and my behavior that you have never run afoul of?

I want you to enjoy yourself here as my peer. I also want to keep the place tidy and ugly shouting-match free, if I can. Can you offer a recommendation to prevent that? What would you have done, in my shoes? Wait until the fire breaks out and cancel the forum memberships of those who participated?

Have you ever applied for this job? Ever volunteered your services to moderate the forum?

I can so easily understand the anger about seeing threads you love deleted. And I understand trepidation at discovering we do 'prune' threads where flaming, pointless topic-drift occurs. I can even understand why you might hold a bit of a grudge at me for deleting "Favorite Pictures", despite my good intentions.

I am baffled about how I grew to be the enemy... a dictator... in your eyes. Why can't you see my side? Why aren't you trying to walk a mile in my shoes?

I am now past any further apologies about Favorite Pictures. I goofed, I admitted it, I promised to be more careful.

The only person who has any business asking me for an apology for the removal of post is the party whose post I have removed. That's not you. I think you're worried that I will someday. I wish I could relieve your doubts... I don't think I can, actually.

Originally posted by S_Couture
All of this has been spawned due to the spurious deletion and movement of posts by the moderators. And instead of owning up to it, in face of practically unanimous objection, you have continued a pursuit which has turned into the very thing you are here to prevent.
Originally posted by GaryWilcox
One of the most popular threads in this forum-- Favorite Pictures-- might be gone forever. But it's not TourGuide who's responsible, it's... :: sigh :: little ol' me.

I slipped, and deleted Favorite Pictures. Managed to save Kostly's initial post and about 12% of the pictures, but that's not a lot.

I promise to be careful around all of those threads, and we might see the Favorite Pictures thread return in a few days. Waiting to hear if Jinn can do anything.
I have owned up to making a mistake since the beginning of this thread, and tried to make amends. I'm not sure what you meant here. But I think you're presuming an awful lot, with the words, practically unanimous objection.

I am exhausted and tired of defending where I don't think I'm wrong and conceding where I have made mistakes.

I have yet to see anyone offer me one alternative option to deleeting the flames other than leave them in and ignore the Code of Conduct.