We have received several complaints about abuse on this discussion board. We are aware that a few people, apparently on both the anti-immigration and the pro-immigration sides of the debate, are not conforming to our policy of no foul language on this board. We are looking at several possible solutions at this time. We already tried to block two posters based on IP addresses, but their ISPs have dynamic IPs, so a simple reboot and/or redial could change their IPs and defeat our blocking efforts. We are currently looking into filth filters to prevent such words from being posted. If all else fails, we may introduce either moderation by ourselves and/or registration. We are hesitant to go the registration route since we do not want to dissuade posters who may not want to go through the trouble of registration. If any of the users of this board would like to share their thoughts on the pros and cons of registration, we would appreciate your comments posted on this thread. We are a small company, and have limited resources. We are happy to provide board users with this useful community communication tool, and sincerely believe that our small number of rules are not unreasonable and should be observed. We request every board user to kindly observe our rules on abuse. Abuse could consist of one or more of the following (1) Excessive posting of matters unrelated to immigration; (2) Excessive cross-posting; (3) Attacks on the underlying technology; (4) Use of foul language; (5) Pornographic/sex-related. If you want to use foul language (e.g. the f*** word, etc), please do so elsewhere.

If your resources permit, you may want to consider registration, but the opinions and attitudes of posters will not change as a result. The people using this forum aree not obligated to respond to messages or posters they don't like, and as adults they have not only to respect the opinions of others, but the right of the posters to express them. They should ignore the posters they find offensive or with whom they do not agree. Immigration is an emotionally charged issue that will spark negative attitudes and feelings on both sides of the issue. I don't think censorship is the solution. Rather, the answer is for adults to behave as such and ignore the messages and posters they find offensive.

Thank you! LINDA

People come here for help, not to be attacked and verbally abused. This is a private forum, and the moderators have a right to protect its users. No one should have to be subject to such abuse. The ppl who come here for help already have enough problems.

I am all for registration. If someone does not want to take the time to register, then they can simply read what others contribute.

To
juju
Go to communist country with your arab,There will be only one opinion.If you want to live in U S you have to listen everybody, whether you like or not.
I LOVE MY FREE COUNTRY

In my opinion, registration wouldn't change anything, a user can create an unlimited number of names when their current names are banned... And most of them have dynamic IPs so it wouldn't change a thing...

well what about having 3-4 moderators on the baord to hep out on the board.. just to delete threads that are negative and no purpose threads. I know I can do it mon-fri 8:00-5:00 if youi need me to. It would be no problem. also you can ban words on the board.. to make it look like **** so that can help out also.

let me know if you need anyhelp. like I said before i moderate other boards so I can help moderate this one as well.

Richard,

Now it sounds like that would work... Users who are aware of someone watching the forum all the time, wouldn't post inappropriate messages...

"well what about having 3-4 moderators on the baord to hep out on the board.. just to delete threads that are negative and no purpose threads. I know I can do it mon-fri 8:00-5:00 if youi need me to. It would be no problem. also you can ban words on the board.. to make it look like **** so that can help out also.

let me know if you need anyhelp. like I said before i moderate other boards so I can help moderate this one as well."

That's just what this world needs, another loser hall monitor. Richard, are you a career moderator? Is that your life's ambition, to moderate boards all over the internet? It's no wonder that you can find the time to be here from 8-5, as no one with a brain would hire a sissy like you.

This is censorship! This is America, folks, and I'll be fried if anyone is going to tell me what I may and may not say, read, listen to or watch! I also can offer help to people posting questions because I am gaining a lot of experience in immigration issues through various forums and my job. I would hate to have to withdraw from this forum because a bunch of thin-skinned readers don't like tb and bass going back and forth, and can't ignore posters and messages. This is a very sad thing. Moderating this forum will lead to censorship and targeting, and I will have no part of that.

If the kind of abusive language that has been so prevalent lately continues, those who truly need advice and those who are equipped to provide it will avoid this discussion board. Then it will serve no purpose other than as a sounding board for those who are too cowardly to express their opinions in public.

Sarah has a good point. We will lose some people if the profanity and backbiting continue. We will lose more, however, if our rights are stifled. All the moderators can do is offer the forum. It is up to us to use it appropriately. As in all things, laws, morality, ethics and behavior, there are consequences, but no one can legislate personal opinion and expression. I hope people like Sarah and the other frequent responders continue to contribute. I hope the others tone it down and remember why we're all here.

There is a solution:

Get moderators that moderate so you don't need registration since it seems that the ilw people don't like the idea.

But also have a forum where people can express what they want in that specific forum.

Then everyone will be happy.

Welcome to the American dystopia! If you were looking for the "Land Of Milk And Honey" this ain't it bro!

Just a thought. If they are only going to **** out profanity, fine, but where will the editing end? Will moderators delete opinions they think others won't like, or opinions with which they don't agree? Or will it simply be a bleeping of bad words? Editing can move to censorship or deleting of thoughts and messages very easily. Moderators, edit the profanity if you wish, I don't mind, but don't begin editing the messages. No one has that right.

You might as well put the server in communist china with all gooks.

Here, in America, we enjoy freedom of speech.

"I MIGHT NOT AGREE OF WHAT YOU SAID BUT I AM TO DEFEND YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT"

But freedom of speech is not absolute, it can be regulated. If you let those "GOOKS" and haters to malign people in this board, time is now to put a stop on it. The purpose for this board is to help people in need, not to spread hatred.

Thank you.

"I MIGHT NOT AGREE OF WHAT YOU SAID BUT I AM RERADY TO DEFEND YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT"

But freedom of speech is not absolute, it can be regulated. If you let those "GOOKS" and haters to malign people in this board, time is now to put a stop on it. The purpose for this board is to help people in need, not to spread hatred.

Thank you.

"But freedom of speech is not absolute, it can be regulated."

That's one idiot's interpretation of the constitution. I like mine better.