Gould 0738 wrote:

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of

The NG is a public forum, but is theoretically a group of people who have
agreed to discuss a common theme. Obviously, as per rec.boats and most other
groups, this is a "purist" vision that doesn't play out in the real world.

Not only that but internet access is not really "public". You have to
access it through a private ISP, and you are subject to their TOS rules.
Free speech in not an absolute here.


I think the freedom-of-speech, off-topic relationship is like a guy printing a
political poster. He's allowed to print and distribute the posters, but he
might be prohibioted from pasting his message on the front door of City Hall.

Also like the difference between a public golf course and a private
country club. If you join the private club, you agree to abide by the
rules of the club, some of which may limit your freedoms to some extent.
You can either agree to it, or forfeit your membership. The benefit, of
course, is a higher standard of quality, than what can be expected in an
"anything goes" public course.

If you join a moderated newsgroup, you agree to the terms. If you break
the rules, you will lose your access. The biggest problem with moderated
newsgroups is filling the shoes of moderator. Trying to remain
objective, and not taking sides based on personality, is very tough to
do. A moderator's job is a thankless one. You'll never please everyone.
Someone will always hate you........

Dave


If a person joins a group that was established with a moderator, there should
be no expectation of ability to post whatever comes to mind.