What a week ...

[AstroJunk (Jonathan)]

We’ve seen one member leave because rules were broken by the board, had one member chucked out for posting in an entertaining but provocative way, and one member was even hounded into changing his name.

This place has turned out to be far more entertaining than I would ever believe.

Long live IIS!

[RAJAH235]

Great Amateur Astronomy site, eh. L.

Yeah really great, dictatorship, crawlers, shoe lickers, back stabbers, its got everything I reckon. Just like working for the government. So much for freedom of speech, I suppose I will be pulled because of these comments as well. If that happens, well it only proves my point and that of on helluva lot of others.
I also run a forum non astronomical related, have done so for 3 yrs, in that time I have only had to ban one member because they continually abused other members about their religions and political beliefs. To me this sort of thing definitely oversteps the bounds of forum rules, but to be as petty as the management are here, I believe is totally ludicrous. For God sake act like adults and just get on with enjoying a bit of banter, you are here for a good time, not a long time. We live in Australia, not North Korea!!!!

[beren]

Sorry I cant see a problem , this bitterness to the Administrators/moderators is wearing thin lets concentrate on talking about astronomy instead of beating up on perceived threats to ones liberties

[Dennis]

I enjoy the current balance that the owner, moderators and contributors have achieved. The policies of the owner, the actions of the moderators and the contributions of the members do not challenge my sense of freedom nor do I feel dictated to, or censored. I am grateful for all the on-line friendships I have made and value the selfless and helpful advice everyone has provided me.

Cheers

Dennis

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Its interesting that a number of new accounts have suddenly sprung up seemingly for the sole purpose of rubbishing site administration and moderators.

There are one or two others who have been members for some time, only to come out of the woodwork when its to rubbish the site. If your only input to the site is to snipe and complain about how bad it is, why dont you just go elsewhere?

IIS has existed quite happily for over a year now with a spirit of fun, co-operation, and a shared love of Astronomy .

Most people understood the boundaries of fair play but now sadly there are person/s who wish to damage IIS by inciting others to flout forum guidelines and take snide digs at site management. This element has appeared on the two occasions when it was public knowledge that Mike was away.

We have a website feedback section for those who want to give constructive feedback on matters relating to the running of IIS. Constructive feedback is welcomed. Snide and destructive comments are not.

To the agitators and those who think you can change site policy by abusing forum guidlelines and site management: You are damaging the friendly atmosphere and community spirit at IIS.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Those with an axe to grind always seem to be the loudest and most vocal.

I thank those also who have taken the time to PM me and also post on the forum with messages of support.

[matt]

I'm all for free speech and people having fun. I think that already exists here.

I've also made my feelings known about "censorship" in general on prior occasions so won't get into that whole debate here again.

But I find this almost anarchic streak that occasionally emerges a little worrying.

Just my 10c worth

[acropolite (Phil)]

Matt, while some spam threads have been entertaining in the past, the level and nonsensical nature of the latest crop of spam has resulted in the current action. This forum is probably the most liberal in astronomy circles and many complaints have been received by Mike & Moderators regarding the spam level. I know of one member who, after signing up, never posted, but instead went to the yahoo groups, in his words, "there are too many spam posts". I suspect that there are many like minded people who go elsewhere because of constant nonsense posts by a handful of individuals. IIS is not a democracy, nor is it a dictatorship. Mike goes to great lengths to accomodate (and protect) the wants of the forum members and statements like

Yeah really great, dictatorship, crawlers, shoe lickers, back stabbers, its got everything I reckon.

do nothing for the forum and only exacerbate the problem, and IMHO an insult to other members, Mike and the moderators. If anyone feels that the forum is not to their tastes, they need not participate, the choice is theirs.

[matt]

Phil

I hope that my reference to "anarchic" behaviour wasn't taken as a comment aimed at Mike and the Mods?

Quite the opposite

For what it's worth I believe the right decision was made in this instance, as drastic as it appears.

I also believe there's wisdom in Geoff's (Starkler) thoughts that future action will be couched in consideration of a member's track record.