Libel and other issues
In time honoured fashion we go for ages without too many problems then several crop up at once! I want to run over the issue of libel and how this is moderated here.
Libel is subjective and it's really down to the individual to decide if they are offended by a post or consider it detrimental to their reputation. As a rule then, we do not monitor every post and decide ourselves if it is libellous. There are no flowcharts to follow, we rely on the individual or business (not a third party) to contact us in the event of a problem.
The exception to this rule is where common sense would dictate that a post is not acceptable, or the majority of people would most likely find the contents libellous or offensive. The Exeter thread is a good example, so a moderator posted to that effect. It was my opinion that the last post of "xxxxx are a bunch of c*nts" was totally out of order, and also my opinion that people were continuing to post completely nonconstructive comments after the thread had been moderated. That is the point where I'm going to remove a thread.
You need to think before you post, is it constructive, is it factual, could you stand by it in court? It's a case of help us to help you, taking care to word your post. The devil is in the detail and so often you can post exactly the same facts without it being libel.
It is clear in the Exeter thread that some members considered themselves justified in posting libellous comments because of the actions (in the press or otherwise) of the companies concerned. I must make it clear UKFR cannot take sides, nor get involved. Posting a link to a press story is one thing, making a sweeping and libellous comment about a company's safety record on that basis, is another. I take a really, really dim view of firework companies using UKFR to have a public mud throwing match, so please do not do this.
This forum is intended to be a friendly place where we can all chat about fireworks. The industry has enough pressures on it, so let's not add to that by fighting here.
Finally, I want to touch on the subject of members ignoring posts and requests by moderators. This has been happening a lot. When a moderator makes it clear that a thread is going off track, please heed this. I'm fed up with us spending our time trying to help and guide you, then you just post what you like anyway. In this case now I'm afraid I will (and have) take the view that if this happens the thread is best removed, as are any members continuing to break the rules.
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