Speculation in Forum topics

[Dave W]

A Forum member whose post containing speculation of illegal reissuing of Wingnut kits was deleted has now resigned from the Forum, despite my attempts for him to reconsider. His departure is a moment to pause and  consider what is and is not the "line" between discussion and unacceptable speculation.

The member insisted that speculation should be a core aspect of a discussion forum and this is true up to a point. Will Wingnut kits return? What will Copper State's next model be? Will Roden resume production of new WW1 aircraft kits? These are great topics for discussion and help a forum thrive.

However when the speculation turns to - will someone illegally rip off the Wingnut moulds and issue pirated kits? we cross that line of acceptable topics and veer very strongly into areas of defamation and frankly, our Forum does not need the drama.

We try to provide a free environment where model topics can be briskly debated but the sudden closure of Wingnuts and the refusal by its owners to make any public comment has led to wild and fanciful speculation, some of it legally risky.

The member's departure over a deleted post is unfortunate but I hope everyone appreciates we need to have a boundary between topics for discussion and dangerous speculation.

Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia

[Dwaynewilly]

Dave,

I believe the deletion was warranted.  Conspiracy theories have unfortunately become a part of the social media lexicon.  Free speech also includes the responsibility to use verifiable facts as much as possible if one wishes to avoid liability for spreading misinformation.  Persons such as yourself shoulder that responsibility for hosting forums that may be held accountable for allowing misinformation to flourish.  Lets hope that after further reflection the member decides to return.

Dwayne

[Jeff K]

i didn't see the post, but i have seen posts of that type elsewhere.

the tone goes beyond speculative, generally. it is a human tendency to hate the feeling of "i don't know," so humans make up explanations for stuff.

this is not always beneficial. "i don't know" is not only the first step toward learning something true, it's also liberating. an open mind need not be a garbage dump.

[OEFFAG 153]

Dave,

I can only commend you for how you and the forum handle the blog posts and threds here, providing an environment for good debating.

It is refreshing to read blog posts that don't degenerate into a slugging match between members, nor into a spiral of speculation and accusations of "so and so". The drama on other plattforms often leave me with a feeling of despair for the human condition. If we as members of a small community, sharing a common interest, can't discuss and debate without falling into, what has recently happened, accusations and even slander, then we are indeed in trouble.

Mikael

[bobs_buckles]

It is refreshing to read blog posts that don't degenerate into a slugging match between members

Yes, the sort of behavior that frequently kicks off on FarceBook.

Let's rise above it and move on.

vB   

[ermeio]

Dave
Thanks for your effort to maintain this forum as a trouble-free environment for discussion and good debating.
At times in the cyberspace one can inadvertently cross the limit, but it is the task of moderators to avoid the possibility of legal issues and keep the discussions on the tracks. I did not see the post, even if i see similar news coming up here and there... that member should have been grateful that you cancelled the post to avoid any kind of legal issue for the forum and the member.
Ditto, one thing is the speculation whether we will see the glorious logo reappear or the models resurface, one other is defamation of a business ...

[PrzemoL]

Dave, I fully support such decisions to cut the dangerous discussions at a safety line.
My continuous thanks go to you and the entire team for keeping this forum as it is, the safe harbour for all those who wish to have the world number one place to share our common passion

[hiddeous1973]

I did read the post mentioned and all I can say that I am glad it is now removed, I have been very proud of the tone and content of this forum, it is a very open and welcoming group, always ready to help everybody, regardless of skill or even scale, something not easily found on most forums

[Borsos]

People die by the thousands every day. So many more suffer from the pandemic, loose their jobs, their loved ones, their Children. Although I try to be a tolerant person every day, I can’t get why people loose their minds because of the absence of some plastic bits.
I haven’t read the post but I know how balanced and positively this forum is moderated by Dave and Lance and Brad, and so I am convinced that the removal was fully justified.

This is plastic, folks. Don’t forget the real problems in this world. These are more than enough to go mad. The plastic bits are there to calm us down and not the contrary.

Andreas

[bobs_buckles]

This is plastic, folks. Don’t forget the real problems in this world. These are more than enough to go mad. The plastic bits are there to calm us down and not the contrary.

Andreas

100% agree.
 

[fruibal]

I agree as well, instead of engaging in endless discussions and speculating about the come back of the WNW moulds, why not more models are built and shared with us, thanks

[RichieW]

Dave, many thanks for all you do to maintain this forum and keep it as a brilliant resource for WW1 modellers. I agree that unhealthy, possibly defamatory, posts should not be part of any discussion. As Andreas has said, it's just plastic, let's just enjoy our hobby and have fun while we're at it.

Richie

[Ronkootje]

I agree as well, instead of engaging in endless discussions and speculating about the come back of the WNW moulds, why not more models are built and shared with us, thanks

This is IMO the best post on this forum whole year!

Ron

[smperry]

I couldn't agree more. Well said Fruibal.

sp

[Gene K]

I haven’t read the post but I know how balanced and positively this forum is moderated by Dave and Lance and Brad, and so I am convinced that the removal was fully justified.

Well, I did read the post {!} and  thought the removal was an over-reaction. HOWEVER, I too appreciate the moderators, and thus their judgement and resulting actions. Best "forum decorum"on the web.   

Gene K