Sunday, September 5, 2010

RADIONEWZ VS WEBSLEUTHS, BANNING ON THE BLOGOSPHERE

I have just learned of some strange goings on in world of the forums. It seems that for some strange reason, Tricia Griffith of Websleuths.com is mass banning anyone posting over at Radionewz.net.

Now, I have said again and again that the owners of the various websites are allowed to ban whoever they please. I am banned from Websleuths over the issue regarding the death threat I got during the Blanchard Park coverage and the questions raised by Trica about my statements regarding what was being done about it. 

I accepted the ban and moved on without disputing her actions. 


What is different here is that People are getting banned from Websleuths without being given a reason for the action. Judging by the tone of the debate over at Radionewz, the problem seems to be with people posting on Radionewz while being a member of Websleuths. 


I find this policy rather odd. I see nothing in how Radio runs the site and it's content that should be of concern to Trish or her staff. Radionewz is a fair minded even handed site that brings a lot of scattered resources into one area for everyone to share. Her links on twitter are a big help to to those following the various blogs, forums, streams sites and so on that are covering the cases we are all interested in keeping track of.


The actions of Websleuths are most unfortunate. People who are members over there form strong friendships and a sense of community. To be banned without cause is both an insult and hurtful. It makes it difficult for friends to keep in contact and disrupts the continuity that the groups have formed over time.


Websleuths needs to re examine their policy and look at Radionewz and how she is running her site. She keeps administration to a minimum and allows the free flow of ideas without undue interference. 

If  Websleuths keeps going down the current path of deterioration, Radionewz will be the place to go and Websleuths will be left in the dust.


It would be most unfortunate if that were to happen.


Note: This article is a rewrite. I had attempted to transfer content from Radionewz to here and ran into a format problem. 


MURT