Consider the following reasons why that is so. The dynamics of running a forum that is free to users is complex. This only touches a very small area of that concept.
While the Internet seems free to most people and even this forum is free, meaning no cost to you (the end user), the truth is that someone has to pay for it all. In the case of this forum, that lies squarely with Christian (the owner) who puts out personal hard earned cach to keep the THunting.com forum open for you, for everyone here. This is why he lays out the rules. We moderators are tasked with keeping things running smoothly on a day to day basis.
A particular sticking point with some members here is a critical comment about a manufacturer. Everyone has a bad day and for some, when our toys are broken, that's an extremely bad one. I personally feel as if a very close friend is in hospital when my detector(s) fail me due to something being broken. My experience with every manufacturer I have ever contacted has been very positive. Some of you here have not been so fortunate. Relating a personal experience along with dissatisfaction is one thing and is encouraged. If and when a moderator asks for things to tone down, that request should be honored immediately.
Why? Is that stifling free speech? Is that against the policy of the forum that claims to promote free speech? To summarize, free speech is always allowed. Even to the point of allowing a user to continue to make comments which are inflammatory about their experience. Once the discussion changes from simply relating an experience to a full blown argument with moderators, it changes. Now it is no longer about free speech but about not complying with the forum rules which specifically disallow that sort of activity. Arguing with a moderator can and will earn you a warning and perhaps ultimately result in your being banned.
Do not misunderstand this distinction. Your comments are fine. When inflammatory remarks affect the forum financially, it becomes a problem. Those comments can actually attack the very foundation of this forum that keeps it a wonderful place which costs you nothing. Without the support of the metal detector manufacturers, this forum would eventually go away. Thanks to Minelab and Fisher and Whites and Garrett and Tesoro and others, this forum remains free to you. Minelab is a direct sponsor while all others are currently sponsors through Google. You see all of the Google ads as Google cycles them through based on the words used here in discussions.
Please do not hesitate to mention what you consider bad service but do remember that your freedom to discuss that should stop short of alienating a potential sponsor. You might not like the Frazabaddington Metal Detecting Company (made up name), but somewhere, I guarantee you that someone loves them. Try and keep your comments to facts at hand and heed moderator requests. If you really must ask why, do it in PM rather than in public.
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http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,26289.msg184660.html#msg184660
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It's all about that moment when metal that hasn't seen the light of day for generations frees itself from the soil and presents itself to me.
Let's Talk Treasure!
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