Deleting of posts

[The_Last_Word]

To Admin
members@virtualcountries.com

Dear Sir or Madam:

As a participant at the Ukraine.com forum I often encounter posts racial, discriminatory or plain rude in nature. This is not new, and many others have complained about it. My request is different, however.

Sometime over a year ago, at least one of my posts was completely deleted by moderator StasUA. The only reason for it was that I challenged his and other Ukrainian members' views on Russian and Ukrainian history.

I have noticed recently that moderator Irinka has also deleted posts by member Iridium. Many of his posts are now missing from several threads.

I am totally against deleting posts. Some offensive words can be censored separately. Ironically, in those same threads, rude and discriminatory posts by other members were not edited in any way. Here's an example by member ricknorth (http://www.ukraine.com/forums/showth...7&pagenumber=2, 28th November 2001 01:09):

Ukrainians and Russians, whats the difference? Iridium, you know the difference between my a$$hole and your face? NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ha ha ha ha !!!!
Iridium, you are a complete moron!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ha ha haha!

In his post, ricknorth uses very foul language and gets away with it.

In another thread (http://www.ukraine.com/forums/showth...9&pagenumber=2) I read Irinka's warning to delete Iridium's posts for his political/nationalistic views. Here it is (12th December 2001 19:17):

Any more nationalistic or any kind of insults in your posts, and I will begin deleting them.
You have absolutely no respect for anyone here, you do not contribute to any conversation, but insult everything some people stand for, use foul language, and wish death to those who have no freakin' idea what you're talking about.
Any more offences and I will start deleting.

From this post and from what is left of posts by Iridium I was able to conclude that Iridium's posts only differed in political and historical views. Irinka's warning clearly shows that she disagrees not only with Iridium's foul language and wish of death (?) but also "nationalistic" views which insult not people but "everything some people stand for." I agree that foul language should certainly be censored, and members should get warnings for making threats. However, expressing alternative views, not in favor with moderators, should never be touched. This issue can implicate in violation of the freedom of speech and expression.

My own post(s) deleted by StasUA previously also carried a different view on history and were not offensive in any way. I can only compare this behavior by ukraine.com moderators with that of censorship policies in Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union or any other repressive regime that existed.

I hope the Administration's impartial mediation would bring an acceptable solution to this situation.


Thank you,

The_Last_Word

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P.S. No need to delete this post, it has been emailed to members@virtualcountries.com.

[Irinka]

StasUA is no longer a moderator on this site, he gave up on Ukraine.com a year ago along with the other moderators who are listed beside the forum headings, unfortunately he still has power to delete or edit messages, I do not know why.
I am a volunteer and the only actual moderator who visits Ukraine.com every day. I apologise of being inconsistent, I wish I had more personal time to give to Ukraine.com and at least a little help from VCI.

I apologise again for the condition of this site and my inconsistancy, I'm trying my best.
I would really love to find someone who would care enough about Ukraine, spoke Ukrainian, and had a little time to contribute to this site...it would make things much better around here.

Irina

[albatros]

Well nobody is a 100% consistant and it's impossible to please all people all of the time.

I like this site.

Keep up the good work Irina!

A.

[Irinka]

Thank you and welcome to Ukraine.com

Irina

[Timofei]

I'd also like to say that I think Irinka does a great job. Sure, there's some subjectivity involved, but she always gives fair warning. I don't think her actions have ever prevented anybody from expressing their opinion, and at the same time the discussions are always kept civil.

Timofei

[The_Last_Word]

Originally posted by Timofei
I'd also like to say that I think Irinka does a great job. Sure, there's some subjectivity involved, but she always gives fair warning. I don't think her actions have ever prevented anybody from expressing their opinion, and at the same time the discussions are always kept civil.

Timofei

StasUA is still listed as a moderator of these forums.

The only good job these moderators do is preferential treatment and suppression of freedom of speech.

[Irinka]

The only thing you ever do on Ukraine.com is complain and cry... why not send another e-mail to the Administrator?

Irina