For everyone's knowledge, a new Forum has been created by popular request. The forum is called Rant & Rave and is a subforum in private community discussions. Unlike the private community discussion forum where most of the threads are beneficial and relevant just not appropriate for the public, such as FERC discussions or Injury discussions etc... Where we don't want to shed bad light on paddling through web indexed discussions, the Rant & Rave area is the opposite. It is a private forum not listed on the homepage or for indexing where people can openly spout off. It is clear that we need to get a tighter grip on what we allow in our general forums so this room will be open so folks don't feel censored and at the same time we can all ignore the activity if we choose.

Right now I have decided to limit Leif's posting capabilities to this forum. He can still post to other areas but they must be approved by a moderator first. He can also start threads but they must be approved. I have decided to do this because for several months now I have fielded requests for such action by members of this community and our sponsors for the event.

In a matter of Days a new team of moderators will have the choice to allow him free reign again however for the last couple of days that I am moderating this is how it will be.

For everyone that has been disgusted by all this, I am sorry, I apologize, I have certainly not been above foolish behavior myself. I hope we can all soon enjoy a better run system.

James

I believe that the rant and rave Forum is a great idea. It will allow people who want to read the drama, to read it, and will help keep the rest of the forum on topic.

Professor Paddle now has it's own smoke filled room....

Maybe someday we will all be able to discuss what we have a passion for without feeling the need to attack others.

Attack rapids, not boaters.

More boat less bash. Agreed.

I'd also like to say that I don't agree with the summary banning of Leif. I dislike any policy that is oriented around one individual, rather than around solving problems our community agrees need addressing. 

I think Leif should be re-instated to full posting privileges, and subject to whatever moderation policies are put in place.  If that results in a ban, or if Leif chooses not to participate under such restrictions, it's all good. 

I think this community is at a more dangerous moment than is perhaps understood.  If moderation is not impartial, fair, and as unobtrusive as possible, it has the potential to be a very destructive force here -- more so than a bit o' sh*t talking from time to time.  Hence my hesitance to be a part of it.  Though I will, if voted in. 
 

We all know Leif has burned some bridges, but I think this is over the top to single him out.

True, I guess I am not as one sided on this issue as I thought.  When an individual tries to take down a community in a hostile way, tit-for-tat will tend to bring forth a mighty bitch slap.

Leif asked me to make a post for him. After some discussion with both James and Leif, I chose not to. I will leave it at that. But I do share on of his concerns. That no one should be attacked, bashed, or spoken of, without the ability to repond. So for now, I suggest we refrain from talking about Leif directly on the public forums until he has the ability to reply.