Originally Posted by
gsoltso
The FCC regs indicate obscene language is not protected by the 1st amendment in publication. It is still a fairly gray area on websites, and difficult to enforce because a lot of sites are private or overseas, etc. The Gov sites fall basically under the provisions set forth here. I can't find the specific regs (I don't have time right now). These are essentially what the blog operates under
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/obscene.html
Bob is entirely withing his rights to censor posts that have anything in the posted rules, or that fall under obscenity regs. Direct attacks get a lot of posts removed - not references to someone making a comment and addressing it directly, but pointed attacks. Most phrases that indicate the usage of obscenity (CYA ..., etc) fall under the same guidelines.
First, I doubt much, if anything, Bob is deleting is "obscene."
Second, I am not aware of how the FCC rules have anything to do with blogs. The FCC's rules are generally about what can be broadcast over-the-air.
Third, CYA is not an obscene word by any stretch of the imagination. Some may consider it profane, but it is not obscene. In fact, I can't think of a single word that by itself would be considered obscene.
Freedom of speech still is permitted on the web. That is why people can use profane language and why "adult" websites exist.