Punki,

I understand and actually meant to comment on the "gentleness" factor but was distracted during my response so I forgot to add those comments. I agree that the moderators should moderate in a friendly manner. Is it possible that, in most cases, they are doing so but the written word may sometimes seem more harsh than if one was speaking exactly the same words? I can only base my opinion on the moderators I've observed in action and this is admittedly limited to a select few forums. I've not felt that any of the "moves" or "reminders to keep on topic" posts by moderators were rude or harsh. However, in your last post you specifically mentioned "the general memebership" in regards to this activity. That is where I see the rudeness if there is any.

With regards to deleting posts I'm uncomfortable with doing so as it introduces a censorship role I don't believe is intended as part of a moderator's duties. Believe me, I would love to just delete whole threads sometimes as they can get pretty wacky, but that my opinion and others may disagree.

If you want to see an example of strict moderation go visit:

www.televisionwithoutpity.com

This site has very specific and strict posting rules, and the moderators are very vigilant. In some respects I like what they do but still wonder if they turn off new users who are trying to post according to the rules but mess up. Basically you can get a timeout for not following the posting rules. Something like several instances of starting another topic on the same subject as an existing topic may earn you a timeout. Interesting approach but I don't think most here would want to go that route. That and it would require a lot more of the moderator's already limited free time.

Just another two cents of my opinion.