Were they removed?

I was reading the mess below through much of this afternoon, Justin, but it just looked to me like Keith was running into a stonewall every time he wanted clarification of Robert's position on the site. You were away, placing Robert in as moderator, and, in truth, Robert informed Keith a few times of this. That would come across to most as hearsay. Robert also mentioned in one of the posts that he had made it clear in earlier post that he was moderating the boards in your stead (I didn’t see such a post, but then I didn’t look for it either).

Guess what. Not everyone reads everything Robert posts.

Anyway, if that's the issue, better communication might be in order.

Anonymous moderators apparently won't cut it, Justin. The cover needs to come off. Perhaps posting on the main board, or better the Home Page, that both you and Robert are pretty much running things as a team (for the moment at least) would be the way to go.

I don't think banning the only real Space News Reporter from the Space Science page is such a hot idea, btw.

Also, about the banning of SDAI:

There are many issues that Americans take seriously on a daily basis, including Freedom of Speech. I understand that these are your boards and, as proprietor, I respect your right to disallow service. What I’m aiming at here is that when you consider inalienable freedoms in and open forum, you’re going to get heated responses. Now, I know setting everything up is sheer hell and running the site must be murder. I also know that this site will likely fade away once you grow tired of the hassle -- or change management (if you should ever, ever, ever feel the need to depart, please don’t kill these boards!!).

What might be considered is a kind of forum board, one strictly designed for the open debate (a debate prompted only by yourself, or your moderator, via anonymous (to the BBS, not you), but verified member, email submission) of member rights and banishment. A place where we can hold a hearing, perhaps one limited where each member would be able to post one statement, for or against, read what an accused might offer as extenuating circumstances, then post a one-word yea or nay -- or abstain -- vote.

That paragraph was right off the top of my head and, rereading it, the idea looks like a small scripting nightmare.

Anyway, just some thoughts,
Dan