--- In
Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Steve" <alienrelics@...> wrote:
>
> I've banned him for posting a product activation key. I'll not have
> this group destroyed.
>
Not seeing a way to directly contact the moderator I'll simply suggest
the following:
It is true that Yahoogroups can delete a group IF someone complains
about content AND it meets their TOS criteria. As far as I can tell
they have distance themselves from policing and liability by
consulting their attornies.
It is true that any moderator can delete members for any reason. Heck
I can be thrown out of this group for posting this message if the
moderator so chooses.
Heck, some moderators INSIST on approving all messages before the get
posted. I guess it keeps out SPAM and "illegal" activities but in
large groups it is a real burden (and time killer for the moderator).
But I will point out that Yahoo pretty well covers their rears in
their terms of service gobbledy-gook as to unlawful practices. They do
not insist that moderators have to be the police.
If nothing more moderators should probably "spell out" what
specifically can get a member banned. That way they are covered IF
they choose to ban a member.
As a moderator of other groups I haven't had folks posting codes and I
don't have strict cans and can'ts posted. Quite honestly I was rather
amazed that someone would post a code the way they did but hey a quick
glance at the 24/7 news amazes me even more as to what people do.
My guess is that the "banned" user if he is smart enough to get
"codes" is smart enough to get back into the group should he or she
really want to. And the moderator might be hard-pressed to keep that
person out unless the person does it again (and again and again and
again).
The furor over the product got me to go to the web site of the
product. Whoa! when I start dreaming up something that requires this
kind of horsepower I'll either be working for a company that can
afford that kind of investment OR (better yet) own the bloody company
and be able to write-off my own personal copy!
OK enough bandwidth. I'll crawl back into my hole. After all I joined
this group to learn how to better make a few "simple" boards for my
model railroad and not injure myself doing it or spend the food budget
when I can do it cheaper.
Gordon Andrews