Moderators:
I realize that the time limit to "edit" posts was NOT overwhelmingly received when implemented.
(I suspect because of the very Short time frame to use it).

My question is this:
What can be done to bring it back? (perhaps with 24 hours or so to edit posts).

Why?
examples:
There are 2 separate posters that have recently come back and basically "edited" out their stories here. (there are of course others)

One being White knight.
He had a very "cautionary" story that could have served as both a warning and a help to many folks here.

The other being Broken Vessel.
Her one thread was some where into the 400+ responses range when she selfishly decided to "edit" it.

(They of course have every right to leave, should they choose to.....but what is already here should stay here).

I think these threads need to remain "intact" so that others may get the whole impact of the discussion.
All the "responses" are Meaningless without the bridging to have them make any sense.

IMO it is also very disrespectful To the person's taking the time out of their own busy lives to give these people their advice and opinions.... to then have these threads altered in this manner.

To go back & alter things after the fact, is like "stealing" from the persons who graciously responded to these posters questions.

I realize that only a few are "abusing" this privlage....but can something be done?
Privileges are just that....extras....they are not Rights.

If possible, it would be greatly appriciated to find a compromise at better maintaining the Basic Integrity of the board.

Ideally the board should remain whole and intact. Otherwise what's the point?

I know I have benefited greatly by all the "archived" material that the more experienced posters have lead me to read up on.
If those posts are just "arbitrarily" taken away, then that is a loss for everyone involved here.

(Fortunately, if properly addressed, that need not ever occur again).

This board needs to be protected for those who have NOT yet come (but surley will), just as much as for those of us already here.

Thank you for your time.
The work you do here is appriciated.

P.S.
Please no rush to defend either of the posters used as examples here.
They were not being attacked.
Simply used to make the point.
If any take offense at that....my apologizes to you.

(I'm not a moderator, but I have been accused in the past of being one <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> )

In whiteknights example, there are legal issues so I see no problem with th eperson who posted editingtheir own stuff.

IMO it is also very disrespectful To the person's taking the time out of their own busy lives to give these people their advice and opinions.... to then have these threads altered in this manner.
Disrespectful? Huh? To whom?
They posted of their own choice. Their posts will be read or ignored by everyone elses who makes a choice.

To go back & alter things after the fact, is like "stealing" from the persons who graciously responded to these posters questions.
The posts of people who responded are not getting edited so there is no "stealing" involved.

Ideally the board should remain whole and intact. Otherwise what's the point?

The point of the board is to cuss & discuss with people going through the same stuff and who may have some wisdom as to how to handle situations.

I understand (and agree) that it is useful to others to keep a thread intact so it is easier to follow it if it is read later on.
But I think it's better option overall for one to be able to edit their own suff if they choose.

I'm not a moderator either.

** Edited by TJ **

<small>[ August 20, 2004, 05:45 PM: Message edited by: Tom Joad ]</small>

I am a moderator here <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> and your request is noted and will be forwarded to Admin for consideration.

I have experienced the deletion of an entire thread before when it doesn't quite go the way the originator might have preferred. All it takes is a simple request to the mods.

If the mods will delete an entire thread at ones request then we should be allowed to edit as much as we see fit.

This is after all a bulletin board. Postings go up...posting come down.

<small>[ August 20, 2004, 05:22 PM: Message edited by: ba109 ]</small>

Yeah and besides, the Congressional Record is published daily, includes verbatim transcripts of debates and speeches delivered on the floor of Congress. Members of Congress can edit any and all remarks they make, up until it is published in a bound final form a the end of the year.

Nowhere near mod--just got 2 or 3 cents.

While I agree that it is annoying to try to understand a thread in which posts have been deleted, I also feel that the words/stories/feelings posted should remain the "property" of the poster. For instance, if I were to post a major vent about H, or if I was suspicious about a possible A and discussed snooping techniques, and then thought there was a chance that H could read these posts, I would want the ability to delete them (although, even with deleted posts, you usually still get the gist of the story from the responses).

Appreciated, Justuss.

I have no illusions of things being changed, just wanted this noted

You have my Thanks.
Good night & enjoy your weekend!

I am a mod.

Earlier this year the ability for a poster to edit their post was limited to about 15 minutes.

At that time there were certain posters who changed their posts willy nilly, generally to make other posters appear foolish.

But the inability to change any post after 15 received strong objections from the mainstream of posters.

So, the ability to edit in a unlimited capacity was returned to posters.

The moderators and adminstrators agree that there is great value in the the depth of the discussions on MB, but at this time, posters who desire to edit out the content of their posts may do so.

Archuletan:

My thanks for your response as well.

If the administrators are comfortable with the system the way it is.....then so be it.......it is their baby after all. Got it.

Have a great day!