[green_lunch]

It becomes censorship when a moderator removes a comment or discussion based purely on personal beliefs and disagreements.

Moderation should be about removing the trolls, not what it has become, which is censorship.

It feels like many people personally enjoy moderating down disagreements because they don't get any actual power in their own lives.

It's one of the reasons I stay away from most online discussions these days: because nobody can be open and honest. It really makes me wonder if this is the reason why secret groups like the masons were created. Back in those days, instead of getting moderating down, you were killed or attacked.

[droithomme]

"Moderation should be about removing the trolls"

True, but some argue that those who support Trump, or who are against gender identity equality, are trolls.

[gozur88]

That's the problem in a nutshell. About 95% of the people out there think the definition of "troll" is "someone who disagrees with me", and I don't see how you ever really get away from a subjective determination.

[trowawee]

Because it's a fundamentally subjective evaluation. There is no way to objectively define "trolling".

[markdown]

> There is no way to objectively define "trolling".

Oh it's been very objectively defined. Knowing when someone is trolling, or when they legitimately believe what they're saying is the problem.

[trowawee]

So...it's defined, but it's impossible to know whether it's happening unless the person specifically tells you they're trolling? That sorta seems like a flawed definition.

[markdown]

Can you define lying? Has lying been defined? Check your dictionary.

Knowing what a lie is is not the same as knowing when someone is lying.

[trowawee]

I can prove something is false. I can't prove someone else's motivation.

[ythl]

> or who are against gender identity equality

"Anyone who doesn't agree with my ultra progressive views that people should be able to define their own gender identity is a hateful bigot and needs to be silenced"

[trowawee]

Awww, sad lil' hater.