[iamnothere]

False dichotomy. It obviously isn't like either one; not a purely public forum, and not an intimate private gathering.

The notion of semi-public space (shopping malls, sidewalks, right of way) has been around for a long time and is continuing to evolve. The laws and precedent on this are not fixed in place, nor should they be, especially as more of our public participation moves online.

[ucaetano]

Sure, and all of those spaces are free to set usage policies. So there is plenty of precedent for kicking someone out.

What are you proposing? It seems that everyone comes shy of actually proposing something.

Are you saying that online communities/forums should not be allowed to have and enforce a content/behavior policy?