Jan 2, 2010 -- 2:37PM, Frank Burton wrote:

Hi all,

Not to start an intra-BNET competition, but for BNETers out there somewhat uncomfortable with your posts in this new "Hot Topics" Zone later being moved, deleted, moderated and/or edited, the "Timely Topics" Group Forum founded in April 2008 at our open BNET group, Beliefnet Circle of Reason (a reasoning community of the religious + non-religious), has since its founding remained (as always) open, permanent, undeleted, unedited, and unmoderated (but full of reasoned responses and arguments!)

Best wishes to "Hot Topics" from "Timely Topics,"

Frank Burton, Beliefnet "Circle of Reason" Group Leader

Hi Frank,

I certainly encourage any and all posters to come visit the Beliefnet Circle of Reason group.

However, I might correct some misconceptions.

1.  Threads are not moved until the "hot topic" being discussed is no longer hot, at which time it is moved to the board appropriate for that topic. 

2.  While HTZ hosts will note that new posters to the moved thread must now comply with the Beliefnet Forum Rules of Conduct and any local guidelines peculiar to that forum, we will not remove or edit any existing posts for content.

3.  While we do on occasion remove or edit some posts or threads on the HTZ, it is because those posts/threads violated Beliefnet Site-Wide Rules of Conduct, e.g.,

Rules of Conduct: Site-Wide

By registering as a member of Beliefnet, you agree that you will not display content, or engage in any activity, that:

1. is illegal, or advocates illegal acts;
2. exploits or endangers a minor, or invites private communication between a minor and an adult [online safety tips for teens];
3. compromises anyone's privacy by using or revealing personal information;
4. condones or may provoke violence toward any individual or group on the basis of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation, even if religiously motivated [learn more];
5. is vulgar or violent;
6. uses Beliefnet community functions to harass or censure any person, group, or entity;
7. violates intellectual property rights; or
8. may cause or encourage substantial harm or damage to Beliefnet or its members.

This same site-wide ROCs BTW apply also to any and all BNET groups - including the Beliefnet Circle of Reason.

Thanks,

mlyons619,
HOT TOPICS ZONE Co-Host