Right then, I've deleted the posts referred to in the letter I received this morning and one thing is clear, for 20 years moderation has been very very light touch and that has to change somewhat. I'm not saying that opinions will be censured just that any direct accusations that cannot be backed up with proof that can constitute libel has to be taken down. The reality is that even if a post is absolutely true but a writ is issued for libel, that would have to be defended at a cost starting around the 100k mark.

To this end we need several new moderators, preferably some with a bit of sense and definitely not a Jonny come lately persona of the same person who we all know who it really is. If you're up for it let me know.

The posts that have been deleted have been started in one instance by a user called "TwoTimes" his one and only post.
The second which is arguable by Mr Snowy
The third by Mutley

In every example the complaint is in my view justified. Whatever you might think of Raj Singh you cannot state a guess as fact when it demeans the person in question, be that RS or anyone else. Much as it goes against the grain we have to moderate these thing and take down potentially libellous posts, especially at the moment when emotions are high. The alternative is the end of the Bunker. I take a fair bit of responsibility as because of work stuff I've spent very little time on the board and even less thinking about moderation. Mr Derwent has warned about this but I've been to busy to give it much attention, that has to change, I'm not risking my house for a message board.

There is PLENTY of scope for calling a spade a spade and criticising the handling of HUFC without a Moderator having to step in. Just need to be careful.

Indeed.

"My client takes issue with posts that cannot on any basis be said to be fair comment but fall within the categorisation of fiction, offensive or downright defamatory". That's the crux of the point and its a fair one.

If that’s how things are going, no point in looking over your own shoulder, we live in a mad world…might as well call it a day.
It was fun while it lasted, and I wish you all the best , but it seems to have stopped being fun anymore….ah well, that’s life shipmates

What I would say is feel this is a certain person's way of shutting the fans free speech up. While I agree there has to be truth in the rumours that can be backed up, it does however work both ways and if the club was more open and transparent the speculation would not have started in the first place.
I feel it would be a good idea under the title of the bunker a precis of your number 2 be written so we can read it and stay within the law.

I’m pretty sure that Singh did this during his final hurrah at Darlo, I.E. threatened the message board owner with heavy stuff to quieten things down.

As I say I’m pretty sure but lawyers please note, I’m not 100% saying he did do it, just that I’m pretty sure, I could be wrong like, but I don’t think I am. I hope that’s clear.

This is the way messageboards are going...... There is a boro messageboard (fmttm) that as stopped private messages between posters, because apparently the owner is even responsible for what is said privatly between posters even via private messages on that platform!!!!!!!The world is fucked!!

Not really surprised when some are posting that individuals are posting stuff that states that dodgy stuff has been going on as a simple statement rather than backed with evidence.
Look at the way Have I Got News For You changed as a result of threatened legal action, message boards are not immune.
And to suggest that a VPN will protect your identity is naive in the extreme, it might offer a bit of protection against your internet provider or casual snoopers but not from official agencies and determined hackers.
Doesn't mean the end of the board, or restrictions on most banter, just means stopping lies being misrepresented as truth and the harm to reputation, business, and even personal lives that might result.