Why we need pre-moderation.

To all members,

All posts are pre-moderated before they appear in the forums. However, due to the increasing number of posts we now have to deal with, the odd post may reach the forum. If that happens the post may be edited in some circumstances, but normally it will be deleted.

We do not pre-moderate posts in order to practice censorship, but amongst other things, to prevent the site being hacked, as it was when we operated B & W under www.benefitsandwork.org

Posts are also pre-moderated for legal reasons, i.e. to prevent a post that may be defamatory in content or even libellous, and leave us open to being sued.

Posts are also pre-moderated to prevent personal attacks on members so members can be assured that on this site they are in a safe and secure environment and will not be abused or flamed.

Deciding upon whether or not a post should or shouldn't be approved, or if it is, but shouldn't have been and is edited or deleted means that EVERY single post has to be read thoroughly by a moderator which takes up a great deal of time for our current moderating team.

Moderators are appointed by Steve Donnison to act on his behalf and Steve trusts our judgement. Occasionally, we may get things wrong, since we are not infallible. and all moderators do so in a voluntary capacity, despite having chronic illness or severe disability themselves. Rarely, some posts may need to be passed to Steve for an executive decision.

I hope this explains to a small number of members who have recently complained about our moderation policy.

Pre-moderation takes up a lot of moderators time, but I'm sure that the majority of our members prefer this to a 'free for all' which is allowed by many forums on the internet.

See also Moderation Policy posted by Steve a few months ago.

Thank you for your understanding.

Jim pp Moderating Team

Crazydiamond, Charlie Nott France, Jima1, Gareth , Steve Donnison, pete17971, indieames, Mr B, Survivor , pata1, DepressedDerek

Hi, I just wanted to say that I think this website is brilliant, a real life-saver and I think you all do a fantastic job running it. I appreciate so much all the help I an getting, it makes me feel so much less alone. Anyone who gives up their time to help others deserves huge praise.
Rachel