22 Sep 2004

Eve Guardian

 

Dear Editor,

 

I've come to appreciate the neutrality that Eve Guardian has shown in the past, presenting a view point which tries to take into consideration all aspects of a situation.  Needless to say, I was somewhat surprised to see the editorial reply from "Pointing Out What You Missed" that appeared on my vid screen this morning.

 

It troubles me when half-baked accusations of favoritism, self-interest and misconduct are levied at the fine members of the Communications Relay Committee, especially when these accusations are based on rumors, innuendos and falsehoods.  It troubles me more when accusations are given credence and accepted as fact because they are repeated often enough.

 

There are many pilots utilizing the CONCORD provided GalNet Message Center operating under the assumption that because they pay the monthly fee to retain their pilot's license, the use of the GalNet Message Center is a right.  Please allow me a moment to correct that assumption.  Use of the Message Center is a privilege, subject to rules and regulations governing their use.  Also, the warning/revocation process utilized by the CRC during the enforcement of the Message Center rules is a courtesy.  CONCORD can revoke Message Center access privileges at their discretion and have done so in the past.  It is not an arbitrary, autonomous process, as every revocation of this privilege is either approved or denied by myself.  I carefully investigate and review each case of permanent revocation.  There are many factors that are taken into consideration when a recommendation for revocation crosses my desk, but balancing the history of each pilot with the needs of the other Message Center users is primary.

 

CRC has always enforced the Message Center rules concerning textual links to sites outside of CONCORD's domain, especially when these links contain content of a questionable nature.  Using innuendo to reference acts which some of our youngest citizens and pilots may not have any experience with, is something that will always be removed when found or reported.  CRC's task is to maintain an informative and friendly Message Center, not provide a repository for textual links supplying potential adult education.

 

I will not hide behind a pseudonym.  I will not voice mal-informed opinions in an attempt to sway the minds of the pilots and citizens using the GalNet Message Center.  I will defend the actions of CRC with the truth and information such as I am allowed to release by the guidelines imposed by my superiors.

 

Regards,

 

Kieron

Admiral

CONCORD, Operations

Dear Readers,

 

The head of the CRC, Wrangler, has also had some helpful comments regarding the external linking censorship issue. While the conversation is considered "off the record" by our editorial policies there was one clear bit of guidance that can be stated.

 

Regarding sites found to have content in violation of CONCORD standards, only those sites which violate the standards are censored. Sites that link to those censored sites are not subject to action for violation by another.

 

It has also been suggested that those sites commonly cited for violation may rectify the situation by having a "clean" and compliant link that leads to further content.

 

Of course in all regards it is best to communicate directly with the CRC to get specific guidance if you feel your particular situation is unique.