I have to confess that I've been confrontational lately.
I'm honestly sorry if, as a moderator, I have contributed to this.
The problem that I see, as someone who has been a member and participant of this forum for a long time, is that we are undergoing somewhat of a generational transition here. In past times, as some of the older members know, there was more of a balance between newbie and experienced members that served as somewhat of a self-regulating function. 90% of the discussions here are wonderful and helpful, but there are always the outliers who start wild rumors that scare newbies and spread unsubstantiated information about things. This forum, as its charter is supposed to be "scientifically based", meaning that this forum allows and welcomes discussion and challenges to thought, but it should be done on the basis of fact and reasoning, and not on the basis of rumor.
I have never, in my tenure as moderator, deleted ANY posts on the basis of a disagreement of the basis of an opinion. Sure, I have deleted posts that were potentially inflammatory on a personal basis, and chased out a few trolls and spammers, but when it comes to hairloss theory I always let people speak their minds and get their thoughts out to the masses in the pixels of your computer monitors. I believe in free speech. But, I also believe that through debate and challenge to one's thoughts will truth be found. Truth is not a solitary claim or opinion, but rather a process of statement, then testing of it, then restatement, then re-testing, until all views are heard and an accurate judgement can be made.
These days this was done organically by some of the previous experienced posters, a cadre of us who grew together here and kept this board regulated, without excessive moderation, and with respect for speech. Many of the old crew have moved on, whether it be into serious relationships (Cassin), or into the military (Stingray), or into the unknown reaches of homosexual lust (Tynan). Just kidding, Tynan.
As such, I have sometimes taken it upon myself to call a spade a spade, and be the guy who calls bullshit on some of the unsubstantiated suggestions that are made here, especially when it comes to some folks who have made it a habit to propogate unsubstianted crap.
It is time for the new generation to arise, and form a new "old guard" to help determine the direction of this forum, and to shepherd the newbies onto a course that will have the best shot of helping their conditions. The future of this board is in your hands. Do you want this to be a talk shop about masturbation, or do you want this board to live up to its charter? Those of you out there who have benefitted from your knowledge on this MB need to step up, help the newbies, and instead of complaining about the tone and/or content of this board, take some proactive steps to give something back to it, and take action and start dialogue that will take this MB in the direction that you want it to go in.
This MB is usually staffed by at least 3 mods, usually 4, and right now we really only have two full time equivalents. Who of you out there is interested in potentially taking on this role? If you are interested, then this is the time for you to step up. gourmetstylewellness.com is always monitoring, and looking for someone suitable for the role.
If you are unsatisfied with the tone of certain postings on this board, then instead of complaining, show some leadership. Be a mentor, and a guide, and be proactive in setting the tone and agenda here. This is YOUR MB.
Other sites are usually overmoderated, controlled spaces where the tone and substance remains constant from day to day. gourmetstylewellness.com is an open space, with liberal moderation. It is a living MB that takes on a different character from month to month. Make the most of it.