Why can users delete their own threads?

[TechMan]

Greetings to all you mods!

It came up in discussion with my dw that users who create threads can delete that thread at any time without moderator intervention. I personally, think this policy should be changed.

When a thread is created it is the creative inspiration of the person who creates it. But when other members make posts to that thread it becomes an open discussion - and I don't think it's appropriate to allow someone to delete that discussion if he/she doesn't like the direction it's heading. I don't want to invest time giving opinions and helping people out if all of my work will be deleted by the originator of the thread on a whim. I don't think it's to far a stretch to require the originator to request a moderator to close, move or delete the thread if it becomes too controversial or uncomfortable.

What do you think???

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH TECHMAN, ONCE A PERSON HAS REPLIED TO A POST, A DISCUSSION AND OR DEBATE HAS STARTED.

EVEN IF THE ORIGINATOR OF THE POST DOES NOT AGREE WITH WHOEVER REPLIED, THAT DOES NOT GIVE THEM A RIGHT TO JUST DELETE THE WHOLE THING!

IN MY OPIONION, THAT SHOWS LACK OF RESPECT FOR THE PERSON WHO REPLIED.

ONCE IT'S BEEN REPLIED TO, IT NO LONGER BELONGS TO THE PERSON WHO STARTED THE THREAD.

[Mouse7088]

I have to say, I liked it before when if you wanted to even delete a post, the best way you could do it was to go in and just remove your previously typed message. It didn't leave ppl. who defended themselves looking like idiots because someone chose to fully remove their own post. At least if the best a person could do was remove all their wording then it would at least prove to some extent that someone wasn't beating a dead horse, but maybe actually defending themself. Hope all this made sense..I'm having a total brain fart this evening and all the boys are sitting here talking at once..lol.

[The Bunny]

I agree wholeheartedly!

[autumn96]

OK.........I AGREE!!

[sweetcindy]

I appreciate being able to delete the thread. You can only delete the thread if yours is the first post. I think it saves the mods from a lot of extra work. Duplicate posts, posts where someone got the wrong idea and it turned into a mess, etc.
It is not really appropriate though to delete the thread if there is a bunch of replies, that is just rude. But, if there are just a few and you explain to them why you deleted it, I don't see the problem.
In short, it saves unpleasant or bothersome posts from waiting til a mod can delete or move them. I do it a lot, when I mess up in the subject line, when I am unclear and my post is taken in a manner that was not intended, if I post a duplicate, etc. Sometimes I just simply change my mind. I think it is a most useful tool.

[sweetcindy]

By the way, I am guessing this topic has come up because I deleted a post last night regarding how disgusting it was to play politics during this awful time.
Let me say, again, that my post was really misunderstood and I tried to make that clear to those who replied and even sent a private message to that effect. I hope this is wrong, but I get the feeling that a few wished to make a spectacle of me, once again, and I simply can't endure it.
We all need to come together and support one another right now...Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, etc. I could not agree more! I was pointing that out in my post and said as much.
I also wish to say that I do not want to participate in ANY disagreements of any kind on this site anymore. Please do not cause strife and expect me to contribute, one way or another, I am out of the heated posts altogether.
I would sincerely ask that you look at my posts in the future without trying to see the worst in them. I am making a clear effort to keep the peace, please return this courtesy.
That said, everyone have a wonderful, meaningful day and find a smile where you can.

Cindy

[dianemarie]

I think once a thread has replies you should have to ask a mod to lock the thread.

[sweetcindy]

Geeze, I am extremely worried that my above posts will be misread. Please, I just want to get along with everyone. I love this site, I really don't mean any harm to anyone, honestly. Please just try to understand where I am coming from.
I do want to have moments to cherish, instead of moments of regret. I think we all can relate to that.

[Tiggers Lady]

I think this is a wonderful idea.

No one, other than mods should have the ability to delete posts and keep in mind that even we, as Moderators have been instructed to NOT DELETE POSTS, OR THREADS.

The point here is that before making a post, even if you are the OP, you should really consider the contents prior to making a post. Read, re-read, edit, before you post. You can also go into your post and remove your comments, but not delete your post in any manner.

As pointed out above, when people reply, they end up looking foolish when a post is removed and there is no continuation. If you are an OP, even if you are not, and a thread is misunderstood, contact a Moderator and the Mod will determine if it needs to be adjusted, moved, or closed.

But understand, that once you make a statement, no matter what it is, and have invited others into the discussion, it then belongs to the board and is not personally the OP's post.

When you are in a conversation orally with people, you can never "unsay" what you have said....you can clarify or amend your statements, even make a retraction, but as in life, you can never "unsay" what you have said. Same rules should apply here.

So, if anyone feels they are being misunderstood, and I am not talking to anyone specifically here, they should either edit their post or contact a Moderator.

I will be making a suggestion in the Moderator's Forum because I believe this is really a very good idea.

[mayor]

Thanks for the input! It was very simple for me to change this feature. As of now, members can only EDIT their own posts. They may not delete posts and/or threads.

Hope this helps!

Mayor