Build Your Platform; Say Whatever You Like

 

Here's a lesson I learned as a Sysop and Forum Contractor on CompuServe:

Free Speech is a guarantee from the government that the government will not stifle free speech. Businesses and the press can enforce any censorship they choose.

CompuServe & social media were/are businesses.

Of course ... we did NOT censor ideas and controversy because that would have been bad for business. Controversy WAS our business and how we made money.

We enforced rules of decency and decorum, however, because it was the right thing to do (and also good business).

I did not allow crude sexual remarks, profanity, insults, or personal attacks on my forums unlike the broader social media today. That was my choice and that is their choice.

The services I use also give me the choice on my personal pages, groups, and feeds.

Whenever I hear about restrictions on free speech from private businesses, I am reminded of this lesson.

As I often told people: If they would like different rules, they were always free to start their own forums.