Afternoon Open and Policy Re-Post

The Pub is going to open at 5:00PM PST/8:00PM EST today. We thought it would be a good idea to re-post a few thoughts on our policy for those who haven't had a chance to see it...otherwise, here's a free-for-all for you to continue talking about today's news and sharing your own links.

And now for that policy re-post thingy:

We've had a couple of questions about our policy and where the line is. They're very good questions, as we realize the line isn't always clear. Maybe some explanation of the spirit of the policy will help:

We really are seeking to move forward. Staying in the past, well...it's like looking too much into your rear-view mirror when you're driving. Just not a great idea. Or getting stuck in a muddy rut. It feels pretty good to get moving again. (Please note: we're not comparing anyplace or anyone to a muddy rut - we're talking about getting stuck in place, and being paralyzed there.)

That's what we want to do. Get moving again.

And here's the thing - out of thousands of posts, we've had to remove very few - we mean very few. We aren't counting, but it's probably been fewer than twenty. And of those, most have been very benign and well-meaning...but the reason we're removing even some benign comments is that we believe they could lead others to respond, and before long, that's what people are talking about.

So the bottom line is that we're seeking to keep everyone looking toward the road ahead while they're here - and if you say something that's benign on a topic we may be avoiding, it may very well be removed - but it's honestly not personal, and we ask that you please not take it that way. It's just for the purpose of moving the community forward and building our own identity. And please know this: we are tremendously grateful to this community for helping to make it a positive, friendly, and forward-looking place to visit. We're having a great time, and we hope you are too.