Cycling in and around Birmingham England

What's acceptable behaviour here?

I've really enjoyed being a part of birmingham cyclist for the past while. Through here I've found people I've ridden with, a new bike (thanks nicebrowncardy) :) and lots of helpful advice.

The debates on everything from helmets to tyres have been interesting, respectful and enjoyable even where people have very much disagreed.

The site now have a decision to make. Benjamin Hughes is choosing to call me a "twat" on one thread and has added the word "turd" as a comment on my profile.

I am thick skinned and have been using the internet since the early 1990s so I take no personal offence at Benjamin's comments. He is merely ill-informed on what constitutes acceptable behaviour.

At this point I would ask the site owner(s) to warn Benjamin and ask him to remove the comments. If he does not I would ask that his account be deleted and his email address banned from re-registering.

This is normal practice in online communities such as wikipedia.

rob

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Aiden McHaffie on December 6, 2011 at 20:25

totally agree with you on this one, freedom of speech is one thing, abuse, is totally another. He needs banning in my opinion

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Permalink Reply by Chris on December 6, 2011 at 20:33

In agreement - there should be no need to use offensive language.

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Permalink Reply by LS on December 6, 2011 at 20:37

I agree and as the site owner ask Benjamin to remove the offensive comments and behave. Or be banned.

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Permalink Reply by david.cherry on December 6, 2011 at 21:22

+1 to the above, the only comment I have is no personal attacks on anyone. Don't say anything that you wouldn't say in a pub to mates

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Permalink Reply by John KIRK on December 6, 2011 at 23:08

seems to be adding insult to near injury and abuse by the Astra driver.

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Permalink Reply by Steve on December 7, 2011 at 0:54

His profile says he is no longer a member of Birmingham Cyclist.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah-Jane on December 7, 2011 at 12:02

I've seen him pop up on the Push Bikes Facebook page - has he been trolling on there too?

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Permalink Reply by LS on December 7, 2011 at 12:15

Benjamin is currently suspended as the offensive comments had not been removed as requested by the time I needed to sleep last night.

When I woke up there was an apology of sorts but despite claiming the offensive posts had been removed they are still there. I'm too busy and have other more important things to deal with at the moment so Ben can stay suspended and won't be able to post. I'm not actually sure if he can remove individual posts while suspended but should be able to message me again or leave altogether and delete his content if he wishes.

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Permalink Reply by CKS on December 7, 2011 at 12:22

How about putting something like this on the home page?

On this site you are welcome to discuss all things about cycling, particularly in and around Birmingham. All we ask is that you act in a respectful and courteous manner.

(The mesage is based on another forum's)