>>>Has anyone actually complained about the content of the chatter section (or does anyone want to). Or was this just a unilateral decision on Michel's part ?
>>
>>I would bet there were some complaints in the thread were Walter got banned or at least temporary banned.
>
>I wasn't even aware that he was out, until I noticed today that any of his messages show his name in the light grey color (instead of dark black), and you can't link to his messages (at least not directly).
>
>A few months ago, Walter openly made some very ugly comments. I know they were said in anger, but I told him to cut it out - that I viewed him as a valuable member in the SQL area and I didn't want to see him get kicked.

Personally the whole thing about chatter and bans I found it... I do not know... let's say I do not understand it. Banning people because they write about religion, banning people... sorry let me re-phrase, banning some people for "ugly comments" (and never explaining why there is such difference) while they do not ban other people for uglier comments (IMPOV), now getting rid of a whole section because it seems we are not mature enough to read other's opinions (however insulting they are), it is just not me. If I feel insulted by anyone, or strongly feel against someone's point of view, be it religious or political or whatever) I either reply or ignore, I do not feel the need to complain to management and I certainly do not feel the need for anyone to be banned

Now, if the bans are for impersonation, threats or using knowledge acquired in this website to interfere in other user's personal life, then I'll agree with them