"The Limits of Free Speech on the Internet", or "What happened to ARFCOM can happen to us"

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Originally Posted by FoxtArt

A spot of wisdom for the record for those that think any site is caving:

The internet is a jealous ex-wife with the memory of an elephant. Currently, postings by U.S. Military personnel on social media are being used to selectively filter out U.S. servicemen and women for guard duty at the capital on January 20th, to weed out any "sympathizers". And you know that 99% of young servicemembers who supported DJT have posted about it online at some point in time, so we've created the most effective means to "filter" ourselves out of any positions that matter. Posting on the internet, while "venting", accomplishes very little other than contributing to the memory of this jealous ex-wife, who will remember what you said far longer than you ever can. So already, everyone's flag waving and ranting on the internet is used to filter out diversity of thought in one segment of our armed forces. That will only continue.

If you want to have conversations outside of the purview of this jealous ex-wife, it is appropriate to do so with others, in person. I highly suggest NEVER getting involved in politics on any social media attached to your name (facebook, twitter, etc.). It is better to have no history at all, than a history in any direction online, which will affect your job opportunities, promotions, hiring, firing, probably credit before too long, etc. We're just a few years away from someone being able to very quickly "search" your social footprint to highlight any even slightly controversial comments you've made in the past, which you cannot delete. "Oh, he made a joke about a handicapped person in 2009, lets pass on him".

Before you post or share something on social media (especially name attached, facebook, twitter, etc.) ask yourself what value do YOU actually get from it. [Why I basically never post jack on those footprints]. Are you actually going to change anyones mind? Get any money from it? Improve your opportunities? No? That said, there is little harm in having accounts - any in some cases beneficial - so long as you're not actively participating in the vomit of it.

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BOOM!!!! This is very important for people to understand. There is nothing "Free" about Social Media engagement, especially if the content you are creating can be perceived in a negative fashion. Way too many people feel the need to share their stance or opinion on whatever contentious topic of the day is. In today's society, voicing an opposing opinion, regardless of it being backed up with facts or not, it is considered an attack against the receiver. The days of having a spirited debate with someone and both walking away from the discussion wiser are LONG GONE. You are either on board with their stance and ideals or you are the enemy that must be destroyed. There is no middle ground of simply agreeing to disagree. Or respecting the fact that everyone is entitled to their own opinion about something and that is OK. These are scary times for all of us. The online social media machine is currently the wild wild west and many will pay a big price before meaningful regulation is deployed if ever during our life times. Do your best to keep from screwing yourself unintentionally. We all have opinions, but most of the time its usually best to keep those opinions to yourself.

It sounds like the site may also benefit from those who know about operating businesses as well. The description of why donations aren't accepted sounds off to me, or at least very easily navigated. I'm not the expert so I won't pretend to offer more advice, but I'd think that an hour conversation with a tax person could answer any questions related income and taxes. I'm just trying to say, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater regarding member donations until you know for sure that it'd cause more issues than benefits.

This is all sage advice and spot on. I will stand on my soap box for a bit and say that elections have consequences and it is our turn to suffer. Don't like what I'm saying? Then Vote, get your family to vote, get your friends to vote, get your like minded co-workers to vote. Stop making excuses and accusations, vote your opinion at the next opportunity.

R

I understand the position of the site owners and staff, and appreciate the advice.

However it saddens me that so many have resigned themselves to just let other people run roughshod over them and effectively silence all dissent.

It can, at times, be much easier to remove a business than an "asset." Anyone know how to find a registered agent for this site? No? Who you going to serve? How do you locate them? Anyone know there are regulations that require you to hire an attorney to represent a business? Yeah, they monopolized that too, you cannot self represent a business against any significant claim, no matter how frivolous. IMHO their decision to keep it private is quite wise.

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Originally Posted by CS1983

Don't answer. Rhetorical question: Is there a dead man's switch to wipe all info, including backups, should the need arise?

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I shall not answer as you requested

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Originally Posted by FoxtArt

It can, at times, be much easier to remove a business than an "asset." Anyone know how to find a registered agent for this site? No? Who you going to serve? How do you locate them? Anyone know there are regulations that require you to hire an attorney to represent a business? Yeah, they monopolized that too, you cannot self represent a business against any significant claim, no matter how frivolous. IMHO their decision to keep it private is quite wise.

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Those are all better reasons than basic financials.

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Originally Posted by D_F

Logical and I’m very appreciative of the site and staff. It would seem that when feasible and available that a move to better aligned providers would also be logical and appreciated. I know I’m researching this for my company which isn’t 2A related in any way. However supporting the status quo doesn’t align with my value system. I’ve “kicked in” in the past and will be happy to do so in the future as part of the community.

Thank you again.
D

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Across my business portfio I work with many providers. Of those used with this site, and each providers current history, only one causes me very slight concern, the others cause me zero concern.

We will be talking amongst the staff to determine if any migrations are prudent. Of course for obvious reasons I won't discuss providers or arrangements with such providers in the open.

Everything that has "Possible Intelligence Value" is stored on a computer. One part of that giant computer is just one state west of us. The computer is so big that the components are in different areas of the US.

Arfcom is up and COAR15 is still available.

I have learned on here, many valuable things from many members.

Thank you all for your contributions.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_Data_Center

Copy all. I'm taking a breather from my anger, re-evaluating every aspect I can personally affect before calling "Broken Arrow". Peace out.