The issue comes in censoring someone not breaking the rules but not all the time being helpful. Everyone has stuck a nose in and found they were not welcome. Most cool it until their comments are relevant. Most people find a way to self censor. Moderators keep it straight when not forum appropriate. As annoying as it is, it’s getting into thought police.
I don't see how the "thought police" reference applies. This isn't the government denying someone a right, or threatening to punish them. No one has a right to be here.
This is a private meeting of friends hosted by one individual (Andy) with help from his friends (the mods, and admin). If I threw a block party and had all the neighbors in, there might be one guy who wanted to barge into random discussions and discuss one thing. "The city should boost the water pressure to 250psi! Think how
Fast our washing
Machines would Fill! I could water my whole front yard with one sprinkler!" He keeps pushing this in every conversation, and other party participants explain (tirelessly) how it won't work: the valves in our appliances will fail, hoses and pipes will burst and flood homes, etc. No matter, he keeps entering conversations with the same BS, and the other attendees at the party are paying the price for his behavior. After many subtle and eventually pointed reminders from the host, nothing changes.
What should happen?
I'm VERY glad that HBA has a high tolerance for divergent opinions and off-topic posts--that's probably the reason I'm allowed to stay. But . . .