Discussion of drugs

[RichM]

Hi guys,

We currently have an issue on our forum with regards to the discussion of drugs. At current, we only allow the discussion of drugs in our designated forum for adults. (which can only be accessed if they're in a certain adults only user group.)

However, some of our users believe that it's harsh to prohibit discussion of drugs elsewhere on the board. The discussion of drugs is not illegal in the UK, and some people don't see why it's prohibited on our forum.

Our forum is aimed at young adults. We also have a significant number of people in their mid-teens who use the forum. Hence why I think such discussion is inappropriate for their eyes. (We don't want our forum to influence young people into taking drugs)

Many people disagree with my views though, and believe that we are being too harsh.

What are your policies on the discussion of drugs? And what is your opinion on the matter?

Please also state the type of forum you run. Also state who your target audience is. (I.e. Cars - Adults etc)

Cheers :)

- Rich

[eJM]

There's no such thing as freedom of speech on a forum. If you are the owner, you make the rules. If you want drug talk only in a specific area or limited to a specific usergroup, that's your choice. Your members will get used to it. But if you allow debate about your decisions, then you will have a lot of angry and contentious people. If it were me, I'd shut those discussions down and they either discuss drugs where appropriate, or not at all. The decisions of the administration is not up for debate.

Just my opinion.

Jim

[crud2009]

We have had discussions like this on my forum, but I moderated these threads closely to make sure it does not get out of hand.

[~kev~]

Its your forum, and you make the rules. I fail to see the problem?

[Mary303]

IMO you must decide what your forum is for, what purpose it serves, and most importantly what you want it to be. Listen to those who share your goals and values. Selectively listen to those who don't. Those who want your forum to be something else will mislead you.

As a forum administrator who had to pass through a difficult time with difficult members who wanted freedom from rules so they could troll, loosing most of the trolls (to the great relief of the other members,) I offer this advice: Engrave this on your heart - What you nurture is what your forum will become.

I think you ask an excellent question that every forum admin has to face at some time or other, regardless of the topic. Being confronted with such issues helps us think through the true purposes and values of the community our forum is.

There are always just a few people who will sink to the lowest permitted level. Don't let them take the forum with them. You will loose members who don't want to be at that level.