About us forum

The reason why I don't mind those posts staying sometimes is that the ensuing conversation can help educate others to not take what they read at face value, to note believe everything that the read and to evaluate what they're reading.

I don't see the point in locking when there is active discussion in place. Either delete the entire thread, or lock it after the conversation dies down. I would imagine the second one not being a great option however as it requires you to come back to it at some point - unlikely to happen.

In the Sorya mall example, by leaving it open for a short while would give the OP a chance to come back and provide more info if there was some truth to it. Deleting or locking it would prevent that from happening which might be a shame in some cases.

Contrary to that, thought, I do think the ones that are from first-time posters who rubbish a specific guesthouse or bus company should go. They obviously just want a rant about some injustice that they have been subjected to (?!) and don't give the opportunity for the offending guesthouse / bus company a right of reply. I loathe those particular posts.

I think you're doing a good job maintaining the site with a diverse group of people. I wish you'd let Bruce back. I know he's a grumpy old codger, but I thought he brought unique perspective and the juice was worth the squeeze. But overall I think you do a good job. Dave adds good writing skills as well.

They speak English on the north island?

I think lizzy sums it up pretty well too. If inflammatory posts like the Sorya Mall thread were routinely deleted, I doubt I'd even bother to respond, and if others felt the same, there likely wouldn't be much discussion anyway.

To me it is an issue of value added. Do posts like that add any value to the site? If yes, leave them. If no, delete them. If a poster like the Sorya Mall poster makes only inflammatory and unsubstantiated claims, then there is no value added and he should be deleted too. Best wishes.