URGENT: Moderators required for this website.

[Max]

Over the weekend, I received a solicitors letter from Cobbetts LLP of Manchester, representing Samuel Smiths Brewery (via the previous web host) making some allegations relating to this website. In summary, these include..

1. Complaining about the family details in our archive (which were originally copied from The Peerage - online)

2. Suggesting that the site was orchestrating a 'hate campaign and harassment' against their client (Samuel Smiths Brewery)

3. Alleging that this site was encouraging people to disclose confidential and sensitive company information.

I wonder if No.3 is referring to the names and addresses of their pubs? Who knows? 


The letter first requests assistance in contacting the website owner, and then later seems to contradict that point, and suggesting that the hosting company owns and is responsible for the website.

I have responded with a comprehensive letter to their solicitors. And in brief summary have stated..

1. Explaining the interest reason for family detail within the archive section, (and the fact that it was already in the public domain on the Internet) but as a sign of goodwill removing all except the directors details.

2. Explaining the purpose of the website, peoples frustrations and their freedom of speech - and that no harm was/is intended

3. Explaining that it was difficult to ascertain what information posted was 'confidential', 'untrue' (also alleged) without being alerted otherwise.

4. That it was perplexing that no one had ever voiced their concerns through the contact section of our website, yet would appear to have repeatedly request that the (former) hosting company shut down the website.

I have also promised to check that all of our site content meets with our Acceptable Usage Policy

To help fulfil the latter, I was wondering if any members at this site were interesting in volunteering to have moderator status? This would mean that if anyone uses a 'report to moderator' link, they get notified and can then edit or delete any post (as appropriate) that doesn't comply with our AUP.

As I don't have as much time as I would like to spend at this site at the moment, it would really help. And also hopefully ensure that there are no legal grounds for the discontinuation of any member, or the website as a whole.

Moderating will require some diplomacy and compassion - and certainly not mean deleting anything you personally do not agree with.   

Anyone who may be interested, then please either IM or email me through this site, or use our contact form.