That first guy exemplifies a very common misconception about free speech, that because you have the right to say what you want (true), you have the right to force other people to provide you a forum for that speech, publish that speech, etc. (false). The principle of free speech says you should have as much right as CmdrTaco to create a Web site to talk about whatever it is you want to talk about, not that you should be able to hijack someone else's.
If McCain had showed up at the DNC and told them they had to give him the floor for an hour to tell everyone why Obama is a lousy candidate, the convention organizers would rightfully tell him, "Your convention is next week, talk about whatever you want there but at this one we have a liberal, pro-Obama message". It's also why spam blocking is not a free speech issue like the spammers try to paint it as. You have the right to say whatever you want about your product, but not the right to force me to receive or read your messages.
It's really just a case of your right to swing your fist ending where the other guy's face begins.
No matter how much of a public forum a website may or may not be, the fact of the matter is that neither you nor I have any legal right to freedom of speech on/. or any other site.
What the Constitution has to say about freedom of speech is that the government cannot restrict free speech. Private entities, whether it be you or I on our private websites, or online communities such as/., are free to restrict speech on their property in any way they like.
Free Speech (Score:5, Insightful)
That first guy exemplifies a very common misconception about free speech, that because you have the right to say what you want (true), you have the right to force other people to provide you a forum for that speech, publish that speech, etc. (false). The principle of free speech says you should have as much right as CmdrTaco to create a Web site to talk about whatever it is you want to talk about, not that you should be able to hijack someone else's.
If McCain had showed up at the DNC and told them they had to give him the floor for an hour to tell everyone why Obama is a lousy candidate, the convention organizers would rightfully tell him, "Your convention is next week, talk about whatever you want there but at this one we have a liberal, pro-Obama message". It's also why spam blocking is not a free speech issue like the spammers try to paint it as. You have the right to say whatever you want about your product, but not the right to force me to receive or read your messages.
It's really just a case of your right to swing your fist ending where the other guy's face begins.
Re: (Score:1)
Bzzzzt!
No matter how much of a public forum a website may or may not be, the fact of the matter is that neither you nor I have any legal right to freedom of speech on /. or any other site.
What the Constitution has to say about freedom of speech is that the government cannot restrict free speech. Private entities, whether it be you or I on our private websites, or online communities such as /., are free to restrict speech on their property in any way they like.
It boils down to "Their website, their rules." Y
Re: (Score:1)