Damn

Again, it would be impractical for you folks to avoid censoring the worst comments. Threatening the blog is just not worth losing what it does. But I do feel it's important to at least acknowledge outrage because it's doubly infuriating to be dismissed. I say this in hopes that at least you guys can be honest with yourselves, and own the fact you simply have to censor, or succumb to ineffectuality. I made that word up, but it's important to me that the role of censor go to at least a person who accepts the fact that they are indeed censoring.

Censor away, just make damn sure it's not because you just disagree, savvy?

By definition, it’s censorship. Granted, it’s not government censorship, and completely within the rights of Elly as a moderator of the comments section, but it is what it is. We don’t have to embrace framing theory within our discussion - we can leave that to PR and marketing guys.

As for the larger frame, (the reason she’s censoring comments) what I think has gotten lost on people is that the media is looking at this thread, and most likely several other forums and boards looking for spicy “bike vs. car” commentary that they can then turn into another “road war” story. Allowing bike Portland forums and comment sections to be used for this purpose they believe hurts what the site was set up to promote.

It’s Jonathan’s board, it’s his right to have whomever he wants moderate it; so if you want to give the press lots of bike rage material, head on over to Oregon Live - I’m sure they’ll love every bit of bile and angst you can fit into a couple sentences. Howl at all your favorite boogiemen: rednecks, cagers, republicans, etc… They’ll cut and paste whatever suits the purpose and use it to “prove” everyone in Portland wants blood on the roads.

I just read the O story and Bonnie G's comment. If those accounts turn out to be accurate and true, it sounds as though, if ever he had it in mind to do so, it's going to be bit hard for Mr. Thompson to convince anyone that he just wanted to scare Mike Luther, and not kill him. I wonder how in good conscience, such a person can ever be allowed to operate a motor vehicle again.

There's at least one person that feels Wayne Thompson wouldn't deliberately do something like this. Wonder if she'll still feel that way as more details such as those in the O story are revealed.

comments by Wayne Thompson's friend from KATU comments to their story

Here's the text of CarreZee's comment:

"I grew up with Wayne. This is really sad and Wayne is a good person and I sure that he didnt mean to hit the cyclist. I think it is really sad that cyclists get away with so much. I agree with the statements stated above. Most cyclists are very arrogant, have attitudes and are very risky when riding their bikes. When are the cyclists responsible for their risky behaviors that may lead to them getting hit by a car?.! I feel for Wayne & his family and hope that he will be ok" CarreZee/Katu commnents

My thanks to Jonathon and Elly for exercising good editorial judgement in moderating their forum on their server. Use of the word "censor" or "censorship" in this context trivializes the connotation of those words, and the multitude of other soapboxes available to dissenters on the 'net effectively negates such accusations. The irony of Martin citing Wikipedia, which routinely exercises its right to control content on its servers, is not lost. May I also suggest that the definition of a word is more in the realm of a dictionary than an encyclopedia, and the definitions of censor or censhorship carry different connotations than that of the cited Wikipedia article. Wikipedia itself has considerable discussion on the issue, with the article flagged as disputed and controversial. Reynoldsrich (September 2007, point 2) analyses the problem well, IMO.

We will make comment to the media soon, but in the meantime really need more witnesses to step forward and help uncover the facts of this case.

With continued thanks for your help, your advocacy, your concern...

LML

There is no such thing as a" bicycle fender-bender"

I think as part of their punishment, these aggressive drivers should have their cars taken away and THEY ride bikes. (obviously they can't be responsible driving a car, anyway.)

They need a taste of what it feels like!

My thoughts goes out for the cyclist and those who love him.

My heart goes out to the victim and anyone who knew him. I hope Wayne Thompson gets a just punishment.