Michael Jackson moderation

[RachelMumsnet]

Hi there
As you can imagine we've had a few complaints this morning about some of the comments and allegations made against MJ. Our policy normally is not to delete posts on the grounds of distaste as what is distasteful to one is another person's idea of humour, however in this situation, given that someone has just died, we're finding it hard to just leave things. So we thought we'd ask you. Do you think comments such as 'I hope he burns' and the onslaught of MJ jokes should be deleted or left in the name of free speech? Let us know your thoughts.
Thanks
MNHQ

Oh whopper!

I think things like this just bring out the worst in some people and that depresses me. You can argue don't read the threads if you don't want to read some quite nasty and hateful things, what about the other side of the coin? Why post on such threads when all you can post is rumor, innuendo or just downright vileness?
MNHQ need to protect their site, and also I think distance themselves from any child abuse 'jokes'

Limit it to one thread and delete tasteless jokes/comments. He is still someones father/brother/son/friend.

what rhubarb said. and soon may it all blow over. dull.

if there had been no MJ, there would never have been this - another diversionary link

I suppose if it were up to me I'd keep them in one (or two opposing) threads and delete the most extremely nasty comments.

I'd also keep track and 'out' anyone who managed to put him down for months and then ALSO do the 'competitive sadding' thing

I don't have strong feelings one way or another. He was just some guy, you know?

one thread, keep all comments. If someone is rude enough to put something innapropriate then it makes them look bad.

I think it is relevant to note that he was tried and found not guilty.

I would delete the very nasty comments and keep it to one thread which people can choose to hide if they wish. I've not read the comments but I can guess what they relate to.

just don't blame it on the sunshine

(actually just nipped out to get a sandwich and they are blaming it on London!)

(should have explained, is on an Evening Standard billboard saying 'London blamed for Jackson death'!)

Justine - I know the dancer on the front right of that clip

I dislike the really nasty 'haha, glad he's dead' type posts, and think that the so called 'jokes' are repellent. I have hidden the threads. Not sure I agree with any kind of censorship.

Keep it to one thread only.

It's the same people generally who are vile on those sort of threads, leave them all to it in one place.
That way i and anyone else who doesn't want to read their tripe can hide the thread and read something of interest.

If MJ's family and friends are busy looking at non MJ related forums to see what is being written about him then they deserve to see what people think.

Everyone else really shouldn't be personally offended afterall he is nothing to him, let them stand otherwise where will you draw the line in future?

great molly.... almost as good as stavros flatley!....the Xfactor rejects did a brilliant version of earth song....painfully wonderful.

Comments like 'I hope he burns' are just crass given that a man has just died.

But...
Please don't delete, the free speech on this site is what makes it what it is and it's why many of us prefer it here to elsewhere.

We're also adults who can filter out what we find offensive and just move on. He was always going to divide opinion and to expect a consensus on MN is naive in the extreme. Hell, we can't even agree over P&T spaces in supermarkets or what to call our daughter's genitals so one of the most contoversial figures of modern times aint gonna do it!

Just one thread as we do in all these cases.

I agree with the one thread say what you like idea.

I'm sad to say it's not that different from the conversation that's been rolling on all morning in my office.

After intially posting earlier on this morning, I am doing what many others are and staying away. Not because of any strong feeling one way or the other but because these things tend to escalate and get nasty.

FWIW, I don't believe people should moderate their opinion of a person because that person has died but I do believe that a human being deserves some dignity in death.

Agree with others, don't delete the comments, but just have two threads so people can post what they like in the appropriate place.

Yes, the nasty comments are.....nasty. I don't like reading them and it's pretty sad that people find it necessary to be so blatantly horrible.

However, free speech etc. Don't delete them but maybe keep it to e thread or two.

if you decide on one thread, could you allow the one in the music topic to stay, as that is just about music not him iynwim.

Apparently LA police are treating the death as suspicious.

They don't know whether to blame it on the sunshine, blame it on the moonlight, blame it on the good times or blame it on the boogie!...

agree 2shoes... that is what he will be remembered for..his music.

I think it should be kept to one thread, but tbh the gushing of emotion bothers me as much as the comments about paedophilia. If it upsets you, hide the thread. Surely we're all grown up enough to moderate ourselves?