... wow ...
Get a job they said. Get of the interwebs they said.
*sigh*
... and after the second page I stopped reading all this.... so here is what I have to say...
Knowing the background of some things, and knowing how xenforo works...
The only users who can edit posts blindly are the original person who made a post and admins. There is a little check box that says to show edit or not. (apparently this has changed... good of xenforo!) There is nothing against the TOS of a person editing his or her post blindly... although a bit underhanded, it is not "illegal". Generally, admins who edit a post publicly will put the reason they edit (so as to keep within their ToS).
For the most part, an Admin editing a post here on Stratics has been rare. When I was admin, I think I edited another person's post maybe once, and yes, I put the reason for the edit ("requested by OP" or something like that). It is a function of the software so nothing underhanded on behalf of the Admins or Mods. Now is it underhanded for someone to edit a post - can be. Maybe they are cowardly and won't stand behind their words. Or perhaps they cooled off and realized their words needed clarification. In any case, blind-edits are a part of the system.
As for the overall situation - mistakes happen. The people leading/running Stratics are in no way "professional forum administrators" - they do not have the "professional skills" as seen in the industry today. Our Board is a collection of savvy people who have "real jobs" outside of Stratics. And yet, so many people participating in these forums expect the level of professionalism and service afforded to those "professional boards" - sorry, the money just isn't there for Stratics. IF Stratics had a money-making business model and IF Stratics could generate revenue to stay solvent and PAY its staff (*nod to Taylor*) - perhaps the level of professionalism so many of you barkers are making noise about would be had. Alas, Stratics is not such. It is a work of love by dedicated peoples - a huge majority of which are now counted as Alum.
To get on my high and mighty pooka here, a lot of "you people" should just PANCAKES and be ever so happy you STILL have a Stratics to post on and read, research, pancake, piss and moan on. The Board is doing what they can to the best of their ability for absolutely nada but gratitude - which has dwindled so far in recent times. The frustration in wanting to please all of you, and still balance life - and yes some actual gaming time - is why so many good people have gone silent or left. Sadly, it leaves the undesirables as a (loud) majority - which again chases away new people. It is not the level of work, or the amount of work, or the kind of work, or even the complexity of the work. It is the ungrateful, pancakes, snide, underhanded and downright rude activity of some people on this forum that makes others find happier pastures to dwell in. I know for myself, my life is less stress ridden since I do not read Stratics every day (or week now) or turn on my ICQ to the mass of irritating questions about Stratics or my gamer email filled with messages from people who believe they have to "tattle" on Stratics Mods and Admins... as if I matter in the equation much.
Simply put... the Stratics Board muffed up. Apparently those who were in the wrong are now part of the every growing group of Stratics Alum. Sad, for Cap't Norrington was a rather good mod - despite what a lot of you feel. Did he have some "favortism issues?" When I was attempting to steer this ship called Stratics, Cap. was friendly with his friends - and perhaps a bit gruff with people he didn't know. But that is human nature. Did he show favortism? Not on my watch.
And if anyone know me, I have no favorites.
Didn't know Clops too well... but is always sad to see people who give of their own time and talent toward a common goal without any recompense leave their volunteerism due to strife. I believe lessons were learned all around.
--- or judging by this thread, maybe not.
Personally... I think you barking ones should be happy you are not muzzled. But that's just me... and I've been called pancake by many so no matter.
a hui hou