Where the Ed. deletes something that I have posted...

[Hgrove]

Where the Ed. deletes something that I have posted, would it be possible to have an automatic e-mail that bounces back to me the cancelled text: so I get an e-mail that says:  your post "text of the post" has been deleted.  Another thing:  the Ed. could have a code for the reason for the deletion:  1 for too chatty. 2 for not a question. Etc.  Then we would get an e-mail that says as above, and then:  Reason code 2.  Unless of course, Ed., this would create grounds for arguing about the reason given.

[AB Editor]

Hello Hgrove -- last things first, I'm not sure there's anything we can do to stop the arguments! Still, we can all dream

I don't understand why getting an email just to tell you a post has been deleted serves any purpose.

There isn't enough time under the sun to explain the reasons for each act of moderation, and even the act of selecting from a dropdown menu sounds daunting -- the menu would have to be pretty long for a start, and if it's an 'Other' do we then have to provide an explanation? Or respond each time to feedback?

I'm afraid you have to accept that, in the time-honoured phrase, the editor's decision is final!

[natalie_1982]

Are you sure there are no aliens involved?  are you near London there was a big bang last night apparently.  Maybe it Ed coming back.

[Hgrove]

Hello Ed., just for argument's sake, I was thinking of an automated e-mail, therefore it would not add to your workload (apart from the initial implementing stage).  I can agree with you to the extent that it would not serve any "tangible" purpose, but recently I looked at my profile and found that I had 4 deleted answes, and I think I am not the only one scratching my head, wondering what they could possibly have been.  Please, Ed., take this post as academic discussion only.  On your last point - I am aware that on all or most fora (I don't visit many), the Ed.'s decision is final.  I am aware that this is due to the Ed.'s / Moderator's finite time resources.  I also think however, there there is a certain amount of pressure building up from the users (not just here of course) for some kind of democratic accountability.  I suspect in the future, some fora may take steps to build up appeal procedures / representation etc.  I suppose it must be a Moderator's ultimate nightmare?  (I am writing this msg in a friendly way by the way).

[AB Editor]

Taken as friendly, Hgrove. And academic considerations of the future of fora is one thing, but getting into a debate about the merits or otherwise of the banning/ deleting of each post on TheAnswerbank is another!