What is appropriate here?

Kia ora koutou, I live and work in the vicinity of both mosques which were attacked 15 March. These people were my neighbours, although I did not know them well. Since that day, while the PM has conducted herself with grace, as (at times) has the media, I have listened to the words of love, kindness, and forgiveness from the Muslim leaders in my community, and I have sure learned some lessons from them. Like many of us I am sure, I have come to see them not as "them" but as "us", as whānau. I have resolved to try to be better, and kinder, and friendlier. I have received some feedback regarding inadequate moderation of the "Hunting & Fishing pulls 'military-style' semi-auto" thread. I accept that. That's my fault. (I would note that things have been very difficult in Christchurch, and forum moderation has come behind the wellbeing of myself and my family. But there are other times when moderation has been inadequate.) Obviously, scaling up moderation would help, but that's not easy to do without a bunch of new problems: inconsistent moderation standards and styles, for example. If this space continues to grow, then that will come at some stage. I have received some opinions about the appropriateness of this entire thread. I felt that it was relevant as it was a topic of public interest. Conversely, I received feedback that we come here to escape the worries of the world, not to be confronted by them. I think that is a valid perspective, and it would certainly make moderation easier if I were to just block anything non-tramping. I have certainly been uncomfortable with some content in the thread. What do you think? There are a few approaches we could take here. For example: * General freedom in the "Campfire" forum as stands now, with the existing community rules (although ideally with better moderation) * A strict line on only directly tramping related content -- much easier to moderate * The ability to mute threads so you just don't see them at all as a personal choice * Some opt in forums that you participate in or leave I would welcome your ideas or feedback. Feel free to mail me if you want to respond privately. I would note that this space will never be suitable for everybody. Different people have different needs and different values. There is no way to get it right for everybody. If this is not the right forum for you, then I can totally respect and understand that. Matthew