We should discuss the chilling effects of long time user
Rarity being banned for questioning Theymos in the scam accusations forum. Theymos may feel he is totally innocent in his role as a partner and officer with GLBSE but on a forum which depends on free speech for its value it is quite disturbing that this is the method used when the head administrator is questioned. The conflict of interests between Theymos' role with GLBSE and his role as overseer of the moderators on this forum who are judging scam accusations against his company has come to a point where it cannot be ignored when critics are being silenced. Theymos should step down as administrator on Bitcointalk at least until this matter is resolved. Even if totally innocent, the appearance of impropriety in this case is stark.
The
COI that mods on this forum have has already been previously demonstrated. I maintain that any mod who has a conflict of interest
must not get involved in any censorship, banning, or relocation of threads pertaining to the issue; rather, they should Report the post or user just like the rest of us should.
This has occurred in the past with Bitcoin Foundation: Gavin unfairly maintains its post in Bitcoin Discussion, with a sticky dedicated to it, while competing foundations are promptly and correctly moved out.
I don't believe that theymos should step down at this time. However, more open and democratic process on BitcoinTalk is past due. If this censorship continues, perhaps VIP members should vote to resolve these issues.