Some believe that by never editing anyone's words on the forums that they moderate that they are protecting "freedom of speech".

But a closer look finds severe flaws in this position. Speech is different when "spoken" on a forum. When one speaks in real life, the moment after the words have made a sound, they no longer exist. As the moment ends, so does the speech.

This is entirely different than "speaking", aka, "posting" on a forum. When one posts on a forum, the moment lasts quite a while, perhaps until Hostboard ceases to be.

Unlike the spoken word, which can only be heard by those within proximity at the moment
the words are spoken, a post on Hostboard may
be viewed hours, days, months after it has been posted.

This means that to say "I support freedom of speech for my forum" is an oxymoron. What really is being said by the moderator is that they support the right for virtual signposts to be placed on their forum, irrespective of their truth or validity.

In no way is this a support of freedom of speech since no speech has taken place.