John_Perkowski wrote: ↑Sat Jul 02, 2022 2:02 pm
Again, do not speculate on the cause, please.
We know, from Amtrak and BNSFs suit against the dump trucks owner, they believe they have a cause. We will need to see what the preliminary report says.
I have a couple questions I’d like to respectfully ask Mr. Perkowski to clarify. While most forums ask you to PM a mod or admin with questions, these seem to affect quite a few posters on various pages from time to time. This thread is no exception, and it likely would lessen the load on the mods if we could get some specifics.
We are cautioned, time and again, against “speculation”. Reading the Forum Rules, unless I missed it, there is no mention at all about this. The closest I see is Rule 1 m: Do not disclose, either directly or indirectly, information that is not generally available to the public or is otherwise privileged or confidential. (2007-09-19)
This would seem different from speculation, as it seems to be aimed at factual information known to a poster which for one reason or another is not intended for public disclosure.
Speculation, especially when general in nature, is a natural and important part of a forum’s function. Indeed, if someone asks the date of the last train to Podunk, and a reply says “I think it was late 2002”, that is speculation. I am sure it’s not the intent of the Admins to preclude such answers. Earlier in this thread, I pointed out in good humor that the Moderator’s post guessing at the size of the truck involved in this incident was itself speculation. Speculation can be a very useful tool, especially if identified as such.
Even in the case of accidents, derailments and other unpleasant things, most speculation can be helpful in furthering discussion and understanding. An obvious exception would be for things that might prove slanderous - “I bet Mr. Jones, the engineer, was drunk when it happened, that’s not uncommon”. Obviously out of line. But “it appears to me the train may have been sent up the wrong track” hurts nobody and invites readers to consider and analyze whether that may be the case. While the OFFICIAL cause is determined by government and railroad officials, the ability to discuss UNofficial scenarios is a big part of why forums such as this exist. It’s about impossible that speculation on a railfan forum would somehow corrupt or misdirect the formal investigation process.
So my questions, which I know are shared by some others on here are
1. Is there a formal policy on rr.net prohibiting speculation of any sort, or is this a personal preference by one or more mods?
2. If there is not a formal policy banning all speculation, what are the specific guidelines for what kind of speculation is, and is not, allowed?
Understanding these points will keep some of us out of trouble, and will lighten the load of mods trying to put out fires caused by those not aware of what the limits are.
Thank you!