Should Theatre Australia Members Only be allowed to post

Thanks for taking my reply as it was intended - simply setting the facts straight. As I see it, certain posters may have encountered difficulties or got on the wrong side of people in certain theatre groups and that has warped their sense of reality. Sadly, as we've seen, this can colour the views of outsiders who visit the website. Just finished a performance this arvo where the majority of the cast did not know one another prior to this production even though many had been involved in the Perth theatre scene for many years. We may have known of each other by name but had never had the chance to work together. It's a cast and crew of some 20 or more people and it's been great to hear their perspectives on the Perth scene. All seem to want to be involved going forward and with ages ranging from 19 through to late 60's, it's a great microcosm of the community in general. The biggest grumble seems to be the availability of a drink at the bar after Easter Friday's performance which is beyond the control of the theatre itself given the restrictions of their licence. If that's the biggest problem we face then I would suggest we have a healthy and vibrant theatre community. Whilst tempers have frayed at times due to the pressures of wanting to perform the best show possible, everyone has stayed friends and we enjoy each other's company. To get offside this group, you'd really have to push the envelope. I don't agree with how every theatre in Perth operates but the quibbles are easily overcome - go to a theatre where you feel your contribution is welcome. If you find yourself shunned time and again, maybe it's not the theatre that's at fault - perhaps the problem lies closer to home. As regards moderating down all comments of recognised trolls, here's my view. By their past comments they have surrendered the right to be heard - end of story. If they aren't the owners of all comments posted under their pseudonyms, why haven't they spoken up as such? I can only assume they delight in the chaos caused in which case I restate - they add no value and should be shunned. Getting rid of the dead wood is easier than changing the current system which may do little to fix the original problem - that's my point. I respect that people such as Tony and Grant have a very strong opinion on censorship and believe me I'm in that camp myself but for that sort of environment to work, everyone has to appreciate that their opinions carry weight in an open environment and it seems we are faced with a decision on how to deal with those who don't respect that. If we do nothing, the website becomes a joke. I think that's what Alan is suggesting and I must say it's indicative of the feedback I've heard. In fact it was a topic at the ITA AGM. The question becomes a simple one - is metaphorically turning our backs on the trolls a form of censorship or simply commonsense?