Freedom of Speech
Damn! That is deep to begin with! A concept or statement where there is no consensus. I went to the source in the United States, the entity which supposed to define and protect the very thing:
Unfortunately as per their own statement they have 'struggled'. No wonder we struggle too!
During my time at this blockchain, this phrase is perhaps the most misused thing that I have seen thrown around (well other than reward pool abuse and farming of course!). This is particularly relevent in the crypto space. As most crypto people, at least the founders of the movement, initiated this as a revolution against conventional monetary governance by elected officials and their representatives. So when people arrive in this space, they assume some sort of 'freedom'. I am unsure what exactly, and I have talked to quite a few and they haven't been able to provide a clear answer either. So what is boils down to in most cases, a bunch of disgruntled people who are unhapply at whatever that is, comes and gathers a discord server or Twitter/X or at a blog, and shouts FREEDOM like Mel Gibson!! Yeah, I have seen grown man do that :)
What it is NOT
The same space list a few examples, which is just that, examples and not limited to, of what is NOT Freedom of Speech.
As you can see you can't just say anything and get away with. As per American Library Association
The categories of unprotected speech include obscenity, child pornography, defamatory speech, false advertising, true threats, and fighting words. Deciding what is and is not protected speech is reserved to courts of law.
In my simple mind, and I am no student of law, I can't say things that is defamatory to someone, and also I can't incite violence. That doesn't mean it is not done. One of the former President of the United States is currently in multiple active court cases where he is charged for violating this particular law.
How is this related to Splinterlands
Splinterlands has a discord server, where certain people sometimes acts beyond what should be done in public. Now, some of it, we consider a safe space and do not mind at all. However, very recently someone questioned the effectiveness, efficiency, and every time management of an employee of Splinterlands, which is a private company. The individual, the community member did something that is not within his rights and should be discouraged. It was handled, but perhaps not swiftly enough.
The effect is long standing and not good for the community. This game I personally consider my home, and I will protect it against all odds. So when this happens I take this personally, and I know many do it the same way. In the next few weeks/months we will investigate how this type of situation can be avoided so that this doesn't happen again.
