Personal accountability on the internet

[HeavenlyOne]

In light of recent posts on this forum, the response and actions taken have prompted me to start this thread.

Unlike other forums most of us have belonged to prior to the arrival of AFF, this forum decided to allow a small window of time in which someone can edit or delete a post. I have taken advantage of that opportunity from time to time, especially after seeing a typo or incomplete thought. I have also deleted a post or two, mainly because I felt it was out of line with the thread subject (posting hours later and the thread had already gone elsewhere, for instance), and a time when I wanted mainly one person to read what I wrote but didn't matter that anyone else would.

That said, I wonder why certain people are allowed to post things and hours later have it deleted as if they'd never said it. Typed words are no different than words we say in real life. We think about what to say to someone, and once those words are said, there is no taking them back.

If someone wants to post their soap-opera dramatics of their life on this forum, fine. But to do so then hours later contact admin to have it deleted....well, what do we have a editing and deleting window for? I thought this was to make us more responsible for things we say.

It's claimed that we don't delete threads here, even if the starter of the thread wants it deleted, but yet we can delete posts on request? This way we don't have accountability for things we say online?

Why can't we just think before hitting that submit button instead?

If this is seen as questioning admin, I'm sorry, but since this is happening in public, I am asking in public. There are other members who'd like to know the answers also. I'd also like to hear the thoughts of general members of the forum on this issue.

I'm honestly asking, not trying to cause trouble. I just think people need to be held accountable instead of looking to admin to erase their mistakes.