Remember this???? found it amongst some of the stuff I had filed..... Those were the days
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AN online forum which made its debut after the controversial axing of the popular Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia chat-room has pulled down the shutters.
Organiser Doug McKean told Caravanning News the decision to close his 510-member OZeRV Forum followed issues raised by CMCA lawyers over alleged defamatory postings.
"In the 21 weeks that we have been operating we have admirably filled a gap created by the closure of the CMCA forum," he said.
"We have demonstrated that we can have a member-managed forum which allows enlightened discussion on the wide range of matters that affect all of us."
In a public apology published on the OZeRV website, Mr McKean said he had been advised by lawyers acting for the CMCA that his forum contained alleged defamatory statements about the association, its employees, officers and the board of directors.
"As administrator of the OZeRV Forum I did not intend any comments made on the forum to state or imply any meaning which may be regarded as defamatory," he wrote.
"I offer an apology to the CMCA, its employees and officers for any comments on the OZeRV Forum that may have been defamatory of their character and for any hurt and loss of reputation as a result of these comments.
"I took all reasonable steps to remove any material from the OZeRV Forum which may have been considered offending and defamatory.
"Further, as a result of a request of the CMCA, I clearly indicated that the OZeRV Forum was not associated with the CMCA and that CMCA membership was not being used as a filtering tool for membership of the OZeRV Forum."
Mr McKean said members of his forum had shown "considerable" support for him. "I have appreciated this," he added.
THE Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia came in for much criticism after scrapping its popular and well-used online members' forum following legal recommendations after a comprehensive review of its content, controls and operation.
The forum was used by RVers, including caravanners, from all over Australia to air a whole range of topics but was suddenly closed without warning last July pending the review.
A statement on the club's website later announced its permanent demise, adding: "It is the duty of the CMCA board to protect the company against the risk of legal action."
In the club's publication, The Wanderer, the CMCA board referred to the "continued frivolous and abusive behaviour of a small but incorrigible group of posters who continued to take liberties with slanderous posts" against individuals and the club's board of directors.
Queen of the Banal & OT chatter and proud of it. If it offends you then tough titty titty bang bang.