"Before anyone... TOS #n" - I've read this repeatedly by one moderator. I ask any moderators to spare make use of this, as this IMO insults the HA users as it seemingly shows the mods bad attitude towards the user base. It is at least unfriendly style!

I don't agree, certainly not in that instance.

It seems to me that the Frank (who I have never communicated with AFAIK) was anticipating that someone was eventually going to post a link, resulting in his hand being forced to issue a warning. Rather than let the situation escalate and have to administer a warning he gently reminded users of the board's position.

I can see that constantly making preventative statements may be seen as patronising to some members, but I've been a mod long enough now to know that some (generally newer) members do not think before acting - you only need to see the number of TOS #6 violations as simple proof.

I certainly don't see the quote used portrays a 'bad attitude' or is remotely 'unfriendly'.

For me this sort of advance warning is welcome. I don't want to violate the TOS or for anyone else to and risk the existence of these forums.

While I'm well aware of musical copyright and what is considered fair use for public testing purposes, remembering the license terms for software and modified releases that I didn't modify myself is tough going, but I have enormous respect for the developers and their rights.

I'm all too keen to be helpful and post links to software and repackaged items I know of, and I might not realise that the software I'm thinking of linking to is in breach of a license.

Moderators like Frank who are aware that license-breaching versions exist and are aware from experience that it's likely that one person of the many here might link to it, can get in early to remind us all, thereby protecting the valuable resource and community that these forums provide. Considering also that they're unpaid enthusiasts, I commend their efforts.

Yes, I know the TOS#6 problem - but it's enough warning the user after he did a mistake. Not before, to me it smells like a general suspicion of all users.

I'm not a native speaker, to make it clear: I meant "has a bad opinion on users..."

I feel this way. Or "threatening"- How else must I understand "Before anybody complains... read TOS#7" (with TOS#7="all auth. action is not open for discussion")?