Several days ago I posted a message on this board providing the web site for a law firm that is developing a practice representing cyclists. I did this in the interest of providing information to readers who have posted requests for referrals to attorneys in the past. I made it clear that my son is a partner in the firm. I assume there was some interest in this topic because the posting received a fair number of hits. A reply poster raised objections to my post indicating, among other things, that it appeared to be presented for personal gain. After giving this objection serious consideration I was going to reply as follows:
"I do not think the post is an abuse of the board because it is related to biking and it covers a topic that has been raised on numerous occasions. Useful information is provided that anyone is free to use or ignore. Regarding the location of the practice, one of the attorneys lives in San Francisco, the other in Atlanta, and both frequently travel to New York. The firm handles cases all over the country and members are admitted to practice in New York, Louisiana, California, Georgia and Michigan. Electronic communications allow the firm to represent and be in contact with clients all over the country. After reading my reply, if the post still offends you, please accept my sincere apologies".
However, when I went to post my reply I was unable to find the original post. I assume that someone made the decision to remove it. According to the "rules" NYCC has broad discretion to refuse postings, or to remove them I suppose. Nevertheless, as a NYCC member I am disturbed that my post was removed without anyone giving me a chance to explain or object. The authority to limit speech is a very powerful tool that should be employed with a degree of discretion. I believe that the original post was informational and not an advertisement, but if anyone is offended, I really do apologize.
