Tyler,
I feel the same as you and I used to correct my errors as I ran across them.  However, I can no longer do this since we are not allowed to "modify" our entries after the fact.  The short window of opportunity to correct errors or reword something is almost useless.  I also used to occasionally update my charts and information in the first entry in my journal but this is no longer possible either.

Others have mentioned this annoyance as well.  Not sure what horrible evil we are protecting against, but I saw no evidence of abuse that would require removing such a useful tool.  Its been suggested that retaining the ability to modify after the fact could allow someone to remove entries or modify them beyond their orginal scope which could affect the context of the thread. 

My thoughts on this are that I could only modify my own entries, the pertenent information from an entry in a response is often "quoated" in the follow up entry which can't be modified by the original poster, and besides, this is a forum not the Nation Archives.

I have no objection to you correcting my spelling or errors in grammer, but would much prefer the return of the ability to modify my entries as I deem necessary.

Lex

I see your point, Lex. GS does also make a good counter-point that people(Internet Trolls, basically) love deleting all their past posts either in order to make themselves seem less horrible to other members who like to view the archives, or to destroy entire threads by making them well-nigh incomprehensible to other members trying to follow a discussion(that happened on some other non-RAF-related forums I frequented in the past).

I think the problem is really the spell-checker. It was utterly useless when I last tried it many months ago. It seemed to be broken, or something. Of course, a spell-checker can only correct incorrect spelling, not a word like "an" written instead of "and" for example, but if it worked and people automatically used it prior to posting their entire post, then that would be a lot better.

I tend to agree that a longer time-period may be needed(such as 24 hours?. While I've come across trolls on other forums who have indeed deleted most of their own posts, this usually only happens after a prolonged discussion lasting several days.

Sure Satya, let's try 8 hours editing.

I still don't understand why we can't return the ability for us to edit our own posts indefinitely.  I used to update the charts and other information in the first posting of my journal but can no longer do this.  Every other forum I participate in allows the owner of the post to edit any post they make at any time.

How could a troll cause much of a problem.  I would expect that if they are truly trolls, and they started a thread for some nefarious purpose or just to create controversy, then the fact that they deleted their entries would be a moot point as the whole thread would be worthless anyway - even if it was left intact.

I agree with Satya in that I feel that it is important to be able to clarify what I've written and this can take me several days as responses come in and areas where my thoughts are not clear are pointed out.  Producing clear and unambiguous written work is a dependent on constant review and editing.  Many people read my Journal and they are entitled to the best I have to offer.  If I'm no longer allowed to edit my own work to correct spelling, or clarify my thoughts, then I must also consider moving to a new home where the climate is more open.

I chose this forum as my home because of its openness to the free exchange of ideas.  It was also quite lively.  Over the past few months I've noticed the culture changing.  More rules, less openness, tighter control, and this seems to have lead to much less enthusiasm and participation.  It's just not as much fun to come here any more.

My 2 cents,

Lex