Spammer threads....I thought this was obvious.

[retroleds]

Someone wrote me this morning, criticizing that I had edited/deleted parts of a thread. Explanation: If a thread is infiltrated by a spammer, I trim out that and the postings where someone says, " oh look, it's a spammer". I'm thinking: to remove the spammer's post and leave the commentary regarding it, just creates confusion. By the same token, if part of the post was actually on topic, I would try to save that part - original poster always has the option of editing the posting if I somehow screwe up what they were trying to say, in the de-spammer process.

[LEDluvr]

Makes sense Ed. I think people are getting too thin-skinned these days. Better to ask a person directly to clarify a perceived 'misdoing' than going off as the first choice. My 2 cents anyway....

[rewolf]

Someone wrote me this morning, criticizing that I had edited/deleted parts of a thread. Explanation: If a thread is infiltrated by a spammer, I trim out that and the postings where someone says, " oh look, it's a spammer". I'm thinking: to remove the spammer's post and leave the commentary regarding it, just creates confusion. By the same token, if part of the post was actually on topic, I would try to save that part - original poster always has the option of editing the posting if I somehow screwe up what they were trying to say, in the de-spammer process.

I see absolutely no problem in removing an obvious spam posting hat's just trying to post a link to e.g. some dubious website selling fake rolex watches, plus the "cemetary" - if this does not disrupt the thread.
One way could be to not remove the posting entirely but only edit it like "spam removed". At least the embedded link should be removed becasue that's why they do it (trying to get better search engine ratings).