[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

But when it comes to accountability for what we say and post we expect the media to be held to a higher standard.

We expect the news media to be held to a higher standard. They are supposed to be reporting the news; that is the product they themselves claim to be offering for sale. We are only commenting on the news. The two activities are different and the standards for performing them are different. This is not rocket science.

I get the logic as to why (paid, distribution, visibility, etc)

No, you don't get the logic, because you left out the central point: ‘news’ versus ‘not news’. See above.

but we can’t get on our high horses about just how important the opinions are on this site

I don't think I have ever heard anyone say the opinions on this site were important. Ever. But do go on; let's see where you are trying to take this.

but then give ourselves outs for the hurtful and sometimes outrageous opinions we post on here.

Only one ‘out’ is needed: we are making (or trying to make) what is legally known as ‘fair comment’ on public figures, and since we don't charge money for it, we don't have to worry about annoying our customers.

Players and management are well aware of all forms of media and info now.

And they are well aware of the value of online fan forums, which is pretty close to zero.

Feeling we can say what we want and shouldn’t feel responsible but a need tighter should is the definition of hiding behind a keyboard.

‘A need tighter should’ is not even a valid English phrase. Perhaps you should step out from behind your keyboard and let us know what it was that you failed to say.

At least in print media you know you have to be held accountable for what you say.

In print media you have to avoid committing libel, reporting false news, scaring away advertisers, or pissing off the customers so badly that they take their custom elsewhere. (For many years now, print media have been very bad at avoiding any of those things, which partly explains why they are going down the tubes. But that's another story.) None of that applies here.