I used to be an important member of an online community from which I was censored and banned.
At one point, this was a fantastic community and forum where people from all different backgrounds, levels, and perspectives could share and learn from each other in a way that furthered the collective knowledge and understanding. There was open communication on a variety of topics with different experts weighing in; and it was a place that was friendly to beginners as well. There were also in-person seminars that were excellent for sharing knowledge and connecting with the community.
There was a point, however, where certain courses were released and the paradigm shifted. These courses were touted as the ultimate in knowledge and programming on the subject at hand, straight from the creator of the community.
Was there useful knowledge contained in the courses? Absolutely. The ultimate and only answer to training? Not so much.
After this, the forums became more heavily moderated and closed-off in terms of knowledge shared. People with different opinions were censored, as were comments/posts that included anything short of a raving review of the programs. When someone asked a question, the "correct" answer should have been that it would be covered and addressed by following the programming in the courses. Deviation from this answer could result in being censored.
In fact, many people who were censored and eventually banished were extremely qualified but happened to have a different opinion than the norm.
Open sharing of knowledge was now discouraged, as there was "secret proprietary information". In fact, I got one of my posts taken down because "the knowledge was too good to be released for free." The forums became less friendly to beginners because it was assumed that if you purchased the programs and followed them exactly, that it covers everything and shouldn't leave room for questions or concerns.
The in-person seminars turned into militaristic workouts and certifications, with increasing talk about how the method was absolute and other methods were inferior. Pursuit of money and power became the driving force rather than pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
I was censored for having opinions different from the status quo. I was banished because I started doing my own thing and I had to choose between loyalty or independence. I don't like being controlled, restricted, or being told who I can or can't affiliate with, so I chose independence. I was young and just getting started at the time, so it was not a decision I took lightly.
I went from being a distinguished member of the community to being cast out and eventually even threatened with lawsuits. It was a good taste for me of business and what some people do with power.
I heard stories later on about how affiliates and members of the community were further censored and controlled to ridiculous standards, so looking back I'm glad I got out when I did.
What's the lesson here? Nothing good comes from trying to control people and information. If someone is trying to censor what you can see or control who you can affiliate with, they're most likely doing it for their own gain.
Having different perspectives and opinions is a sign of healthy discourse. If there are no dissenting opinions, that's a good reason for suspicion. There are no absolutes, and they should not be imposed. People should be given the information and be free to make their own decisions.
When I see someone in "authority" trying to exercise this kind of control, telling me who I can or can't see, that's a big red flag and good reason to create some distance. It doesn't matter if the reason is because of greed, power, control, or personal squabbles.
Nothing good comes from censorship. I believe in open sharing of knowledge and information. No one is an ultimate authority. Trust but verify. Ask questions. Don't get indoctrinated. Get out of hive mind. Deny nothing but question everything.
Anyway, that's my ramble for today. Why was I recently reminded of this experience? I forget...probably just a fluke.
Have a great day!