The operative
word is privileges, although "authors" seems a bit grand for writing a post to an electronic bulletin board.
Whoever wants to write a post or start a new topic can do so in the appropriate forum. If the location seems misplaced, someone with more privileges on the system moves it. People with more privileges are expected to maintain the interests of keeping JavaRanch's content well-organized and easy to use.
I don't see a greater truth is giving management control to every poster. If you're upset with the way something has been moved, it's rarely a secret who moved it: all you have to do is ask them why.
One could argue that what you proposes isn't feasible in UBB, but even if it were I don't think JavaRanch ever intended to give every poster total control over his or her own postings. You can edit your own stuff and delete it. Bartenders can bounce stuff out of their forums.
Just because a sheriff can twist and manipulate your very grammar and word choice (and those
bastards sweet, kind, and wonderful people are probably doing it even now!) doesn't mean they're bad people. Well, ok, maybe there's one exception...
[ December 10, 2002: Message edited by: Thomas Paul ]