My perspective at this time:

From what I have read, Audra was dismissed during a time of personal crisis for not submitting timesheets (or something relatively similar not fundamental to her contribution to the rabble.ca site). In a similar vein, it seems to me that moderators could easily enough ascertain her contributions over the months and years via a quick search of the site, and determine whether or not some compassion was warrented due to her performance over these time periods. It seems to me that over the years, she has put in more than her share of time as determined by her part-time pay and benefits, and likewise has been an important part of the significant growth of the rabble.ca site, again beyond her renumeration from rabble.ca. As such it seems to be only fair that some compassion be extended here from the management of the rabble.ca site.

As a site that claims to be left of centre (which I interpret as indicating a concern about fairness, equality, and compassion) this strikes me as a serious issue in terms of credibility.

From a financial perspective, it strikes me as bad business, insofar as it is suggestive of problems with management which could make it difficult to attract new moderators and keep current moderators - many of them volunteers - in the future. In this vein, the hundreds (maybe thousands) of posters who view audra as a good moderator are likely to view this action as an unjust one, which is important not only from a point of view of credibility, but also in terms of finances, as their visits and posts drive up the numbers which lead to revenue from advertisers.

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The following might be a good note to send to advertisers on this site. Please consider including the second part as to show your potential future support, and also as to not scare them away permanently.
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Dear Sir/Madam;

I feel compelled to write to you today to inform you that I will be boycotting/minimising my support of your organization insofar as you advertise on rabble.ca at this time. It is my opinion that a moderator (Audra) was unjustly fired recently and I would feel uncomfortable supporting your organization while it supported management in this particular time of wrongful termination. Rest assured that your support (ie. withdrawing advertising from rabble.ca until this situation is harmonisly resolved) will restore and increase my respect for your organization in the future.

Sincerely;
______________________

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And to the non-advertising financial supporters of rabble.ca (listed in my next post)

Subject: Help restore honour and fairness at rabble.ca.

Dear Sir/Madam;

As you may be aware, a moderator of the rabble.ca/babble forum was recently dismissed. This particular moderator has done great work over the years (over and above the call of duty, as measured in hours put in and service provided vs. pay and benefits recieved), and was fired during a time of personal crisis for an apparent slip in performance during this difficult time. As your support of the rabble.ca site suggests you/your organization is concerned about matters of fairness, I hope you will consider looking into this matter and taking whatever actions you may deem wise in support of restoring fairness and the moderator in question to her former position.

I would suggest a letter indicating a shifting of support away from rabble.ca (and towards other worthy causes such as a favorite charity, or media-wise to the http://www.TheRealNews.com enterprise) unless this matter is wisely resolved would be something to look into.

I hope you will investigate and act on this matter at your earliest convenience. If possible, I hope you will notify me of your actions in this regard, and perhaps post the same to a rabble.ca/babble or http://babblestrike.lbprojects.com/ forum as well.

Sincerly;
(your name)

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