Interesting topic, Boo
I wasn't a mod from the beginning and was enlisted a little later on so came into the game when there was more of a framework in place and the mod team was more of a 'well oiled machine'.
However, I can tell you that the rules as such are not 'rigid' by any means and are treated more as a set of guidelines. The mod team also discusses serious issues before any action is taken and it tends to sway more towards the majority. However, that said we rarely have any need to discuss any moderation issues in any length here as the members for the most part on CL are a generally friendly and respectful bunch.
That's not to say that we haven't had our fair share of issues on here, but like I mentioned above, these issues are discussed as a group and we have various methods of dealing with problems; sometimes a curt PM will do, other times we have to employ an infraction system which comprises of points - the more points you amass through infractions, then the closer you are to a temp or full time ban. These infractions have a expiry date too (unless you've been banned) but we rarely employ this system much anymore due to how chilled and friendly the place is. These infractions are by no means rigid either, as what may work in one case may not work in others. For instance, if a new member joined and went about spamming and or insulting people then the would be instantly banned and the offensive posts removed no questions asked, however if a long-standing member started spouting insults one night out of character, we're not just going to turn around and ban them without first determining what has provoked it and trying to calm them down via PMs etc. if possible.
As for 'unacceptable content', the forum rules can be found
here as a sticky thread in the Welcome Centre and Noticeboard section, but to summarise, anything derogatory or insulting to another member is obviously a specific no-no, as well as posting links to download sites. We also heavily discourage conversations revolving around religion, politics, or sport - as they can (and have) caused arguments in the past, and to be fair have no place on a cult TV and film forum (along with some of the other subjects that you mentioned
).
There is also a report post button at the top of every post that is made (even by mods) on the forum, and if a member is feeling like a post has crossed a line, has the opportunity to click on this and message us in strict confidence with reasons why the post is unacceptable, and we will act if necessary after discussing as a group.
We don't 'censor' things as such though, only removing posts where it either contradicts one of our rules (spam/links/insulting posts) or if a member requests it (and in this case we'd have look into the posts in question).
As for swearing, this is a bit of a touchy subject as originally the swear filter was put in place as people were openly swearing in the Shoutbox which from an outsiders pov could put them off joining up here. CL was also beginning to enter a transitional period whereby Prisoner and TZ were coming on board bringing with them a new type of fan, and although CL has pretty much remained a horror and exploitation forum the majority decision was taken to censor the two 'worst' swear words. The main aim for us here is to create a friendly, relaxed environment with no prejudices, but as in life, there are always going to be conflicts along the way.
I don't think any of us see our roles as 'censors' though (also says the man at the BBFC
) more so keepers of the peace... however, as mentioned above I am lucky (and proud) to be a part of forum that tends to 'self-moderate' in a lot of respects thanks to all of our awesome members.
