this may be an unconvenient point … but it doesn’t go away from deleting posts
@BartoszP: this is a general problem … the dhcp-log-message was an example …
generally I would prefer you don’t mess with my opinion !
Hi,
Your post was reported by forum users twice as a suspicious one because of zip attachment. Not by me. By others.
Genereally as a moderator I have to decide sometimes what is better: to delete or not to delete. And for mods it's always not a win-win but loose-loose situation. Very uncomfortable.
I would prefer that log or other info is posted as properly formatted plain text. It's simpler to read for everyone, it's more safe. ZIPs are a BIG unknow what you find inside. Some users post safe things, some could not.
Seems almost arbitrary there BartoszP….
Why not add something here, so that its clear to new folks, and one can point to a reference that talks about attachments…
Something like:
If you are new here - welcome! For your first question, please provide a clear description of your setup, and upload a network diagram if possible. Ensure to include which software version you are using and provide the full config: /export file=anynameyouwish (minus router serial number, any public WANIP information, keys, dhcp lease lists). Zipped files or links to third party sites, to view configs etc are not welcome. Do respect the forum regulars, this is not an official support platform, but a forum that is run by volunteers on their own free time.
Recommended Reading:
floaty is hardly a new folk, being member since 2018.
true point … also true: attaching a zip-file isn’t against the forum rules … and if someone is scared and feels uncomfy … why delete the whole post and not the attachement ?
But to get to my point again: if you try to implement an operating system in an enviroment, which is rated and monitored by an “upstream-party” … by a “third man” … This entity will ask you for the scope of expectable messages your installation will produce … and if you can’t deliver … your solution is not accepted. This is my point. A log reference is needed.
The point is that you have been informed immediately that post was deleted. It wasn't just "abandoned".
Zips are not against any rule but a lot of users are not comfortable with them. They should be treated with the same attitude as the ones that post. I could ask if there is any rule that says that zips are allowed?
We, as usually, are back to the discussion on "I do it as I can as it is not forbidden". It does implies it's allowed with no rights to any objections from others. There is always a thin line beetween "I can" and "I should". Most of us is aware that unknown zips from unknown sources from unknown people could be dangerous. No matter how long they are members of the forum as many account has been taken over and used to spread malicious data.
On the other hand would you accept removing only zip that is also "generally I would prefer you don’t mess with my posts !". So what could/should be accepted? In Poland there is a saying "No matter how you turn around the backside stays at the back" to describe such a situation with no good soulution.
mmh … honestly !? … … another humble suggestion: instead “beachmastering” the situation …
why don’t you bring in your knowledge in user-experience and user-feelings and just disallow these attachements … because stating “unwritten rules” is caprice … ( … and is the same in every language … not just a saying )
So once again we are back to putting something in the proper spot, the Forum Guidelines, something you can point to when you inform the person why the post or attachment is removed and as valid for newbie or an oldie or jackas….rabbit.
Oh, I am with you Sir, I mean at least there is something written that you can point to, to say I am not just a whimsical mod, making it up on the fly 
It's hard to point to nonexisting set of rules what should and what shouldn't be done to keep holistic balance of all forum users intact. Even on a flat road you can found some obstacles you have trip over 
Just curious. Do moderators have the ability to hide a post (make it invisible to non-moderators) if something is suspect?
If that's possible, then that would be easier to "restore" if it was determined that it was safe.
If I spent a lot of time composing a post, without any local copy (outside of the forum), and then it got deleted, I would not be happy.
zip/rar files can be abused, i.e. zipping a 1TB file of a single character will not create a large compressed file, but can fill a user's disk trying to decompress it. aka zip bombs.
But to @anav 's point about some "official guidelines" for new posters with what is useful info to post would be helpful. The bit about no links to third party sites, I agree that posting links to things like pastebin instead of posting the config in a code block should be discouraged.
On the other hand if someone is referencing documentation of another site, I think that is usually ok. But if it is not, then I am a big offender of that rule.
maybe - beside a log reference - it's time for an AI forum-supervision too ...
... at least nobody would have to endure Polish witticisms from a holistic balancer anymore
There is AI moderation applied to forum if you do not know, but sometimes it's needed to focus more as AI tends to be too polite and too nice to everyone. You are a victim, really?
That is that post you fight for almost as Geronimo fighting for his nation. Please note that there is no special info on configuration and what has been done as could be expected from long time forum user. The most advanced technical part is the ASCII graphics.
to be frank … you know this is not the first time that I have your “special editorial attention” …
there must be other moderators who are able to protect scared users from zip-files …
what I try to say: let’s part ways in this space
Once again if you still feel offended
As you can see your post was reported twice as suspected. I do not have a list of people that should get "special attention" as you suggest just to paint me in a bad light. I do not care if you are you or not you, but two reports led me to disable post and inform the author immediately. That is how moderation works despite your wishes and expectations.
In the good ol' times, one of the rules of forums was "moderation is not up to public debate".
Example:
https://msfn.org/board/guidelines/
8. Has the thread you started or participated in been moved, closed or deleted? Check with the forum moderator via PM. Under no circumstances start threads asking why other threads were moderated. Forum moderation is not up for public debate, and such threads will be deleted and the thread starter warned. MSFN reserves the right to edit, delete or move posts made on this site.
Maybe not very democratic, but effective and time saving.
of course I am offended … and since I presume these guys are in the chain …
uploading a zip-file is not disallowed in this forum … and denunciation … is a disgusting thing
is this a Jaruzelski quotation ?