Why staying within the law is not censorship

Since the story of the collapse of Derby Hippodrome broke on Friday, we have had more than 500 comments by users of our website.
Of course, we are delighted by this. It is great that our stories provoke such a reaction.
But with comment boxes come dangers. The words within them must adhere to the libel and contempt laws. If they don't, it won't be anonymous posters who are chased by lawyers - it will be the Evening Telegraph.
They must also keep within the boundaries of taste which are adopted by the newspaper.
Thus, this weekend, many posts on the subject of Derby Hippodrome have been removed.
That means these posts were considered potentially libellous, insulting or abusive.
In return for their removal, we have been accused of censorship by some users, while others have DEMANDED their right to free speech.
It is an interesting demand. One, which apparently comes with the right to anonymity and the right to commit libel in the name of the Derby Evening Telegraph.
We provide the comment boxes as a free service. They are a way of stimulating debate or paying tribute. They are not a vehicle to break the law or to insult people.
And we make no apology for removing some comments nor do we apologise for blocking persistent offenders.

Telegraph shortlisted for national awards

While the respect of our readers is of paramount importance to us it is always pleasing to be given the plaudits of our peers.

Thus, we are delighted that the Newspaper Society has announced that we have been shortlisted in eight categories at its awards ceremony in April.

Five individuals have been recognised for their work in 2007.

They are health reporter Jade Beecroft (journalist of the year category), Chris Mallett (young reporter), Adam Gerrard (photographer of the year), Kate Burnett (sports photographer), and Derby County reporter Steve Nicholson (sports journalist).

We are delighted that our coverage of local soldiers in Afghanistan has also been praised. It had been a hard decision to send journalists to the frontline last year. The fact that we sent a reporter and a photographer was well-received by the Mercian Regiment, as was the website we dedicated to servicemen to help them keep in touch with their loved ones.

Our work on this subject, particularly the website element, has been shortlisted in the category for innovative newspaper of the year.

The Afghanistan coverage was a central plank in our entry in the prestigious newspaper of the year category and earned us another place on a shortlist.

Happily, it is not just our journalists who have excelled in the eyes of the Newspaper Society. We have also been shortlisted for value-added product of the year for the promotion of our rented property section.

This recognition is much-appreciated but we emphasise to our staff that it cannot make us complacent.

We will strive to improve your paper and website every day. And we are keen to receive your comments on how to make them even better.