moderators closing threads when THEY think it is a good time to do so?

I can see if many people are starting to complain about a thread, but it sure seems that a certain moderator in a certain forum sure likes his job maybe a bit too much!

Now, I don't run this place, but for those that do, I have to admit that having a moderator closing threads doesn't make me think that this place is about free thinking. Nothing good comes of closing down conversation, even if sometimes things get a bit off topic, threads have a way of getting back too the topic given time.

Also, I don't think that a bit of controversy hurts the site! Heavily moderated sites tend to die off quickly.

Maybe try banning members for 2-7 days if they get a bit out of line. I have seen that work much better in other forums.