I've only just become aware of the issue with former TP member Sixxx, who is an artist and was very vocal about the problems on the TP website.  I didn't know her personally, but I saw her work constantly in many of the other profiles and blogs of others that I read.  And she was always on the front page as a top popper, so she was well known around the conmunity.

Apparently, about a week ago, and exchange took place between Sixxx and the webmaster, known as MP.  It was over abuse of power.  Sixxx had MP on her ignore list, and her comments set for moderation before posting.  MP overrode those permissions.  When Sixxx called him on it, her was banned from the site and her account removed.  See this entry by Rain66 for the information and other links.

As an editor of a manga review and commentary site myself, I understand the difficulty in letting dissenting views go through.  I don't personally agree with an upcoming column, but the views are valid and will (hopefully) make for some good and thoughful exchanges.  Part of what this country was founded on was the freedom to say things that those in power may not like without fear of retribution.  That includes website administration.  If things went down as described in Rain66's blog and the associated Live Journal, then Tokyopop should immediately retract the ban and publicly post an apology to Sixxx.  Personal problems do not belong in the workplace and for web administrators, the website they are working on IS their work place.  Censorship of this kind should not, and CAN NOT be tolerated.  If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Some of you may wonder why I said "If".  That's because all information regarding this situation seems to have been wiped from the Tokyopop website.  Sixxx's account is gone, and MP, the webmaster that was the other involved party, has (or has had) all his blog posts and comments removed as well.  This, along with TP's silence on the issue is very suspicious, and doesn't bode well for the reputation of the site or Tokyopop as a publisher.  I am inclined to agree with Sixxx's side of the story, more because of Tokyopop's actions and INactions.  They are acting as if nothing happened and Sixxx never existed.  It's not like they don't know how people feel.  A check of blogs about the subject show both MP and micheviousfox have visited them.  The longer they stay silent, the worse it's going to look for them.