People have to realise, anything they say can be taken literally at face value. Unless it was *obviously* a joke, then that is not the kind of thing people should say, regardless of online or not, or public or private. If there are other members of the public around, use your common sense!
I think the authorities have taken the right action to investigate it further.
matt87_50 - doesn't matter if it's a private place, 'cuz there are other members of the public present.
If I met with a al-quada member in my work staff room at a lunch break, and we were plotting to blow up something, does that mean if another person overheard it they shouldn't do anything because it took place in private property?? Of course not!!
Now, if it turns out he was just joking, there should be no further action - he's learnt his lesson and hopefully other people reading this have as well..the lesson being, don't make threats even in jest!!
The moderator did the right thing...imagine what would have happened if this guy *was* serious, and he did blow up a plane.. then it was found out later peole knew he made the threat but ignored it. Like I said, unless it was *obviously* a joke - better report it and be safe rather than sorry...