About the Censoring of "Taboo" Threads in Escapist [NSFW Discussion]

[Rylingo]

A NSFW board would give us the best of both worlds. Open discussion but members who would rather avoid such subjects could do so easily.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

It works well for the most part. However there's been plenty of times I'm left completely baffled by mod actions and I still think it needs addressing.
Some of them a lot more sensitive to certain subjects and seem to lock threads on impulse without consulting other mods (as far as I know? I could be wrong, I don't know what they do behind the scenes...) There's been plenty of times I don't understand why a thread has been locked, if they always explained why the less obvious ones were locked it would prevent users making the same mistake in the future.
The rules at the minute seem to be very erratic... there seems to be one rule for some people and a different rule for others.

The rules shouldn't be vague if it results in a few slapped wrists from users who don't understand what's allowed and what isn't.
All I can do is message them my concerns, I know a few people who certainly agree with me.

Oh, I quite agree with you on some of those points. However, I've also been told why they're the way they are and why they aren't going to change any time soon. And this came from the mods directly. That's the bad news.

The good news is that there are some benefits to this system. When I had concerns about - and I'm going to be intentionally vague here - a certain trend in threads some months back, I wrote a detailed PM to one of the mods and that mod brought my concerns (and the concerns of others who'd voiced similar feelings) to the other mods. And... the issue that alarmed me has not been so bad here on the Escapist since then.

So yeah, sometimes threads that shouldn't get smacked down will get mod-hammered.

But that's the price of being able to contact the mods and draw their attention down upon problems. The vague rules are there for our protection.

This is getting rambly. The point is - if there's an issue, take it to the mods. They're good people. Particularly sky14kemea and Timelord (who were friends of mine even before I found out they were mods).

A NSFW board would give us the best of both worlds. Open discussion but members who would rather avoid such subjects could do so easily.

Ah! An excellent idea! I approve and agree.

 

[PBMcNair]

I'm not 100% sure on a NSFW board. I see where people are coming from, but it just doesn't seem like a very...Escapist thing to have.

Honestly I don't know why the escapist wants to be a clean cut forum.

Is the Escapist trying to be a clean cut forum ? I don't think so, I think it just is a clean cut forum.
Its kind of in the site's DNA(for want of a better term), like PoolCleaningRobot said above.

Seems like the more interesting conversations happen on taboo subjects.

Out of curiosity, do you have any examples ?


And to OP:As others have said, if your thread had no particular discussion value, it may have been viewed as an advertisement, which is against the Code of Conduct. If that's the reason the thread was deleted, and you didn't get some kind of warning to go with it, I'd call that a win.

 

[Foolery]

As far as I remember, wasn't your thread just pretty much advertising the game?
That's against the rules, as far as I know.

No. It wasn't. I remember that thread quite clearly.

Out of curiosity, do you have any examples ?

Yup. Here.
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.404559-Incest
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/538.824243-Problems-with-sex
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.824366-Why-not-just-watch-porn
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.824178-Why-Am-I-A-Bad-Person-For-Like-Large-Breasts-And-Sexy-Nuns
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.824085-Poll-Its-not-gay-if
We could definitely use a NSFW board. People obviously have an interest in discussing sex and sexuality.
Why not make a place for it? Besides the legality of it, and other considerations, like site direction, etc. I understand that primarily this is a gaming/pop culture website, but these subjects seem to show up on a regular basis.

 

[McMullen]

...I mean in the sense that while violence (and its ilk) is an 'accepted' part of gaming that we accept teens (and by teens I mean anyone 13+, thus meeting the minimum age requirements of this site) experience, but that games heavily based around sexuality, or of a sexual nature, isn't...

This right here is the part that intrigues me most. Doesn't that feel strange to type? Why is violence not considered NSFW or not suitable for 18 and under if sex is?

 

[thebakedpotato]

...I mean in the sense that while violence (and its ilk) is an 'accepted' part of gaming that we accept teens (and by teens I mean anyone 13+, thus meeting the minimum age requirements of this site) experience, but that games heavily based around sexuality, or of a sexual nature, isn't...

This right here is the part that intrigues me most. Doesn't that feel strange to type? Why is violence not considered NSFW or not suitable for 18 and under if sex is?

American culture. America was tamed by violence, and founded by puritans.

 

[Lionsfan]

To be honest, the only change I would really like to see is maybe a stickied thread of some sort, and every time a mod locks a thread, they have to give a reason why they locked it. I keep thinking back to the Threesome thread that got locked a month ago or so for no real reason. None of the mods knew who did it (well except the person who was lying), and now there's a grey area when there doesn't have to be.

Being transparent about modding could go a long way

I wouldn't be opposed to a "NSFW" board if you will. Same rules apply and all, but there's no need to keep to the PG-13 atmosphere.

 

[TehCookie]

So now we are equating transsexualism with pornography?

Flamebait topics get banned, that's why pedophilia is off limits. You joined a while ago so were you around for that shitstorm? It was really bad, however trans threads haven't gotten as bad yet so as long as The Escapist can discuss it maturely you won't have to worry.

 

[IceForce]

The problem with that is that the rules are intentionally vague. The site wants to give mods as much freedom and leeway to do their job as possible. And, generally, it has worked fairly well.

I can see where you're coming from.
But with a forum that has strict rules (like this one), the moderation needs to be as consistent as possible.

Giving the mods freedom and leeway would work well on a forum with only lax rules, but not so much on a forum with really strict rules.
The stricter the rules are, the more consistent the enforcement of them needs to be. Otherwise people don't know where they stand.

So many threads complaining about moderation recently. I think the CoC and moderation needs a complete overhaul since there's so many complaints about it.

I came to a similar conclusion in a previous thread about moderation [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/jump/18.822742.19905147].

Though I'm still left wondering why moderation has become so much of a problem lately. Has something changed?
I know some new mods have been appointed recently, but that shouldn't cause this many complaints to arise, surely.

 

[Kenbo Slice]

Though I'm still left wondering why moderation has become so much of a problem lately. Has something changed?
I know some new mods have been appointed recently, but that shouldn't cause this many complaints to arise, surely.

Honestly, I've noticed the mods are a little more stricter lately than they have ever been. But that's all I've noticed that's different

 

[PBMcNair]

Out of curiosity, do you have any examples ?

Yup. Here.
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.404559-Incest
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/538.824243-Problems-with-sex
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.824366-Why-not-just-watch-porn
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.824178-Why-Am-I-A-Bad-Person-For-Like-Large-Breasts-And-Sexy-Nuns
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.824085-Poll-Its-not-gay-if
We could definitely use a NSFW board. People obviously have an interest in discussing sex and sexuality.
Why not make a place for it? Besides the legality of it, and other considerations, like site direction, etc. I understand that primarily this is a gaming/pop culture website, but these subjects seem to show up on a regular basis.

The incest one is the only really taboo one there. The rest are mostly sexuality questions/discussion, one is even directly gaming culture related. Which is kind of my point, I really don't see the need for an entirely new board just for these topics. If my memory of Escapist lore is correct, Religion and Politics is the last time a board was added like that, and that was due too a complete mobbing of R&P threads. I'm just not seeing enough of these threads to feel a NSFW board is necessary.

 

[SweetShark]

We could do with a NSFW discussion area in all honesty. Maybe a section or sub-section of the advice thread? I'm not sure how these things would work but a community outlet (in an area we are honestly given a lot of leeway with on the forums but has as a result become a bit 'grey') would be a very healthy thing. People who don't want it can just say "Direct discussion here" and that will be it. Clear cut as anything.

The rules as they are written and the application of those rules are two separate things in any context. Some threads are locked pretty quickly and some run on for 10s of pages. It seems to depend on who's around at the time and discretion and personal taste look to be why. Some of the time it seems like there is an element of squeamishness on the part of moderation. Some seem more comfortable with more risque conversation than others. Some seem allergic to any sexualized discussion.

Then again this isn't exactly the most healthy environment for those kind of conversations. Not to get insulting but I know a lot of people get very uncomfortable about those subjects because of either a lack of or bad experiences or not wanting to feel inadequate. To be frank Internet gaming forums still tend to hold more of those kind of people than most places.

Indeed, it would be nice to have a NSFW sub-Forum.
At least we will have a place for all the Thread are considered mature/NSFW and don't get deleted...

 

[SweetShark]

So now we are equating transsexualism with pornography?

Flamebait topics get banned, that's why pedophilia is off limits. You joined a while ago so were you around for that shitstorm? It was really bad, however trans threads haven't gotten as bad yet so as long as The Escapist can discuss it maturely you won't have to worry.

This is about NSFW threads, or seems to be presented as such. He mentions he knows it wasn't appropriate for children in regards to the thread he had had deleted. He does not seem to be talking about threads the Escapist would keep down for being flamebait.

You have right my friend.
I didn't created the Thread about Pocker Pussies just only for flamebait.
I just wanted to talk about the game I like.

 

[Dismal purple]

So now we are equating transsexualism with pornography?

Flamebait topics get banned, that's why pedophilia is off limits. You joined a while ago so were you around for that shitstorm? It was really bad, however trans threads haven't gotten as bad yet so as long as The Escapist can discuss it maturely you won't have to worry.

I think I missed out on that, I only visit sporadically. Trying to miss out on this one too to be honest; I don't get any crap for being trans IRL so I'm not going to go looking for it on the internet. But I wouldn't hope discussion of the topic to be silenced, that would make it a million times worse for us.

 

[krazykidd]

Well, they allow threads about blowjobs, apparently...
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.824085-Poll-Its-not-gay-if

Kinda poor that they completely deleted your thread though. Did they notify you that they'd deleted it?

You missed the point of my thread . It wasn't about blowjobs .

OT: The rules are vague , but did you get a warning for it ? Or was it just locked ? Also , how long did it take before it got locked?

 

[SweetShark]

Well, they allow threads about blowjobs, apparently...
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.824085-Poll-Its-not-gay-if

Kinda poor that they completely deleted your thread though. Did they notify you that they'd deleted it?

You missed the point of my thread . It wasn't about blowjobs .

OT: The rules are vague , but did you get a warning for it ? Or was it just locked ? Also , how long did it take before it got locked?

I didn't get a warning, and it get just locked. As for the time, I don't know.

 

[Tzatziki3301]

So now we are equating transsexualism with pornography?

Only so far as asking if both are taboo topics to discuss. However, I get the sense you zeroed in on that particular point as it backs up some of the things discussed on the trans board and you feel vindicated to oppose the comparison.

I don't blame you for a knee-jerk reaction, but it is a bit... 'Daily Mail' (by which I mean, picking out a small selection of words and arranging them for maximum impact).

Anyway. Previously mentioned was the intention for Escapist boards to be PG13+. While I support the open discussion of the nature of pornography and gender issues, especially at a time when kids are becoming more aware of what gender is and means to them, I don't believe either would be considered 'appropriate' for a 13 year old, so, YES, both subjects are Taboo insofar as it applies to being on the Escapist boards.

lets be honest, the discussion here varies wildly between mature and immature, and the vocal audience likewise is a metronome swing of younger and older gamers.

Japanese games of the kind similar to the one mentioned are something that shouldn't be ignored as existing, and yes, some do have some merit as games and entertainment or else no-one would buy them. They might shock and appall us over in the, dare I say it, Western World, but its something that they have grown up with. We point it out and have a laugh and go 'oh, those crazy japanese!' and completely miss the point of them entirely. They are the mirror of our own 'red light' districts and adult XXX shops. Culturally, you can consider them a blight on our streets, if you are of that mindset, but they have had a place in our society for far longer than anyone cares to admit. Just because these games, this artwork, these doujinshi, movies, manga, gifs etc exist doesn't mean they are mainstream or that everyone in Japan plays, reads or watches them, much like the face that not every Western man over the age of 18 reads Mayfair and Playboy and many adults consider 'lads mags' like FHM and Nuts to be written for hyperactive teens and not worth their time. So yes, they are taboo, taboo as in 'not mainstream and possibly offensive to some people'.

Not everyone is a Transgender, not everyone wants to discuss such issues in a place where kids can come in and read about it under the pretense of reading a games forum. Not everyone wants to discuss sexuality openly, or discuss pornography or anything that is 'NSFW' here. I'm not saying I don't want to read it at all, I'm just suggesting why such things can be considered taboo.



As an additional portion of delicious irony, my 'are you a robot?' word check for this post is "Beautiful Friendship". Funny.

 

[Dismal purple]

So now we are equating transsexualism with pornography?

Only so far as asking if both are taboo topics to discuss. However, I get the sense you zeroed in on that particular point as it backs up some of the things discussed on the trans board and you feel vindicated to oppose the comparison.

I don't blame you for a knee-jerk reaction, but it is a bit... 'Daily Mail' (by which I mean, picking out a small selection of words and arranging them for maximum impact).

Anyway. Previously mentioned was the intention for Escapist boards to be PG13+. While I support the open discussion of the nature of pornography and gender issues, especially at a time when kids are becoming more aware of what gender is and means to them, I don't believe either would be considered 'appropriate' for a 13 year old, so, YES, both subjects are Taboo insofar as it applies to being on the Escapist boards.

lets be honest, the discussion here varies wildly between mature and immature, and the vocal audience likewise is a metronome swing of younger and older gamers.

Japanese games of the kind similar to the one mentioned are something that shouldn't be ignored as existing, and yes, some do have some merit as games and entertainment or else no-one would buy them. They might shock and appall us over in the, dare I say it, Western World, but its something that they have grown up with. We point it out and have a laugh and go 'oh, those crazy japanese!' and completely miss the point of them entirely. They are the mirror of our own 'red light' districts and adult XXX shops. Culturally, you can consider them a blight on our streets, if you are of that mindset, but they have had a place in our society for far longer than anyone cares to admit. Just because these games, this artwork, these doujinshi, movies, manga, gifs etc exist doesn't mean they are mainstream or that everyone in Japan plays, reads or watches them, much like the face that not every Western man over the age of 18 reads Mayfair and Playboy and many adults consider 'lads mags' like FHM and Nuts to be written for hyperactive teens and not worth their time. So yes, they are taboo, taboo as in 'not mainstream and possibly offensive to some people'.

Not everyone is a Transgender, not everyone wants to discuss such issues in a place where kids can come in and read about it under the pretense of reading a games forum. Not everyone wants to discuss sexuality openly, or discuss pornography or anything that is 'NSFW' here. I'm not saying I don't want to read it at all, I'm just suggesting why such things can be considered taboo.



As an additional portion of delicious irony, my 'are you a robot?' word check for this post is "Beautiful Friendship". Funny.

My post wasn't that serious to be honest. Or intended as a real contribution to the thread topic

With that said sex ed happens at the age of 13, and in Sweden includes discussion about transsexualism and the other lgbts. It's pretty important things to talk about.

 

[knight steel]

I'm going to echo what alot of people have already stated:We need Nsfw sub-forum perhaps with an age gate-you see if the content providers can post adult content {Jim used to show crudely drawn cartoon dicks ect ect} we should be able to do so as well.

We could also do with a random section-similar to /b where we could post pony gifs and the like without the low content rule where we could just run wild if that was the case I would be ok with the escapist becoming more strict in other sections .