Changing the avatar- but notice the hypocrisy

[cherno]

Once again you keep missing the point, at least the point as I see it and it applies to me. It is not that it is pornography. Get that out of your head. No one would consider that porn in the sense that we all know. But it is inappropriate.

Did it suddenly become inappropriate when it wasn't the day before? No. But where people would have tolerance for small doses, and might have even complained or hinted at concern far before the action was taken, at some point it becomes too much. Once you have pushed it to the limit that Dave had to take serious consideration, he then has to revisit the past items and deal with a method to correct future occurences.

Don't start with all the first ammendment and freedom of speech and censorship crap. There are a specific set of rules for this forum, which you are aware of when you join the forum. You don't follow those rules, then you pay the price, have items removed.

I am sick of every person who ever has a post on a forum edited or a thread removed scream censorship and try to make it into a constitutional issue. Guess what, not everyone on these boards are bound by the Constitutuion of the United States. What we all have a right to is participation in a forum, based on the theme and rules of said forum. Dave could set up any damn kind of crazy rule he wants and we would have to live by it or go someplace else.

 

[adamk]

There's more important things in life - like polystone. Can't we move on.

 

[jlcmsu]

I agree Adam

 

[dstephan]

No Sam there weren't complaints about PereNoel. And yes, Smaug is being singled out, not necessarily by me, but by a lot of board members. I've defended him too many times to count, but in this case I felt the detractors were right.

One last note - I'm perhaps not explicit when I PM people about something I feel is inappropriate. But the fact that I'm going to the trouble to contact someone privately ought to give you a clue. In the future I'll be more explicit for those that can't take the hint.

 

[Oxbeard]

Dave, what about just started a new sub-forum for these questionable or 'adult' type posts. That way those who like to post and check these things out can still do so and those who have objections know where they are at and can stay away. That way there will be no surprises when checking out topics on the rest of the board.

Anyway just a thought. I haven't complained about any of this. Personally, I figured the connotations of Smaugs avatar were very subtle and not nearly as offensive as some of the other items that have been posted. Like has been mentioned before, when I notice something like that in a thread I just don't go back to that thread. If feasible this might keep all of these things in one location.

 

[TURINS BANE]

re

Well,I haven't complained about any of this.
I agree some of the other items that have been
posted are much more X rated" and offensive.
Not that I mind,although the avatar of Smaugs,
with the constipated Frenchman trying to have
sex with a camel" went a little to for with my tastes..:x

 

[creecher]

Re: re

I think it's great controversial subjects can be discussed in the open. It lets people have a say, on the topic, and others discover what the 'norm' is. Bringing your opinion into the open for scrutiny may lead to the opinion being modified, as further opinions draw attention to various previously unthought of aspects. A great learning opportunity.

I don't think a complaint is warranted, if people have to sit on the fence and get someone else to do the dirty work. There is nothing wrong with having an opinion, unless it isn't allowed to be expressed, or, you feel, expressing it will bring negative focus upon yourself. If you can't have the fortitude to stand behind your opinions then don't raise them at all. Opinions are formed from personal experiences and we all have different experiences. In the open, we can broaden our accumulated knowledge, behind closed doors we just close our minds to our own development.

As an older member I have some old prudish ideas, and some old more risque notions as well. My age doesn't prevent me from being stupid at times, or hypercritical, and I relish the opportunity to be set straight at times. Even if it is most times.

Dave is the "Dark and Terrible Lord" here, and his say is final, regardless of rules, opinions or standards. He shouldn't have to justify his decisions. It is amazing that he is able to stand outside of himself, so consistently, and make a moderate decision with respect, consideration and balance. Go Dave.

 

[Gondor59]

Re: re

What Creech said...:toast

 

[dstephan]

Re: re

Oxbeard - the idea of a "adults only" forum has occured to me, but I feel would be antithetical to the purpose of this site.

In the absence of an "official" message board for Sideshow, I'd like to think of this forum as filling that purpose. And I don't think that any company would have such a private forum, it really shouldn't be necessary for the subjects we cover here.

And thanks Creech for the vote of confidence, but I'd disagree that I don't have to answer for my administrative decisions. That's why I'm so sensitive to complaints from members. I have to make decisions with everyone's feelings and opinions in mind, I can't just base everything on what I believe, otherwise it's not a real community.

 

[creecher]

Re: re

It's all Smaugs fault.:fireevil Ban him for a week :hiss , and send him off to post at LotRG. :ar Arrr, arrr :ar :ar :skull :skull

:bang2

 

[Oxbeard]

Re: re

Completely understand Dave. I had actually thought about that after the fact and after I had posted.


While I don't mind seeing 'heated debates' pop up from time to time. I do hate it when all the focus seems to get drawn these debates and away from SS, which is why we're here to begin with.

 

[HighElven]

re

Ive never participated in one of these controversial threads but ill have my say,
I often see people writing that there are younger people on the boards ect, when stuff like this comes up, being the youngest person on these forums, bar moria orc, im not sure, but it feels like the the youngens are being used as sort of scape goats, and instead of saing "Im offended" occainsly they woill say "there are young people....ect"
Ive never been offended by any pic, neither has moria orc. And i just think people shouldnt speak for the younger people.... well thats off now for another thing...
I commend dave for having the "bravery (there must be a better word) to take away Smaugs avatar, knowing that a thread like this would hapen, its his forums and he can do what he wants with it. I certainly wasnt offended by it, but like he said, some people might be, and this official unofficial forum has to cater for everyone for something that is G rated, not something PG-13. if that makes any sense.
like JS said, once of pics are fine, because if someone looks at it, and is offened, they can just avoid the thread, but if someone is offended by an avatar, there not sure where is it going to pop up.
well the thoughts of a 14 year old...
oh yeah i get my Jens Hansen 18 carat one ring 2moz... yes!

 

[Nessasita]

Re: re

Amen

 

[FrodoEyes]

Re

High Elven - hope you like the ring! Are you getting the silver chain with it? I got the ring for my 21st birthday present! Knowing that it's made by the people who made it for the films is really nice.

 

[HighElven]

re

Yeah Frodo, i got it with the silver chain. I got it today, and i love it. i planned to wear it around my neck with the chain, as im not one to wear a ring, but i found that it will scratch, so i just display it in my room, and have it by me so i can pick it up and play with it.
Lol if it wasn't for you posting about yours awhile back, i wouldnt of recognised the name when i did a Bartercard search for lord of the rings, and i wouldn't of found Jens Hansen.
heres a pic-

(very off topic)

 

[Oxbeard]

Re: re

High Elven, I think when most people are referring to young people on the board they had people much younger than you in mind. I know many times while I am checking over the board my kids are around seeing what dad is doing. There have been occasions when I quickly clicked to a different topic to avoid them seeing certain pictures, then I made sure not to go back to that particular thread. There are many other board members here who have the same experiences with their kids. I think these are the young people most are referring to.

 

[FrodoEyes]

Re

Very nice! I see they changed the case where the ring is, mine doesn't lay down, it has to stand up.

Anyway, back on topic and more arguing please!

 

[HighElven]

re

Oh ok Ox, thats cool i never saw it that way, that makes sense.