1977 Calendar Thread

[2doggs]

I may be the only one on this site that feels this way, but I have noticed what seems to be a preference in censorship. By this I mean, if the thread is enjoyed and populated by most of the moderator's/owners, it seems to stick around. I am by no means opposed to what has been posted in this particular thread, but I have been censored by posting similar messages in different threads. I even commented on what seems to be biased censorship within the above stated thread, and now it has been deleted, or maybe moved, not sure which. I clearly understand this is a private site, and you can do whatever you wat to whoever you want. This is your right. But to be honest with you, it seems somewhat of a hypocrisy. I don't mean to make waves, but it's in my blood to speak my mind about particular issues I see as unfair practices. All in all, you run a very good site, but I'm not sure the 1977 Calendar thread is appropriate for the same reasons you have deemed my avatar and messages within the stated thread inappropriate. Just some food for though, and it's all MHO. Please explain to me if I have missed something here. I look forward to your reply.

[2doggs]

Once again, I am not offended, nor do I oppose the content of this thread. I am just wondering, does the following site rule apply here?

Explicit Content; Text or Images depicting pornographic content, including mild or soft porn. This also includes content that has nothing to do with motorcycling. There are other sites on the web that are better suited for providing that kind of information/service.

[Wombat]

For clarity,
Your avatar was not edited or deleted.
You were requested to change your avatar (a picture of 2 dogs copulating), which was deemed to be inappropriate and which you removed.

I fail to see how an advertising poster, published by a motorcycle manufacturer, could be reasonably compared.

[2doggs]

I appreciate your response. In regards to your response, I have two questions.

1.What would have happened had I not removed or changed my avatar? Perhaps the quote I've copied directly from you gives me the answer.

wombat says - "Also bear in mind that I or any other site moderator could have just as easily deleted it with out any notice, but I wanted to let you have the courtesy of being asked."

Was this a simple request? I don't sense it was.

2. I did notice some masturbation references and "camel toe" references as well (which ironically have been removed now). Does this fall in line with your "family oriented" site?

Once again, I do like this site. I've found it a great way to get through the winter bkues. I'm not trying to make any waves. I actually think more should be allowed, or have an adults only room. But I know how hard that is to enforce as well. I'm just seeking some sort of consistancy here. Maybe there is none and i'm asking too much. Be that as it may, I thank you for taking the time to respond to my concerns and replying in a professional manner.

[Diego]

It is not reasonable on a site of this size to expect all rules to be enforced instantly and simultaneously and with perfect objectivity everywhere... any more than you can argue that traffic laws should never be enforced at all if there aren't enough cops to catch every single speeder. Life doesn't work that way.

It's often the case that threads seeing a resurgence of activity will be policed for things that were not caught some time in the past. Content is not "grandfathered" just because it wasn't noticed before. Even in a newer thread such as the one in question, there aren't enough moderators to read every board continuously. If a member reports an offensive post when the regular moderator is not present, it activates the moderator group to take notice, and action follows. If no one reports it but the moderator finds a problem upon his return, any problem posts will be dealt with then.

Sometimes, in an effort not to be too heavy-handed, I suspect some moderators will turn a blind eye to a little naughtiness, hoping it will die out on its own. (Sometimes that works, but seldom IMO. Usually, someone else comes along and tries to push the envelope further.) When it gets too far out of hand... when somebody goes over the top and becomes too explicit... then a thread is likely to be cleansed more thoroughly than would otherwise have been the case.

It may not be a perfect system, but where perfection is not a realistic expectation, then hopefully better late than never.

[DEcosse]

Originally Posted by 2doggs

....I am just wondering, does the following site rule apply here?

Explicit Content; Text or Images depicting pornographic content, including mild or soft porn. This also includes content that has nothing to do with motorcycling. There are other sites on the web that are better suited for providing that kind of information/service.

I think you answered your own question there 2doggs - the AUP states it, therefor it is applied as written.
There is a general effort for all to be consistent in applying & enforcing the rules but there may be occasions where things are just missed - doesn't mean they are endorsed necessarily, just were not caught. We certainly don't want a situation where every post has to be vetted before it is posted and there is an onus on each member to read & embrace the spirit of the AUP when they enroll for membership.

[2doggs]

Thank you DIEGO and DEcosse for the thurough, non-confrontational explanation. I'm no saint and enjoy naughtiness more than most. I have my favorite sites to go to for that. I did not want to be some sort of party pooper here. Nor did I intend on this dragging out the way it has. I'm apologize to any members that may have had they're messages deleted because I brought attention to this. Once again, that was not my intention. I hope this will be the end of it.

[DEcosse]

^^^ Nice response - appreciated!

[Shawn]

I think everything has been well-said.

Expression of one's amusements or personality isn't an issue on Rat.Net until the content becomes innapropriate for children under 13yrs (were a PG-13 site). Then it can be a bit challenging for situations were one feels compelled to share something more appropriate for sites with an 18-21yrs age minimum.

There aren't enough Moderators to read the hundreds/thousands of posts that are added every day, but I can understand the initial impression - we tend to magnetize towards the same fun stuff