Load Times and Censorship

[Vagrant0]

In the end, yes, it's annoying. Doesn't change the fact that it shouldn't be allowed. Unless it's done over and over, or in a extremely hateful manner. Expressing your opinion on a mod shouldn't be blocked or censored just because you don't like it or didn't add something constructive. Obviously if a poster is blantantly flaming or trolling they should be stopped. Which should be a simple thing for a moderator to find out no ? Just look at that posters history right ? I don't know.

If it isn't constructive, why should it even be said... What's the point other than venting your own frustrations or ignorance? It's not that we prevent people from stating honest and thought out complaints about mods, just that the vast majority of these range from an entirely worthless "This mod sucks", or the severely ignorant "This mod is gay, you are gay, all hail Hitler" type comments. These sorts of comments don't do anything towards explaining what is wrong with the mod, other than "everything", and almost always beg the question "Why did you download the mod which makes all male NPCs naked with raging hard-ons when you are offended by male nudity?" or something similar. The only thing these comments do accomplish is starting some sort of argument either in insulting the person who posted the comment, or other senseless crap. Neither the moderators nor those who graciously contribute to this site should have to deal with haters, idiots, and other trash. If a mod author REALLY wants to have their mod become fair game to this sort of crap, they can upload their mod somewhere where they don't care about maintaining a civil and intelligent discussion about modding.

 

-I don't want to bother talking about the vulgarity filter. There's no reason this site needs to be flooded with vulgarity.

 

Never said it should. But a few words here and there shouldn't be a big deal.

The swear filter has already undergone a rather significant reduction of terms, the only things which remain are the sorts of things which shouldn't be said by anyone for any reason... such as racial and ethnic slurs, vulgar descriptions of body parts and sexual acts, ect. If it bothers you that you can't talk about those sorts of things, you should just go find another community where they don't care and save everyone the trouble of having to read it. It's not censorship, it's making it abundantly clear that that sort of stuff shouldn't be discussed here and isn't welcome.

 

placed a special section for those that were willing to let go of an insignificant amount of money to prove they have access to a bank account. It's done a darn good job keeping both kids and trolls out, and still leaves a place where people can post such content.

 

When you look at it like that I suppose it makes sense. It just seems too much when coupled with the other forms of censorship.

The reality is that this site is accessed by people of all ages, nationalities, walks of life, and from a variety of places. People shouldn't have to dig through a mound of porn, and have to worry about the various legal and social implications of this data being temporarily stored on their computer just because they accidentally clicked the image share button, or were browsing for a nice image to use as a desktop background. The old system was abused to hell. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. There were days when 10-15 images were uploaded to the image share depicting graphic sexual acts without a second thought toward even flagging the image as "adult content". Additionally, the constant influx of porn had a tendency to bury most other images and led to an almost monotonous series of tit-shots featuring one of 4 body mods, one of 7 poses, and little else. The system we have now is far from being perfect, but is still a step in the right direction based on the fact that there is actually some variety in what is being uploaded now.

 

Furthermore, there is no free image host in the world which would let you post some of the stuff that this site has hosted at one point or another, and even among paid image hosts most of that content wouldn't be allowed.

 

The bottom line is that there is plenty of porn out there in the internet for, well, everything. If you're really wanting to get your rocks off, there is no shortage of places to look.

 

As to our word censor, the purpose is not to limit expression, but to enhance it. Those few people who cannot express themselves without resorting to profanity will find their vocabulary greatly expanded when they are encouraged to not use words that they probably wouldn't use in front of their grandmother.

j

 

I'm plenty capable of expressing myself without using profanity. Doesen't mean I shouldn't still have the option if I want to use it. Everybody on this site should be an adult anyway. And if they aren't, it still shouldn't matter. Because there is no way they have true virgin ears if they are at least 13 years old and have access to the internet. Again, I wasen't advocating wanton use of it, just the allowance to let a few fly here and there, similar to casual conversation you might have with your friends.

You still have the option to use it. You just don't have the option in having it be seen as you intended. I'm not going to try and argue that having f*** instead of your favorite four letter word is accomplishing much in the way of protecting youngsters. However what it does do is remind you that perhaps you should put more thought into what words you do use and possibly to avoid using others if only to avoid diarrhea of the mouth and mind. Communication on a forum is not verbal, there is no reason to type out a long string of obscenities just because you're frustrated, upset, or whatever... There just isn't. Say it to yourself instead, and save us the eye-strain.

 

And trolling is trolling, which the moderators are doing their job to control.

 

It's all well and good to rein in trolling. But throwing in one or two off topic observations shouldn't be a big deal. Unless, yes, you do it all the time to many different people. Which, again, could easily be identified by a moderator.

The problem is that most of those observations tend to be insulting toward other users, if not outright offensive to all. These actions may not be trolling themselves, but are often designed to start up arguments, insults, or other forms of hostility toward those who make them. These actions are also largely done just for entertainment or as an act towards attention, so aren't exactly something to encourage. Those few that aren't often end up derailing the whole thread and leading to other problems. So it's best to just not go there.

 

*sigh* It's never been my intention to troll. Only to express my opinion on this topic. If you feel I'm only here to try and get a rise out of somebody you are mistaken.

You've expressed your opinion, and been allowed to do so. That alone should tell you something. The fact that I even took time to respond to any of it should tell you a bit more.

 

The problem is that most of what you said is the sort of thing which isn't going to change. It isn't because we aren't receptive to feedback, but rather because there are some darn good reasons as to why everything is the way it is, even if you aren't willing to accept them. Of the nearly 2 million users of this site, most don't seem to have any complaints towards censorship. Of the several hundred thousand uploaders to this site, most are appreciative towards the work moderators do towards keeping their comment threads clean of hateful, idiotic remarks. As you personally have not added any content to this site, or make any mods of any kind, it is no surprise that you can't understand why these things are needed. You try being on the receiving end of a constant stream of insults, destructive criticism, and still try to offer support for your mod... It just doesn't work. The zero tolerance policy exists because of this, and because these sorts of things have led to many skilled authors refusing to share their work instead of having to deal with it.

 

Lastly, we moderators don't normally ban people who don't deserve it. And even when people do deserve their ban, they can always ask for reinstatement and claim that they learned their lesson... However, what usually happens is that the same people come back with a new account to start the same garbage again learning nothing, or take the initiative to send Dark0ne hatemail. Such people are not wanted here, should not be tolerated here, and usually aren't that ambiguous with their intentions. When we go to ban people, we almost always look just to see who it is we are banning, and consider warning instead. This is one of the many reasons why we create a thread for bans issued explaining exactly what it is that the person did to deserve the ban. There have been very few cases where a ban was not completely justified due to the gross violations of rules which people agree to before they are allowed to even register. If you didn't read the terms and conditions, and can't behave in a reasonable, mature manner, that's your problem to either fix or take elsewhere.

Edited October 21, 2010 by Vagrant0

[LordKinoda]

The swear filter has already undergone a rather significant reduction of terms, the only things which remain are the sorts of things which shouldn't be said by anyone for any reason... such as racial and ethnic slurs, vulgar descriptions of body parts and sexual acts, ect.

 

That so ? Well all the better then. Like I said before, it's not that I even use them all the time, in verbal or written dialog. Probably especially written dialog because I do think more about what I'm saying because I'm writing it before I send it out. It's just censorship in general that irks me on some level.

 

If it isn't constructive, why should it even be said...

 

Stating that you don't like the mod and why shouln't be a big deal. As long as you're not hateful or idiotic. That wouldn't be considered constructive criticism, just a person stating their opinion.

 

Those few that aren't often end up derailing the whole thread and leading to other problems. So it's best to just not go there.

 

Just nip it in the bud then ? If it reallys works in derailing all the blantant negativity I guess it's worth it. I'll still always be a little leery though.

 

The problem is that most of what you said is the sort of thing which isn't going to change. It isn't because we aren't receptive to feedback, but rather because there are some darn good reasons as to why everything is the way it is, even if you aren't willing to accept them.

 

Never said I wasen't willing to except them, just that some of them seem a little odd and too much. I'm not 100% privy to all the remarks and things that are said as you are though. I can imagine that you guys have thought of lots of things to implement, and I'm glad you know the system isn't perfect.

 

Of the several hundred thousand uploaders to this site, most are appreciative towards the work moderators do towards keeping their comment threads clean of hateful, idiotic remarks.

 

I'm sure they are. And I am as well. Blantant hatred should be ignored/punished/deleted etc.

 

 

 

I'll stop beating the dead horse for now though. Thanks for your time and comments.

 

 

 

-And finally, the lagging... try switching the theme to White

 

You don't have to pay in order to change the colour, you just.... do it.

 

Ah, I found it now. Overlooked it before. Switching it seems to have cleared up most of the lagging and loading. Cheers. :)

 

 

[Pronam]

Although I think this thread is heading to a closure I'd like to add my two cents to it :teehee: .

 

The swear filter has already undergone a rather significant reduction of terms, the only things which remain are the sorts of things which shouldn't be said by anyone for any reason... such as racial and ethnic slurs, vulgar descriptions of body parts and sexual acts, ect.

That so ? Well all the better then. Like I said before, it's not that I even use them all the time, in verbal or written dialog. Probably especially written dialog because I do think more about what I'm saying because I'm writing it before I send it out. It's just censorship in general that irks me on some level.

 

You could (incorrectly, but simply) put everyone that is angry/negative emotion and starts writing a post in a few types:

- Posters that put down posts directly thinking with the rules/common behavior that's accepted by this place.

- Poster that review their words for a second time

--1 half adapts it to the rules/common accepted behaviour

--Other half only slightly change it, but move into an area where it's no common behavior and the mods/admins will slightly frown on the attention of the post/comment/or even deal out a strike.

---Half of those will behave later on. (mainly because it's a single outrage, that'll be corrected.)

---Other half gets in trouble with the mods/admins in one way on the other. (either because they stepped over the line just too often or when at first sight it's a large flamebait/still impoper)

- Poster that put down their mind and hit the reply button. (These either get a direct ban or a strike) What I mean with these posts is that they are non-self-censored posts by people that probably started off with less info that was available or simply put swearwords after 3 new words.

 

I will personally admit, when I came back to this site a year ago. I could get quite annoyed by some people, these closely walked just slightly over the rules which made it unreasonable to report them for that fact. Or it was with posts versus other people (my team for example), were I was angry in on the developments in a certain topic and such (which I'll not share.).

What I did is that I wrote half an essay in the reply and did NOT hit the post button, something a lot do tend to do. They just write all along and hit the post-reply button. I didn't, or when I accidentally did (which has happened a few times :biggrin:). I made sure I revised it completely, maybe even deleted and started over. Then only put down the words that are necessary, more business like and more thoughtful. So I said what I wanted to say, but then accustomed it to the rules/accepted behavior.

 

I think the only reason there's the request for Constructive Criticism, is that fact you want to avoid a flame war. I could have had several arguments with people back in that day and either had that or myself banned for such a simply thing. While any constructive criticism will lead to a discussion that's without the profanity filter set at hard work (or the moderators). Everyone knows giving a bad reply will entice a heavy defense at the other side which will not lead to solving a problem/issue. Even though you might have some parts in your posts that are correct, the way you brought it put the one you targeted it at in such a provoked position it'll end badly

 

This may not be a way for everyone to cope with, so Buddah made a thread in the offtopic to allow you to blow off steam another way. (Rant thread) which allows you to go fully specific on your anger (mind, not at specific people...just their actions), without getting in trouble which you could've done posting it elsewhere.

 

What's another issue is that the constructive criticism (rules) itself isn't all that's what in place to secure for yourself that it will be accepted, that's why I constantly put that "common accepted behavior" as it's not a way to yell at someone as long if you're specific (only using the criticism instead of Constructive and rather more Destructive). It's about seriously taking a look into the position of the one you're posting it to. If that person isn't abiding the rules, you don't have to deal with it on your own...there are moderators and admins for that.

 

Haha, now I've been here for more than a year now I don't have to delete my own posts ;) . I actually use the approach in simple things in sending emails to fellow students (who make the most stupid mistakes for a third time) as well.

I do believe there's a need for censorship and action as it'll turn into a massive 4chan website without it. One thing that's condoned leaves to another and with 2 million members having all their own opinions joining in thinking they are suddenly allowed to say more...ugh.. I think you'd need 500 moderators more to stop all flame wars.

[DarkeWolf]

Hrm... wow. I need to get out of the DA forums a lot more often. Didnt even know that this thread was here.

 

Kinoda- your comment was targeted for the following reasons. 1) Some of the things that you had stated were completely irrelevant to the mod. And thus deemed inappropriate, as it didnt have anything to do with that mod. Mod pages are for things concerning the mod.

2) I said that you needed to take those concerns out to the public forums, because I know that if it was my file, I wouldnt want my pages getting spammed up with a debate about how the site is run, policies, new procedures, and stuff that has absolutely nothing to do with the morph that I created and uploaded. NOT that that was MY mod, but that's how I saw it.

I saw that as being very disrespectful to the mod author, and chose to say something about it, to prevent such a thing from happening on his/her mod page.

A "nip it in the bud before it blossoms" kinda deal.

3) For real, what good does it do to post something like that in a mod page? You will get more attention from the staff, about how the site is run, concerns, and issues, if you post it out here in the public forums. ;)

4) Your comment was also perceived as having the potential to start up an argument with another user. This, obviously is most definitely not allowed.

 

Now.... all that said.... I apologize for my demeanor. What was said about rereading our posts, and doing edits before hitting that "post" button is really good advice. We moderators need to take that advice as well. I took my reply to a level that it really shouldn't have been taken to, and I do apologize to you for that.

And that is sincere. I'm not under any pressure from any of the other members of the staff to offer it.

 

The issue about the site lag, yeah... thats very legit. I've got problems with that as well. But holding the entire site accountable for what I said to you, well.... thats not really right. If we have more problems like this between members and the staff, it needs to be taken up with the staff member's superiors. Either via a pm, or by reporting the staff member's comment and a senior member of the staff can review the case.

[LordKinoda]

If we have more problems like this between members and the staff, it needs to be taken up with the staff member's superiors. Either via a pm, or by reporting the staff member's comment and a senior member of the staff can review the case.

 

Didn't really want to keep posting in this thread to avoid potential spamming, but just have to say one more thing.

 

I didn't make this thread in direct respone to your comment to me. I've been thinking about these things for a little bit now. Just hesistant to come and post because of the laggyness as I mentioned (seems to be a lot better now that I've switched to white page). Maybe your comment inspired me to stick out the sluggishness, but that's about it ;) No worries.

[DarkeWolf]

Well, glad to hear that your lagginess has let up, thats definitely a plus :) :thumbsup:

 

And sorry to take so long to get back to this thread. I been outta town since Sunday night.

 

HAHAHA well... like I said, I really shouldnt have posted in the manner that I did (And I am sorry about that) But its good to see that you toughed it out ;)

 

spam. yep. gotcha ;) :laugh: