Post by Don Ricardo on Sept 24, 2008 0:10:15 GMT 10
Hi everyone,
Over the last few days, the Moderating Team has been considering the posting of jokes on the forum. There are a number of factors we have considered:
1. On reflection, we would prefer not to have to password the Whatever section. There are a number of legitimate topics which can be discussed there, such as the use of GPS’s, appropriate caravan park attire, what is important in life, etc, etc. Passwording this section will tend to exclude some people from contributing to the threads in that section.
2. The telling of jokes (as opposed to humour) is not central to the purpose of the forum. If people are interested in reading or posting jokes there are many other websites that they can go to.
3. There have been a number of instances over the last couple of weeks, as well as in the past, where people have been offended by jokes posted on the forum. We accept that those posting the jokes have not intended to offend. We also understand that what offends one person is not offensive to others. Nevertheless the fact remains that some of our participants have been offended by some of the jokes posted on the forum, and in our view with legitimate reason.
4. There have been instances where people with a genuine interest in vintage caravans have withdrawn from the forum partly because they have been offended by jokes that have been posted. (But as far as we know, no-one has joined the forum because of the jokes!)
5. There have been instances in recent weeks, as well as in the past, where people who have expressed their objections to jokes that have been posted, have received a public tongue lashing for their views in a way that has been close to personal abuse. As a result other people who have had similar objections have not felt able to express their objections for fear of a similar negative reaction.
6. Experience has shown that jokes on the forum tend to rapidly escalate from a joke that would not offend anyone to jokes that would offend most people.
7. Most of us – but not all – are over 18 years of age, and most of us – but not all – hear swearing and questionable jokes on a daily basis, whether it be in the workplace, the loungeroom or the TV. This is not necessarily a justification for adopting a “post whatever you like” policy on the forum. The forum is a public medium, whereas the workplace, the loungeroom, or a bunch of friends sitting around a campfire are essentially private places.
8. The forum is the public face of the Vintage Caravans movement. It is a place where we have the opportunity to convince people (including potential sponsors, etc) that vintage caravanning is a legitimate and respectable hobby worthy of participation and support. Some of the jokes that have been posted in recent weeks, and in the past, have tarnished the image of vintage caravanning rather than enhanced it. If some of the jokes were the first post read by a first-time visitor, they may very well be dissuaded from ever coming back – not what any of us wants to happen.
9. The Proboards Agreement states: “You agree, through your use of this forum, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise in violation of ANY law.” Some of the jokes posted on the forum violate this statement that we have all agreed to, and there is a contradiction in setting up a section on the forum where people are able to break the agreement they have made when registering.
Taking all of the above into account, the Moderating Team has made a decision that from here on in, jokes and joke threads should not be part of the forum, and will be removed if posted. This is a joint decision of the Moderating Team and does not reflect the personal agenda of any one of us.
We are aware that not everybody will agree with this decision, but it has been taken after considering all of the views expressed publicly and privately by forum participants, and we believe is in the best interests of the forum and all contributors. We therefore ask that you respect the decision that has been made.
The next sentence is very important and that is why it is highlighted: In making this decision we want to make it clear that we are not seeking to discourage the appropriately expressed humour, banter and good natured shyacking, which has been part of the forum since its inception. In many ways this is the lifeblood of the forum, and the Moderating Team views this as something to be nurtured and enjoyed.
The decision has been made. Let’s get on with vintage caravanning.
The Moderating Team
Over the last few days, the Moderating Team has been considering the posting of jokes on the forum. There are a number of factors we have considered:
1. On reflection, we would prefer not to have to password the Whatever section. There are a number of legitimate topics which can be discussed there, such as the use of GPS’s, appropriate caravan park attire, what is important in life, etc, etc. Passwording this section will tend to exclude some people from contributing to the threads in that section.
2. The telling of jokes (as opposed to humour) is not central to the purpose of the forum. If people are interested in reading or posting jokes there are many other websites that they can go to.
3. There have been a number of instances over the last couple of weeks, as well as in the past, where people have been offended by jokes posted on the forum. We accept that those posting the jokes have not intended to offend. We also understand that what offends one person is not offensive to others. Nevertheless the fact remains that some of our participants have been offended by some of the jokes posted on the forum, and in our view with legitimate reason.
4. There have been instances where people with a genuine interest in vintage caravans have withdrawn from the forum partly because they have been offended by jokes that have been posted. (But as far as we know, no-one has joined the forum because of the jokes!)
5. There have been instances in recent weeks, as well as in the past, where people who have expressed their objections to jokes that have been posted, have received a public tongue lashing for their views in a way that has been close to personal abuse. As a result other people who have had similar objections have not felt able to express their objections for fear of a similar negative reaction.
6. Experience has shown that jokes on the forum tend to rapidly escalate from a joke that would not offend anyone to jokes that would offend most people.
7. Most of us – but not all – are over 18 years of age, and most of us – but not all – hear swearing and questionable jokes on a daily basis, whether it be in the workplace, the loungeroom or the TV. This is not necessarily a justification for adopting a “post whatever you like” policy on the forum. The forum is a public medium, whereas the workplace, the loungeroom, or a bunch of friends sitting around a campfire are essentially private places.
8. The forum is the public face of the Vintage Caravans movement. It is a place where we have the opportunity to convince people (including potential sponsors, etc) that vintage caravanning is a legitimate and respectable hobby worthy of participation and support. Some of the jokes that have been posted in recent weeks, and in the past, have tarnished the image of vintage caravanning rather than enhanced it. If some of the jokes were the first post read by a first-time visitor, they may very well be dissuaded from ever coming back – not what any of us wants to happen.
9. The Proboards Agreement states: “You agree, through your use of this forum, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise in violation of ANY law.” Some of the jokes posted on the forum violate this statement that we have all agreed to, and there is a contradiction in setting up a section on the forum where people are able to break the agreement they have made when registering.
Taking all of the above into account, the Moderating Team has made a decision that from here on in, jokes and joke threads should not be part of the forum, and will be removed if posted. This is a joint decision of the Moderating Team and does not reflect the personal agenda of any one of us.
We are aware that not everybody will agree with this decision, but it has been taken after considering all of the views expressed publicly and privately by forum participants, and we believe is in the best interests of the forum and all contributors. We therefore ask that you respect the decision that has been made.
The next sentence is very important and that is why it is highlighted: In making this decision we want to make it clear that we are not seeking to discourage the appropriately expressed humour, banter and good natured shyacking, which has been part of the forum since its inception. In many ways this is the lifeblood of the forum, and the Moderating Team views this as something to be nurtured and enjoyed.
The decision has been made. Let’s get on with vintage caravanning.
The Moderating Team