Moderators about a member's avatar,

  • Thread starter Thread starter shoehorn
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The discussion centers on the appropriateness of using historical figures associated with controversial or offensive ideologies as avatars on the forum, particularly the case of Erwin Rommel. Participants express concern over the lack of clear guidelines regarding acceptable avatars, suggesting that images of figures like Rommel, Hitler, or other notorious individuals could be offensive to many users. There is a call for moderators to provide clearer rules to avoid potential conflicts and ensure that all members feel welcome. The conversation highlights the complexity of historical context and personal interpretation regarding such symbols. Ultimately, the need for moderation and guidance on avatar use is emphasized to maintain a respectful community atmosphere.
  • #31


We do have guidelines on
Attachments & Links:
Images, material or links to images and or material whether real, satirical or implied depicting obscene, indecent, lewd, pornographic, violent, abusive, insulting, or threatening in nature are not permitted on this bulletin board. This includes Gifs or cartoons.

Also from the P&WA Guidelines,
Keep in mind we have an international membership at PF. ...remember that not all members are from the same country or even region of the world, thus tolerance of these external views is required.

The member was contaced and asked if they would replace their avatar and they kindly agreed with no hesitation or bad feelings.

Thread closed. Let's move along.
 
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  • #32


shoehorn said:
This has become ludicrous; I gave the image in question as an example and asked if there were rules in place that would (a) argue against it being used or (b) specify more generally as to what constitutes an acceptable avatar. How or why somebody would misinterpret these questions, or perhaps choose to misinterpret them, is beyond my ken.

Regardless, this has now veered wildly off the point. The original questions above stand; if a moderator or moderator could get around to answering them, or even telling me if PF has answers for them, I'd be grateful.

My personal opinons:

Avatar images are covered by
Physics Forums Rules said:
Attachments & Links: Images, material or links to images and or material whether real, satirical or implied depicting obscene, indecent, lewd, pornographic, violent, abusive, insulting, or threatening in nature are not permitted on this bulletin board. This includes Gifs or cartoons.

Mentors have to make judgment calls on interpretation of this section of the rules, but Mentors also have to make judgment calls on stuff like acceptable language, non-mainstream theory, etc.

Member X reporting an avatar image as possibly offensive, even if X doesn't find the image offensive, is no different than X reporting possibly offensive language, even if X doesn't find the language offensive. Unless used recklessly, I see nothing wrong with this. It is then up to the Mentors to decide what action, if any, to take.

[edit]I see that Evo posted and locked the thread while I was thinking about what I wanted to say.[/edit]
 

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