PF: Cultural Standards for Common Decency

[Danger]

This never really occurred to me until Chroot's reminder in the locked 'Purpose of PF' thread that the US Constitution holds no sway here (and bravo for that).
It did make me wonder just what standards do apply (on a cultural basis, not a scientific one). Of course crackpot theories won't be tolerated, but where is the line drawn for things that are acceptable in some cultures and not in others?
For instance, I noticed that a thread relating to weed was shut down, even though the OP specified that he was in Amsterdam, where it's perfectly legal. Many cultures are polygamous, so what happens if someone posts a question about friction between two of his wives?
I hope that everyone knows that PF is my home-away-from-home, so I'm certainly not offering criticism as to how it's run. This is purely a matter of personal curiosity. So far, it seems to be based just upon common decency toward others, which works very well for me, but I'm a bit curious about how those standards are arrived at.

 

[JasonRox]

So far, it seems to be based just upon common decency toward others...

Based on western culture found in the general US. That's what I would guess.

You raised good points.

 

[ZapperZ]

This never really occurred to me until Chroot's reminder in the locked 'Purpose of PF' thread that the US Constitution holds no sway here (and bravo for that).
It did make me wonder just what standards do apply (on a cultural basis, not a scientific one). Of course crackpot theories won't be tolerated, but where is the line drawn for things that are acceptable in some cultures and not in others?
For instance, I noticed that a thread relating to weed was shut down, even though the OP specified that he was in Amsterdam, where it's perfectly legal. Many cultures are polygamous, so what happens if someone posts a question about friction between two of his wives?
I hope that everyone knows that PF is my home-away-from-home, so I'm certainly not offering criticism as to how it's run. This is purely a matter of personal curiosity. So far, it seems to be based just upon common decency toward others, which works very well for me, but I'm a bit curious about how those standards are arrived at.

In many of these "gray" areas, we have to decide on a case-by-case basis. Often, it is decided based on where the direction of that thread was going. It may started off being fine, but then steered into a direction that we are not comfortable with, usually based on reports or complaints by other members.

So if there are any "standards" on this aspect of the forum, it is the Mentors and possibly other PF members.

Zz.

 

[Danger]

That makes sense, and would explain why different Mentors seem to have a range of what gets by in their 'specialty' forums. Thanks.

 

[Evo]

That makes sense, and would explain why different Mentors seem to have a range of what gets by in their 'specialty' forums. Thanks.

Also, that thread on weed, if it's the one I'm thinking about, the OP doesn't live in Amsterdam, when they were reminded we don't discuss using illegal drugs here, he jokingly said "well it's legal in Amsterdam".

 

[Danger]

Also, that thread on weed, if it's the one I'm thinking about, the OP doesn't live in Amsterdam, when they were reminded we don't discuss using illegal drugs here, he jokingly said "well it's legal in Amsterdam".

Yeah, that's the thread that I was referring to. He did, however, specify that he was in Amsterdam when he smoked it. That was the basis for my curiosity.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

That makes sense, and would explain why different Mentors seem to have a range of what gets by in their 'specialty' forums. Thanks.

We each have a certain degree of latitude, but if other staff or members have objections to the manner in which an issue is handled, we talk about it. In the end PF is a team effort.

 

[mgb_phys]

culture found in the general US

Oh good, they finally found some there - was in down the back of the sofa?

 

[Danger]

In the end PF is a team effort.

If I weren't an Atheist, I'd say 'amen' to that. As it is, I'm not sure what the hell to say.*

Oh good, they finally found some there - was in down the back of the sofa?

*Yes, I know that 'amen' just means 'sobeit', but there are nasty associations with the word.

 

[Moonbear]

Aside from the mentors' judgement on issues within the gray areas, we do have to keep in mind that the server is based in the US, so when in doubt, we're mindful of US laws. This certainly applies to things like copyright issues, but also is the basis of what we determine to be promotion of "illegal" activities (i.e., we are likely to shut down a thread by someone promoting drug use, but will leave up one where someone is asking about the health effects of drug use or neural mechanisms of addiction).

 

[Danger]

we do have to keep in mind that the server is based in the US, so when in doubt, we're mindful of US laws.

Okay, that explains it even better. I didn't realize that a government could regulate what originates from its borders (unless it's something with physical evidence of wrongdoing, such as child porn or 'snuff films').

 

[_Mayday_]

Danger, I am not sure if this is relevant but, there are one or two guitar tablature sites that are still up and running and that is due primarily to the fact the are based in russia. All other major tablature sites have been shut.

 

[mgb_phys]

there are one or two guitar tablature sites that are still up and running and that is due primarily to the fact the are based in russia. All other major tablature sites have been shut.

If it stops one child trying to play "Stairway to Heaven" it will have been worth it.
Won't someone think of the children...