Add a "Mature" Forum

[Guest]

Okay before people go "noooo the site is PG13" yadda yadda yadda, hear out my suggestion:

 

It's pretty evident that a lot of us here are over 17.

 

Now I'm not for making the entire site bend over and change for the sake of the older members, and I am definitely still for keeping mature content off of the main site, but how about a "mature" forum for discussion of things that are normally not allowed on other forums? Here's my idea of how it would work rules wise:

 

• It would be on a request to enter basis. So only people who request entry can enter. There could also be like some requirements beyond that like 100 posts or something like that. All users who enter must agree to a waiver that there may be content above PG13 in there, so no one can be held accountable. They must also agree that they are over 17 and can not hold the staff/site responsible, etc.
• Porn is strictly off limits still.
• Hate speech, etc. intentionally offensive stuff still off limits.
• Forum intended for more adult discussions such as grimdark fanfictions, adult topics (within reason), etc.
• Strict regulation, I.e. 3 strikes and you are kicked out of it for good.
• No one under 17 will be permitted in under any circumstances. If you are discovered to be under 17, you are removed from the section.

Why do I think we need this?

 

Currently for many users there is no place to discuss portions of the fandom besides the one clop thread we have. I'm not a clopper, but I know there are people who enjoy grimdark fanfictions or even write them and there is no way to discuss them at all. They DO make up a portion of the fandom and should be permitted somewhere. Same applies for clopfics, and such. Like linking images would still be strictly off limits and linking to illegal material is without question still bannable.

 

There is also no real way to discuss certain debate topics without people being immature about them. Topics that revolve around sex generally get closed fast because of people not being mature. With a mature forum people would be barred from entry unless they are above a certain age, agree to a waiver and ultimately it would ensure more people getting in are mature.

 

Like I know I can't be the only one who would enjoy a forum that is a LITTLE more relaxed and wouldn't interfere with the regular forum.

[Jeric 46,851]

 

 

With a mature forum people would be barred from entry unless they are above a certain age

 

 

The Poniverse registration system would need additional tinkering. You have to enter your age at registration on Poniverse, but also re-enter your age again on MLPF ... that data doesn't carry over. That would need to be enhanced before an age restricted aspect of the site is ever launched. 

[Guest]

 

 

The Poniverse registration system would need additional tinkering. You have to enter your age at registration on Poniverse, but also re-enter your age again on MLPF ... that data doesn't carry over. That would need to be enhanced before an age restricted aspect of the site is ever launched. 

 

 

I am all for that though. Whatever it takes.

[Jeric 46,851]

I'm honestly curious about one thing - you mention that the proposed M forum would not be for posting and sharing porn. You also stated that it would not be for unrestricted debate (no hate speech). When you say adult, I am trying to figure out what you mean. You mentioned Grimdark fics (There is a bit of confusion on this ... even on staff ... as I saw a distinction between Saw level gore and Grimdark). 

 

This is a weird catch-22 ... hard to mention what you have in mind without feeling like you might break a rule. Hard to ask questions without doing the same. Are you talking about Howard Stern level discussions?

[Guest]

I'm honestly curious about one thing - you mention that the proposed M forum would not be for posting and sharing porn. You also stated that it would not be for unrestricted debate (no hate speech). When you say adult, I am trying to figure out what you mean. You mentioned Grimdark fics (There is a bit of confusion on this ... even on staff ... as I saw a distinction between Saw level gore and Grimdark). 

 

This is a weird catch-22 ... hard to mention what you have in mind without feeling like you might break a rule. Hard to ask questions without doing the same. Are you talking about Howard Stern level discussions?

 

 

Essentially this would be acceptable:

 

• Any fanfictions that are not basically just obvious offensive attempts. I.e. fanfictions solely about encouraging racism, hate speech, etc. Anything that is like what you'd see in a horror movie is fair game.
• Discussions about sex would be permissible so long as no pictures are posted and legality stays in play. Example, life advice on sex would be permissible, and debates on whether people should wait until they are married for sex would be permissible, but topics like "HEY POST YOUR TITS" would be off limits. So long as the thread maintains an educational level and does not venture into posting graphic images, it would remain permissible.
• Grimdark RPs would be permissible so long as they are not focused around hate speech. I.e. a grimdark RP that revolves solely around killing black people or something.
• Sex RPs would still be barred, but suggestive would be permissible so long as it doesn't go into too much detail.
• As far as enforcing it would go it pretty much would be under a "you agree to join, use common sense" mentality. The waiver would be pointing out that the users are expected to behave mature and use common sense and if they can not do that, then they should not join.

I mean it needs some fine tuning, but it's a start.

[Jeric 46,851]

 

To go further ... currently I can't really have a full discussion on Eminem using his music because the EV rule, or post a Let's Play on Catherine. So yes, if that is what you mean ... I'm in complete agreement.

 

I still maintain this should be a porn and abuse free site, but honestly ... the limitations on media like Pulp Fiction has always been an annoying restriction.

[Guest]

To go further ... currently I can't really have a full discussion on Eminem using his music because the EV rule, or post a Let's Play on Catherine. So yes, if that is what you mean ... I'm in complete agreement.

 

I still maintain this should be a porn and abuse free site, but honestly ... the limitations on media like Pulp Fiction has always been an annoying restriction.

 

Agreed. It would be nice to actually be able to discuss things for adults as adults considering a vast majority of us are adults. This way it'd give the adults their playpen without interfering with everyone else.

 

Like I'd love to talk about Catherine without having to bite my tongue any time something minorly offensive to PG13 eyes becomes unavoidable to continue discussion. I'd love to talk about horror movies without having to go out of my way to censor thoughts on more graphic parts, etc.

[Jeric 46,851]

 

 

More to that my wife actually mentioned that there are certain aspects she wanted to see people ask about that revolve around sexual health. Also there are trans issues that would be a no no here with the current rules. Considering the wide spectrum of trans individuals who may want to have a topic about concerns with transitioning ... kinda limiting.

But mostly ... and selfishly ... I want to be able to freely discuss R rated media with clips and music. So yeah ... I agree not a bad idea if they can update the registration and what have you. 

[Hypn0ticD 1,213]

I'm agreement with this as well, as I've had plenty of roleplay ideas that would easily be considered a no-no for the site, even though they weren't sexual in any way.

 

Going beyond roleplaying, I think both of you covered pretty much every bit of what I have to say, but if I can think of something else to add, I'll try to remember it and add it in this thread!

[Quill Waver 1,408]

Personally speaking, the main issue with this, which I know is an "elephant in the room", is worrying about children simply lying about their age. There's no way to police that whatsoever. Do not misunderstand me; I am more than for this idea, but given the internet being what it is, there would be serious drawbacks from people simply trying to see how far they can go. Once you say "safe is good, suggestive is okay, but NSFW is no", people try to hide away that imaginary line, seeing how closee they can come to crossing it without actually doing so.

 

Also, how would an entire staff define what is suggestive and what is NSFW content? The line is blurry there as well. Technically, there are classical works of art of figures in the nude, yet they are considered perfectly tasteful and safe. Then there will be that one person who uses that example as an excuse to post a questionable "selfie". I myself see certain classical arts that are in the nude as being tasteful and refined, but I do not find clop art or anything of the sorts to be nothing more than what a Playboy magazine is. That's my opinion, though. Some may argue I am wrong and perverted to think that, and others may say I am not. Again, another issue with this idea.

 

To summarize, I am not trying to be a doom-sayer or put the idea down. I like the idea. I do not like the prospect of how complicated and difficult it would be to police the section.

Edited July 5, 2016 by Quill Waver

[Jeric 46,851]

 

 

Also, how would an entire staff define what is suggestive and what is NSFW content?  

 

 

 

That images sums up my opinion on that matter of the addressing what would be allowed and what would not be. The issue is not so much posting porn (which I am under the belief the OP is not asking for), but allowing a more detailed discussion of topics that we generally would not be able to today. Sharks and I mentioned R rated media as an example. That isn't T&A or clop. However, the current rules forbid I post explicit music or any media ... even if it does not contain gore or porn. BTW, I brought up those examples in my earlier post because they are actual cases where we hid the content and told the member that they were in violation of the rules. Now, do I think that a 13 year old may be to young for a discussion of Eminem, Watership Down, Dr. Ruth style discussion on sexual health, or how to handle hangovers? Of course. Do I think that the majority of the members would be able to have mature discussions about the above? Absolutely. I think that is at the root of the OP's request. It is also not an issue exclusive to MLPF, because EQ.tv also has significant restrictions on movie night material. R rated films are banned. 

 

 

 

There's no way to police that whatsoever.

 

 

The staff has always done a decent job of policing the current age limit (Nobody under 13 years of age is not permitted on MLPF). Staff polices that just fine. Do some slip through the cracks? Yes, and we haven't closed shop here, regardless of potential COPPA issues. 

 

 

 

there would be serious drawbacks from people simply trying to see how far they can go. Once you say "safe is good, suggestive is okay, but NSFW is no", people try to hide away that imaginary line, seeing how closee they can come to crossing it without actually doing so.

 

 

Personally, I have more faith in the community than that. During my tenure, I didn't see too many times of 'testing the fences'. More often it was simple bad judgement of newer members, or temporary mistakes made in the heat of an argument or debate. Sure there were a small handful of notable cases of out and out trollery, but I personally think that we should never try and manage to the exception. Also, this forum software comes equipped with the ability to restrict access to sections of the site to those unwilling or unable to follow specific rules. 

[DubWolf 17,263]

Personally speaking, the main issue with this, which I know is an "elephant in the room", is worrying about children simply lying about their age. There's no way to police that whatsoever. Do not misunderstand me; I am more than for this idea, but given the internet being what it is, there would be serious drawbacks from people simply trying to see how far they can go. Once you say "safe is good, suggestive is okay, but NSFW is no", people try to hide away that imaginary line, seeing how closee they can come to crossing it without actually doing so.

 

Also, how would an entire staff define what is suggestive and what is NSFW content? The line is blurry there as well. Technically, there are classical works of art of figures in the nude, yet they are considered perfectly tasteful and safe. Then there will be that one person who uses that example as an excuse to post a questionable "selfie". I myself see certain classical arts that are in the nude as being tasteful and refined, but I do not find clop art or anything of the sorts to be nothing more than what a Playboy magazine is. That's my opinion, though. Some may argue I am wrong and perverted to think that, and others may say I am not. Again, another issue with this idea.

 

To summarize, I am not trying to be a doom-sayer or put the idea down. I like the idea. I do not like the prospect of how complicated and difficult it would be to police the section.

A kid can lie about their age just about anywhere. FimFiction is full of mature stuff and one click and they can access it. Is there anyway we can prevent them from accessing it? Probably not unless we ask for credit card information, so why not just accept that it's going to happen anywhere regardless?

 

The thing is, would MLPF be under legal trouble if someone under 18 (or is it 17? Rated R movies do 17) was caught entering on here much like if they entered a porn site (not that there would be any here)? If so, wouldn't all websites be capable of getting backlash because someone else lied? It'd be stupid and unfair if that were the case, and seeing as this world isn't full of stupid laws (some sarcasm), the person at fault would not be the website. It's like arguing that the bartender is at fault for selling to a minor with a fake ID (although nowadays they can check on a computer to verify, so they would be at fault if they knew about it or weren't careful enough).

Edited July 5, 2016 by 95-Wolf

[Guest]

 

 

The issue is not so much posting porn (which I am under the belief the OP is not asking for),

 

You would be correct.

 

 

 

Also, how would an entire staff define what is suggestive and what is NSFW content?

 

Everyone would be simply held to a higher standard of common sense. Nudity of any kind would obviously be off limits unless in text form, I.e. discussing it in a book or something. People would have to moderate themselves and anyone who tries to be a smartass and go "TECHNICALLY THIS IS OKAY" trying to abuse a loophole or something would get booted. Zero tolerance for loopholing.

 

 

 

Personally speaking, the main issue with this, which I know is an "elephant in the room", is worrying about children simply lying about their age. There's no way to police that whatsoever.

 

Simple: Disclaimer and waiver. To get into the forum you have to agree that you're 18 and that the staff are not responsible for ANYTHING you see. If we discover anyone is under 18 they get booted. Parents at that point can only really complain that they are not being attentive enough to their kids. And really... From what I am seeing a majority of this site is older adults who are above 18, I feel the shackles of trying to keep this 100% kid friendly is bogging the site down.

 

 

 

Now, do I think that a 13 year old may be to young for a discussion of Eminem, Watership Down, Dr. Ruth style discussion on sexual health, or how to handle hangovers? Of course. Do I think that the majority of the members would be able to have mature discussions about the above? Absolutely. I think that is at the root of the OP's request. It is also not an issue exclusive to MLPF, because EQ.tv also has significant restrictions on movie night material. R rated films are banned. 

 

Exactly, and it sucks for us older members because we basically have to keep everything kid friendly 100% to the nth degree when from what I am seeing... The mature members make up the majority of the forum. I would love a horror movie thread, but we couldn't  have that here currently.

[Shanks 10,816]

I have seen other suggestions like this in the past but the difference with this one is that it wouldn't be so much about allowing clop/r34/porn but about certain discussions that would not otherwise be allowed here. As much as I love this idea and how well thought out it is, I doubt moderation would go for it.