NationStates Jolt Archive

Today I posted a thread, which you can see for yourself here: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=140804 .

The thread has a sexual subject, but I worded it in a very non-explicit, respectful and light-hearted way. Nonetheless it was soon locked for being "too racey - kids might see it".

This is really puzzling to me because this Forum shows plenty of racism, homophobia, religious and political intolerance - not to mention the enraged flaming that is constant. Is it better for kids to see this than something sexual?

Yes the thread's topic concerned oral sex - something most North American kids hear about in the schoolyard by the time they're about 10. Besides, for most people this activity is part of a loving relationship and is not at all "dirty" - it's nothing we need to shield kids from.

The reality is this site is not a democracy. This site is used by schools and teachers and they do school projects here and we do market to children. There is a difference between debating a hot potato subject like "homosexuality" and asking people whether they like giving or receiving "Head" (Your word not mine)I can assure you if I was a teacher using this site to help my young students learn about politics or government structure etc.. I would decide not to if these types of threads were allowed. We try to let people be pretty open in discussion, however, blatant sexual content as you posted is a little bit more then we allow. It's unacceptable material for Nationstates.

Yes, children do speak of these things in the school yards and they also use drugs and drink and smoke and a lot of other things that responsible adults shouldn't condone. Yes it happens, however we do not at Nationstates feel it's our place to contribute to the delinquency of minors. In fact we pride ourselves on trying to be a safe environment for children.

Stephanie
Game Moderator

Quite frankly, I think it's in the writing. Had your thread title been less obvious and had a warning, I would have seen that as being perfectly acceptable, and I'm sure this topic has come up before. As it is now, I can see Steph's point, though warning tags have gotten a little silly lately.

Political discussion, regardless of how contoversial it may be, is part of what NationStates is about. It doesn't need to become 'adult-material' provided all parties debate in a civilised fashion.

Adult topics, such as those of a sexual nature, aren't permitted for the reason Steph stated.

Regarding this flaming you speak of, point the moderators to it. It's what we're here for.

Quite frankly, I think it's in the writing. Had your thread title been less obvious and had a warning, I would have seen that as being perfectly acceptable, and I'm sure this topic has come up before. As it is now, I can see Steph's point, though warning tags have gotten a little silly lately.

Well, yes, the topic could of been discussed in a different fashion. Perfect example is, you don't have to talk about the "acts" preformed in a homosexual relationship to debate homosexuality, nor do you have to be racist to discuss racism.. etc.. it is all in how you say it I suppose. However, this was unacceptable by Nationstates standards.

i think you definatly walked into that one. the initial wording was a bit too racy for kids here (there are quite a few 13 & under) and it had the potential to develope into something bad. If you've seen any of the now DEATd michael jackson posts, you'd know what I mean.

Sorry I just can't agree with y'all, but it seems like on this topic I'm, um, licked.

Freedom R.I.P. :(

like said before, this is not a democratic site and there is no such thing as free speech. If the mods don't like it, so shall it be locked. or DEATd, depending upon the offense.

Sorry I just can't agree with y'all, but it seems like on this topic I'm, um, licked.

Freedom R.I.P. :(

Just a personal observation here. You're an adult. I conclude this based on the fact that you have stated you're married. I'm certainly not making any accusation here, but are you trying to tell us you think it's ok for an adult man such as yourself to discuss "oral sex" with players who are in the majority minors? If so, I have a real issue with that.

Please stay away from the sexual topics. Freedom is very much alive, an adult man talking about oral sex with a site full of minors is not freedom, it's sort of creepy. It's not like you were discussing it in any educational way either.

Just to reiterate what Steph and Myrth have said, this site is political in nature, and the site's creator, Max Barry, has deemed that political topics are appropriate and that sexual topics are not. This is the private property of Max Barry and it is his decision to make.

On that note, I remind everyone that because this site is private property, you have no freedoms except those granted to you by the owner of said property and the owner's authorized representatives.

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation
"Think about it for a moment."
NationStates Game Moderator

...

Additionally, I would like to point out that it is not your place to decide what should be taught to other people's children. If the parents of a particular child decide not to teach the concept of oral sex to their child, it is not your place to override them.

--The Democratic States of Cogitation
"Think about it for a moment."
Founder of The Realm of Ambrosia

sorry - have to agree - it was too much

Of course she was right in the locking the thread. She's a moderator. :lol:

Is Steph a mod?

Yes.

Therefore, she was right. Now, delete the thread. It's mildly disturbing.

There was a similar thread early last fall which met a similar fate. Actually it survived a couple days with a title change and then got locked anyway.

So...yeah.

... players who are in the majority minors?

Now that stat I honestly was unaware of until this afternoon. I just assumed nearly everyone here must be over 18, and on average 25-35. I *thought* I was talking with my peers, not a bunch of schoolkids - this changes my whole impression of NationStates.

Given my unfortunate ignorance of this, there was nothing at all creepy in my intent. I actually feel rather hurt at what you're hinting at because it's the first time in my life anyone has.

Please understand that I was feeling unjustly singled-out for unfair censorship. If this site is indeed so largely comprised of minors however, I do understand your concerns and apologise for any hard feelings.

The title alone is unacceptable to me, much less a prude. Delete the thread, or edit the title.

I would have to stand by the moderators descision here. As steph said there are alot of kids on the internet these days, and arent their enough porn sites about this kind of thing already without the need of lowering ns to that level.

As the offender in question has acknowledged, and apologized for, his error, I see no need to drag this out further.

If any players wish to ask questions regarding general policy on this point, then they may start a new topic.

iLock.

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation
"Think about it for a moment."
NationStates Game Moderator