NationStates Jolt Archive

Is there a list of "Taboo" topics? IE, topics that cannot be broached on these forums? I would think that any topic that can be discussed in a civil manner and without violating Max's TOS would be legit right? Could someone when they get a chance tell me if my assumption is correct, or are there some topics that can never be discussed, reguardless how nice you are while doing it?

I think the devil is in the detail. In the latest case the word "sodomites" was part (and only a small part) of the overall problem. Semantically, if "homosexual" was used instead the harm would have been possibly less. If the flaming and trolling was not in play, word simple word choice; based upon personal convictions, be enough to endanger ones account? Food for thought.

Aye... stuff like this is why I was asking. The topic of homosexuality is fair game for discussion... as long as the debate stays above the belt. The example you refer to was NOT kept above the belt.

I was asking to see what isn't allowed no matter WHERE it hits!


Oh... similar topic (sorry if I am hijacking myself mods) but is it legal to have a new woman as your flag? I saw a nation today who has a picture that has been circleling the web for a while now... 'tis a nake woman who is holding up a sign right below her bustline. HOWEVER, the poster, I assume trying to keep it clean, has added a black "censor" bar along the middle of it... but the bar still doesn't leave much to the imagination. Am I obligated to report such thing if it is illegal? I've known him since I first started NS, I told him it wasn't a smart idea, but I will disclose the name if I need to...

So long as your topic isn't intended to become a hate discussion (i.e. I hate gays/Americans/muslims/liver...okay, maybe not liver, but still), there's very little that's taboo. I imagine you might even get away with discussing such topics as sodomy and rape if you managed to find a way to broach it tastefully and civilly. The problem I imagine you would then encounter would be how you would encourage everyone else to keep it that way.

To my knowledge, Max desires to encourage frank and open discussion. He just wants people to remember to be polite about it. I'd say the Mods definitely have their work cut out for them there.

Standard Disclaimer: I am not a Moderator. The hours are lousy and the pay is worse.

As I recall, there are one or two Things of Which We Speak Not, like that forum from months back that was being pimped here / bitched on about NS players ...

EDIT : And as I recall, that includes its name, so no risky guessing games, okay ? I'm raising it as an loose example, not a topic of discussion.

I believe that, for the most part, every topic of discussion that is up for debate can become 'taboo', depending on who is debating it. It's really up to those people if the debate degenerates into a flamefest. There are so many controversial topics out there, but if the players keep it civil and don't get personal, then we won't have a problem... but then again, it is General we're talking about. ;)

So basically any topic can become taboo, its just up to the players and how they debate it. I don't necessarily think that there can be a list of 'taboo topics', because honestly, everything debated can become offensive to any particular person.

Is there a list of "Taboo" topics? IE, topics that cannot be broached on these forums?
No, nor will there ever be one. Set lists are too easy for rules-lawyers to sneak around. If we outlaw "Instruction manuals for rape" and somebody posts "The rape-fantasy thread", claiming it's all IC sex-fantasy stuff, it may match the letter but certainly not the spirit of the rules. If we outlaw warez (illegal software) threads, and somebody posts a list of links stating "these are sites you should NEVER visit", is that something we should allow?

No matter how long or short we make any list, it will always have exceptions that prove or disprove the rule. The Moderators were 'hired' to make judgement calls on whether something is appropriate for these forums, and there is really no substitute for human interaction in such cases. That's the way Max and [violet] set it up, and that's how it's going to work.

~ Frisbeeteria ~
NationStates Forum Moderator

Thanks fris... I figured that, but wanted to make absolutely sure... lest I one day be a moderation suspect!


EDIT: By suspect, I mean someone suspected of breaking the rules

Bump on the question posed in post 3

Oh... similar topic (sorry if I am hijacking myself mods) but is it legal to have a new woman as your flag? I saw a nation today who has a picture that has been circleling the web for a while now... 'tis a nake woman who is holding up a sign right below her bustline. HOWEVER, the poster, I assume trying to keep it clean, has added a black "censor" bar along the middle of it... but the bar still doesn't leave much to the imagination. Am I obligated to report such thing if it is illegal? I've known him since I first started NS, I told him it wasn't a smart idea, but I will disclose the name if I need to...
That's a question that should really be sent through the Getting Help Page. If the mods feel that the flag is actionable they'll take action and if the flag is legal they'll leave it alone. I doubt a mod will give you an official, definative answer here on the forums without actually looking at the flag. Heh, even if you were to reveal the name of the nation here, they'd probably tell you to report it via the GH Page anyway. :p

I doubt a mod will give you an official, definative answer here on the forums without actually looking at the flag. Heh, even if you were to reveal the name of the nation here, they'd probably tell you to report it via the GH Page anyway. :p
Entirely correct.

Well... if I went to the GHP, and it was deamed illegal, would he be DEAT, or only warned not to do it again, and have the flag changed to the default one?

Up til now, his record is spotless

Well... if I went to the GHP, and it was deamed illegal, would he be DEAT, or only warned not to do it again, and have the flag changed to the default one?There is no set answer for this. It's up to the judgement of the mod who deals with the request.Up til now, his record is spotlessIf it's so spotless, why are you questioning his flag?

If you don't want him deleted, why don't YOU telegram him and tell him his flag is "questionable" and advise him to change it? We'd be delighted not to have to make a ruling.

I did suggest he change it... which he did. The point of my question was 2 fold. First, was the flag illegal (not able to be told until seen) and are players obligated to report rule "violations."

But since it is changed, I suppose it dont matter

I did suggest he change it... which he did. The point of my question was 2 fold. First, was the flag illegal (not able to be told until seen) and are players obligated to report rule "violations."

But since it is changed, I suppose it dont matter
Since no one can see the flag, there's not going to be a definate answer on it but as a player I would definatly say that the flag was probably pushing the envelope and could've gone either way at the mod's discretion. There was a discussion on reporting rule violations a while back and you're not required to report violations but they appreciate it if you do.