The whole shebobble has brought up a couple of questions, and a couple of suggestions/requests.
1) If there is to be a moderator FAQ, please can it be made public? I know it's unrealistic to expect that there could actually logistically be debate and ratification, but I so think that all ILXors should be allowed to at least read it before it is adopted. It seems only fair that people should be aware of the rules that govern them, even only indirectly.
2) This is more in response to random googling and the response thereof. (Yes, perhaps I'm feeling a bit guilty about being rude to a hairdyer, but it's more than that.) I really do think there needs to be a disclaimer actually *ON* preferably at the *top* of the "Ask A Question" page. Not just for random googlers, but to remind *all* ILXors to show a bit of discretion. Something like: "Please be aware that ILX is a social board for entertainment purposes only. ILX is not responsible for the content or veracity of any individual's posts. Users are advised that they post at their own discretion and take any advice at their own risk. It is strongly advised that new users consult the (link)FAQ before posting, or that they (link)SEARCH to find out of their query has already been addressed. Thank you."
No, it won't stop random googlers, nor will it stop people from having fun with the googlers, but it will warn people what they're in for, and perhaps even cover our asses legally.
3) An addition or refinement to the FAQ with regard to both privacy and copyright (I haven't actually looked at it since yesterday so I can't remember the exact phrasing there now). Something to the effect of "Yes, you own the copyright to everything you post. Yes, ILX and its moderators will do everything within reason to protect the privacy and rights of its users. However, users are reminded that ILX is in effect a public forum, and users post at their own risk. Posters are cautioned to use discretion; remember that the internet can be accessed by your boss, your mum, your spouse, your ex-lovers, internet stalkers, random journalists and everyone else. Although ILX and its moderators will do everything reasonable to protect your rights, ILX can not be held responsible for the actions of individuals. Please use your own discretion, both in posting and reading."
Someone else can dress that up in legalese, but basically it's the disclaimer I wish I'd read frequently over my ILX time - "The internet can be a big bad place. Don't be a baby, just act with discretion." Sometimes even things which seem blindingly obvious need to be repeated, for dummies like me. ;-)
Anyway. Just thought I'd bring up those points.
― Kate St.Claire (kate), Thursday, 24 June 2004 09:52 (twenty-two years ago)
I really do think there needs to be a disclaimer actually *ON* preferably at the *top* of the "Ask A Question" page. Not just for random googlers, but to remind *all* ILXors to show a bit of discretionI think a short disclaimer above the posting window would be a good idea. May not solve the problems but then people would have full advance warning that their posts, if inappropriate, could well be deleted.
― Sean Carruthers (SeanC), Thursday, 24 June 2004 12:43 (twenty-two years ago)
Because lots of random googlers just pop directly onto individual threads.
All you see at the top of the page is "New Answers | Unanswered Questions | Ask A Question" or some version of that. You have no idea where you are. Of course you're going to ask a question. It's like giving directions to people that are lost, that they tell them where they are when they try to ask a question. Yeah, they should be smart enough to figure it out on their own, but you know, they're in a strange place, they're lost, it would be nice to tell them what's going on and what to expect.
― He wants to be me (kate), Saturday, 26 June 2004 07:05 (twenty-two years ago)
Well, howabout a one-line version of what Kate said up top, to appear at the top of the standard pages, underneath "New Answers/Unanswered Questions" etc?
― mark grout (mark grout), Monday, 28 June 2004 07:37 (twenty-one years ago)