Children thread????

[slipknot]

What happened ? I was interested in seeing where this thing was going.:confused: :confused: :confused:

[Steel Shootin']

Nothing happened that I know of. I didn't take it down.

[slipknot]

I did'nt think you would,but it's gone.:confused:

[slipknot]

If you delete an active , and engaging thread on St. Patricks Day, this is what happens---

[richhermes]

OK, I for sure did NOT delete that thread. I would love to know who did.

Can thread originators delete their thread??

[slipknot]

Other than moderators,I think they are the only one's. I'm a little dissapointed,that one had a lot of different point of views,and I don't understand it's termination. Nobody was getting ripped,just everyone giving their 2$.:mad:

[Steel Shootin']

It must have been Bugged. He started the thread. If you delete the first post, the whole thread is erased.

Again, it was not deleted due to any content!

[f94gator]

I certainly didn't delete it. I didn't see anything out of line, and if I had I'd have only deleted the offending part.

[slipknot]

I will continue where we left off , and it won't be deleted by me. I think things should stay just as they are,there is nothing on this board that is offensive other than a few cuss words that 16 yr. old's,not children,young adults,don't hear everyday.And as I said before,anyone with access to the internet can find anything imagineable with the simple click of a mouse.If we all remember that there are young adults viewing our posts, and keep things somewhat tame , there should be no need to change anything.
The way this board is, is what made it what it is today.Let's remember that.
It has'nt changed much since it started,and new members are joining everyday with no such complaints.
AISB, KEEP IT REAL !!!!

[kitefisherman]

Slipknot I completely agree.

I have been busy the last couple of weeks and haven't followed the board as closely as I usually do. Was there some precipitating event that prompted bugged to start his thread? I was puzzled when I saw the direction that it was going.:confused:

[richhermes]

I think we left off with the agreement that a separate "sandBar" type section will be created for the stuff that is not safe for work and general debauchery.
Again, even the Sandbar will have policies just the same as the bikini section does now.

[f94gator]

Yeah, but I agree with the earlier comment that a kid can just as easily go into a sandbar area anyway, so is it any good?

[richhermes]

yes it is, you dinkus.
If a person knowingly clicks on an over 18 section and they are not over 18, it is their fault if they see nude or photos. They made the choice to see the pics. The pics were not forced upon them.

[Steel Shootin']

Yes, of course teens are exposed to all kinds of vocabulary at school and on the web. That's not the point, IMO. Spearboard is not going to be judged by what goes on in schools or other web sites. Spearboard is going to be judged by what goes on inside Spearboard.

I've heard all differerent views on this issue. There are people who won't register and participate because of language. That doesn't concern me as much as concerns from manufacturers and other industry people that don't want to participate due to content. Some of these people would be highly valuable members to spearboard, not only adding to the prize table, but adding to the daily conversation. Also, I do feel a personal obligation once I see teens registering to try to clean it up a little.

Having said that, I also realize that one of the reasons the board is popular is the non censored format, and the ability to speak out with very little restrictions. I set it up that way because it appealed to me. So, I am trying to do a balancing act here and come up with a solution that makes everyone happy. Maybe I won't succeed, and a bunch of people will decide not to participate on the board anymore. There is not much I can do about that. The board is about spearfishing, and will continue to be about spearfishing, so those that participate on this board primarily for their interest in this great sport I suspect will care very litte if they can use graphic profanity in their posts.

Anyway, back to the compromise to keep everyone happy. What we're talking about doing is keeping an off-topic adult area. It will have a warning that kids should not enter. As for the rest of the board, I will simply ask people to cut back on the profanity, in an attempt to make it more "kid" and "industry" friendly. Is that too much to ask?

Feel free to weigh-in with your opinion.

Scott

[richhermes]

Honestly. If someone decides not to post anymore because he can't use blatant profanity, are we losing much??

[Nikki]

The "typical" teen who chances upon this site won't bother to stay around for very long - because unless you dive or are very interested in learning to dive and spearfish - this site would be rather boring to visit repeatedly for the chance to look at some scantily clad women or inappropriate language. There are far better sites to find which are far more graphic that they would "stumble" across, rather than this one - though the title of this board - Spear Board - might catch their attention briefly... The teen who stays would have a lot of interest in the sport and probably be very close if not already at certifiable age for diving - so highly unlikely that you'll find a 12-year-old here..... my 2 cents...

I feel that it's fine as it is. I like it because it's NOT censored and you do get a lot of info from everyone. If I had a business that was related to diving and spearing, I'd have no problems being a sponsor and/or donating items here, because the participants to this board would be the group that I'd be marketing to and they are HERE...but I don't have such a business.:(

IMHO - Let the ones who want "family friendly" sites go to the politically correct ones if they want....There's other sites out there that cater to that group...

Of course, there's other factors to consider about being a group owner/creator that I know nothing about....and changing this may be the best decision at the time and lead the board to better things, but Maybe this is how popular groups end up losing many of their original members, it grows and grows, but it no longer feels like home... Of course, there are two ways to view anything!!! I just hope that it ultimately stays relatively similar to the way that it now!

The off-topic being for adults over 18 sounds like a good middle-ground to me on this issue.....

You did ask for our opinions - right??? Little long-winded, but here it is...

[f94gator]

Originally posted by richhermes
yes it is, you dinkus.
If a person knowingly clicks on an over 18 section and they are not over 18, it is their fault if they see nude or photos. They made the choice to see the pics. The pics were not forced upon them.

OK, if you put a warning in, then that's different.I had the impression that we're basically talking about 1 click and you're there anyway, so what difference would it make. But now I gotcha. And the term dinkus; that hurts, man. That really hurts.


And don't get me wrong; I'm not saying that Spearboard should do absolutely nothing and let whatever happens happen. As Scott has outlined, a 'mature' off-topic section is a good idea. But outside of the Bikini section and the occasional pic from Inlet of a grotesque, hamburger-like THING, I can't think of much that is posted here that is offensive other than some language. And yeah, maybe it's a bit too much sometimes.

ANYWAY, we can do 2 things and they shouldn't be a big deal to anyone.
1) Mature section
2) Post general guidelines on board behavior. I hate to call them policies because that makes it sound we're becoming like that 'other' board. But just an introduction to new guys to say, hey, we've got a good amount of tolerance on stuff here, but use some common sense when posting.

If some people object, then nice knowin' ya, they can go frequent another board. But they're not going to find one half as good as this one.


ps-Can we add something else that if anyone comes in, pisses people off and acts very G-man like, we can boot them even if their posts are clean? Let's not forget another great plus to Spearboard; it's a Gman free zone!!

[WreckDiver]

It is my Opinion That (us the Adults) should set a good example when we know young people are amoung us. that was my Intended statment. As a parent, I do not let my kids on the Internet without me right there!!!! So a click thru (Im 18) is not going to stop an unsupervised minor. I was just a little stunned to know there were minors on board, Scott, F49. do what you must to cover Spearboard. I dont think major changes are nec. though.

I was tring to edit my first post, not sure what i clicked on but it was me that deleted it. Sorry

[WreckDiver]

Ofended Me please, not big on profanity but, do like the pretty female's in the bikini sec. I a mechinic work with other mechinics, you think you guys talk nasty, please!!!

[SpearDiverTampa]

Originally posted by slipknot
I think things should stay just as they are,there is nothing on this board that is offensive other than a few cuss words that 16 yr. old's,not children,young adults,don't hear everyday.And as I said before,anyone with access to the internet can find anything imagineable with the simple click of a mouse.If we all remember that there are young adults viewing our posts, and keep things somewhat tame , there should be no need to change anything.


From my point of view (the demographic in question), I can attest that slipknot hit it right on the nose. I can promise that I have in no way been changed or tainted by this site, except for my spearing tactics and ability;) . You keep this board regulated in a way that the crude is not permitted, but members can still speak their minds. I think that you guys are doing a great job keeping everything in check. I hope to see little on the board changed, but I will honer your decision if you put an area off limits. Thanks
-Chris

[slipknot]

ps-Can we add something else that if anyone comes in, pisses people off and acts very G-man like, we can boot them even if their posts are clean? Let's not forget another great plus to Spearboard; it's a Gman free zone!! [/B][/QUOTE]


I like this idea too,remember SEADAD ?,he got ran out quicklike!
I agree with what you said Scott, that sounds pretty tame to me,and after all, it's just a disclaimer. When the first thread got going I had visions of policies on the other site. I should of known that you were'nt thinking near that drastic.The offtopic is not bad at all,it's just regular guy's goofing off once in awhile.Allowing every one to voice their opinions like this is what makes this board the best one out there, AND G-BAG FREE !:cool:

[f94gator]

1 thing about FS; man, you're scared to share any of your screw-ups because there's someone out there ready to berate you for it.

I consider Spearboard a place to hang out with friends. I should be able to share my screw-ups and experiences with my friends without getting a lecture. And I'm not friends with know-it-alls that talk down to me, so I don't want them here either!!

[Speargun]

Scott
is it possible to set up a password protected area?
The people who want access would have to show proof of age before they are given access. This would prevent any minors from being exposed to "adult" content and should keep any sponsers happy.

[Steel Shootin']

Originally posted by Speargun
Scott
is it possible to set up a password protected area?
The people who want access would have to show proof of age before they are given access. This would prevent any minors from being exposed to "adult" content and should keep any sponsers happy. That get's a little tricky. How do you get someone to prove their age? Apart from doing a background check on people, I don't think it's possible. You can ask, "What's your date of birth?", but that is very easy to get around. I think the best I could do is have the disclaimer, and then keep it to an "R" rating in the adult section. As long as no xxx stuff gets in there, the worst anyone would be exposed to is the "f-word" and "boobs." However, keeping that segregated from the rest of spearboard would hopefully keep most people happy. If a teen did sneak in there, he will not be exposed to "pornography." (Unless you define "pornography" in the same way a moron like Jerry Falwell or Tom DeLay would!).

And yes, as to the point about "We don't want this to be regulated like FS or other forums", rest assured, it will not be. Controversial viewpoints will still be allowed, and an open exchange of information will continue. The extent of what we're talking about here is cutting back on a few words and bikini photos in the main spearboard area. It'll all still be there for you in the adult section.

[WreckDiver]

Hey Scott We are all happy the way the board is, I can censor my self. Most of us have been doing that for years around our own kids anyway, you are not going to stop an unsupervised person.
protect spearboard, but leave the rest alone.

[blue gun]

If I had a kid I would make that child read spearboard every night right before dinner time and then read him/her a little Moby Dick before bed time. And in the morning we would practice our new curse words we learned on spearboard before going to school.;)

Just kidding:D All good points on this thread

[inletsurf]

I'm more afraid of my kid logging on this board and reading posts from D4B and Fishkilla. Next thing I'll know, he'll be coming home with 24" rims on his trike, drinking high-balls of sprite and juice, smacking the girls with dollar bills, using colorful alegories and metaphors, and putting 15 stray cats on his makeshift stringer after puncturing their skull with a JBL mini-carbine.

Now that I think about it, I might even be proud. -sniff-sniff- that's my boy!!!

[Slay Ride]

Here is my two cents, which is worth half that. I like the board. If you put up an area that says "Adults Only" or something to that fact, where do you think a minor would go first? Right there. That in essense may draw youngster that don't spearfish to check out the site later for new stuff unrelated to SB.com info. I don't think that is what you guys want or need. I don't think anyone has gone overboard by far. I like it, I keep coming back and have learned quite a bit. keep it up. See you guys in May.

Les@charlestondiving.com

[Steel Shootin']

Actually, since the discussion has come-up I've appreciated the self-imposed restraint. People have for the most part been censoring their own posts, using sympols like F***, or something like that. As long as it stays like that, it would be great. It would also save me a lot of work, so I'd be all for it.

I don't want to say you should never use profanity. For example, IMO, there are times when it is somewhat necessary to capture the moment. Remember that huge Carbo that one of the shooters on the Gag Reflex got. When he surfaced, he was reported as saying: "It's a f**king Carbo." Well, that helps capture the moment. Plus, it's a quote.

[blue gun]

I can remember when some of the moderators would say sh**,*****,turd just to let it all out. now they are all nice and sh*t so I don't post curse words any more:confused: But I still love you mother *****ers:)

[Steel Shootin']

And I'm still loving that avatar!