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[GRIP]

I think it can be strict at times, but it's on par with most of the other places I've been to. There are only a few other forums that I frequent and only one of them is really loosely moderated and pretty much the only thing that will get you banned is posting pornography.

However, I do agree with those who have said that having an unpopular opinion is usually met with harsh criticism on here and it leads to a lot of people not voicing their actual opinion.

 

[tearsofash]

I grew up with forums, and I feel like GAF takes every shitty experience and curbstomps it. For that, I am thankful. So yes, I think it is too strict. It is properly moderated in every sense of the word.

 

[Esch]

The forum has basically become the modern NFL. Questionable bans, weird double standards, too much political correctness, etc.. It's a completely different forum from what I entered in 2003.

I prefer moderation that makes sure debate doesn't veer into questionable territory (insults, personal attacks, etc). Mods swooping in and banning people who have differing opinions from the general GAF zeitgeist is troubling. I don't agree with banning people because they don't support gay marriage; and no, I would not advocate banning someone who argued against interracial marriage either. If the person is not causing trouble or making personal insults/attacks, what does it matter.

Nor do I like the general hive mind that sets in. Whether it's the liberal bias (disclaimer: I am a liberal) in political threads or the inability to have an intelligent conversation on the gaming forum if you offer an opinion that goes against the grain. People get ganged up on, accused of trolling, etc

Im seeing way too much of banning for what appears to be opinion, and that is a definite cause of concern.

 

[Gustav]

No, lots of posters assume they are one and the same, and bash away. It gets tedious.

I don't think it's even okay to bash those that overeat frequently and/or don't exercise. They don't deserve to be humiliated and ridiculed.

 

[acheron_xl]

Strict moderation is one of the best things about GAF. Reminds me of when I used to post on Misetings. I love a heavy, deftly wielded banhammer.

 

[Wafflecakes]

I don't think it's even okay to bash those that overeat frequently and/or don't exercise. They don't deserve to be humiliated and ridiculed.

Couldn't agree more.

Luckily at least a couple mods are onto it. Read a thread on the issue once (before I was a member) and it was like a graveyard. So many bans. Still think the mods need to be more strict on it in general.

 

[Sye d'Burns]

Did you miss the entire post after the first?

I missed it entirely and I'm sorry for that because I agree with almost everything in it. The post I replied to made it seem like a person was deciding between KFC and Taco Bell. You're longer answer is very well stated.

 

[KtSlime]

Not true. You obviously have not read a GAF fatty thread.

Its what teen suicide is made of. Its that vicious sometimes.

Yeah, I haven't, I usually don't go out of my way to make fun of anyone.

And members undergo the effort to separate the two?

I suppose they probably don't.

Man, I don't even know where to begin with this one. It's a lost cause.

Sorry, I wasn't aware GAF was so anti-fat, I figured it was just more pro-fitness. I don't go into those kinds of threads, so I guess I probably shouldn't have made the comment. I had just assumed that most gaffers were as tolerant about disorders and genes as they are in other topics.

 

[Dead Man]

Yeah, I haven't, I usually don't go out of my way to make fun of anyone.



I suppose they probably don't.



Sorry, I wasn't aware GAF was so anti-fat, I figured it was just more pro-fitness. I don't go into those kinds of threads, so I guess I probably shouldn't have made the comment. I had just assumed that most gaffers were as tolerant about disorders and genes as they are in other topics.

Innocence is adorable But yeah, GAF is uneven just as society in general is with what is taboo and what is not.

 

[Log4Girlz]

I've only been banned twice IIRC. There's no way that its too strict.

 

[Roland Garros]

Well, Ive had my tag for maybe 2 weeks and in a thread I had started for help with a contest I was called about 20 derogatory terms, past post about me being unemployeed for an extended amount of time and looking for work were brought up adding to the personal attacks, and just tonight in the Breaking Bad thread when I said I was "rooting for the bad guy" my tag was once again brought up. All this because I was honest about my own personal demons from 20 years ago..so being open and honest in opinion threads scare me due to the "Drum circle, Ultra Lib" mind set and the "tell your story" threads are off limits cause I have a mired past.

So, Im pretty much done with GAF slowly but surely.

After reading that post you got tagged for, its hard to sympathise. 'It was 20 years' ago doesn't really mean much, in my opinion. That stuff was brutal.

 

[titiklabingapat]

I find that the mods and admins generally practice extreme fairness. Of course they are still humans so there are some very few questionable decisions I don't agree with, but those are mostly quirks. If GAF was a country and the system of government is this form of benevolent dictatorship, I'd happily choose to live in it with the guarantee that the system be in place into perpetuity.

I can't stand reading other forums anymore.

 

[Jackpot]

So is "c*nt" actually a banned word now?

 

[Bornstellar]

The forum has basically become the modern NFL. Questionable bans, weird double standards, too much political correctness, etc.. It's a completely different forum from what I entered in 2003.

I prefer moderation that makes sure debate doesn't veer into questionable territory (insults, personal attacks, etc). Mods swooping in and banning people who have differing opinions from the general GAF zeitgeist is troubling. I don't agree with banning people because they don't support gay marriage; and no, I would not advocate banning someone who argued against interracial marriage either. If the person is not causing trouble or making personal insults/attacks, what does it matter.

Nor do I like the general hive mind that sets in. Whether it's the liberal bias (disclaimer: I am a liberal) in political threads or the inability to have an intelligent conversation on the gaming forum if you offer an opinion that goes against the grain. People get ganged up on, accused of trolling, etc

This is a good post and deserves to be quoted. I strongly dislike the idea of someone being banned for simply holding some belief (whatever it is). Personal attacks on the other hand, should definitely be moderated (even if the belief expressed in said attack is consistent with the moderators own beliefs).

 

[A Human Becoming]

I mean right now there's a transgendered GAF OT thread (I think) whereas a few years ago “tranny” and “It's a trap” memes were still prevalent punchlines.

The change hadn't occured to me, but you're right; at least when I started posting five years ago those were common place. That's one tightening of moderation I am pleased with. I think it has made me more respectful of transgender people.

Another positive change has been the less frequent use of memes. I think most are now used appropriately and sparingly (popcorn.jpg and disgonbgud.jpg can be played out).

Personal attacks on the other hand, should definitely be moderated (even if the belief expressed in said attack is consistent with the moderators own beliefs).

I've had personal attacks done against me without instigation on more than on occasion. I don't think it's fair, but I'm just learning to grow thicker skin instead of avoid posting altogether.

 

[NinjaBoiX]

I think it's great to have tough moderation, it keeps the content clean and on topic. I do feel some of the bans that get handed out are a little unfair. I've been banned twice, once for two weeks for making some stupid remark about Kinect that added nothing to discussion, I hadn't long been a member either, really dumb move, but the ban was absolutely fair. Recently is was banned for a month for simply voicing an unpopular opinion. I mean, it was an ill advised remark, no doubt, but it was voiced with utmost respect, and I apologised profusely for any offense. I guess some subjects you just don't mention, full stop!

Spoiler

It shows how strict GAF is, that I worried about making this post. I'm not calling any mods out for doing it, rules are rules, and at least now I know! Please don't ban me, I'm a polite, amiable member!

The forum has basically become the modern NFL. Questionable bans, weird double standards, too much political correctness, etc.. It's a completely different forum from what I entered in 2003.

I prefer moderation that makes sure debate doesn't veer into questionable territory (insults, personal attacks, etc). Mods swooping in and banning people who have differing opinions from the general GAF zeitgeist is troubling. I don't agree with banning people because they don't support gay marriage; and no, I would not advocate banning someone who argued against interracial marriage either. If the person is not causing trouble or making personal insults/attacks, what does it matter.

Nor do I like the general hive mind that sets in. Whether it's the liberal bias (disclaimer: I am a liberal) in political threads or the inability to have an intelligent conversation on the gaming forum if you offer an opinion that goes against the grain. People get ganged up on, accused of trolling, etc

Basically this. If someone is coming on being obnoxious and just throwing their weight around fair enough. But just saying something politely that people don't necessarily agree with? Even if it is controversial, it's just a discussion.

 

[MIMIC]

Sorry, I wasn't aware GAF was so anti-fat, I figured it was just more pro-fitness. I don't go into those kinds of threads, so I guess I probably shouldn't have made the comment. I had just assumed that most gaffers were as tolerant about disorders and genes as they are in other topics.

Every few years, the mods decide among a pool of topics about which ones will ascend to the class of "Heavy Moderation".

In 2006, "Weight and General Health" lost to another topic 3 to 4.

 

[Acerac]

After reading that post you got tagged for, its hard to sympathise. 'It was 20 years' ago doesn't really mean much, in my opinion. That stuff was brutal.

You have to have sympathy for him though. He didn't expect people to hear that he did brutal things and be upset with them. Haven't you ever chased down homeless people with a super soaker full of urine? Good times for everyone!

 

[MIMIC]

Well, Ive had my tag for maybe 2 weeks and in a thread I had started for help with a contest I was called about 20 derogatory terms, past post about me being unemployeed for an extended amount of time and looking for work were brought up adding to the personal attacks, and just tonight in the Breaking Bad thread when I said I was "rooting for the bad guy" my tag was once again brought up. All this because I was honest about my own personal demons from 20 years ago..so being open and honest in opinion threads scare me due to the "Drum circle, Ultra Lib" mind set and the "tell your story" threads are off limits cause I have a mired past.

So, Im pretty much done with GAF slowly but surely.

*reads post*

You were an awful individual.

 

[Thunder Monkey]

I've only been banned twice IIRC. There's no way that its too strict.

Me too!

*high five*

 

[Sye d'Burns]

Unless you live in Egypt or the Sudan or some other place where religious persecution, harrassment or vilification of Christians occurs, you shouldn't need the added support of the moderating staff. If you live in a place where Christianity is the majority belief or a big part of the majority cultural background, why would it need protection?

Yes, there are those here who are openly hostile to Christianity, a few who are more than a little irrational in their disdain and some who readily swallow and parrot the most ludicrous pseudohistory if it makes Christianity look even slightly bad. It doesn't change the fact that as a faith and as a cultural force, Christianity has got it pretty good.

Female, gay and trans posters, though, don't have it so good. Not in their everyday lives and certainly not on the wider Internet. By banning slurs, like bitch, cunt, fag, dyke, trap and tranny, you create a safe space where people who fall into the aforementioned categories can speak their mind without having to put up with the kind of poison they have to deal with every day.

So yeah, unless your family is living in fear of being rounded up and imprisoned/tortured for not making sacrifices to an implacable emperor, you can stand to take a little criticism every now and again.

For some reason I read your post to the tune of Welcome to the Jungle.

 

[Sophia]

Having been a staffer at forums where actual inconsistency exists between the moderation team, GAF's strict moderation feels like a godsend.

 

[Log4Girlz]

Me too!

*high five*

WOO. True story, I was just eating some figs and thought of you.

 

[danwarb]

Most of the internet is a cesspool of lies and abuse. It's pretty nice here.

 

[Thunder Monkey]

WOO. True story, I was just eating some figs and thought of you.

And I was just licking some wood and thought of you!

 

[NinjaBoiX]

*reads post*

You were an awful individual.

Agreed. There are childish pranks amongst friends, and there is being a morally reprehensible scumbag.

 

[Castor Krieg]

I don't think it's even okay to bash those that overeat frequently and/or don't exercise. They don't deserve to be humiliated and ridiculed.

I think it is an opinion and a poster should have a right to state it, esp. when it someone's fault they are overweight or don't exercise. In this specific case it doesn't take much to maintain your weight, and as I live in Europe I pay from my taxes to subsidize all the treatments you are getting because of your weight problems. I should be allowed to call you out on that.

You specific example taken to the extreme happened in the US (or was it UK?) where a gym banned fit people from its premises because fat people felt uncomfortable there.

 

[Carcetti]

GAF is not even the strictest forum I frequent, but the harsh policy is one of the reasons I bother.

Most video game forums tend to resemble schoolyards full of 15 year olds, maybe because the posters are from that age group. At my age I have no interest in that level of discussion and the harsh banning policy keeps the place readable.

There's forums on the net exactly like GAF in subject matter but with no real moderation, and the quality difference is hilarious.

 

[Log4Girlz]

And I was just licking some wood and thought of you!

I don't think I've ever read anything so flattering

 

[Dead Man]

I think it is an opinion and a poster should have a right to state it, esp. when it someone's fault they are overweight or don't exercise. In this specific case it doesn't take much to maintain your weight, and as I live in Europe I pay from my taxes to subsidize all the treatments you are getting because of your weight problems. I should be allowed to call you out on that.

You specific example taken to the extreme happened in the US (or was it UK?) where a gym banned fit people from its premises because fat people felt uncomfortable there.

See, shit like this is very, very obnoxious.

 

[Gustav]

I think it is an opinion and a poster should have a right to state it, esp. when it someone's fault they are overweight or don't exercise. In this specific case it doesn't take much to maintain your weight, and as I live in Europe I pay from my taxes to subsidize all the treatments you are getting because of your weight problems. I should be allowed to call you out on that.

You specific example taken to the extreme happened in the US (or was it UK?) where a gym banned fit people from its premises because fat people felt uncomfortable there.

And it's my opinion that you are a cunt. See the problem?

 

[Wazzim]

Yes, on certain subjects.
The fact that drug discussion got banned and the restriction on adult content/discussion are good examples.

 

[Castor Krieg]

See, shit like this is very, very obnoxious.

Explain, my sarcasm meter is almost always broken.

And it's my opinion that you are a cunt. See the problem?

No, I don't see the problem. I am not going to have nightmares and be uncomfortable because a random dude on the Internet called me names. However, I see the difference in that I provided reasoning to my opinion, and you just tossed it aside and called me names because my opinion is different than yours.

 

[pigeon]

Explain, my sarcasm meter is almost always broken.

Basically, your post is "I should be allowed to call fat people lazy if it's true." it should be clear why this is a problematic position.

 

[Gustav]

Explain, my sarcasm meter is almost always broken.



No, I don't see the problem. I am not going to have nightmares and be uncomfortable because a random dude on the Internet called me names.

"It's an opinion" is not a valid excuse for anything. "I hate niggers" is an opinion. Does not mean GAF wants this shit in their home.
All I'm saying is that they should ban all sorts of discrimination, independent of the target. Be it whites, blacks, women, fat people, sick people or rich people.

It's not about when you feel uncomfortable, it's about the rules set by NeoGAF.

 

[ThoseDeafMutes]

the "cunt" rule is stupid.

I agree, but would extend that to a range of insults banned on similar grounds. As an Australian, "cunt" is a word I use maybe 5-10 times a day when I'm hanging around with my friends, both as a term of endearment ("'sup cunts?") and as a mild insult roughly on par with "dick" ("Yeah, he's a bit of a cunt."). The use of "gay" as an actual insult against homosexuals is also basically extinct where I live (if you're a homophobe here, you'll use far stronger terms) , but it is instead used as a common word interchangeable with "bad" (e.g. "man, that's pretty gay.") and is fully embraced in this usage by gay and lesbian people themselves. You'll get the odd person thinking they're ultra progressive and smart telling you that you shouldn't use the word gay that way because it's implicitly homophobic, but it's far too ingrained in the local culture to lose that meaning any time soon, even at the same time as tolerance and acceptance of homosexuality is at an all time high and still improving. If I were a betting man, I'd say that 40-50 years down the line, nobody will refer to homosexuals as "gays" but the alternative usage to mean "bad" (approximately) will remain.

Regardless, though, GAF is a US-centric community and we have to play by their rules.

I don't think anyone is bashing those with legitimate weight problems, just those who are lazy, overeat, and were not taught to enjoy exercising/activity.

Not so. A distressing number of people argue that all fat people are lazy and disgusting and deserve to be shamed. Sometimes they will make a caveat that they think that people who have medical conditions don't deserve shame, but that every single other fat person does.

 

[Castor Krieg]

Basically, your post is "I should be allowed to call fat people lazy if it's true." it should be clear why this is a problematic position.

So just allow them to be fat, even if it indirectly effects me? Or are you simply so short-sighted that you cannot think of why that would be a problem? I understand that in US you pay your own medical bills, however here in Germany my medical coverage will be used to treat heart condition of an obese person.

"It's an opinion" is not a valid excuse for anything. "I hate niggers" is an opinion. Does not mean GAF wants this shit in their home.

"I hate niggers" has no reasonable explanation. Second of all, GAF is an Internet forum, and you should treat it as such, stop being so invested into chatting with strangers online. Lastly, your stance is exactly what I find strange - I should be able to voice my opinion on your opinion. Otherwise it is not really a discussion board, instead everyone is talking to themselves.

 

[C4Lukins]

I think it is an opinion and a poster should have a right to state it, esp. when it someone's fault they are overweight or don't exercise. In this specific case it doesn't take much to maintain your weight, and as I live in Europe I pay from my taxes to subsidize all the treatments you are getting because of your weight problems. I should be allowed to call you out on that.

You specific example taken to the extreme happened in the US (or was it UK?) where a gym banned fit people from its premises because fat people felt uncomfortable there.

Well you do have the rite to state such an opinion, but you should do it in a civil manner at least, and the mods have the rite to judge you accordingly. You can post any opinion you want. But what makes this board semi readable is the rules that are in place. If you state your opinion, even if it is not all that popular, in a somewhat cohesive manner that is not hate speech or trolling, the board tends to be forgiving.

 

[Thunder Monkey]

Explain, my sarcasm meter is almost always broken.

No, I don't see the problem. I am not going to have nightmares and be uncomfortable because a random dude on the Internet called me names.

While I've always felt there is a degree of choice which does allow obesity to both be discussed and derided. It's never as clear cut as "Walk a little!" Not in every case at least.

I try to monitor my mothers caloric intake as she's gotten older and less physically able, but the fact that walking ten feet can lead to falls limits her ability to exercise badly. Any amount of calories can become too many for someone with limited capability. I've always had to be mindful of my weight. When I was in college working out and walking every day the lightest I ever got was 196lbs at 5 feet 8 inches. But I've always had significant muscle capacity naturally.

Yes my current weight of 235lbs has more to do with less activity, but for some that larger weight becomes something near insurmountable without drastic surgery. I'm not sure I'd want to walk around with 300-400lbs on my knees.

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

first post nails it.

if this place had instant membership and lacked the tight moderation it would be a mess.

 

[Kyon]

Eh its ok. The "bitch" ban is the dumbest thing ever though but whatever.

 

[pigeon]

So just allow them to be fat, even if it indirectly effects me? Or are you simply so short-sighted that you cannot think of why that would be a problem?

Okay, I guess it wasn't clear.

Most fat people aren't fat because they're lazy and calling them lazy is ignorant. That's the whole reason that people were saying it shouldn't be allowed. So suggesting that you should be allowed to say it if it's true is a significant failure of reading comprehension.

 

[Gustav]

So just allow them to be fat, even if it indirectly effects me? Or are you simply so short-sighted that you cannot think of why that would be a problem? I understand that in US you pay your own medical bills, however here in Germany my medical coverage will be used to treat heart condition of an obese person.



"I hate niggers" has no reasonable explanation. Second of all, GAF is an Internet forum, and you should treat it as such, stop being so invested into chatting with strangers online. Lastly, your stance is exactly what I find strange - I should be able to voice my opinion on your opinion. Otherwise it is not really a discussion board, instead everyone is talking to themselves.

It's not about voicing an opinion, it's about HOW you voice that opinion.

 

[Castor Krieg]

While I've always felt there is a degree of choice which does allow obesity to both be discussed and derided. It's never as clear cut as "Walk a little!" Not in every case at least.

I agree with that, I am simply against a knee-jerk reaction that assumes everyone that is fat is fat because of some severe health condition which makes them unable to monitor their weight. With that assumption it is impossible to discuss other important topics e.g. ow to make people to exercise more, how should society tackle growing obesity problem, etc.

Most fat people aren't fat because they're lazy and calling them lazy is ignorant.

This is the stance that I am against a few lines above. Yes, I believe most people are fat because they are lazy, do not watch their calorie intake and do not want to exercise. It is ridiculously easy to exercise - you can do it even at 10-11pm. Moreover, recent research shows growing obesity problem is a result of increased calorie intake, and not lack of physical exercise. Check that - you do not even need to exercise to be fit, just stop eating that fat!

I would agree calling fat people lazy is not politically correct, but not ignorant.

 

[Gustav]

I agree with that, I am simply against a knee-jerk reaction that assumes everyone that is fat is fat because of some severe health condition which makes them unable to monitor their weight. With that assumption it is impossible to discuss other important topics e.g. ow to make people to exercise more, how should society tackle growing obesity problem, etc.



This is the stance that I am against a few lines above. Yes, I believe most people are fat because they are lazy, do not watch their calorie intake and do not want to exercise.

So GabeN is lazy? Kevin James is lazy? I would argue it's simply other priorities in life.

 

[Horse Armour]

And it's my opinion that you are a cunt. See the problem?

See ya.

 

[Castor Krieg]

So GabeN is lazy? Kevin James is lazy? I would argue it's simply other priorities in life.

I do not know if Gabe has a medical condition or not, however what is most likely: a. that each obese person is too lazy to watch their diet? b. that each obese person has a medical condition, which would mean like 40% of American adults have that?

As for priorities - IN MY OPINION I would rank not having joint pains, walking more than 10 meters without losing your breath, etc. pretty high up if you care about the quality of your life at all.

 

[criesofthepast]

I usually hang in threads that mods like Bish, Y2kev, Stump, and EviLore frequent and those are the most chill mods of all so I don't notice GAF being too strict in my daily browsing. I spend less and less time on gaming side which I recall having a few mods who are quicker with the ban hammer...perhaps unfairly so.

I'd still like to know who banned me the one time I got banned. Thought it was pretty harsh even though it was only for a month.

 

[C4Lukins]

I agree with that, I am simply against a knee-jerk reaction that assumes everyone that is fat is fat because of some severe health condition which makes them unable to monitor their weight. With that assumption it is impossible to discuss other important topics e.g. ow to make people to exercise more, how should society tackle growing obesity problem, etc.



This is the stance that I am against a few lines above. Yes, I believe most people are fat because they are lazy, do not watch their calorie intake and do not want to exercise. It is ridiculously easy to exercise - you can do it even at 10-11pm. Moreover, recent research shows growing obesity problem is a result of increased calorie intake, and not lack of physical exercise. Check that - you do not even need to exercise to be fit, just stop eating that fat!

I would agree calling fat people lazy is not politically correct, but not ignorant.

So maybe blame the government then? If you are paying for fat people, the solution would more easily be rectifed by not having to pay for fat people, and fat people just enjoying their fat lives. It is much easier to not pay for fat people then to convince all people not to be fat.

 

[UnblessedSoul]

Yes they need a change up in mods I believe