Help us determine the level of censorship at GenealogyWise

Today is the one-week birthday of GenealogyWise. In the last couple of days we have had to face some censorship issues for the first time. We have not been around long enough to have set policies for these kind of issues. So, we want to turn to you, our members, to help us set our censorship policies. We invite each of you to respond letting us know whether or not you think the following types of posts should be censored:

(1) Content related to pornography or adult content
(2) Content promoting products and services not related to genealogy (business opportunities, etc.)
(3) Content that is disrespectful or rude (name calling, etc.)

We value your feedback and want your help in setting policies. What do you think?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Frelan Neil Staley on July 27, 2009 at 3:08am

(1) Content related to pornography or adult content:
This should be completely forbidden. It has nothing to do with Genealogy. I have the impression that this site is only for Genealogy.

(2) Content promoting products and services not related to genealogy (business opportunities, etc.)

a. Promotions for Genealogy products and services should be OK but should indicate clearly that the service or product is not free.

b. If some refers to or gives a link to a site for information, it should indicate if the information or service has a fee or not.
(Note: I find it frustrating when I go to a site that requires a fee before I can get the information.)

(3) Content that is disrespectful or rude (name calling, etc.)

a. I think that fowl language on a site like this has no place.
b. People should always use a diplomatic way even when they are upset or disagree with some.

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Permalink Reply by Greg Settle on July 27, 2009 at 8:59am

1. I don't see the need for adult/pornographic content. Its covered elsewhere on the net!
2. These could be allowed on a limited basis as long as they are limited and harmless.
3. Hard to determine what is disrespectful. Its often age dependent. I know of no reason for rudeness. Simple crudity should be filtered, e.g. use of "WTF" in a post.

In the long run, you want to run a site where genealogy is the prime focus not policing members posts to forums. I suggest in the beginning you run it somewhat loose. Try not to let the "few bad apples" spoil the party.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Chip Taylor on July 28, 2009 at 1:22pm

My 2 cents (that's old-timey prices you know...)

1. Censor
2. Censor
3. Censor

In case 1 - ban member immediately
In cases 2 & 3 - one warning and then the boot

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Permalink Reply by D. Jane Carpenter on July 28, 2009 at 2:09pm

As a professional genealogist based in SLC I think we as a group here face these issues from time to time. I will not go into detail. My answer for all three would be absolutely yes. If GW becomes more than a genealogy site, I will remove my information completely. None of the three has any business connected with my research or interests.

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Permalink Reply by David Jenkins on August 8, 2009 at 12:05pm

I am not a professional genealogist but I agree with D. Jane Carpenter's reply.

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Permalink Reply by Gary Gordon Daffern on July 28, 2009 at 2:24pm

I think all three should be censored. If I wanted any of that stuff there are other sites that specialize in that material that I can go to. This site should be strictly for genealogy.

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Permalink Reply by patsy adkins on July 28, 2009 at 4:57pm

I think those three should be done on a regular basis around here.
patsy

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Permalink Reply by Gloria G. Albinak on August 8, 2009 at 12:49pm

All three of the suggested topics which should not appear in posts on GenealogyWise are valid. One other posting I think worthy of censure is sales pitches for genealogy or other products. Not information on where to find books or programs or information - but rather obvious invitations to buy such, with prices and the like, usually placed by individuals or companies seeking to make money. Perhaps some might think this harsh... I say not, for there are plenty of resources on the Web for direct sales. Keep GenealogyWise free from sales pitches, please!

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Permalink Reply by Sheila Badger Beaudry on August 8, 2009 at 7:08pm

All 3 should be forbidden. Thanks for asking.

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Permalink Reply by David B. Stanton on August 9, 2009 at 5:02am

I agree that items you list in 1,2,3 should be eliminated from posts.

Dave Stanton

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Permalink Reply by Margaret Laird on August 9, 2009 at 2:33pm

Of course these three should be edited out. Most genealogists have more respect for their fellow researchers than to use such content.

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Permalink Reply by David Alexander Glashan on August 9, 2009 at 9:59pm

There is no need for any of the 3 areas of concern to be involved with the search for family. Someone who thinks their freedom of speech is being impaired doesn't realize that I or any of us don't want to hear any of that stuff. So, in those cases, my freedom to not hear any of that stuff is being restricted. Plain and simple.