PG-13/Adult content and the message boards

Mike

Hi everyone,

I've been following several of the discussions regarding the turn towards more "PG-13"/R content on the boards and debating what the site policy should be on these types of posts. I haven't posted in any of the discussions because I didn't want to inject myself into the debate. Instead, I first wanted to see how all of you, the MFP community, felt.

After reading the many different opinions expressed by all of you, however, and after a great deal of thought, I just don't see a good reason to allow some of the more risque posts that have been taking place on the boards. In general, I definitely want the boards to be an open place for discussion on virtually any topic. But "adult" content diminishes the positive feel of the boards that we've all managed to create because it alienates some members who otherwise would love to participate in supporting all of us. While I know the posts are in good fun, I don't think even the people who participate in them will miss them that much - there are lots of other places on the internet for adult discussions. And there are plenty of other ways we can joke around with one another.

I just would hate to see people stop posting on the message boards because of a few dirty jokes or pictures that were meant to be fun but instead drove someone out of the community. I think if the content were actually PG-13, it'd be ok. We are adults, and I'm not trying to force the boards to be so clean as to be "prudish", rated G, etc. But many posters have been labeling content as PG-13 when really, its closer to R at best.

Specifically, I would like to avoid:

- posting "risque" pictures
- any obscene, vulgar, or sexually-oriented content
- topic "hijacking", especially when a poster turns an originally serious post into a sexual one

Basically, if you think a topic needs to be labeled somehow to warn others of adult content, it's probably not appropriate.

I hope everyone can understand the reasons for putting this policy into place. If you have any concerns or objections, please feel free to let me know by either sending me a mail message or posting here. I always want to hear your thoughts. I just feel this policy will help ensure that the MFP community remains the best place on the web to get the friendship and support we all need to reach our goals.

Thanks, and hope you are all enjoying the site.

Mike

Hi everyone,

I've been following several of the discussions regarding the turn towards more "PG-13"/R content on the boards and debating what the site policy should be on these types of posts. I haven't posted in any of the discussions because I didn't want to inject myself into the debate. Instead, I first wanted to see how all of you, the MFP community, felt.

After reading the many different opinions expressed by all of you, however, and after a great deal of thought, I just don't see a good reason to allow some of the more risque posts that have been taking place on the boards. In general, I definitely want the boards to be an open place for discussion on virtually any topic. But "adult" content diminishes the positive feel of the boards that we've all managed to create because it alienates some members who otherwise would love to participate in supporting all of us. While I know the posts are in good fun, I don't think even the people who participate in them will miss them that much - there are lots of other places on the internet for adult discussions. And there are plenty of other ways we can joke around with one another.

I just would hate to see people stop posting on the message boards because of a few dirty jokes or pictures that were meant to be fun but instead drove someone out of the community. I think if the content were actually PG-13, it'd be ok. We are adults, and I'm not trying to force the boards to be so clean as to be "prudish", rated G, etc. But many posters have been labeling content as PG-13 when really, its closer to R at best.

Specifically, I would like to avoid:

- posting "risque" pictures
- any obscene, vulgar, or sexually-oriented content
- topic "hijacking", especially when a poster turns an originally serious post into a sexual one

Basically, if you think a topic needs to be labeled somehow to warn others of adult content, it's probably not appropriate.

I hope everyone can understand the reasons for putting this policy into place. If you have any concerns or objections, please feel free to let me know by either sending me a mail message or posting here. I always want to hear your thoughts. I just feel this policy will help ensure that the MFP community remains the best place on the web to get the friendship and support we all need to reach our goals.

Thanks, and hope you are all enjoying the site.

Manda86

I, for one, really appreciate you taking the time to address this issue-
I think the adult humor really did spiral out of control, and I struggled a few weeks ago with whether or not I was going to keep my account active - it just didn't seem like the same, wholesome encouraging environment. I agree that we can joke with each other and have fun without going THERE.

I love all of my MFP fam, and I hope that we can return to the good ole' (mostly) clean days of MFP


*HUGS* all around

Manda

neverbeenskinny

Thanks Mike. I'm in total support of this. :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

JeremyInvincible

Thanks Mike.

carajo

I am definately with ya Thanks for this AMAZING site....Cara

Fitness_Chick

Appreciate all the time you put into this board, the creating of it..the maintenance of it...you really have created the best fitness site on the web!!

I for one would like to say thanks!:flowerforyou:

Vans

This is a good idea.....I think your making a good decision doing this! Let's continue the positive encouragement!!! and for those looking for comedy maybe they can check out comedy central online and keeps "adult" topics away from here.
good luck to all!

shorerider

This is a good idea.....I think your making a good decision doing this! Let's continue the positive encouragement!!! and for those looking for comedy maybe they can check out comedy central online and keeps "adult" topics away from here.
good luck to all!

Well, let's not make a connection between comedy and adult content. I love the funny stuff on this board, and much of it is not "adult topic" so much any more.

That said, Mike--it's your board and your decision, and I think it's one everyone can agree and live with. I think this is a great place and will continue to be!

Actually, I skipped over this when I first saw the topic heading because I thought it was one of the "PG-13" threads, and I've been simply avoiding them. Then noticed Mike had posted it!

Thanks again, Mike, for all you do and continue to do!

butterjoy

THANK YOU SO MUCH MIKE!
WHEN SOMETHING STARTS SO INNOCENT AND FUN TO PARTICIPATE IN AND THEN SOMEONE CHANGES IT TO MORE THAN IT SHOULD BE, IT CAN BE OFFENSIVE AT TIMES.
I REALLY ENJOY TALKING & JOKING WITH EVERYONE AND DO LEARN A LOT FOR MY HEALTH AND WEIGHT LOSS FROM MY FITNESS PAL.

JOY :flowerforyou:

jackeh

I can completely see how some of the photos and some of the content that has been posted is completely inappropriate... but I think it is going to be hard to draw a fine line... I think people are gonna be offended no matter what... and i definately think sometimes its ok to lable a topic "pg13" especially if its light hearted but you think it MIGHT offend someone" . And my idea of PG13 might be different than the next persons idea of PG13... to be safe if i have a joke or something I will continue to lable it PG13 if i think it MIGHT offend someone...we dont want to lose the humor in here!!! the humor is what makes a lot of us come here as much as we do!! But we also dont want to offend anyone!! I know thats not my intentions!! But i sort of do agree that the completely inappropriate content should probably go (even though i am one of those posters :ohwell: )
The Hijacking has stopped on the website in recent days and we have all been really good about it.

continue with the great website mike.... and i hope you dont eject me from the site for posting my oppinion :laugh: :laugh:
Jackie


i just wanted to add another example of when it might be appropriate to add the PG13 lable to a post heading.... in the topic does s.e.x. burn calories... might be offensive to some but not to others... and its a pretty common question!!!

GravyGurl

Thanks for this site Mike!! I agree with your decision... it's one of the reasons why I faded away from the message boards... I didn't like the content and was tired of seeing all of the ones that I read go towards the wayside. I'm glad I happened to drop in today and see this though :flowerforyou:

Fitness_Chick

You've made some very valid points Girl! :drinker:

I can completely see how some of the photos and some of the content that has been posted is completely inappropriate... but I think it is going to be hard to draw a fine line... I think people are gonna be offended no matter what... and i definately think sometimes its ok to lable a topic "pg13" especially if its light hearted but you think it MIGHT offend someone" . And my idea of PG13 might be different than the next persons idea of PG13... to be safe if i have a joke or something I will continue to lable it PG13 if i think it MIGHT offend someone...we dont want to lose the humor in here!!! the humor is what makes a lot of us come here as much as we do!! But we also dont want to offend anyone!! I know thats not my intentions!! But i sort of do agree that the completely inappropriate content should probably go (even though i am one of those posters :ohwell: )
The Hijacking has stopped on the website in recent days and we have all been really good about it.

continue with the great website mike.... and i hope you dont eject me from the site for posting my oppinion :laugh: :laugh:
Jackie


i just wanted to add another example of when it might be appropriate to add the PG13 lable to a post heading.... in the topic does s.e.x. burn calories... might be offensive to some but not to others... and its a pretty common question!!!

Phoenix_Rising

Thanks for taking the time to mull this over and address, Mike! :drinker:

mholmes

I have a lot of respect for you and how you viewed and addressed this matter. Thanks so much, not just for the site but for everything.

Alike Jakie, I am one of those posters. It was always in good fun and maybe it was only for those of us who used the joking around as an outlet, no matter what the reason..... I always had a blast. No, not being able to post or discuss the same things will not keep me from using all the site has to offer but it does take away that great thing I enjoyed so much about other MFP'rs.... We're all hear for ABOUT the same reason right? Health and fitness. If in the process of feeling better about ourselves we meet others with a similar thought process or sense of humor and get to let loose before/during/after a stressfull day of work, things at home not great, whatever the reason.... and all things that can affect you physically then as long as it's deemed harmless by it's participants I seen no issue, personally. I also thought a topic heading was working out very well in letting people know what it was about and there they'd know if they wanted or did not want to participate in that discussion.

With that said, I will mind my manners and continue to provide my support for others, ask for it when needed, and I thank you again for this site and all you do. :flowerforyou:

P.S. - Like Jakie said.... don't boot me for giving my opinion please :ohwell:

jackeh

I have a lot of respect for you and how you viewed and addressed this matter. Thanks so much, not just for the site but for everything.

Alike Jakie, I am one of those posters. It was always in good fun and maybe it was only for those of us who used the joking around as an outlet, no matter what the reason..... I always had a blast. No, not being able to post or discuss the same things will not keep me from using all the site has to offer but it does take away that great thing I enjoyed so much about other MFP'rs.... We're all hear for ABOUT the same reason right? Health and fitness. If in the process of feeling better about ourselves we meet others with a similar thought process or sense of humor and get to let loose before/during/after a stressfull day of work, things at home not great, whatever the reason.... and all things that can affect you physically then as long as it's deemed harmless by it's participants I seen no issue, personally. I also thought a topic heading was working out very well in letting people know what it was about and there they'd know if they wanted or did not want to participate in that discussion.

With that said, I will mind my manners and continue to provide my support for others, ask for it when needed, and I thank you again for this site and all you do. :flowerforyou:

P.S. - Like Jakie said.... don't boot me for giving my opinion please :ohwell:

I do agree with Meg that we thought we had solved this problem ourselves with the "pg13" heading on our titles.... and people could enter if they wanted. And i agree we do need an outlet sometimes to let loose and relax with "our own kind" .... but of course it is your web site and i think you should do what you think is right:flowerforyou:

jackeh

BTW MFPers i think you should ALL be commenting on this .... this web site is nothing without ALL of US!!!

kerrilucko

I personally do not post adult content on the boards, but I'm not particularly offended by those that do. I'm sure there are people that don't want to read that stuff though. What about a specific forum for PG 13 material (I'm not talking about offensive photos etc), but some topics are PG13 without being offensive (such as questions which relate to sex &weight loss, and serious personal issues which may not be appropriate for everyone to read about. Maybe a PG-13 forum could help? Just a thought. Thanks Mike!:flowerforyou:

cheermom11

Thank you, Mike. I love it here! My diet and fitness life has changed forever and I'm a much healthier and happier person for it.

I fully support your decision. :flowerforyou:

emibmas

Let me begin by saying Thank you Mike for a website that is truly life changing. I am thankful each and every moment that I am able to use this site and all it has to offer. You are helping us be healthy, and I am grafteful.

I came onto this site, posted a few times, needed encouragement to keep going with this change, and I found great support from many. I posted a few times some OT stuff like Questions of the day, which was fun. When I find a article that helps me, I post it.

But...when my head is spinning and the old me appears and wants to turn to food, I instead turn to the gutter gang. They make me laugh, keep my mind off whatever it is that is bothering me, and I am better for it. No one is being hurtful, rude, or demeaning. We joke around a lot, and make eachother laugh. I understand that sometimes it does get a little too raunchy. I am truly sorry for offecding anyone with anything I may have said.

I came onto this site to betetr myself, I have LOST weight and GAINED a support system. I will continue to use this site, and be apart of the challenges I am on as long as you let me! I respect you for setting the record straight. I will be more than happy to abide by any guidelines. Thanks again to you Mike, and to the MFP'ers for everything.

ericarey85

I personally do not post adult content on the boards, but I'm not particularly offended by those that do. I'm sure there are people that don't want to read that stuff though. What about a specific forum for PG 13 material (I'm not talking about offensive photos etc), but some topics are PG13 without being offensive (such as questions which relate to sex &weight loss, and serious personal issues which may not be appropriate for everyone to read about. Maybe a PG-13 forum could help? Just a thought. Thanks Mike!:flowerforyou:

i agree 100% :flowerforyou:

jamerz3294

I can completely see how some of the photos and some of the content that has been posted is completely inappropriate... but I think it is going to be hard to draw a fine line... I think people are gonna be offended no matter what... and i definately think sometimes its ok to lable a topic "pg13" especially if its light hearted but you think it MIGHT offend someone" . And my idea of PG13 might be different than the next persons idea of PG13... to be safe if i have a joke or something I will continue to lable it PG13 if i think it MIGHT offend someone...we dont want to lose the humor in here!!! the humor is what makes a lot of us come here as much as we do!! But we also dont want to offend anyone!! I know thats not my intentions!! But i sort of do agree that the completely inappropriate content should probably go (even though i am one of those posters :ohwell: )
The Hijacking has stopped on the website in recent days and we have all been really good about it.

continue with the great website mike.... and i hope you dont eject me from the site for posting my oppinion :laugh: :laugh:
Jackie


i just wanted to add another example of when it might be appropriate to add the PG13 lable to a post heading.... in the topic does s.e.x. burn calories... might be offensive to some but not to others... and its a pretty common question!!!

I agree that some stuff has been over the top, and had offended some people, which ain't right! But on the other hand, if we let the No Fun Police suck the life outta these Forums, there will be NO reason to be in here. Just my .02¢ Yea sure the serious stuff is very helpful, and so is the support of all My Family Peeps, don't get me wrong. I had just thought the OT PG13 threads were a good answer...sigh...

mholmes

But...when my head is spinning and the old me appears and wants to turn to food, I instead turn to the gutter gang. They make me laugh, keep my mind off whatever it is that is bothering me, and I am better for it. No one is being hurtful, rude, or demeaning. We joke around a lot, and make eachother laugh. I understand that sometimes it does get a little too raunchy. I am truly sorry for offecding anyone with anything I may have said.

Thanks for stealing the words right outta my head! I was havin the hardest time!! lol, agree 100% :flowerforyou: :drinker:

TamTastic

Hey all.

Well, I have avoided voicing my opinion simply because the drama since last week has just been too much. And there were a few "opinions" shared that left a bad taste in my mouth. Mostly those of a hypocritical nature. And those judgemental comments and the behavior that followed has caused quite a bit of hurt in someone I care about very much and who is probably one of the sweetest and most genuine people on MFP.

I know I am one of those that has posted some "risque" comments. Though my idea of risque is quite a bit less raunchy than some. However, that is what makes us all unique individuals and to each their own. With that said, I am definitely going to own up to my part of it and apologize if I have offended anyone at any time. Pretending I haven't done so, would make my a hypocrite wouldnt you say??

Something else I would like to say is that I know for a fact a lot of us are dealing with some pretty hectic and stressful lives. We have serious life issues to deal with in our "real" lives. To me, this is a place to come to get support, offer support, log my calories, log my exercise, provide helpful information that I come across to others, etc.

But it is also a place I come to escape the stresses of my life. I enjoy coming here for a laugh and sometimes shaking my head and groaning at something someone has said. But I always do it with a smile and it makes me feel a lot better. I think many of us view it that way. I mean, with my friend fighting for her life in the hospital, this has been one of the only things to keep my mind off it and allow me to laugh a little. To get a little silly and make some innuendos is not hurting anyone I think, especially if there is a "content warning" in the title. If someone chooses to enter anyway, well isn't that THEIR choice and thereby becomes their consequence if it offends them??

No, this isn't a site made to entertain but if one or two threads (with the proper labeling) is set up for that....then I really don't see the problem. Like I said, some things might be a bit more "adult" than I would post...but..whatever...to each their own. If those kind of things offend you, then just don't read that particular thread. That's just my opinion.

First and foremost...just remember that this site and the people on it are amazingly helpful and I will always treasure everyone here, especially with the long journey I have had and will continue to have. We all came here with a common goal (to be healthy). So, let's keep it lighthearted, no matter what.....ok??

to all!
-Tami

Shannon023

Hey all.

Well, I have avoided voicing my opinion simply because the drama since last week has just been too much. And there were a few "opinions" shared that left a bad taste in my mouth. Mostly those of a hypocritical nature. And those judgemental comments and the behavior that followed has caused quite a bit of hurt in someone I care about very much and who is probably one of the sweetest and most genuine people on MFP.

I know I am one of those that has posted some "risque" comments. Though my idea of risque is quite a bit less raunchy than some. However, that is what makes us all unique individuals and to each their own. With that said, I am definitely going to own up to my part of it and apologize if I have offended anyone at any time. Pretending I haven't done so, would make my a hypocrite wouldnt you say??

Something else I would like to say is that I know for a fact a lot of us are dealing with some pretty hectic and stressful lives. We have serious life issues to deal with in our "real" lives. To me, this is a place to come to get support, offer support, log my calories, log my exercise, provide helpful information that I come across to others, etc.

But it is also a place I come to escape the stresses of my life. I enjoy coming here for a laugh and sometimes shaking my head and groaning at something someone has said. But I always do it with a smile and it makes me feel a lot better. I think many of us view it that way. I mean, with my friend fighting for her life in the hospital, this has been one of the only things to keep my mind off it and allow me to laugh a little. To get a little silly and make some innuendos is not hurting anyone I think, especially if there is a "content warning" in the title. If someone chooses to enter anyway, well isn't that THEIR choice and thereby becomes their consequence if it offends them??

No, this isn't a site made to entertain but if one or two threads (with the proper labeling) is set up for that....then I really don't see the problem. Like I said, some things might be a bit more "adult" than I would post...but..whatever...to each their own. If those kind of things offend you, then just don't read that particular thread. That's just my opinion.

First and foremost...just remember that this site and the people on it are amazingly helpful and I will always treasure everyone here, especially with the long journey I have had and will continue to have. We all came here with a common goal (to be healthy). So, let's keep it lighthearted, no matter what.....ok??

to all!
-Tami

Nicely stated, Tam!

mjfer123

Hey all.

Well, I have avoided voicing my opinion simply because the drama since last week has just been too much. And there were a few "opinions" shared that left a bad taste in my mouth. Mostly those of a hypocritical nature. And those judgemental comments and the behavior that followed has caused quite a bit of hurt in someone I care about very much and who is probably one of the sweetest and most genuine people on MFP.

I know I am one of those that has posted some "risque" comments. Though my idea of risque is quite a bit less raunchy than some. However, that is what makes us all unique individuals and to each their own. With that said, I am definitely going to own up to my part of it and apologize if I have offended anyone at any time. Pretending I haven't done so, would make my a hypocrite wouldnt you say??

Something else I would like to say is that I know for a fact a lot of us are dealing with some pretty hectic and stressful lives. We have serious life issues to deal with in our "real" lives. To me, this is a place to come to get support, offer support, log my calories, log my exercise, provide helpful information that I come across to others, etc.

But it is also a place I come to escape the stresses of my life. I enjoy coming here for a laugh and sometimes shaking my head and groaning at something someone has said. But I always do it with a smile and it makes me feel a lot better. I think many of us view it that way. I mean, with my friend fighting for her life in the hospital, this has been one of the only things to keep my mind off it and allow me to laugh a little. To get a little silly and make some innuendos is not hurting anyone I think, especially if there is a "content warning" in the title. If someone chooses to enter anyway, well isn't that THEIR choice and thereby becomes their consequence if it offends them??

No, this isn't a site made to entertain but if one or two threads (with the proper labeling) is set up for that....then I really don't see the problem. Like I said, some things might be a bit more "adult" than I would post...but..whatever...to each their own. If those kind of things offend you, then just don't read that particular thread. That's just my opinion.

First and foremost...just remember that this site and the people on it are amazingly helpful and I will always treasure everyone here, especially with the long journey I have had and will continue to have. We all came here with a common goal (to be healthy). So, let's keep it lighthearted, no matter what.....ok??

to all!
-Tami

Nicely stated, Tam!

indeed:drinker:

Laynee

Thank you Mike so much for a great and VERY helpful site. I appreciate the guidelines you are setting. I joined recently, enjoyed reading posts but stopped because there were things I didn't want to read/see. I'm going to go back to reading and participating in posts and see what happens. Thank you again for MFP and for making it a place we can all come to and enjoy!

age1389

I've been on here since last Oct. and adult content stuff was never a problem until recently. I don't know why it has to go "there" in order to have fun and laugh and to get away from life stresses. There's plenty of other things to talk about it. I agree with Mike if you have to go "there" there's plenty of other places to do it on the interent.
Thanks Mike.. Maybe we can get back to the original MFP:drinker:


-Adrienne

LokiFae

I think that as a community grows bigger, it is almost inevitable that we will all become more comfortable with each other. I personally have found some things people have said to be a little over the top and offensive, but I groan and ignore it and move on to something else. I haven't seen anything on the boards that's overtly offensive since the institution of the OT/PG-13 heading, because it has been contained to that. I think if you don't like reading the things that you KNOW are going to be posted in there, don't. I think everyone has done a great job censoring themselves in the common topics. Everybody on here has a great amount of respect for the MFP community, and I know they would never mean to offend anybody. All it took was someone bringing it up, so they knew about it. And it immediately changed.

And the development of cliques on MFP is by no means a new thing. There have been cliques on here since I started a few months ago. It's inevitable. But I have NEVER felt excluded from anything. Just because there are cliques doesn't mean anybody excludes anyone else from anything. I have always and continue to feel welcome and comfortable discussing the things that I feel I need to discuss. What makes this place so great is the openness. If we impose too many rules and regulations and start making accusations and disliking other members, then that's where it all goes down the toilet. If you have a problem with something someone said on the boards, or didn't like the way a certain topic was broached or hijacked, let them know about it. We've all seen that they won't be angry and will do what they can to correct it. That's what we ALL need to remember. Nobody's perfect, and everyone says things once in a while that offend somebody. If we just continue to be open with each other, there shouldn't be a problem.

soup78

Hey all.

Well, I have avoided voicing my opinion simply because the drama since last week has just been too much. And there were a few "opinions" shared that left a bad taste in my mouth. Mostly those of a hypocritical nature. And those judgemental comments and the behavior that followed has caused quite a bit of hurt in someone I care about very much and who is probably one of the sweetest and most genuine people on MFP.

I know I am one of those that has posted some "risque" comments. Though my idea of risque is quite a bit less raunchy than some. However, that is what makes us all unique individuals and to each their own. With that said, I am definitely going to own up to my part of it and apologize if I have offended anyone at any time. Pretending I haven't done so, would make my a hypocrite wouldnt you say??

Something else I would like to say is that I know for a fact a lot of us are dealing with some pretty hectic and stressful lives. We have serious life issues to deal with in our "real" lives. To me, this is a place to come to get support, offer support, log my calories, log my exercise, provide helpful information that I come across to others, etc.

But it is also a place I come to escape the stresses of my life. I enjoy coming here for a laugh and sometimes shaking my head and groaning at something someone has said. But I always do it with a smile and it makes me feel a lot better. I think many of us view it that way. I mean, with my friend fighting for her life in the hospital, this has been one of the only things to keep my mind off it and allow me to laugh a little. To get a little silly and make some innuendos is not hurting anyone I think, especially if there is a "content warning" in the title. If someone chooses to enter anyway, well isn't that THEIR choice and thereby becomes their consequence if it offends them??

No, this isn't a site made to entertain but if one or two threads (with the proper labeling) is set up for that....then I really don't see the problem. Like I said, some things might be a bit more "adult" than I would post...but..whatever...to each their own. If those kind of things offend you, then just don't read that particular thread. That's just my opinion.

First and foremost...just remember that this site and the people on it are amazingly helpful and I will always treasure everyone here, especially with the long journey I have had and will continue to have. We all came here with a common goal (to be healthy). So, let's keep it lighthearted, no matter what.....ok??

to all!
-Tami

Well said, Tami.

PedalHound

Thanks for the time and the tact of addressing this Mike - you continue to rock!

I do agree that the line is a fine one but we should all keep it in kid-glove territory as much as possible. Thanks for your continued attention to our well-being :flowerforyou: