Genealogy Wise

The Genealogy & Family History Social Network

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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Permalink Reply by Thomas MacEntee on July 18, 2009 at 11:55am
I've been looking at some of the latest posts and I don't believe some who have come in late to the conversation realize the impetus for this post or may be misunderstanding the intent.

My take is that no one is anticipating Genealogy Wise to be a site where you can find porn. Period. But there may be the occasional spammer who sneaks in and wants to use Genealogy Wise that way. So we are being asked how Genealogy Wise should handle such situations.

Same thing for promoting non-genealogy related products.

Most of the comments/replies above pertain to the more subjective area of posts and content that are deemed to be disrespectful or rude. That seems to be the real heart of the discussion (and by saying that I don't mean to diminish the great side discussions about copyright and whether 1890s burlesque photos of great-grandma are considered porn - these are valuable)

It might be time to end this forum topic and perhaps start separates ones on sub-topics like copyright, like non-genealogy businesses, etc. I don't think we need a discussion any more on porn.
Permalink Reply by Eileen Cogan on July 20, 2009 at 8:25am
yeah, we DO seem to be stuck!
Maybe I haven't been to enough gene forums but I don't understand why we are having this conversation. I have never seen porn on gene sites and genealogists are probably the most considerate and respectful users on the web. I don't think they need to have a baby-sitter!! As far as SPAM goes, are there ANY sites on the internet that tolerate SPAM? Come on! I don't think anyone was implying that if I mention to someone that I like FTM, it is at all the same thing as a professional genealogist inserting promotional comments in the middle of a brick wall conversation. (for example)
Permalink Reply by faye parker on July 18, 2009 at 11:59am
I think it shouldn't have politics, religion or other controversial subjects, except as it applies to genealogy.
Like asking what a Shaker was is okay, but discussing beliefs or tenets of faith isn't. Or asking who the 5th vice president was would be okay but telling what you think of obama or clinton wouldn't be.


I think historical information should be included. Our families aren't just names, its who they went to school with, their environment, world events etc.
Permalink Reply by Frances Keenan on July 18, 2009 at 1:08pm
Yes all 3 should be censored. I am moderator for a Taylor group and have first hand knowledge of what kind of things people try to send. There are spammers out there that make it their life work to spam all lists.
Permalink Reply by John Archer on July 18, 2009 at 3:29pm
Yes all three definitely.
Permalink Reply by Deborah Price on July 20, 2009 at 12:14pm
(1) Content related to pornography or adult content - Definitely YES.
(2) Content promoting products and services not related to genealogy (business opportunities, etc.) - Definitely YES I just signed up and already I am receiving spam -- yuck!
(3) Content that is disrespectful or rude (name calling, etc.) - I can't give a solid YES but there is a line that should not be stepped over. No name calling is over the line. This may need to be handled on a case-by-case basis with offended parties reporting abuse. This does not make it easy for GW but that may be the only way to go.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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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