The Unknown Zone - proudly an American forum!

The Unknown Zone © Forums => The Rough House © (Unmoderated Open Forum) => Topic started by: Administration on April 15, 2009, 09:16:17 PM

Title: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Administration on April 15, 2009, 09:16:17 PM
In order to address some incidents within this area.

What Unmoderated means:

1) We allow great latitude in the rules of engagement between posters. 

What Unmoderated isn't:

1) It isn't a license for any and every thing.  Certain Zone standards still apply.

No libel, pornography, copyright violations, advertising, links to other forums etc..

As usual, the GMods and Admins make the calls and if you have any complaints, issues, or questions regarding the management/rules etc. of these forums remember they are to be addressed by PM or e-mail ( admin@dailynuisanceproductions.com ) in a civil manner with members of administration and not on the forums.  No exceptions.

As usual, if you have any personal complaints/issues regarding members posts/actions remember to use the Report to Moderator button.

Thank you,

The Unknown Zone Administration Team
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Admin2 on June 15, 2009, 01:00:51 AM
Since there seems to be some ongoing concern regarding language, some sexual references, and anything else along those lines that are permitted in this area, we'd like to remind everyone that none are forced to participate in this unmoderated area.  There are plenty of areas here at the Zone where the "Be Nice!" rule applies. 

If you no longer wish to have access to this unmoderated area, please contact the administrators via private message, or send an email to admin@dailynuisanceproductions.com 
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Admin2 on June 16, 2009, 04:32:26 PM
In order to continue to attempt to help our new members work through some of the issues here in the unmoderated area, we'd like to point out the following from our original post in this thread:

Quote from: Administration on April 15, 2009, 09:16:17 PM


What Unmoderated isn't:

1) It isn't a license for any and every thing.  Certain Zone standards still apply.

No libel, pornography, copyright violations, advertising, links to other forums etc..


Making posts that overtly accuse others of posting from work, and thus directly accusing them of stealing from their employers, is libelous and defamatory, and is a direct violation of the above.  Please be aware of the distinction between posts that are crude or insulting, and those that are clearly libelous.  Libel will never be permitted on any of the boards here at The Unknown Zone, whether they're moderated or not.
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Global Moderator2 on April 14, 2010, 10:18:28 PM
As we continue to grow and embrace new membership, it has not escaped our attention that some seem to be encountering a bit of a challenge in adhering to the TOS that apply to all areas.

The Unknown Zone exists as a place within which all adults can express themselves, exchange ideas, and discuss them at the whim of the membership, and the Unknown Zone Team is here to assure that the whole process remains within the confines of the TOS.

Yes, there are areas within which the expectations differ, but we feel it is important at this juncture to remind everyone that the TOS apply within all areas of the Unknown Zone.

Our goal is to provide each of our members with an experience that is enjoyable to them, and that is the reason for the various expectations in certain areas. At times there will be differing opinions on a given subject, as one would expect with a membership without boundaries, and our hope is that when these challenges arise and the corresponding emotions with them, that all members will exercise good judgment in their respective responses.

This is not to say that the UZT frowns on lively or emotional banter or discussions, in fact we encourage it. This message is meant to be a reminder to all that each of us should exercise good judgment in our replies and responses, and to try to be as accommodating as possible when engaging in an emotional exchange.

No one on the UZT wants to censor anyone or engage in restrictions of membership, and we will make every effort to provide more than reasonable opportunity for all members to correct their mistakes in judgment or decisions made in the heat of the moment. However, remember that the UZT is here and it is our call surrounding what constitutes a violation of TOS; and in those rare cases wherein we must take steps to enforce the TOS, we will do so with compassion and discretion at the forefront of our effort.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact a team member via PM, the report to moderator button, or via e-mail. 

Happy Posting!

The Unknown Zone Team
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Admin1 on March 02, 2011, 10:19:09 PM
A reminder of the TOS.

Threats, or anything that might imply a real threat, are not allowed anywhere on the Zone, and that includes the Rough House. No exceptions.

The Unknown Zone Administration Team

Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Global Moderator1 on May 15, 2011, 05:47:53 AM
Quote from: Admin1 on March 02, 2011, 10:19:09 PM
A reminder of the TOS.

Threats, or anything that might imply a real threat, are not allowed anywhere on the Zone, and that includes the Rough House. No exceptions.

The Unknown Zone Administration Team

:police:
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Admin1 on August 04, 2011, 06:01:49 PM
The Zone would like to remind members to keep their interpersonal squabbles and nasty comments about each others off forum lives private and not to post them on the forum.


The Unknown Zone Administration Team
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Global Moderator2 on August 14, 2011, 12:02:05 AM

The Zone would like to remind members to keep their interpersonal squabbles and nasty comments about each others off forum lives private and not to post them on the forum.


The Unknown Zone Administration Team
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Admin1 on August 18, 2011, 05:06:53 PM
Quote from: Admin1 on March 02, 2011, 10:19:09 PM
A reminder of the TOS.

Threats, or anything that might imply a real threat, are not allowed anywhere on the Zone, and that includes the Rough House. No exceptions.

The Unknown Zone Administration Team

Quote from: Admin1 on August 04, 2011, 06:01:49 PM
The Zone would like to remind members to keep their interpersonal squabbles and nasty comments about each others off forum lives private and not to post them on the forum.


The Unknown Zone Administration Team

We won't remind anyone again. 
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Admin1 on February 07, 2012, 02:10:45 PM
Quote from: Administration on April 15, 2009, 09:16:17 PM
In order to address some incidents within this area.

What Unmoderated means:

1) We allow great latitude in the rules of engagement between posters. 

What Unmoderated isn't:

1) It isn't a license for any and every thing.  Certain Zone standards still apply.

No libel, pornography, copyright violations, advertising, links to other forums etc..

As usual, the GMods and Admins make the calls and if you have any complaints, issues, or questions regarding the management/rules etc. of these forums remember they are to be addressed by PM or e-mail ( admin@dailynuisanceproductions.com ) in a civil manner with members of administration and not on the forums.  No exceptions.

As usual, if you have any personal complaints/issues regarding members posts/actions remember to use the Report to Moderator button.


Thank you,

The Unknown Zone Administration Team
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Global Moderator1 on May 28, 2012, 12:17:30 PM
Quote from: Global Moderator2 on August 14, 2011, 12:02:05 AM
The Zone would like to remind members to keep their interpersonal squabbles and nasty comments about each others off forum lives private and not to post them on the forum.


The Unknown Zone Administration Team

:police:
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Global Moderator2 on May 28, 2012, 07:41:43 PM
The Zone would like to remind members to keep their interpersonal squabbles and nasty comments about each others off forum lives private and not to post them on the forum.


The Unknown Zone Administration Team
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Admin1 on May 29, 2012, 07:11:09 AM
TOS

http://theunknownzone.dailynuisanceproductions.com/index.php?topic=17797.0

7. .....You may not put any personal information of others on the forum.

9. .....Do not quote any content that violates the rules and policies.
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Administration on August 08, 2012, 10:10:58 PM
Quote from: Admin2 on June 16, 2009, 04:32:26 PM
In order to continue to attempt to help our new members work through some of the issues here in the unmoderated area, we'd like to point out the following from our original post in this thread:

Making posts that overtly accuse others of posting from work, and thus directly accusing them of stealing from their employers, is libelous and defamatory, and is a direct violation of the above.  Please be aware of the distinction between posts that are crude or insulting, and those that are clearly libelous.  Libel will never be permitted on any of the boards here at The Unknown Zone, whether they're moderated or not.
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Admin1 on September 28, 2012, 10:15:20 AM
Quote from: Admin2 on June 16, 2009, 04:32:26 PM
Please be aware of the distinction between posts that are crude or insulting, and those that are clearly libelous.  Libel will never be permitted on any of the boards here at The Unknown Zone, whether they're moderated or not.

Making accusations of child molestation against anyone, even public figures, is libel and libel is never tolerated anywhere on the Unknown Zone or any DNP site.

The Unknown Zone Administration Team
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Admin1 on September 28, 2012, 10:23:11 AM
This post from the FAQ's helps in understanding the speech restrictions such as libel:

http://theunknownzone.dailynuisanceproductions.com/index.php?topic=17895.0

QuoteWhere's my Freedom of Speech! Why can't I say what I want on the forum. It's just my opinion.

Well besides the fact that the Unknown Zone's Rules & Polices make certain restrictions which tend to follow the law, ( to see the Rules and Policies: http://theunknownzone.us/smf/index.php?topic=17797.0 ) , free speech isn't an absolute and the law itself places restrictions on what you can say, verbally or in print, opinion or not.

Here's a good explanation:

QuoteDo I Really Have Freedom of Speech?

Many Americans pride themselves with the fact that the United States government has addressed the notion of our Freedom of Speech; however, they feel that the word freedom is a bit misleading in this regard. Many feel as though they do not, truly, have Freedom of Speech, due to the boundaries that have been placed on them through the conditions of the 1st Amendment. They feel that their speech is mildly tainted since there are so many restrictions placed on their freedom. Some feel as though they just do not have the full creative rights that they need and deserve. Now, let's be honest to ourselves and each other. If these restrictions were not in place, there would be a great deal of quite more harmful messages sent out into the world. These boundaries are not set in place to harm you, but to see to it that no harm comes to you. To whom much is given, much is expected... so therefore, with your Freedom of Speech, also comes the right to act responsibly.

1. A restriction that is placed on your right to Freedom of Speech is the notion of "Clear and Present Danger." This means that with your Freedom of Speech, you do not have the right to publish any material that is going to jeopardize the state of the nation's security. It can not pose any threat to the safety concerns of the inhabitants of the United States.

2. Another restriction that you have in terms of your Freedom of Speech is that you are not to commit the act of defamation. This means that you are not to state anything that you know to be false about someone, that you know could cause harm to their reputation. You are not to say anything, knowingly false, that is going to cause others to choose not to associate themselves with that person based on the falsehoods that you have stated or published. Although you do have Freedom of Speech, you are not allowed to make any false claims that are going to cause that person to have a negative image.

3. An additional restriction that is placed on your right to Freedom of Speech is the zero tolerance for obscenity. Obscenity is characterized as any expression of lewd expression that is offensive to others. Although this part of the restriction placed on your Freedom of Speech is very subjective, we all know how to determine whether or not a form of creative expression is deemed to be obscene. Even as the artist, you are able to make the fairest assessments as to whether or not your art form is obscene. We must use our better judgment in all our expressive art forms to make those key distinctions between Freedom of Speech, and pure obscenity.

(thanks to libel.com, content used for educational purposes)

Also:

QuoteCan I Be Sued for Something I Put on the Internet?

Yes.  The laws regarding defamation apply to Internet as they do to more traditional media.  However, federal law protects Internet service providers (ISPs) and other interactive computer services from many lawsuits.

(thanks to medialaw.org, content used for educational purposes)

QuoteMost jurisdictions also recognize "per se" defamation, where the allegations are presumed to cause damage to the plaintiff. Typically, the following may consititute defamation per se:

    * Attacks on a person's professional character or standing;
    * Allegations that an unmarried person is unchaste;
    * Allegations that a person is infected with a sexually transmitted disease;
    * Allegations that the person has committed a crime of moral turpitude

(thanks to expertlaw.com, content used for educational purposes)

QuoteCan statements be protected by the use of the words "alleged", "it is rumored" or by use of quotation marks?

This answer is no. One cannot escape liability for defamation by putting the libel behind a prefix such as "I have been told that ..." or "It is rumored that ...", and then asserting that it was true that one had been told or that it was in fact being rumored.... For the purpose of the law of libel, the hearsay statement is the same as a direct statement.

(thanks to cyberlibel.com, content used for educational purposes)

QuoteLibel Checklist

Look for material that identifies a person or an entity.

    Keep in mind that it is possible to identify people or entities like corporations without actually using a name. If the material contains identifiable voices, likenesses, or descriptions of or concerning a person or a company, it could be a problem.

Would the material negatively influence a reasonable reader's opinion of the person or entity identified?

a. It would reflect badly on the character of the person or entity.

b. It could harm the reputation, diminish the esteem, respect or good will in which the person or entity's relevant community holds him, her or it.

If the material might reflect badly on character and/or harm reputation, would the harm be the result of:

An explicit statement.

An insinuation.

A sarcastic statement.

A parody or cartoon.

An opinion that implies that there are unstated defamatory facts underlying it.

The fact that material has already been printed somewhere else is not a defense except in the narrow fair report circumstance. Republication of a libel creates another libel.

(thanks to utsystem.edu, content used for educational purposes)

So no, you cannot say whatever you want on the forums, and it's mainly the law itself and not the Unknown Zone that makes it so.
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Admin1 on September 28, 2012, 10:24:08 AM
Quote from: Admin2 on June 16, 2009, 04:32:26 PM
Please be aware of the distinction between posts that are crude or insulting, and those that are clearly libelous.  Libel will never be permitted on any of the boards here at The Unknown Zone, whether they're moderated or not.

Making accusations of child molestation against anyone, even public figures, is libel and libel is never tolerated anywhere on the Unknown Zone or any DNP site.

The Unknown Zone Administration Team
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Global Moderator1 on September 12, 2013, 08:27:31 PM
Quote from: Global Moderator2 on August 14, 2011, 12:02:05 AM
The Zone would like to remind members to keep their interpersonal squabbles and nasty comments about each others off forum lives private and not to post them on the forum.


The Unknown Zone Administration Team

:police:
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Admin1 on August 13, 2014, 09:25:28 AM
The Zone would like to remind members to keep their interpersonal squabbles and nasty and profane comments about each others off forum lives private and not to post them on the forum.

The profanity and personal attacks have been getting over the top in this area and there is no legitimate reason for it. Tone it down.


The Unknown Zone Administration Team
Title: Re: What Unmoderated means
Post by: Global Moderator2 on December 28, 2014, 03:19:10 PM
Quote from: Admin1 on August 13, 2014, 09:25:28 AM
The Zone would like to remind members to keep their interpersonal squabbles and nasty and profane comments about each others off forum lives private and not to post them on the forum.

The profanity and personal attacks have been getting over the top in this area and there is no legitimate reason for it. Tone it down.


The Unknown Zone Administration Team