As per my wonderful conversation with some of the staff today, some of the rules, specifically those regarding
The term "deemed" as refers to post-awareness application and puts the blame in the post rather than present scene. Those who have not read the rules have the defense of not knowing the rules were stated and can be unjustly banned/punish.
I recommend changing it to simply...
Additionally, opening the prospect of what is truly deemed "adult content", is up to the discretion of the admins, but considering there is no outward guide into what is considered adult content, there is a legal gray area surrounding said term.
For example: It's commonly accepted that pin-ups are acceptable content. Additionally, pin-ups with straps being removed are still considered acceptable content. Where is that line drawn? If the character is clearly in the nude, but obscured by mist, is that adult content, or still pin-up?
Additionally, are graphically sexual sprays obscured with photoshopped sandwiches considered adult content? At what breadth does this cross the line from menial to offensive?
In the offensive language section, there is a good example of clarifying statements,
Additionally, the admins I spoke with told that that signs were part of the "adult content" banner of protection, but they are not explicitly named as such on the rules set.
Additionally, the term
Finally, there are no written explainations to punishments for offenses, and it seems completely up in the air if someone is muted, kicked, banned, or completely ignored. Some written examples would be more than useful in allowing users to deem the response required by admins as valid or invalid.
I understand this all sounds extremely negative, but it's rather stressful, being a 3+ year veteran of Panda Community, to see it still in such a state for enforcement. People often spout racial epithets and get nothing but a temporary mute, porn is excused on the forums as lewds when other admins kick players for having less offensive sprays and signs. I can only hope my bitching leads to at least some addendums.
are needlessly opaque and legally indefensible.c) Inappropriate personal content
Publicly visible content within sprays, signs, or avatars that is deemed sexual, discriminatory, or derogatory in depiction and/or implication, is forbidden.
The term "deemed" as refers to post-awareness application and puts the blame in the post rather than present scene. Those who have not read the rules have the defense of not knowing the rules were stated and can be unjustly banned/punish.
I recommend changing it to simply...
Again, I heard the weak excuse of "use common sense", but for server rules that doesn't hold water.Publicly visible content within sprays or avatars of a sexual, discriminatory, or otherwise inappropriate, is forbidden.
Additionally, opening the prospect of what is truly deemed "adult content", is up to the discretion of the admins, but considering there is no outward guide into what is considered adult content, there is a legal gray area surrounding said term.
For example: It's commonly accepted that pin-ups are acceptable content. Additionally, pin-ups with straps being removed are still considered acceptable content. Where is that line drawn? If the character is clearly in the nude, but obscured by mist, is that adult content, or still pin-up?
Additionally, are graphically sexual sprays obscured with photoshopped sandwiches considered adult content? At what breadth does this cross the line from menial to offensive?
In the offensive language section, there is a good example of clarifying statements,
While not the be all end all, this level of clarity is for the good of the server if it gets into legal trouble, meaning it has legal defense should the worst happen, is only a good thing. It takes zero effort to clarify statements such as that.Both the offensive language and offensive spray rules include pro-war exclamations or expressing a positive attitude towards terrorists, dictators or otherwise controversial figures. Keep that stuff out of the servers; it's a video game, not a place to express your controversial political viewpoints.
Additionally, the admins I spoke with told that that signs were part of the "adult content" banner of protection, but they are not explicitly named as such on the rules set.
Additionally, the term
Is essentially meaningless as a matter of legal defense. I honestly have absolutely no idea what could be considered under that banner. Furthermore, the mixing of that term with the use of "deemed" means that, to me, Admins have the right to kick for whatever they deem as "inappropriate" be that a genuine offence, or a personal issue they see in a player.otherwise inappropriate
Finally, there are no written explainations to punishments for offenses, and it seems completely up in the air if someone is muted, kicked, banned, or completely ignored. Some written examples would be more than useful in allowing users to deem the response required by admins as valid or invalid.
I understand this all sounds extremely negative, but it's rather stressful, being a 3+ year veteran of Panda Community, to see it still in such a state for enforcement. People often spout racial epithets and get nothing but a temporary mute, porn is excused on the forums as lewds when other admins kick players for having less offensive sprays and signs. I can only hope my bitching leads to at least some addendums.