SO . . . should OSF have a "MATURE" section?

See subject.

Of course.  It would be me of all members to post such a discussion question.

We're all adults here (though no guarantee all of us act like adults).

IF POSSIBLE (needs to be looked into), should OSF have a "MATURE" section where non-politically correct 1:6 pictures can be posted/shared (within reason)?

YOU KNOW . . . like the MATURE section from the other place that was closed due to higher ups for a variety of business and reputation reasons whether you agreed or disagreed.

I figure I might as well post this since I have a reputation for posting "the elephant in the room" discussions.

I could have made this a poll; however, I believe a discussion (for now) will yield viewpoints from members who are inclined to post.  A poll could very well still be forthcoming later on.

#discussion

Yes, then have an additional permission level so no casual visitors can be "offended"... anyone with clearance to view the adult section has no right to complain about viewing said subject as they had to ask for permission to view.....

I don’t think this is a simple yes and no question. We are a brand new forum, and in our brief time, we’ve managed to acquire a few female members. I’d hate to think that they would abandon the site just because we had to have a section for naked dolls (and we all know that the majority of those posting in that section would be males). I think IF we had a mature section there would have to be limits. I don’t mind pin-up style or Playboy style nudity when it comes to action figures (whether male or female), but all the gratuitous crotch shots (and genitalia manipulations that started to occur over at the other site) seem more than a little creepy and bizarre. I mean these are dolls, not real people; posting tasteful nudity is one thing — porn is something else. There are more than enough porn sites out there if you want to see naked people in all the gory details, we don’t need it here. If GF decides he is willing to have it, it’s his decision after all; but we’d definitely have to have limits to prevent it becoming something else he has to spend more time than necessary policing. Just my .02c, opinions may vary.

Partly in response to Stryker -- you raise some good points, but they would pose as many questions as they answer. It is hard enough drawing a line between what is artsy or humorous and what is pornographic, but it sounds like you are suggesting something like the distinction between "softcore" and "hardcore" (BTW, the legal definition of the hardcore, I was told years ago, is that it shows explicit penetration). I have said (jokingly) that I have no use for softcore, but the point is really one of pragmatism. Should there be a (dedicated) space for adult/mature/sexually-suggestive content? For what it is worth, if such a space can be created here on the hosting server, it looks like it would have to be a separate section or even separate forum, in which image (or more likely link viewing) would have to be restricted to members, and members would probably need to secure the admin's approval to join, presumably after agreeing to a live and let live policy over the content. There might be little or no specific connection between the two forums. And, by the way, that means that this mature forum could well have a different owner/admin.

The intent and purpose is not to make anyone (especially the ladies) uncomfortable/uneasy. At the very least, we're all mature enough to discuss it and see where it goes or doesn't.

Probably not at the moment for this board still within it's infancy stages but it does deserve a review probably sometime down the road.

The other place had it removed and the world didn't blow up so I think we're all good - for now anyway.

DeltaForceChung wrote:The intent and purpose is not to make anyone (especially the ladies) uncomfortable/uneasy.

Well that is exactly what the mature section at the other forum did isn't it?????


Quite apart from whether we want to anger the hosts or providers of this forum by posting pornographic/risqué content in the space that they provide for us then these are my thoughts.


If people want to view that sort of content then they can find it elsewhere on the internet already.  As far as I am aware this is not an Adult site!

We know from previous experience elsewhere that some cannot be trusted to police themselves on this subject, keeping things to nude or risqué subjects, and things quickly descend into outright pornography.

I do not think a restricted access area is the answer either, I'm sorry but for me we just do not need to have this type of content here period.  

Given how divisive the Mature Section and its content became elsewhere I personally would not wish to invite such strife and aggravation through the door here.

We already have a "safe for work" policy so I am surprised to see this even being discussed since it has already been made clear what content is appropriate here and what is not.  If you want to push boundaries go do it elsewhere.  Pushing boundaries in this way and in this direction is bound to upset some, and likely to cause conflict and dispute which we just don't need here.

I would hope that we would also wish to encourage the younger generation to take up this hobby or at least be interested in it.  Again in my view a Mature Section in any form is counter productive in this aim.  Would a parent really be happy to see their child or young person frequenting a board where such content is posted, or interacting on line with the type of people who will post pornography?

I really do feel that the sort of content that will populate a mature section of any type is not appropriate for what is essentially a toy discussion group.

I really do not feel that there is any discussion to be had here, and should this progress to a vote, then I am likely to vote with my feet.

I really cannot believe that this subject has come up again here!!!!!!!!!

If you really cannot live without this content then why not take the initiative as GubanatorFan has and set up your own forum where this content type can be viewed.  That would be a whole lot more productive than trying to mess with things here.  If you can find a provider that is happy to host the content that is!!!!

I too don't think it really has a place here, there are forums already in place for that type of thing and it just wouldn't be right here. We need to attract as many members as we can, regardless of age, gender, or even religion. It's tough to do sometimes, but, we need to create an environment here where everyone can feel comfortable and not feel afraid to raise any issues they may have.

We're on the right track already and we need to keep it that way

CHEERS!

No I don't think OSF needs a mature section, it would be more hassle than it's worth besides as i recall from reading this forums rules those type
photos aren't allowed here.

Art has always been a subjective topic and community standards are often fuzzy. . Many of the images hanging in fine arts museums around the world are routinely taken down by Facebook for example as they get caught in filters.

Just reading the comments here, people are coming from many different perspectives to what the hobby is about from figues being simply toys to actual creative components of art.

If something is sexy yet tasteful/SFW (ie no genitalia or the act of sex), that’s fairly par for the course as it stands in most groups especially on the seamless figures. That’s how they’re marketed and packaged. I don’t see the need for a separate section at this point .

MarkEl wrote:
If something is sexy yet tasteful/SFW (ie no genitalia or the act of sex), that’s fairly par for the course as it stands in most groups especially on the seamless figures.  That’s how they’re marketed and packaged.  I don’t see the need for a separate section at this point .

Exactly this.  

Having a mature section will in my opinion encourage people to go beyond the tasteful though and will encourage/allow the pushing of boundaries to become the norm (probably upsetting more people than it sets free in my opinion).

I personally don't consider any of my figures "art", I build, collect, pose and enjoy high grade toy figures.  I don't have a problem with those who see their work as art, and I enjoy seeing what they produce as long as they remember this is not an "art" forum per se, but a general forum for 1/6 figures and not somewhere to push the boundaries of what is acceptable artistically.

Art is surely subjective, true, but it can also have an element of cultural bias mixed in when deciding how acceptable it is I think.  Much of what is considered as "art" these days would not have made it into Galleries in years gone by but because our culture has evolved it now has a place, and I applaud those who have used the boundaries of what art can be in order to make that happen.
However, I think all new art and art forms struggle for acceptance initially, and can often find themselves marginalised until they find a groundswell of acceptance and find a place.  Some never finds a place in general acceptance and remain the penchant of a few.
I don't think the "art" posted in the "other Mature Section" has reached that point of more general acceptance yet, and until that happens it and its proponents may have to accept that their "art" is not generally acceptable as "art" or acceptable here as a subject matter.

I have no personal objections.
It's not something I think I would use myself.
I do think the timing is not ideal, and the absolute " need " may not be our highest priority.
I would, however, support the community based on what was best for our group.
I think some of our members ( male and female alike ) create figures of exceptional beauty and may need a place to display them other than the general area.
Though I'm not ( personally) a big fan of the " 50 Shades of Grey" ( or darker ) themed photoshoot, sexy and/or erotic shoots would not offend me, and I could certainly choose to skip viewing them.  This is probably the most problematic area of the discussion, the exact point where the line should be,and does drawing it cause so many issues that it would be better to avoid altogether.
I think this is ultimately something for the boss(es) to decide, whether that includes forum member input may be part of the descision.
My wife is a paralegal and has been for almost 30 years. She has access to attorneys at some fairly high levels in their field. I asked her to inquire about this during the OSW crisis. The relevant piece of law, (assuming the concern is about liability) that should be looked at, is called Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. If gives operators of websites and forums, etc. specific protections in these matters. This can be viewed in many places on the web, though I recommend sites with a .gov extension over sites advertising legal services.While she cannot give legal advice, I would be happy to have her ask for guidance on how to proceed, if the choice to move forward is made.
I hope my input was helpful.

scalawag wrote:
Having a mature section will in my opinion encourage people to go beyond the tasteful though and will encourage/allow the pushing of boundaries to become the norm (probably upsetting more people than it sets free in my opinion).

I personally don't consider any of my figures "art", I build, collect, pose and enjoy high grade toy figures.  I don't have a problem with those who see their work as art, and I enjoy seeing what they produce as long as they remember this is not an "art" forum per se, but a general forum for 1/6 figures and not somewhere to push the boundaries of what is acceptable artistically.

Art is surely subjective, true, but it can also have an element of cultural bias mixed in when deciding how acceptable it is I think.  Much of what is considered as "art" these days would not have made it into Galleries in years gone by but because our culture has evolved it now has a place, and I applaud those who have used the boundaries of what art can be in order to make that happen.
However, I think all new art and art forms struggle for acceptance initially, and can often find themselves marginalised until they find a groundswell of acceptance and find a place.  Some never finds a place in general acceptance and remain the penchant of a few.
I don't think the "art" posted in the "other Mature Section" has reached that point of more general acceptance yet, and until that happens it and its proponents may have to accept that their "art" is not generally acceptable as "art" or acceptable here as a subject matter.

I was gonna make a long post but this is exactly what I think and very well said. Just from the name of the forum the direction taken is "mainstream" therefore nudity should be tolerated in the same proportions as in the movie/tv industry. Sexyness, suggestion, pinups and bikinis, so called tactical hos... I consider that mainstream, it's not more harassive or explicit than an underwear comercial or the cover of kinda any magazine nowadays.

That said I wouldn't go further, neither would I multiply the forums, most of us know about the forum "men with dolls", in that case the name of the forum speaks for itself, and there I find legit to have risque content and a porn/nsfw section, it sounds totally valid. It's a very cool place to share erotic content, let's use it

I also totally agree on the "art" definition. Nothing against people feeling what they do is "art" but it's such a subjective concept that it's as hazardous to discuss and justify as politics. And definitely I don't see this place as an "art" forum at all, it's not diminishing to state that it's a very specific forum about action figures in the limit of 1/6 scale. Period.

Art can appear from anywhere under any form, hopefully it does in our hobby too, but let's not get elitist and push out the collectors that don't customize or create, they belong to this place, just as reviewers, toyphotographers, all peeps interested in the 1/6 in fact...  

I never visited the adult section on OSW while it existed. I remember some interest in having one here when this forum first started and was reminded of it when I made a little sixth scale comic strip that I ran by a friend. It was intended to be purely humorous, not pornographic, but I was advised it would probably belong in a mature section, just to be safe. So I asked DFC, as the usual suspect, if he thought people would be interested in having such a section (or, more realistically, separate forum); ever obliging, he posted the question here, and is not to blame.

At any rate, having re-read the terms of service and some of the member feedback above, this does not seem a plausible or advisable development, and the discussion should probably be shelved, lest it become too heated.

I agree with you, GF. I think for right now this topic should be shelved. But I for one don’t blame anyone, particularly Chung, for posing the question. His topic for discussion threads have always been interesting and thought-provoking. He tends to be one of the bravest among us, always willing to put himself out there and take flack. I for one commend him for always being himself, speaking his mind, and taking whatever gets thrown at him.

This one's certainly generated a good deal of discussion.

The way the adult section at OSW was handled when I first joined was fine by me. I didn't go there often, but when I did, I was pleasantly surprised at how well behaved most folks were, both in discussion and in what was posted.

At some point, it changed. I can put my finger on it exactly, but that won't accomplish anything. I thought to myself at the time, "well, this is just about it for this section." Within about 18 months, I was right.

So, I believe a "wait and see" approach is prudent. I'd also like to hear from some of the women who're members here. If there exist the remotest possibility alienating a single one, it's just not worth it...at least not to me.

Dadrab -- there is no need for a wait and see approach, as there is no prospect for such a thing within this forum and possibly within this whole server.

I'm thankful for the level headed responses here.  It goes to show we can calmly discuss eyebrow raising topics when it comes up.

Coming up next on OSF.

1:6 jock cups . . . good idea or just absurdity?

DeltaForceChung wrote:1:6 jock cups . . . good idea or just absurdity?

Im surprised it hasn’t happened already.

Stryker2011 wrote:

DeltaForceChung wrote:1:6 jock cups . . . good idea or just absurdity?

Im surprised it hasn’t happened already.

--

My Sarina uses one. She says Arnold sometimes get a bit too heavy and rough when they get intimate.

No. I didn't ask her to explain and I'm not going to.

It’s really difficult to sew all those seams in a stretch fabric for the cup at this scale. Everything goes down the feed dog. Believe me, I’ve tried. ;-)

Hand-sewing wouldn't be much easier, but it is doable. I did a bikini by hand using spandex material (pain in the butt to be sure), but at least it wasn't eaten by a machine.

DeltaForceChung wrote:I'm thankful for the levelheaded responses here.  It goes to show we can calmly discuss eyebrow raising topics when it comes up.

Coming up next on OSF.

1:6 jock cups . . . good idea or just absurdity?

If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter!

YOU KNOW . . .

I should make a 1:6 mini-me (impostor) and build 1:6 talk show stage like Jerry Springer and shoot a photo story of a controversial 1:6 discussion and the studio audience chiming in can be members of whatever 1:6 discussion group represented by the usual responses and some can be "inspired" by known/obvious members.

EXAMPLE . . .

Today on OSF Confidential (sample show title) . . .

"I have a confession. I'm NOT really a PHICEN/TBLeague seamless body. I'm a JIAOU DOLL!"

Impostor! LOL