Malicious Images?

[gpphat]

We have now seen WCL, Cago (twice), and HHM get bans for posting malicious images. My question is, what constitutes as a malicious image? Is it an image that can be perceived as offensive? If that's the case a lot of posters would be getting banned as there are a lot of images that can be perceived as offensive. Is it an image that can cause harm via epileptic seizure? If that is the case wouldn't it be the responsibility of the reader to have images blocked or to take precautionary measures before coming to a public forum that allows users to post images? I understand not posting pornography or nudity, but where is the line for acceptable and malicious? There are many instances where posting an image is the best way to describe how I feel about a thread topic or post, I would hate to post a picture and someone report it as malicious.

 

[cozzy1]

According to an online dictionary;
1. full of, characterized by, or showing malice; intentionally harmful; spiteful.
2. Law. vicious, wanton, or mischievous in motivation or purpose.

I honestly don't think there's any image that could be put up, that i would find malicious - but other people might. It's tough being a Mod, but it's up to them to decide (or guess) how the forum would feel about an image, and choose to react accordingly.

 

[Scoot26]

Now for the record, I wasn't around Saturday night when this all occurred, and I didn't ban Cago or HHM...I support the decision to ban them though.

In the case of WCL, Cago, and HHM, they posted flashing images in a Desperado (who claims he is epileptic) thread.. At that point you are being what cozzy defined malicious as. You're just trolling Desperado at that point.

And them posting it, they did just expect the mods to ignore it? Especially when it has been discussed to death in that whole "welcome back thread" with a lot of posters pointing out that it is indeed an asshole thing to do? And HHM and Cago were heavily involved in this discussions. So it's not like they did not know what they were doing.

 

[cozzy1]

In the case of WCL, Cago, and HHM, they posted flashing images in a Desperado (who claims he is epileptic) thread

Just to clarify Scoot, what do you mean they posted in a Desperado thread, is it a thread he started, or just one he is known to visit?

 

[Scoot26]

Just to clarify Scoot, what do you mean they posted in a Desperado thread, is it a thread he started, or just one he is known to visit?

A thread Desperado started.

 

[cozzy1]

Fair dues so, sounds like it was a pretty shitty thing to do.

 

[gpphat]

Now for the record, I wasn't around Saturday night when this all occurred, and I didn't ban Cago or HHM...I support the decision to ban them though.

The purpose of this thread wasn't to try and get either of them unbanned or have their ban reduced (although I think you should unban them), I'm just curious if there is a defined line on what images are malicious or is it more of an intent kind of thing.

In the case of WCL, Cago, and HHM, they posted flashing images in a Desperado (who claims he is epileptic) thread.. At that point you are being what cozzy defined malicious as. You're just trolling Desperado at that point.

So would posting this image (without the spoilers) be considered malicious in a thread despbro did not start:


or because despbro has publically claimed he is epileptic, posting those types of images no matter the situation frowned upon?

And them posting it, they did just expect the mods to ignore it? Especially when it has been discussed to death in that whole "welcome back thread" with a lot of posters pointing out that it is indeed an asshole thing to do? And HHM and Cago were heavily involved in this discussions. So it's not like they did not know what they were doing.

I am sure both of them were fully aware that they would potentially get a vacation, I just think there has to come a time where despbro just blocks images if his condition really is that severe. I get that the mods want to avoid personal attacks on posters, but I also feel that at some point the users should also take responsibility for how they view the forum via the ignore feature or disabling images.

 

[cozzy1]

But if it's a case that people are intentionally putting that on a thread, just because they know he's epileptic - he's definitely not in the wrong.

I get your point, that if he happened upon a thread that contained strobe light effects, he'd be unfortunate, but this sounds like he was targeted - which is no fault of his own (unless he's a ******, i don't know him either )

 

[Scoot26]

The purpose of this thread wasn't to try and get either of them unbanned or have their ban reduced (although I think you should unban them), I'm just curious if there is a defined line on what images are malicious or is it more of an intent kind of thing.

Well by explaining what they did kinda is a template for what NOT to do here.

So would posting this image (without the spoilers) be considered malicious in a thread despbro did not start:

or because despbro has publically claimed he is epileptic, posting those types of images no matter the situation frowned upon?

This particular image and images just like it are frowned upon in all situations. I can't recall another time on this forum that an image such as that has been posted (not saying it hasn't been, but I don't recall). Now there is a gray area of this. Flashing text or any image that simply has flashes isn't necessarily going to qualify as this, but again it depends what the context of your thread is.

If someone is targeting Desperado or any other posters with these type of images, you're likely going to result in a ban at this moment in time. It falls into a context of "if you have to question yourself on whether or not I should post this" don't, if you want to be safe.

I know you want a black and white line defined as to what is acceptable and what is not. The point is, I can't give you one because there isn't one.

I am sure both of them were fully aware that they would potentially get a vacation, I just think there has to come a time where despbro just blocks images if his condition really is that severe. I get that the mods want to avoid personal attacks on posters, but I also feel that at some point the users should also take responsibility for how they view the forum via the ignore feature or disabling images.

Desperado has been told to turn off images. I don't know if he has or not (nor do I have any way of knowing other than his word)... and he did not report the images in his thread to the staff. One staff member saw the images, deleted the thread (as it was way off topic anyways) and banned those two.

 

[Crystallas]

Posting malicious images with spoilers will be considered the same as without. Maybe edit that, because you did not need to provide an example. We're not stupid.

 

[gpphat]

But if it's a case that people are intentionally putting that on a thread, just because they know he's epileptic - he's definitely not in the wrong.

I get your point, that if he happened upon a thread that contained strobe light effects, he'd be unfortunate, but this sounds like he was targeted - which is no fault of his own (unless he's a ******, i don't know him either )

They may have been trying to be a dick to him, which is why I won't criticize them getting the ban...I just think that whole situation has potentially blown up into a bigger issue than what it is.

 

[cozzy1]

They may have been trying to be a dick to him, which is why I won't criticize them getting the ban...I just think that whole situation has potentially blown up into a bigger issue than what it is.

Like most things in life though, a line has to be drawn at some point.
I'm new here, and i can honestly say that i wouldn't have thought twice about posting something with lighting effects, but this whole issue has opened my eyes on the subject.

 

[Desperado34]

lol good god.

I almost forget this is a message board sometimes.

 

[Hbkrusso]

LOL

whats so funny?

 

[Scoot26]

They may have been trying to be a dick to him, which is why I won't criticize them getting the ban...I just think that whole situation has potentially blown up into a bigger issue than what it is.

It has blown up into a bigger issue, but people didn't allow it to just die off, they've continued spreading it.

Like most things in life though, a line has to be drawn at some point.
I'm new here, and i can honestly say that i wouldn't have thought twice about posting something with lighting effects, but this whole issue has opened my eyes on the subject.

Not saying you cannot post something with a lighting effect, it really depends on the type of image and what your intent it. But at this moment in time, we'll probably be more closely monitoring it given that its a hot topic right now.

 

[Omeletpants]

How long is this so called "ban"?

 

[Desperado34]

The fact gPP had to post a thread about this is just odd.. Enough already.

You may not have to like me, that's cool. But a few of the guys on her posting malicious images in the manner in which they are doing things on purpose and/or taking jabs at my condition is pathetic.

It's more concerning GPP is having a hard time deciphering the fact that I'm not nullshitting and that he doesn't see the logic of the issue.