Peanut Gallery Commentary on the Staff Log of Bannings and such like.

[LastPoet]

Most situational comedy is that way.

Since you have found something better to do than hangout with this bunch of sorry losers, here is a recap: Theist joins, rehashes the same old arguments, then goes into a tailspin when hit every time. In the end, it is the Staff's fault, for persecuting them. I miss Tack the most. fr0d0 ended up in flames, like some of us tried desperately to avoid.

Other than that, nothing much to report O queen. Other than your presence.

[thesummerqueen]

Better is relative. I'm just dealing with IRL dramatics now, not virtual ones. Poh-tay-toh, poh-tah-toh.

The only thing that actually drags me away from it all is running. And sex.

[Minimalist]

Beats running.

[Tonus]

The only thing that actually drags me away from it all is running. And sex.

And Kili.

[Whateverist]

Must have missed the new policy regarding interaction with minors that was posted by Chthuthululu (sp?) back in March. A very nicely thought out and well worded statement of policy. As someone who takes perverse pride in not actually reading the forum rules I have to say, a nice piece of work.

---

While we have always had ad hoc policies in place with respect to minor/adult interaction at Atheist Forums, recent events have underscored the need to formally publish our policy regarding the protection of minors.

Minor Protection Policy Statement

The owner and staff of atheistforums.org ("the site") take the protection of minors from predators very seriously. As the membership consists both of minors and adults in a relatively unrestricted discussion forum that also features private communications, we are immediately implementing this official policy regarding the protection of minor members. This policy overrides and replaces any prior ad hoc policies and procedures.

Staff Responsibility
The staff is committed to keeping the site free of predators.
To that end, the staff will cooperate fully with any official investigation of inappropriate contact with minors on this site.
Likewise, the staff will respond to reports of inappropriate contact promptly and in good faith, in accordance with this policy, and will conduct it's own investigation and take whatever action is deemed necessary.
Member Responsibility
Members are responsible for maintaining lawful, age-appropriate contact with minors.
Members are responsible for reporting any suspected inappropriate contact as soon as possible after being made aware of said contact.
Persons under a court order restricting contact with minors are not authorized to use the site.
Reporting Process
Any staff or member that is aware of possible inappropriate contact with minor members will notify a staff member via Private Message (PM) or via the site reporting system. It is never appropriate to do so in public forum.
Any staff member who receives a report of possible inappropriate contact will immediately post the report in the staff forum.
The site administrators will investigate the allegations, and will take appropriate action, including notifying proper authorities if necessary.
Violations

Any violation of this policy will result in discipline, up to and including permanent removal from the site and/or notifying the appropriate authorities.

---

One thought. I wonder if it would be appropriate to somehow label members who are minors so that we all know to cut them some slack. Of course it is the predator angle that is clearly the impetus for the rule, and making them easier to identify could be counter productive.

[abaris]

One thought.  I wonder if it would be appropriate to somehow label members who are minors so that we all know to cut them some slack.  Of course it is the predator angle that is clearly the impetus for the rule, and making them easier to identify could be counter productive.

Otherwise, unless they say so, we don't even know if we're dealing with a minor.

[Jackalope]

Obviously, you can't know, and neither can we.

Suffice it to say, if someone says "Yo, I'm a minor, don't go there", and someone were to press the issue, there would be a problem.

[vorlon13]

What parent in their right mind would let a kid post here ??

[Pyrrho]

One thought.  I wonder if it would be appropriate to somehow label members who are minors so that we all know to cut them some slack.  Of course it is the predator angle that is clearly the impetus for the rule, and making them easier to identify could be counter productive.

Otherwise, unless they say so, we don't even know if we're dealing with a minor.

With that in mind, people might want to be careful about their flirting and sexual suggestions to other members.  At least, when not in Area 69, where proof of age is required to visit.  Otherwise, they might be making such suggestions to underaged people without realizing it.

[pocaracas]

Otherwise, unless they say so, we don't even know if we're dealing with a minor.

With that in mind, people might want to be careful about their flirting and sexual suggestions to other members.  At least, when not in Area 69, where proof of age is required to visit.  Otherwise, they might be making such suggestions to underaged people without realizing it.

I think you can do it without realizing.... the problem arises when you are made aware of the other person's age and carry on as if the person is not underage.