Pointer Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Discussion thread for "Decisions: Policy on Groups" In a continued effort to allow for as much transparency in CTF "staff" matters as possible I've been creating discussion to go along with policy-threads. I will continue that trend in reference to the most recently posted policy regarding group's content. Beware: The topics and issues that the policy addresses are sensitive, and controversial, as a result this topic will be highly-moderated. I expect all responses to remain respectful and appropriate. -Chad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlantis Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 *copypastas from chat* Chad, I think that's possibly the most fair thing that's ever happened on CTF..... O.O Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zabby Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 I think it is a silly idea to restrict Christian groups on a Christian forum. I greatly enjoy he idea that there is a place that I can discuss Catholic things with other Catholics and not have the whole of CTF breathing down my throat because they do not agree with my theology. Also, where does this stop? Can we not have a bible study group because that's a religious thing? This is a Christian forum. Religious discussion and growth is exactly what we should be encouraging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJB_GoingintoBattle Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 I think it is a silly idea to restrict Christian groups on a Christian forum. I greatly enjoy he idea that there is a place that I can discuss Catholic things with other Catholics and not have the whole of CTF breathing down my throat because they do not agree with my theology.Also, where does this stop? Can we not have a bible study group because that's a religious thing? This is a Christian forum. Religious discussion and growth is exactly what we should be encouraging. My thoughts exactly.....well excepts my thoughts would be baptist not catholic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlantis Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Well, I agree with you, Zabby; I enjoy having our sections, too-- for universalism at least.... the heretic group was more of a gag from something I said a while back when the SoF was being put in place. But the thing is, the issue crossed boundaries on ALL of those issue-categories. It was obviously about sexuality. Gay marriage is a hot-button political issue. And then there's the "can you be gay and Christian?" thing. And it would be unfair to close down one and not the others-- after all, one of the rules is to not question the salvation of other members. I feel deleting just the one would be doing exactly that. ^jumbled mess of rant-ish thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJB_GoingintoBattle Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 There's three word's I want to use, but we are supposed to be respectful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlantis Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 ^ Oh well now I'm just curious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 It is an absurd decision on all fronts, especially since you aren't going to give existing groups a chance to make their case. Now groups are being reduced to useless prattle like on Facebook. "I love chocolate! Who loves Chocolate!? We all love chocolate! Woo!" If I could still find the "roles eyes" smiley, they'd be rolling till they bleed. I can understand that groups should have restrictions. If someone wanted to make a group about sexual positions, or masturbation techniques, or "porn watchers united", yeah that's obviously sexual AND explicit. But why do I get the feeling this ruling is going to be incorrectly used to eliminate the LGBT group, when it's purpose was made abundantly clear--clearly nonsexual--by it's creator, yours truly, in the thread asking for it's demise? I assure you, removing it will have the same effect as I mentioned in said thread, regardless of what 'fair' CTF political stunt you try to smooth it over with. And I'm an advocate for the other groups too. Since when can you not have a group for say, Catholics, to discuss Catholic things? Tensions only flair in mixed groups. Moderation cannot possibly be that great of a concern. Groups represent groups of people. As long as those groups don't offend against the base rules of the website, I can't imagine why they'd be banned. A Christian group of all things... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 "The official policy that we decided on, after discussing many, was that we are not going to allow group names or content to reference any sexual, political, or religious material at all." Goodbye to the meaningful discussions in groups where people who have similar beliefs can openly discuss without the worry of people who believe extremely different than the point mentioned bashing (yes, I said bashing because that is what happens here 9/10 times) "Definition: Groups that address or "focus" on sex (regardless of orientation) will not be permitted. Groups that address politics, such as tax cuts legislation, will also not be permitted. Finally, groups that center around catholicism, baptist, methodist, or mormanism will also not be permitted." Translated to common speech: CTF cannot allow anything that might offend someone, so anything offensive must be exterminated. Those who are not worthy of our standards will be done away with. "As of today this policy is going to be considered "live". All groups created after today must follow this criteria. Current groups will all be checked over then next few days / weeks to see if they fit the above outlined criteria. If they don't they will be removed with no further warning. No "punishment", warns, or alerts will be tracked during this phase. We realize that this policy didn't exist in the past and we're not going to do anything but remove existing groups that are outside this criteria." Translation: We cannot get rid of you yet, but we will find a way. Blonde hair, Blue eyes (Groups that don't break the rules) are only allowed anything else will be exterminated. Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the *new* and *improved* CTF where the socialist (Christians who determine what is and is not acceptable) party operates the boards. Please leave any offensive remarks at the state line, and be ready for intense standards that limit what citizens can do. We would like to remind any non-comforming citizens to stay out of groups, but make sure you can be recognized by putting something in your sig tag to remind the Gestapo who they need to watch closely. Thanks for your compliance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJB_GoingintoBattle Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 "The official policy that we decided on, after discussing many, was that we are not going to allow group names or content to reference any sexual, political, or religious material at all."Goodbye to the meaningful discussions in groups where people who have similar beliefs can discuss openly discuss without the worry of people who believe extremely different than the point mentioned bashing (yes, I said bashing because that is what happens here 9/10 times) "Definition: Groups that address or "focus" on sex (regardless of orientation) will not be permitted. Groups that address politics, such as tax cuts legislation, will also not be permitted. Finally, groups that center around catholicism, baptist, methodist, or mormanism will also not be permitted." Translated to common speech: CTF cannot allow anything that might offend someone, so anything offensive must be exterminated. Those who are not worthy of our standards will be done away with. "As of today this policy is going to be considered "live". All groups created after today must follow this criteria. Current groups will all be checked over then next few days / weeks to see if they fit the above outlined criteria. If they don't they will be removed with no further warning. No "punishment", warns, or alerts will be tracked during this phase. We realize that this policy didn't exist in the past and we're not going to do anything but remove existing groups that are outside this criteria." Translation: We cannot get rid of you yet, but we will find a way. Blonde hair, Blue eyes (Groups that don't break the rules) are only allowed anything else will be exterminated. Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the *new* and *improved* CTF where the socialist (Christians who determine what is and is not acceptable) party operates the boards. Please leave any offensive remarks at the state line, and be ready for intense standards that limit what citizens can do. We would like to remind any non-comforming citizens to stay out of groups, but make sure you can be recognized by putting something in your sig tag to remind the Gestapo who they need to watch closely. Thanks for your compliance. Mark you are so polite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlantis Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Well that was a bit over the top. To be honest, I never really understood the usefulness of groups anyway. Seriously, it's rare that anyone posts anything in them at all. If I look at the "new group posts" thing... four come up. And I don't exactly clear that out.... I've said my piece here. *flounces off behind a tree and lurks* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
God-Sent Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 I didn't know CTF was socialist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobartles Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 ... there seem to be a lot of misconceptions about the term "socialist" flying around here. Just sayin'. Judging from the descriptions, I think you meant "dictatorship", or "fascist". Not that I agree with that. Seems a little sad that all this has happened just because someone didn't like a particular group. It's been kinda blown out of all proportion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlantis Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Indeed. And someone who rarely comes here anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zabby Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Well, I agree with you, Zabby; I enjoy having our sections, too-- for universalism at least.... the heretic group was more of a gag from something I said a while back when the SoF was being put in place. But the thing is, the issue crossed boundaries on ALL of those issue-categories. It was obviously about sexuality. Gay marriage is a hot-button political issue. And then there's the "can you be gay and Christian?" thing. And it would be unfair to close down one and not the others-- after all, one of the rules is to not question the salvation of other members. I feel deleting just the one would be doing exactly that.^jumbled mess of rant-ish thoughts. I know, but I feel like we are throwing out the baby with the bathwater. To be honest, I never really understood the usefulness of groups anyway. Seriously, it's rare that anyone posts anything in them at all. If I look at the "new group posts" thing... four come up. And I don't exactly clear that out.... I think it is less the fact that we use it and it's being taken away, I think it's more the fact that we won't be able to use it anymore. I mean, if I want to discuss things of my own denomination for any reason, I can't now because that function has been taken away from me. If I wanted to start a private bible study or a private debate group to have intense discussions with other members, I couldn't. It's the fact that a function, that could be used to fulfill God's glory here on CTF is being denied to us because some people take offense to another's version of Christianity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlantis Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 I think it is less the fact that we use it and it's being taken away, I think it's more the fact that we won't be able to use it anymore. I mean, if I want to discuss things of my own denomination for any reason, I can't now because that function has been taken away from me. If I wanted to start a private bible study or a private debate group to have intense discussions with other members, I couldn't. It's the fact that a function, that could be used to fulfill God's glory here on CTF is being denied to us because some people take offense to another's version of Christianity. Hmmm.... You may make a rebel out of me yet, Zabby.... These are all good points. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FirefromtheEast Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 I think it is a silly idea to restrict Christian groups on a Christian forum. I greatly enjoy he idea that there is a place that I can discuss Catholic things with other Catholics and not have the whole of CTF breathing down my throat because they do not agree with my theology.Also, where does this stop? Can we not have a bible study group because that's a religious thing? This is a Christian forum. Religious discussion and growth is exactly what we should be encouraging. I agree with Zabby here. "The official policy that we decided on, after discussing many, was that we are not going to allow group names or content to reference any sexual, political, or religious material at all."Goodbye to the meaningful discussions in groups where people who have similar beliefs can openly discuss without the worry of people who believe extremely different than the point mentioned bashing (yes, I said bashing because that is what happens here 9/10 times) "Definition: Groups that address or "focus" on sex (regardless of orientation) will not be permitted. Groups that address politics, such as tax cuts legislation, will also not be permitted. Finally, groups that center around catholicism, baptist, methodist, or mormanism will also not be permitted." Translated to common speech: CTF cannot allow anything that might offend someone, so anything offensive must be exterminated. Those who are not worthy of our standards will be done away with. "As of today this policy is going to be considered "live". All groups created after today must follow this criteria. Current groups will all be checked over then next few days / weeks to see if they fit the above outlined criteria. If they don't they will be removed with no further warning. No "punishment", warns, or alerts will be tracked during this phase. We realize that this policy didn't exist in the past and we're not going to do anything but remove existing groups that are outside this criteria." Translation: We cannot get rid of you yet, but we will find a way. Blonde hair, Blue eyes (Groups that don't break the rules) are only allowed anything else will be exterminated. Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the *new* and *improved* CTF where the socialist (Christians who determine what is and is not acceptable) party operates the boards. Please leave any offensive remarks at the state line, and be ready for intense standards that limit what citizens can do. We would like to remind any non-comforming citizens to stay out of groups, but make sure you can be recognized by putting something in your sig tag to remind the Gestapo who they need to watch closely. Thanks for your compliance. This is absolutely ridiculous. The CTF staff are not Nazis, this is an ONLINE FORUM - not a country, and all kinds of people are welcome on this board, as long as they follow the rules. Yeesh, I'm Hindu (with black hair and dark brown eyes, I might add), and I feel perfectly welcome here. No one is trying to "exterminate" anyone on this board. This attempted comparison is just a slap in the face to the people who are working so hard to keep this forum going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel_of_Southern Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 I'm in support of the decision just because I was in a debate over one of the more controversial groups. (I was siding with the group) and that thread just stirred up so much anger on both sides. We have the forum I don't even understand why we have groups! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaycawbz Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Why the heck are we censoring religious groups that fall under the umbrella of Christianity on a CHRISTIAN website? That's just stupid. Chad, it's great to try to make everyone happy, but for Pete's sake, this is a CHRISTIAN forum. Christians should come first on the CHRISTIAN forum. Period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJB_GoingintoBattle Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Daniel.....the groups have great potential. The hate will show back up trust me. Difference in Denomination, or belief will arise again. This will not solve anything. This is the staff trying to please everybody. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myth Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Wow. Just... wow. Sorry but I wholeheartedly disagree with this decision for all the reasons already mentioned by other users. I sincerely hope the staff rethinks it. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jebbrook. Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Regardless of what the decision is, you're not going to make everyone happy. Regardless of which groups are allowed on this forum, someone is going to be offended. I think it's high time we all grew a thicker skin. This world is not controversy-free, nor will it ever be as long as people are all thinking for themselves. These groups allow members with similar beliefs, views, hobbies, likes and the such to converse in a place with other who agree with them. Isn't one of the main things that CTF does is let Christian teens come and converse with other Christian teens? People with somewhat similar beliefs, values, morals? The way I see it, the groups are just a smaller faction of CTF and the diverse member base we have. Eliminating all meaningful groups, in my opinion, will lead to more controversy on the boards themselves. Letting the Catholics, Baptists, Universalists and so on have their own space to have fellowship and tame conversation is a good thing. Why should we take this away from CTF? This is a pace all about Christianity, fellowship, and discussion. Removing groups such as these seems to go against CTF itself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Steel Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Some Christians are offended by homosexual Christians, some Christians are offended by Catholic Christians, etc. We can't please everyone so the best thing to do is get rid of all of them completely, the complainers left the staff with no other choice. I don't know why you all can't stop being so petty by trying to eradicate other groups of Christians that are slightly different from your own lifestyle. I don't understand why it is SO hard for some of you to go to sleep at night because of a group on an online forum. Why the heck are we censoring religious groups that fall under the umbrella of Christianity on a CHRISTIAN website? That's just stupid. Chad, it's great to try to make everyone happy, but for Pete's sake, this is a CHRISTIAN forum. Christians should come first on the CHRISTIAN forum. Period. Mate, I'm not trying to attack you and correct me if I'm wrong but I think you were one of the members against the homosexual Christians group. I find it a bit ironic that someone who campaigned to remove the group of homosexual Christians gets all up in arms when CTF tries to do the same for other groups (I know "homosexual" is not a denomination, but you get the gist). According to some, homosexuality does fall under the "umbrella of Christianity". How can CTF decide what kind of Christian groups are okay to have on this site? Should we have a list of "approved acceptable Christians" and "unacceptable Christians who are going to hell"? Guys, don't blame the staff...this happened because of us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zabby Posted December 18, 2010 Share Posted December 18, 2010 *raises hand and says* I don't agree with the deletion of any groups to be honest, but I think barring religious groups on a Christian forum is kinda crazy. I mean, I still want to know, if I want to make a bible study or something with the groups, would this be against CTF rules? What about a group about Christian music? Is that considered religious? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maria_AMDG Posted December 18, 2010 Share Posted December 18, 2010 If I remember correctly, "catholics only" and "protestants only" forum topics are not allowed (unless the interpretion of the rulez has changed), which I don't have a problem with because they're of a public nature. But I don't understand getting rid of private groups which can be used for intrafaith discussion and fellowship, free from the interruption of having to address questions/debates from those of opposing views. *how often the groups are actually used is irrelevant, it's the principle of having the venue available if the need arose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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