Ethics vs. prudence, and what can and cannot be discussed.

[David O'Neil]

As a result of the last pages of this thread, I've decided to post the following and see what happens. I am doing so to figure out what can and cannot be discussed on this forum, as the header states "Computer problems, or landing on Mars. Here you can go off-topic."

Last December a member posted a thread in this forum in which they stated that they were a member of a political body, and they knew for a fact that one of the members of that body was corrupt, and was not working for the best interests of the people who had voted them in. The member making that statement said that ethics dictated that they could not let the people who had voted them into office know about the other member's actions.

I responded that it wasn't ethics at stake, but prudence. I believed that ethics dictated that the non-corrupt member somehow figure out a way to fix the situation so that those being governed got the governance that they believed they had voted into office. I also said that it would be wise to do so prudently, as the wrong moves could be detrimental to the concerned member and the body being governed. It wasn't 'ethics' at stake, it was 'prudence.'

As part of that thread, the moderators had been asked what could and could not be discussed in the off-topic boards. The thread was pulled, even though it was extremely socially relevant and redeeming, and there remains no answer to what we can and cannot discuss on this forum. I'm hoping that by posting this thread, I find out that socially redeeming discussions are wanted on this board. I always believed they were, but the way the earlier thread was pulled left me in doubt.

Best wishes,
David

[pauland]

David, it seems to me that the forums here are pretty forgiving of most things, but inevitably there are going to be limits, even for an off-topic thread.

I think if you're looking for 'heavy-duty' discussion or an expose, then a site focussed on graphics probably isn't appropriate. In the example given above there's always a danger of the forum owner being accused of publishing libellous information, so I guess I understand why the thread was pulled.

I don't think talkgraphics ever was, or ever should be, about pushing the boundaries of forum discussion, political exposes or moderator baiting.

Enjoy talkgraphics for what it is - graphics talk with a bit of community chat that stimulates the mind, makes friends and often makes us laugh.

If you're trying to figure out if something can or cannot be said, you're probably best not saying it.

Paul

[David O'Neil]

...If you're trying to figure out if something can or cannot be said, you're probably best not saying it.

According to the listed topics, it can be said, that is why I wasn't questioning it. Again, according to the guidelines listed, it can be said.

[pauland]

When I first started work in my first job after university I was given the task of sitting in a room as invigilator with a load of other people who were sitting doing an apptitude test.

With the dead quiet, I could hear two secretaries in the next office talking:

"... They all have degrees and they're supposed to be educated people. The only problem is that they haven't got an ounce of common-sense..".

I often think those secretaries were right on the button.

Paul

[David O'Neil]

Yes, I've seen many professionals like that. I've probably filled those shoes a couple times myself.

[RTK]

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[David O'Neil]

...TalkGraphics.com was not designed for heated debates...

...So please consider carefully that your topic is relevant to the forum in which you are posting.

So this can remain, and I won't be banned, as long as this doesn't get heated. After all, it appears to be in the correct forum, and I don't intend to argue--just help if at all possible.

The thread I was referring to wasn't heated, nor was religion or politics being argued over, thus my confusion, so it must have been an error that time. Thank you for clearing this up Risto.

Best wishes,
David

[RTK]

Members report post/threads - it's looked at in the moderator forum - it's acted on if need be.

Threads are looked at on a case by case basis.

Risto

[GeoBen]

paul,

there are graphics and art forums with 'off-topic' and/or debate channels. The debate forum over at wetcanvas gets downright volatile from time to time.

personally, i can understand how Xara would want to limit the content of the site, but i think it is at least a little cowardly. even artists have ideas outside of their art and it begs the question of art content; is a drawing done in Xara that graphically demonstrates the artists political stance taboo?

for what it is worth,
geo.

[gidgit]

hmm, good question really...

Perhaps if one is from the country from which the pun is intended, or the thought provoked, then it is good stuff, however there are still decency levels to consider...

perhaps it's respect, that best sums things up here... What you design is your business, but when you make it ours, it should be with respect in mind, and not with subjects which might offend us in a "yea, that makes sense why", sort of manner.

Chances are that there is a place for most any type of art, or at least almost any type, but even then, there are definant lines eh...

Post something and see ... and if there is an uproar, it will be quickly addressed, or supported... it will soon become clear enough I would suppose