SM off topic content
- Thread starter conaero
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rossyl
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A few boring folk in the company get sent every single photo that triggers the skin tone filter. That's policy.
If they don't like what you've been looking at then you get hauled up. Type of content and regularity of content are the triggers.
Trying to explain why you need to look at scantily dressed women in the office, particularly on a regular basis, is likely a losing battle!
I'd be surprised if anyone at a listed company/bank isn't in a similar situation.
If they don't like what you've been looking at then you get hauled up. Type of content and regularity of content are the triggers.
Trying to explain why you need to look at scantily dressed women in the office, particularly on a regular basis, is likely a losing battle!
I'd be surprised if anyone at a listed company/bank isn't in a similar situation.
CatmanV2
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rockits
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LOL....I though it might be Not Safe For Women!
Strictly I guess personal stuff should never be done at work but we all accept a balance both ways these days. I guess moderation and balance is key.
It has sometimes been a problem as a small business and employer that we have had to address then re-balance a few times.
I can spend some of my working day on personal issues but also spend a lot of what should be personal time on work issues. As long as the work is done and customers are happy then it all works. When people take the pee as can happen it needs addressing.
I spent maybe a year at The Mirror Group years ago and we went through a process for a while clamping down on joke emails and personal calls It was becoming a problem, balance was lost. I had to supply many reports/data and many staff were immediately dismissed with measures take to re-balance the issue.
I guess this issue is similar. I don't see an imbalance or issue at the moment but it makes sense to have some measures to improve or deal with some issues raised. Why let it become a problem if we can make sure we take steps to mean it never becomes are a problem. If only half the world was like this.
Back to my Exchange On-Premise to 365 migration for a customer this weekend then
Strictly I guess personal stuff should never be done at work but we all accept a balance both ways these days. I guess moderation and balance is key.
It has sometimes been a problem as a small business and employer that we have had to address then re-balance a few times.
I can spend some of my working day on personal issues but also spend a lot of what should be personal time on work issues. As long as the work is done and customers are happy then it all works. When people take the pee as can happen it needs addressing.
I spent maybe a year at The Mirror Group years ago and we went through a process for a while clamping down on joke emails and personal calls It was becoming a problem, balance was lost. I had to supply many reports/data and many staff were immediately dismissed with measures take to re-balance the issue.
I guess this issue is similar. I don't see an imbalance or issue at the moment but it makes sense to have some measures to improve or deal with some issues raised. Why let it become a problem if we can make sure we take steps to mean it never becomes are a problem. If only half the world was like this.
Back to my Exchange On-Premise to 365 migration for a customer this weekend then
RoaryRati
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I'll be brave and raise my head above the parapet and utter input from a female perspective - which reflects some of the other comments. Some comments I don't/can't be bothered to understand (didn't know what NSFW meant.....), some I ignore, some I think 'boys will be boys.....'. But then both my work (agricultural journalist) and hobbies (back in the '80's I was quite a talented road racing cyclist and the only to improve was to train with the lads and because I could keep up they accepted me) were in quite a male dominated environment so I got used to the occasional laddish banter and learnt to ignore it
Rwc13
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So just a bit of analysis -
So this feedback is arguably most representative of the people who post very or pretty regularly.
So perhaps it’s unsurprising that there is a majority for the status quo or some tinkering around the edges.
Indeed, if you look at the total forum posts, and the percentage of those posts made up by, say, the highest 20 posters, I suspect this would produce a pretty high perecentage.
And that’s fine if that is what the forum is happy with being. But it would certainly suggest to me that inclusive in the widest sense it is not.
Surely it would be worth directly contacting a proportion of those that join but do not or rarely post, or who join but then leave or do not continue to frequent, to find out why. Armed with that information, informed decisions can then be made about what might be done, if anything, to increase inclusivity without “destroying” the very good things that the forum delivers for current active members. I’m not advocating change, just advocating making decisions based on slightly more diverse information than appears to be represented in this thread so far.
- there have been around 35 posters on this thread,
- the vast majority of posts are from people who are very regular posters
- there have been only 7 posters with under 500 posts,
- there has been only 1 poster with less than 100 posts
So this feedback is arguably most representative of the people who post very or pretty regularly.
So perhaps it’s unsurprising that there is a majority for the status quo or some tinkering around the edges.
Indeed, if you look at the total forum posts, and the percentage of those posts made up by, say, the highest 20 posters, I suspect this would produce a pretty high perecentage.
And that’s fine if that is what the forum is happy with being. But it would certainly suggest to me that inclusive in the widest sense it is not.
Surely it would be worth directly contacting a proportion of those that join but do not or rarely post, or who join but then leave or do not continue to frequent, to find out why. Armed with that information, informed decisions can then be made about what might be done, if anything, to increase inclusivity without “destroying” the very good things that the forum delivers for current active members. I’m not advocating change, just advocating making decisions based on slightly more diverse information than appears to be represented in this thread so far.
2b1ask1
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Generally I think the forum is self policing for the most part and that is good.
I recall panicking Matt with one thread! https://www.sportsmaserati.com/index.php?threads/photos-of-katie.8621/
I wouldn’t compromise the forum in any way with intent as I value it too highly.
re SFW etc. I work in a children’s environment most of the time so have to be super cautious, in 10 years I think there have been two images that have made me jumpy in that respect. I think there is often more infringement on copy-write than anything else, second is unverifiable stuff copied in (not necessarily images); the Brexit thread has probably been the biggest offender in this regard from both sides of the argument.
I recall panicking Matt with one thread! https://www.sportsmaserati.com/index.php?threads/photos-of-katie.8621/
I wouldn’t compromise the forum in any way with intent as I value it too highly.
re SFW etc. I work in a children’s environment most of the time so have to be super cautious, in 10 years I think there have been two images that have made me jumpy in that respect. I think there is often more infringement on copy-write than anything else, second is unverifiable stuff copied in (not necessarily images); the Brexit thread has probably been the biggest offender in this regard from both sides of the argument.
Geo
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How about this one for eye popping embarrassment at work; A few years ago before I retired a colleague asked me to get some information on brushless electric motors. He’s standing at my shoulder viewing the computer monitor as I typed in “brushless.com” when a lot of very cleanly shaved lady parts appeared on the screen. I had inadvertently missed out the “r” when typing the search............oops!
Corranga
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Don't really like selectively quoting people, but this post would be crazy long if I didn't. The intention is to highlight the area I'm replying to, not change the meaning of anything said!!
Also, sorry for the topic digression again...
This is a great sentence, and one many would do well to remember. I'd like to add though, that they aren't being marginalised or silenced. Yes, some of our world is going through an uprising of non-white cis males, but this isn't about somehow punishing them for the past. It's simply about allowing everyone the comforts the white cis males have had. Showing society that it's not ok to segregate based on race, sexuality, culture etc. A gay person should be able to go about their day without having abuse shouted at them, bisexual people shouldn't automatically be branded as sluts, women should be able to go for a promotion and be judged based on merit, never mind be able to safely walk down the road at night without worrying about those males walking towards her. This fear of abuse, violence, rape etc. is very real to a lot of people and, for me as a white cis male, it's embarrassing, it makes me feel ashamed.
SM clearly doesn't go to any of these extremes, but as a community, we do show it's ok to joke about these things, which, via these subtle under tones, can be seen as saying it's ok.
I'm perfectly calm. I'm not on a soap box, not shouting at my laptop, I see this as an opportunity to hopefully allow some to see things from the other side.
As I pointed out above, you being from a minority does not give you any more authority. Whether something offends is often down to the individual.
Plenty of Jewish folk would be livid at what you felt is acceptable. If you have to 'put up with something' that someone has said, or 'learn to ignore it' then there is a good chance that thing probably isn't right.
I 100% agree. You don't have to think a hundred times to figure out if you are making a joke at the expense of someone who can't do anything to (race, sex, sexuality, disability are the obvious areas), it takes even less time to think would I be ok with someone saying this about me.
Agreed, but there is a huge difference between a Jewish (or other) comedian standing on stage laughing at the expense of their own religion and culture vs.
Also, to a degree, Judaism (and any other religion for that matter) is a choice. This doesn't make it completely acceptable, but it's not as bad as all the stuff I've discussed above.
In the same area, see also why it's not acceptable for white cis males to use the N word etc.
I think these are both very much the same point, the problem is, the intent is irrelevant. It's all about whether or not it's offensive.
Saying something racist, then backing it up by saying you're not racist isn't acceptable.
It demonstrates that you are accepting of racism, that you feel its ok not just to say it, but also, in these cases, to laugh at it.
It is condoning of something that it is glaringly obvious that it will offend a large group of others.
So, was Bernard Manning racist? I have no idea. He was just another arrogant and uneducated cis white male in a time when that was the general consensus. When most were ignorant to the feelings of other races, not interested, maybe threatened by rising immigration or perhaps even blissfully unaware.
Does it really matter if he was racist or not?
No, the offence was caused regardless.
In a weak attempt to pull back on topic... NSFW is a great plan for all of the reasons others posted above, providing folk are willing to tick the box or whatever the implementation is.
Also, sorry for the topic digression again...
This is a great sentence, and one many would do well to remember. I'd like to add though, that they aren't being marginalised or silenced. Yes, some of our world is going through an uprising of non-white cis males, but this isn't about somehow punishing them for the past. It's simply about allowing everyone the comforts the white cis males have had. Showing society that it's not ok to segregate based on race, sexuality, culture etc. A gay person should be able to go about their day without having abuse shouted at them, bisexual people shouldn't automatically be branded as sluts, women should be able to go for a promotion and be judged based on merit, never mind be able to safely walk down the road at night without worrying about those males walking towards her. This fear of abuse, violence, rape etc. is very real to a lot of people and, for me as a white cis male, it's embarrassing, it makes me feel ashamed.
SM clearly doesn't go to any of these extremes, but as a community, we do show it's ok to joke about these things, which, via these subtle under tones, can be seen as saying it's ok.
I'm perfectly calm. I'm not on a soap box, not shouting at my laptop, I see this as an opportunity to hopefully allow some to see things from the other side.
As I pointed out above, you being from a minority does not give you any more authority. Whether something offends is often down to the individual.
Plenty of Jewish folk would be livid at what you felt is acceptable. If you have to 'put up with something' that someone has said, or 'learn to ignore it' then there is a good chance that thing probably isn't right.
I 100% agree. You don't have to think a hundred times to figure out if you are making a joke at the expense of someone who can't do anything to (race, sex, sexuality, disability are the obvious areas), it takes even less time to think would I be ok with someone saying this about me.
Agreed, but there is a huge difference between a Jewish (or other) comedian standing on stage laughing at the expense of their own religion and culture vs.
Also, to a degree, Judaism (and any other religion for that matter) is a choice. This doesn't make it completely acceptable, but it's not as bad as all the stuff I've discussed above.
In the same area, see also why it's not acceptable for white cis males to use the N word etc.
I think these are both very much the same point, the problem is, the intent is irrelevant. It's all about whether or not it's offensive.
Saying something racist, then backing it up by saying you're not racist isn't acceptable.
It demonstrates that you are accepting of racism, that you feel its ok not just to say it, but also, in these cases, to laugh at it.
It is condoning of something that it is glaringly obvious that it will offend a large group of others.
So, was Bernard Manning racist? I have no idea. He was just another arrogant and uneducated cis white male in a time when that was the general consensus. When most were ignorant to the feelings of other races, not interested, maybe threatened by rising immigration or perhaps even blissfully unaware.
Does it really matter if he was racist or not?
No, the offence was caused regardless.
In a weak attempt to pull back on topic... NSFW is a great plan for all of the reasons others posted above, providing folk are willing to tick the box or whatever the implementation is.
Trev Latter
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On the topic NSFW, some 20 years ago I was working with a fairly posh, lovely lady who, at the time, was mid 50s(ish). Being almost completely computer illiterate, she decided to google her surname to try to find some relatives. We heard the scream almost 50 ft away - her surname is Fagg!
Back on topic, I haven't really got much, if anything, to add as I meet the stereotype (late) 50s, white male forum user. For the most part I think it all works well and as a new member around 6 years ago, was always made to feel welcome and included. I'd go so far to say that I was actively encouraged to participate in meets/ Brunty etc. I can totally understand how the images may be an issue for some at work due to company policies, so maybe that's something that could be looked at and addressed. As already mentioned by others, perhaps the most contentious of threads could have been the Brexit thread, but on here it's been a pretty civil discussion rather than the slanging match I've seen elsewhere, where vile insults were the norm.
Back on topic, I haven't really got much, if anything, to add as I meet the stereotype (late) 50s, white male forum user. For the most part I think it all works well and as a new member around 6 years ago, was always made to feel welcome and included. I'd go so far to say that I was actively encouraged to participate in meets/ Brunty etc. I can totally understand how the images may be an issue for some at work due to company policies, so maybe that's something that could be looked at and addressed. As already mentioned by others, perhaps the most contentious of threads could have been the Brexit thread, but on here it's been a pretty civil discussion rather than the slanging match I've seen elsewhere, where vile insults were the norm.
Corranga
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How about this one for eye popping embarrassment at work; A few years ago before I retired a colleague asked me to get some information on brushless electric motors. He’s standing at my shoulder viewing the computer monitor as I typed in “brushless.com” when a lot of very cleanly shaved lady parts appeared on the screen. I had inadvertently missed out the “r” when typing the search............oops!
One of my course mates at Uni had similar. I studied video game technology, and we were writing a report on contemporary video games we thought would become classics. He typed "Mario 64" into image search, in the days before Safe Search was a thing. In among the grid of cartoon plumbers in red dungarees was a series of photos of a man spread eagle, full frontal, closeups and all. Presumably his name was Mario, and this was his 64th photo shoot something! Searching for "the White House" used to bring up some interesting results too.
Another less fortunate course mate was looking online for a sexy photo to use on a coursework.
This was the very early days of peer to peer sharing, later predominantly used for piracy of course, but also as it turns out, hosting the darker components of the internet.
His search for "girls" on a peer to peer application via University kit saw results that were picked up by a filter within the Uni. Within the week, he was suspended from the course, banned from the Uni, and the police had confiscated all of his personal PC equipment whilst they investigated him for paedophilia.
Thankfully, the internet is a lot less prone to this nowadays!
conaero
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Thank you young lady for your value input. Knowing you personally I respect your honest appraisal, thank you.
rockits
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A fair point is the core constant contributors keep this forum updated with their posts and content. The odd newbie who joins, asks a few questions and disappears does not.
Of course we need make sure we cater and allow for new members to join then contribute. Similar to how golf clubs (well most!) have updated views/rules and accommodated.
However we do still need to cater for the core that keep the forum alive and well.
Of course we need make sure we cater and allow for new members to join then contribute. Similar to how golf clubs (well most!) have updated views/rules and accommodated.
However we do still need to cater for the core that keep the forum alive and well.
conaero
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Indeed Dean, it’s all about encouraging to champion the forum forward after us old crusties have departed this rock.
A major part of my graphics company is patient feedback. It highlights what was thought as running well has some quite serious issues if you scratch deeper.
A major part of my graphics company is patient feedback. It highlights what was thought as running well has some quite serious issues if you scratch deeper.
Oneball
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I’m wondering how many people come here after searching for “Maserati” and don’t join? Is there a way to tell how much traffic you get from non-members?
I’m wondering what a visitors first impression would be and perhaps this is the area that needs looking at to encourage new members. Maybe having a basement like on advrider.com is a good idea.
Another thing that may put people off is that often when you search for a Masersti issue on google it comes up with a link to here but when you click the link it won’t come up. But if you search again on the site you can find it. If it was my first time here that would definitely put me off.
Back directly on topic, after reading some of the posts I’m now quite worried I may have unknowingly offended people. Sorry.
I’m wondering what a visitors first impression would be and perhaps this is the area that needs looking at to encourage new members. Maybe having a basement like on advrider.com is a good idea.
Another thing that may put people off is that often when you search for a Masersti issue on google it comes up with a link to here but when you click the link it won’t come up. But if you search again on the site you can find it. If it was my first time here that would definitely put me off.
Back directly on topic, after reading some of the posts I’m now quite worried I may have unknowingly offended people. Sorry.
CatmanV2
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conaero
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I don’t think the core should worry. The forum is 10 years old in a few weeks and I’m having a moment of reflection.
As stated earlier on this thread, compared to the majority of motor related forums this place is all puppies and pussycats.
But, to continue as we have, we have to evolve. You stand still, you risk sleepwalking off a cliff.
So just see this thread as data capture and improvement.
From my opinion of late there are 3 types of SM member who share one common love...the cars.
As stated earlier on this thread, compared to the majority of motor related forums this place is all puppies and pussycats.
But, to continue as we have, we have to evolve. You stand still, you risk sleepwalking off a cliff.
So just see this thread as data capture and improvement.
From my opinion of late there are 3 types of SM member who share one common love...the cars.
- Daily forum posters that may or may not have a Maserati
- Daily forum lurkers that have a Maserati, use the data and attend some of the more related car events.
- Old/Non forum regulars who may or may not own a Maserati anymore and collect on WhatsApp and use what the forum gained them in the early days as life friends to socialise.
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Andyk
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As I said earlier it's 2020 not 1970 and the forum does need to move with the times. I am keen to welcome new members of all genders but I still think some will be put off. I have loved the last 10 years being part of this group of people (even if I don't have a Maserati) and getting actively involved and I for one look forward to the next 10 years. I have made some really good friends on here over the years.