Symmetry wrote:Now nobody here who's been on CC for any length of time will be unaware that there is a lot of homophobic bullying on the site.
I've been on the receiving end of much of it. I've been pushed a lot into positions where I treat every post as hostile, had calls for my death up for polls, received sexually explicit PMs calling me PMs. Hell, I was banned for using the word "gay". Do you think things are getting better?
Banned for using the word "gay"??? Seriously? If so, that is just plain wrong and, as a minimum, that ban should be taken off from the escalation of penalties. I mean, seriously, that is actually reason for you to complain to the CC legal department if you did not already!
That said, I can remember when this forum was a much better place to just "be". We had a lot of interesting, sometimes intense debates. I believe a number of us have received warnings for pushing the envelope, but now I find actual vulgarities, (F**k being one), going by without even a notice. I cannot say that I am really seeing more tolerance, rather I am seeing more allowance for negativity and vulgarity.
Beyond that, any forum with a variety of people is going to find differing opinions. I don't think we want or need a place where simply expressing opposition to homosexuality is wrong (and not suggesting that is what you are saying). However, anyone making true real life threats of ANY kind for ANY reason should result in an instant and
permanent ban. That is, someone saying "if I knew you in real life, I would punch you" might deserve a warning, perhaps a ban if it continues. Anyone pming you saying "I am going to find you and attack you" is something to be taken seriously, warranting a ban at a minimum, and, depending on the circumstances, perhaps even warranting law enforcement contact (if there is legitimate reason to believe the person can locate you and carry out the threat).
I am not sure if CC is drawing that line right now or not. In the past, they were perhaps cracking down a tad too much. Now, perhaps they are letting a bit too much slide. It might be simply that they don't have the volunteers they used to have as well.