Language, &c....

[theaeblackthorn.livejournal.com]

We've had quite a few questions recently about swearing and content within HiH, especially as it's never been more than said that we allow things that are 'PG-13'. Well, that means very little to me, I'm British :P Anywho.

We've decided to specify it more strictly and after talking to Steph we've agreed on the BBFC's 15 rating:

 

'15' – Suitable only for 15 years and over

No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video or DVD.

Theme

No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.

Language

There may be frequent use of strong language (eg 'fuck'). But the strongest terms (eg 'cunt') will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity

Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex

Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.

Violence

Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.

Imitable techniques

Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Horror

Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.

Drugs

Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

 

I'll add it to the FAQs and rules, cool?

Comments

[moony-blues.livejournal.com]

Thanks for this, Sas. :) It clears up some questions that I had.

[theaeblackthorn.livejournal.com]

np, we decided people should be good enough to handle these rules. It's not exactly adult, but should be at an ok level. People tend not to abuse these rules anyway.

[ex-http://alight.livejournal.com/839]

As long as you don't take away my beloved f-bomb, I ain't bovvered. <3

[yelenia.livejournal.com]

ahahaha, this!

[corky-dork.livejournal.com]

THIS THIS THIS

[lovestyle.livejournal.com]

*thumbs up* Thanks for this, guys. (: *totally happy with these rules!*

[accountingwitch.livejournal.com]

So sessions in the dungeon should be brief and only hinted at, never broadcast to the tower.

Self-amusement aside, thanks for the clarification! Never really knew if I was openly flaunting the rules.

[heartzablaze.livejournal.com]

maybe I'm having a blonde moment... but I don't really get it.. It's very irritating that things keep getting changed. Like for instance what I don't get now is this new thing it seems like a certain icon (using it for an example) would be allowed, however under "pg-13" rules it isn't.. So which is it?

[theaeblackthorn.livejournal.com]

Things aren't really changing, they're just being clarified. The rule was exceedingly vague and as the MPAA doesn't lay out it's ratings as clearly as the BBFC we've decided to opt for an equivalent rating to the MPAA's PG-13. There are slightly differences but the clarified rules can now be found above.

As said, these are now the rules which the community will be following, as a clarification of the previous possibly unwritten PG-13 definition.

Better?

[heartzablaze.livejournal.com]

if it's the same then why would I get in trouble and asked to change an icon that was really allowed??

And btw.. it's still vague especially the language part.

[theaeblackthorn.livejournal.com]

Which part of the language part do you find vague?

[heartzablaze.livejournal.com]

maybe vague was the wrong word.. but for instance...everyone's opinion of the "strongest word" is different. So for instance.. my idea of the 'strongest' word could be fuck, but yet that's allowed. See what I mean?

[theaeblackthorn.livejournal.com]

Hm, I do see what you mean, for instance I find no words offensive. Strongest words tend to differ between societies and cultures, we could come up with a list, but surely using common sense is the most useful solution to this problem.

Most of the stronger words, used with malice would break a completely different rule in HiH. As it's said above, we're more concerned with the abuse of these words than their passing use in conversation or icons.

Does that help clear anything up?

[heartzablaze.livejournal.com]

you'd be surprised how many people around here lack common sense LOL

I get what you mean... really I'm not offended by any word even if I don't like a word.

And yeah I guess.. lol I never really had a problem until I was asked to change my icon LOL

[theaeblackthorn.livejournal.com]

That's cool, as long as the intent behind it is clearly playful and the other party will clearly be aware of this, there should be no problems now.

And yes, common sense can be lacked in very many places.

[theaeblackthorn.livejournal.com]

ETA: The icon above would be allowed in context, as an aggressive gesture towards another member of the community it would not be allowed as this is against the 'play nice' rule we have at hih. However, in a joking manner, it would be acceptable.

[laurahonest.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the clarification.

I am still a bit confused on the language rules. the "strongest terms" vary from person to person, one may be highly offended by "bitch" while another uses it as slang everyday.

Maybe a cohesive list of unacceptable words or a link to one posted offsite would be helpful.

[theaeblackthorn.livejournal.com]

Indeed, a list could be useful but such a list would vary greatly depending on societies and cultures different people are coming from. The guidelines state that excessive use of any 'swear' words would become a problem. We're more concerned with how the words are used, as those said with malice would be breaking the 'play nice' rule of HiH. So yes, I suspect we shouldn't really have a problem, but it'll be open for discussion if we do.

[laurahonest.livejournal.com]

hmm, i see your point.

[cutepoisonlola.livejournal.com]

Gah! No lists of forbidden words, plz!!! It would be such a pain in the arse to have to memorise a list, or go back to double check the no-no words! Besides, that kind of rule would remind me of elementary school and I would not appreciate such an atmosphere.

I advocate letting people judge for themselves, which seems to be the approach here. So I'm happy with the status quo. :)

[alohachary1851.livejournal.com]

lol i always hated the MPAA, so ~*~clear~*~
On a scale of troll to outstanding, this is outstanding.

[arobynsung]

You didn't take away fuck.
All is well.

[interrobanging.livejournal.com]

This.

[arobynsung]

^_^

[lovestyle.livejournal.com]

ROTFL these were my feelings too. <3 Fuck is just such a wonderful word. IT CAN BE MANY THINGS. :D

[arobynsung]

Versatility is key.
*nods seriously*

lol

[andromeda0604.livejournal.com]

I concur!!!

[arobynsung]

^_^

[jackie.livejournal.com]

HEAR HEAR

[tehlobster.livejournal.com]

As long as I still have my f-bomb. :) Cunt is one of those words I never liked anyway.

[silveredaccents.livejournal.com]

I like! Anything that was questionable I was hosting on my own site anyway ;-) Thanks though!

[caketime.livejournal.com]

Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

lol, damn.


... kidding. ;D

[slyfoxesq.livejournal.com]

I died that it says "promote or encourage drug misuse" rather than "use." I was like "ROFL, be sure to only do crack in moderation? Use a reputable dealer? Whut?"

[corky-dork.livejournal.com]

Don't neglect to tie off your tourniquet properly. :|

[caketime.livejournal.com]

Promoting misuse is like promoting the use. Misuse fits for alcohol/nicotine as well I suppose since it's legal and one can use it? IDK! I CAN PROMOTE DRUG USE YEAAAAAAAH,

so, uh, what drugs? Let's go get chocolate!

[cutepoisonlola.livejournal.com]

I would strongly advise caution with caffeine, but weed is fine. :)

Chocolate is awesome but the unwanted side-effects outweigh the desired effect, seeing as the chocolate induced euphoria evaporates quickly but the calories don't.

Out of chocolate, caffeine and weed, caffeine has the most drastic effect on me, and I think I'm hooked. So I promote caffeine use, WOOO!!!

[drakie-cakie.livejournal.com]

So I promote caffeine use, WOOO!!!

Hella seconded.