** PLEASE READ: New DIS Policy **

[WebmasterMaryJo]

The Webmasters have decided that there will be no more posts discussing or debating politics or religion on the DIS. Please read the thread on the Community Board that I have linked here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2125870

The DIS Guidelines have also been updated: www.wdwinfo.com/guidelines.htm


These type of posts are super rare (if they even occur) here on the DISneyland forums, but we've been asked to let everyone know.

Thank you

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

Wonderful decision by the Dis team.

 

[mechurchlady]

oh good grief, I got banned for a day by accident by mod who demanded I take something down that was posted by someone else.

How far are they going with this?

My list of out concerns from various sites:

"My pastor likes that ride" is that too religious.

"Jewish people may order special meals".

"I do not like that ride because of my religious beliefs" which leads to the person having to explain what they believe.

Avatars/tags, signatures and profiles that have religious emblems or phrases.

On Nick's sites I have to use sweephunter because mechurchlady is too religious. At Furry Paws the moderator and I got into a tussle over mechurchlady. The name is religious to the point that I used to go to church but also refers to Dana Carvey's charcter on SNL.

On one site they put in filters so that "church" became "little house on the prairie" and eventually banned from that site because they hated any mention of religion.

I have on two sites been expected to be the ultimate church lady because of my name. Any how where does the line start and end and what will be allowed. I am tired of satanists and other cults having rights at Howrse that I do not get. I just do not want to be banned or forced to leave another site because of my religion and how religion is the backbone of my life.

I will have my bags packed and will be ready for the day to come when I leave. I just do not like this as I seen too much grief and sorrow and hatred for being a devoutly religious lady who has God entwined in her actions and words and writings.

 

[Bunless]

I think it's a great idea, as I equate Disney with relaxation...and religion and politics are not relaxing to me.

 

[MickeyNikiNaka]

oh good grief, I got banned for a day by accident by mod who demanded I take something down that was posted by someone else.

How far are they going with this?

My list of out concerns from various sites:

"My pastor likes that ride" is that too religious.

"Jewish people may order special meals".

"I do not like that ride because of my religious beliefs" which leads to the person having to explain what they believe.

Avatars/tags, signatures and profiles that have religious emblems or phrases.

On Nick's sites I have to use sweephunter because mechurchlady is too religious. At Furry Paws the moderator and I got into a tussle over mechurchlady. The name is religious to the point that I used to go to church but also refers to Dana Carvey's charcter on SNL.

On one site they put in filters so that "church" became "little house on the prairie" and eventually banned from that site because they hated any mention of religion.

I have on two sites been expected to be the ultimate church lady because of my name. Any how where does the line start and end and what will be allowed. I am tired of satanists and other cults having rights at Howrse that I do not get. I just do not want to be banned or forced to leave another site because of my religion and how religion is the backbone of my life.

I will have my bags packed and will be ready for the day to come when I leave. I just do not like this as I seen too much grief and sorrow and hatred for being a devoutly religious lady who has God entwined in her actions and words and writings.

I don't believe that's what this is about, I think that the DIS is trying to be proactive in their policy in the hopes that no one will be kicked off of the DIS Boards because of their political and religious beliefs, we're all on these boards because we share a common love and passion. And personally, I don't think that "discussing" means referencing. Everyone on the DIS boards are very welcoming and I think you can agree that's why we keep coming back here, I'm just one person but I don't think that you're being kicked out, by the Webmasters policy at all. I can understand where they are coming from, we're Disney lovers, why would we want to start conflict?

Besides which, my mother always taught me that there are two things you never discuss in a casual setting, Religion and Politics! So really, Webmasters are just listening to my mother! Blame her!

 

[WA Kay]

Love, love, love the new policy.

Thank you very much.

 

[Stacerita]

The Webmasters have decided that there will be no more posts discussing or debating politics or religion on the DIS. Please read the thread on the Community Board that I have linked here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2125870

The DIS Guidelines have also been updated: www.wdwinfo.com/guidelines.htm


These type of posts are super rare (if they even occur) here on the DISneyland forums, but we've been asked to let everyone know.

Thank you

Hi MaryJo

Just wanted some quick clarification on signatures......now that Easter is coming up, how will the graphics be addressed? Eggs and bunnies are ok, but no crosses? TIA

BTW - I do like the new policy. Religon and polictics are two topics that shouldn't be discussed. Like the previous poster said, my mother taught me that as well. I think it will make for a more enjoyable board.

Thanks Mods!

 

[Canyon girl]

Can we say "Merry Christmas?" Or is it now "Happy Holidays?"

 

[mechurchlady]

So much of my life as a neurovariant has been spent misunderstood. Most of you have not had your religion made fun of, been banned for your beliefs, seen sites crack down on Christians while allowing others to go free, persecuted and hounded, and lived in fear that another site will ban you or oust you because religion is part of your life just as much as your family, clubs, hobbies, pasttimes, work, and friends are part of your life.

I now fear because of the past. How would you feel if your husband, mother, school, country was not allowed to be talked about, not to mention it, and insulted.

My bags are packed and again it is starting and soon I will be renamed sweephunter after my sweeping site and will live in fear that my signature will offend people or that my avatar has church in it and will be removed.

All I ask is for you to help me carry my bags to the curb as they are heavy with memories so sweet and precious. I finally belonged here as a diva and disAbled neurovariant, such sweet memories are packed and I am ready for the banning and trouble to begin.

 

[erinbev]

woah woah, people, calm down - they said "discussing or debating" politics and religion. I don't take that to mean that if you have a cross in your sig or say "merry christmas" or even say that you're praying for someone is going to be grounds for immediate dismissal or anything. I think this is more to protect the rest of us from someone actively trying to attack someone else or "stir the pot" with politics or religion.

Um...yeah, sorry. Just my impression on the rules.

 

[Diznygrl]

From what I read on the community board discussion on this topic, the new policy is not banning all things religious, it just means that you can't post things that bash others beliefs, such as "Oh those crazy Catholics are at it again!" or "My religion is the only one accepted by God and all the rest of you will burn for eternity". We will still be able to wish others Merry Christmas and Happy Easter, ask for prayers for family members, stuff like that.

 

[mechurchlady]

Based on my history I would say I done seen so many rules slowly twisted to the whims of mods and admins. I want clear cut limits. I do not want some moderator who hates someone to wreak havoc or twist the meaning of the rules.

I never go to community board because I got me three communities on this site: divas, disAbilities, and DLR. Back to my mahjong.

Some neurovariants do not do change well lol.
Do not trip on my bags please.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

This decision came about due to the negativity brought to the site by these discussions/debates that spill into other threads that have nothing to do with politics or religion, and especially where the discussion has turned into debating, fighting, insulting, baiting, etc. Since it seems impossible for some people to discuss politics and agree to disagree, there will be no politics allowed period. Religion might be more challenging, especially by people who are upset at the decision, and want to make a point, or want to "win" in their own eyes. Religion won't be allowed to be discussed, however, references to a religion (no matter which) will be allowed. Posts that attack those references will not be allowed. Discussion/debates of a religion over another will not be allowed. Using religion to "judge" people and start debates will not be allowed. If there is confusion, the mods will go to the webmasters, who will discuss and make their decisions, and will come back to us. Since this is a new rule, I'm sure people will being trying different things and eventually we'll have a better understanding of what is acceptable or not. I think MOST people already understand, and it's not an issue for them.

Hi MaryJo

Just wanted some quick clarification on signatures......now that Easter is coming up, how will the graphics be addressed? Eggs and bunnies are ok, but no crosses? TIA

BTW - I do like the new policy. Religon and polictics are two topics that shouldn't be discussed. Like the previous poster said, my mother taught me that as well. I think it will make for a more enjoyable board.

Thanks Mods!

The DIS hasn't banned religion and religious references, so a good example is Easter - eggs, chocolate, crosses - all these symbols are okay. What is not okay are references mocking these, or these symbols mocking other religions -- rarely, if ever, happens on the DIS, so I think it's a non-issue. People who try to irritate the wms by starting to put offensive icons/references will be dealt with. As for political graphics, I'm not sure that any will be allowed.

Can we say "Merry Christmas?" Or is it now "Happy Holidays?"

Either is fine - whatever makes you comfortable.

woah woah, people, calm down - they said "discussing or debating" politics and religion. I don't take that to mean that if you have a cross in your sig or say "merry christmas" or even say that you're praying for someone is going to be grounds for immediate dismissal or anything. I think this is more to protect the rest of us from someone actively trying to attack someone else or "stir the pot" with politics or religion.

Um...yeah, sorry. Just my impression on the rules.

Like I said, most people, I think, will understand the rules, however, because this is so new, it's good to get a good understand, and so this discussion is good.

From what I read on the community board discussion on this topic, the new policy is not banning all things religious, it just means that you can't post things that bash others beliefs, such as "Oh those crazy Catholics are at it again!" or "My religion is the only one accepted by God and all the rest of you will burn for eternity". We will still be able to wish others Merry Christmas and Happy Easter, ask for prayers for family members, stuff like that.

Exactly

Based on my history I would say I done seen so many rules slowly twisted to the whims of mods and admins. I want clear cut limits. I do not want some moderator who hates someone to wreak havoc or twist the meaning of the rules.

I never go to community board because I got me three communities on this site: divas, disAbilities, and DLR. Back to my mahjong.

Some neurovariants do not do change well lol.
Do not trip on my bags please.

If you ever have an issue with the mods please write to the webmasters (who make all the decisions) at admin@wdwinfo.com. This board is to discuss Disneyland planning and have fun with subjects that touch on Disneyland - that is pretty much it.

There is a thread on the Community Board where some people are asking questions, and the webmasters have pretty much answered them. If you have time, you might want to visit it to see any other questions you may have answered: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2125875 . The answers I have posted here pretty much came from the webmasters and their answers to everyone.

If the political noise had stayed confined to those two threads, we would not have been forced to address it.

Unfortunately, it spilled over into MANY threads, and we determined that we were no longer willing to perform the constant referreeing and babysitting that these topics demanded. The number of attacks that were being reported and that we had to investigate and/or act on was simply ridiculous.

Yes, they are. Political statements, logos, slogans, etc. are no longer permitted in signatures.

I haven't seen any religious signatures that would be out of bounds under the new rules.

When it comes to religious issues, it's the arguments and debates pertaining to specific doctrines and philosophies that are controversial and divisive. We're not going to have debates pitting Catholic doctrine against Methodist doctrine, for example.

If you see a religious signature along the lines of "Only Catholics are going to Heaven, the rest of you heathens will burn", let us know. But simple holiday wishes, crosses, etc, aren't a problem.

Holidays are fine, and requests for or references to prayers are fine.

Debate/discussion about religious doctrine is what we're not going to have. It was never a huge issue, certainly nothing like the political discussions have spawned, but topics like abortion have generated a lot of hate based on religious beliefs.

I expect that we'll have some gray areas and will need to determine some of this as specific situations arise.

In general, though, discussion of the President, actions of or speeches by the President or members of the Congress or Senate would DEFINITELY be topics no longer allowed.

This decision was definitely bipartisan!

The problem is the BASHING itself, not who the target of the bashing is.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

WMKathy's answers in red:

Originally Posted by gate_pourri
For clarification, can a mod please respond with a aye or nay on the following topics:

- AIG/BofA/Citigroup/etc.? The companies themselves - AYE. The Bailouts and govt involvement- NAY
- The economy as a whole? Economic theory- AYE Gov't involvement- NAY
- The Stimulus? As a program/govt decision/policy- NAY How you will spend any refund- AYE
- What about if a politician passes away? As a person- AYE His/her politics- NAY
- Spending? Education? Taxes? Health Care? The Environment? Keeping party politics and govt references out of it- MAYBE
- Corruption? Blago? Sounds like politics- NAY
- Abortion? As a medical procedure- too graphic. Political or religious stances- NAY
- Death penalty? The latest criminal/crime? MAYBE. The topics themselves are fine, but posters are unlikely to keep on topic and respectful.
- Limbaugh? O'Reilly? Etc.? As people, fine. Their stances/comments/politics- NAY

As long as there is no attempt to interject political or religious ideology into a discussion, there won't be much problem. IMO, there is no reason to fear something "may turn 'political'" unless you are the one contributing the ideology.

As for the specific generic topics above, as long as no ideological slant is included the topic itself is likely all right. A few of those may be difficult topics by definition without the ideology and it might be best to avoid either starting or commenting in such threads. I can think of situations with each of those generics that would be all right, but expect that others would not agree and the thread would end up contrary to the policy.

In general, if you feel "in your mind" that a topic is political, it would be best to not even open the thread - let alone posting in it.

We have been discussion this for months and have a pretty clear concept of what will be done. There will be very little subjectivity with this policy.

I don't see any problem with a Christian music thread unless it breaks into a religious discussion.

Unless you can discuss AIG without an ideological comment about a bailout it won't be allowed. If you want to discuss the products offered by AIG - feel free. If there is a discussion about a family member coming home from the war in Iraq or Afganistan there shouldn't be any problem unless the political aspects of the war are brought into it. Again, there are plenty of websites where ALL of these topics may be discussed. Our family-oriented, Disney trip planning site is no longer one of them.

The policy extends to all DIS forums.

We can still wish people Merry Christmas and have threads about Christmas. It's threads pitting one religion against another, threads degrading religions, etc. that will not be allowed

Sure, requests for prayers are fine.

No, Merry Christmas is fine. As are holiday related smilies and images.

Quote:
Originally Posted by perla75
Can we discuss holidays, holiday events, recipes, traditions, history (such as upcoming Easter & Passover)?

& what about Disney related holiday events (i.e. decorations, Candlelight Processional, etc...)

Sure. Just keep religious doctrine debates (my church is better than your church, etc.) out of it. Holidays are fine.


Quote:
Originally Posted by perla75
Also, how about tax questions since that is governent related?

Sure- we all pay taxes. Just no debates about government policy, etc.

So:
"Tax Rates in different locations" --- fine
"Our sales taxes are going up again!" --- fine
"The stinking libs (or cons) are raising my taxes" --- nope

Quote:
Originally Posted by OctMtnWoods
Aren't those last 2 questions the same? I read them the same.

Grey areas are going to get you in trouble.

What grey area?

"The stinking libs/cons are raising my taxes" points fingers in an antagonizing manner and makes it political by blaming a political party or side.

"Our sales taxes are going up again" is a comment or rant about the same topic, yes, but without pointing fingers or being political. Should anyone decide to make it political, it would be addressed by the mods or WMs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by OctMtnWoods
Maybe I should just stick with rainbows & weather to be safe if I'm still confused when done.

It just seems so fake to be able to mention a speech but not be able to even make the slightest comment towards liking it or not. That would be discussing it. What's the point then at that point.

Sorry, I can't be fake.

I think you're making this much more complicated that it really is. There's nothing "fake" here- no one's required to discuss fluff topics they're not interested in.

You won't be able to post about or discuss political speeches- I don't see any gray area there at all. If current events and politics are your primary interests, there are MANY other places on the net where you'll find lots of company for those discussions.


Quote:
Originally Posted by kgle
And for the record - I have been a member of several boards that allowed political discussions. They all had a separate area for debate and politics.

Been there, done that, still have the bruises. It was ugly, it did not stay contained to that one forum, and we determined that it added nothing of any positive value to the site.


Quote:
Originally Posted by pansmermaidzlagoon
why is the ugliness allowed to continue on the "camping community board"? Threads are still appearing there that would have been closed down here. (I can understand if you guys just have not had the chance to "clean up" that board yet.) Please tell me this is going to apply everywhere.

The rule applies to all of our forums. Have you reported the threads in question?

Quote:
Originally Posted by d1gitman
One question i do have, and i ask this seriously, will the Gay & Lesbian section remain open? to many this is a religious issue.

The people who choose to see this as a religious issue are the primary reason that religion is one of the taboo topics. We've had a number of very ugly and bigoted posters use the guise of "religion" to rudely condemn our lesbian and gay members. The gay and lesbian forum will continue, but those who choose to spew hate toward them are not welcome.

I just read through 28 pages here. As a moderator on the Dis, and I have been here a while, I wanted to say that I am full support of this new policy. I host on the Coping and Compassion Board and if you feel the need to ask for prayers or guidance, you can always come there. However, please refrain from religious discussions/debates and I ask that with all due respect to all of you here with differing opinions... I will be moderating that board with my co-mod Regina....please let's get through this change with grace and dignity. I am also on the Restaurant Board and will be moderating there as well enforcing the new policy.

Thanks everyone for your understanding of why this policy has been put in place... it is time to come together for the good of us all, enough with the arguing, quite frankly I am tired of it.

I know that some of you know the battle my family faces everyday, in fact I am leaving for the hospital in a few....in the scheme of life, arguing about politics and religion just seem so out of the realm of what is truly important.. I come here to talk about Disney, that is why I have always come, and am thrilled that we are going to be focusing on that..

Have a great day,
Marsha

 

[mechurchlady]

Thank you Mary Jo. I do not go to the Community board after someone from there gave me a month long inferiority complex because they hate me for what I am. I am reading this and ma tired but want it in writing because of past history at other sites. I been bit so many times that I am out the door at the sight of such stuff. this site is good except for the riff raff that followed me here from another site. nice people but I still been hurt too many times to even trust Sue or Mary Jo on this matter.

Still will have bags packed and be ready to leaev.

 

[perlster]

woah woah, people, calm down - they said "discussing or debating" politics and religion. I don't take that to mean that if you have a cross in your sig

Ever heard of "Christian Democrat" parties or seen a flag with a cross on it?

 

[Lakewood]

Cool, as I celibrate Kwanzaa

 

[JadeDarkstar]

hum well i can see where it will be a good thing in some ways i can also see where it may get some ppl mad. So dose this mean we cant have (say mcain palins siggy thing up next election or any of the.m?

the religious thing i agree with because ive seen to mnay fight from other sites. I've been baned from other places over debating politics an religious stuff so maybe it will help dis

 

[jemilah]

Good choice , we try to in force this at work and boy it can be soo difficult.....let's get back to the MOUSE!

 

[Leofoenget]

Awsome. I want to relax, enjoy and escape NOT DEBATE!