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There's been a lot of discussion recently about spoilers and spoileresque materials--what level is appropriate, when certain bits of info become fair game, what threads are safe, and so on. Problem is, the discussion has been happening pretty much all over the place; a lot in Media Coverage, a little in the 3.07 thread, issues coming up in the Haiku and ABC threads.
We've already made some progress in this regard, but it's tough to keep track of what's been established, so this thread can serve as a place to catalog the guidelines that emerge. This has the added benefit of being helpful for newcomers.
Unresolved issues can be raised and discussed here too, as well as other (as yet unforseen) issues regarding site conduct.
We don't want to ruin anything for anybody, but we don't want to curtail discussion. It's felt like a little of both has happened (lose-lose).
I'm kind of tired of talking about all this, but having a specific place to discuss it should make the rest of the site better.
well technically, there is only one thread with "spoiler" on it, now. but i think it does make sense to not restrict the discussion in the upcoming episode thread. so i say put "spoilers for this episode" or some such in the title and everyone knows whats what then.
other threads are a little tougher call. but i think i would be good with no mentions of any promo info in any other thread.
I think this is a great idea. I do think that newcomers should get one reprieve, with a "heads-up" to this thread.
What about episode titles? I mean, those are pretty viewable over on OfficeTally, so obviously a few things can be inferred from just those. But do people try to avoid those as well? I'm kind of a medium spoiler fan. I read information, but don't watch videos before the episode.
I don't think it was ever "officially" decided, but it seems like what we've started doing in the past week is the way to go. Spoilers in the Spoiler thread, a Speculation thread where we speculate based purely on what happened in past episodes and the descriptions and titles of upcoming episodes, and discussion of promos and preview clips in the Title threads. Maybe James could create the title threads a couple days earlier to facilitate that talk. Agree with ferd, no mention of promo or preview info in other threads. And if there is consensus agreement, maybe James could pin a list of rules at the top of the page.
I think every Friday morning we all have to post to Northern Attack PANTSLESS.
Who's with me?
You're assuming that pantsed is the normal posting condition of everyone here already.
The spectrum seems to be:
and I would put
5 . tidbits from cast, writers, etc. or entertainment writers
Though some might be milder than #4, they seem to be fitter for the "spoilers" thread.
I don't have anywhere to go with this right now, just thought I'd throw it out.
Thanks for posting this, Nathan. I apologize for neglecting the topic; I should have addressed this issue earlier. This is how I see the policy working out based on everyone's suggestions.
Regarding speculation, I'm in agreement with Jenna Loves Josh above. Feel free to comment on the proposed rules above. I'll post a sticky once they've been finalized.
Also, in order to keep things running smoothly, I'll be adding a few moderators to the staff. Those of you who are interested are encouraged to apply. Look for a post on NA with the details in the next few days. Moderators will not be required to wear pants.
I think every Friday morning we all have to post to Northern Attack PANTSLESS.
Who's with me?
I am! We should add shirtless, too. A bunch of mostly naked people around the world typing messages on a non-porn site on an Friday morning...what a great way to get a jump-start on the weekend, don't you think?
I think if you're in a thread that's discussing an episode, aired or not, official episode thread or not, you should assume that there may be a spoiler in there. This includes episode threads, spoiler threads, speculation threads, and anywhere else an episode may be mentioned (so, basically, anywhere on the site). This is, after all, a forum to discuss all aspects of the show, and I'd hate to see discussion curtailed because people were afraid that they were revealing spoilers, or not, or in the right place, or in the wrong place, or with their pants on...It's "The Office," not an Agatha Christie novel. How "spoilerish" can most spoilers be? That's just my two cents. Basically, spoilers are OK with me :-)
EDIT: I posted this before I saw James' post above. Obviously, I respect any decisions made about it. I don't seek out spoilers so I don't tend to post many, anyway.
Just when you appear to be all business, James...
Moderators will not be required to wear pants.
Thanks for knowing your audience. And I think your plan/your rules sound great.
Moderators will not be required to wear pants.
I already have that kind of job. I mean, I usually do wear them, because I'm cold, but it's not a requirement.
I think if you're in a thread that's discussing an episode, aired or not, official episode thread or not, you should assume that there may be a spoiler in there.
Agreed. If someone wants to be absolutely spoiler free, they shouldn't go into a fan site in the first place.
I think every Friday morning we all have to post to Northern Attack PANTSLESS.
That gives new meaning to casual Fridays.
Does that mean that I'm conversing with a bunch of naked people? My husband is afraid for me spending so much time on this forum. He's heard about all of those internet chat room dangers. He tells me, "You never really know who the people are on the other end." I tell him that you all are intelligent people.
...Whoops.
Just because a person doesn't wear pants doesn't mean he's unintelligent. Unfair assumption. Naked people can be smart, too.
Just because a person doesn't wear pants doesn't mean he's unintelligent. Unfair assumption. Naked people can be smart, too.
Uh, oh..my bad. My husband would probably agree with you. He'd give anything to see me sit at my desk naked. And, LT, you know I love you , and you are one of the intelligent ones I was referring to. I do hope you have your pants on though.
Okay, new rule #26:
Before posting on a Friday morning, those who are so inclined must begin with NO PANTS ALERT, that way the prudes can know to avert their eyes while reading.
Hmmm. I'm really not wearing pants. I chose to wear a skirt today. I did not know I would contribute to an Internet conversation about it, though.
I think every Friday morning we all have to post to Northern Attack PANTSLESS. Who's with me?
I am! We should add shirtless, too.
What the...you mean you guys all usually wear SHIRTS? :-)
and I'd hate to see discussion curtailed because people were afraid that they were revealing spoilers, or not, or in the right place, or in the wrong place, or with their pants on...
Great point. The whole idea is to discuss things openly. ("Information is power, Pam.") I avoid spoilers, but I come here because I'd rather hang with cool cats who share a common interest than avoid any possible clue about an upcoming episode.
That said, I think we all deserve a pat on the back. We are a strongly opinionated group, about the show and about the best ways to discuss it for everyone's enjoyment. And yet, courtesy prevails here.
Oh yeah, and NO PANTS ALERT
What the...you mean you guys all usually wear SHIRTS?
I didn't say that I always wear a shirt. I said we should ALL start going shirtless. So no one feels left out. That's all.
I'm at work, so the best I can do at the moment is type this with one shoe off. Underneath my desk. Doing my best for solidarity.
In the name of all that is holy and good, what kind of place do you work that they won't let you remove your pants and shirt? On a Friday, no less? Are there no freedoms left in this country? Time to look for a new job, Jinx. Don't let the man keep you down.
Wait until I go home tonight and tell my wife that I spent my workday getting encouraged by people on the internet to take my clothes off!
Or not...she's still recovering from the whole Pizzeria Uno fiasco... :-/
This whole discussion reminds me of a Mark Twain quote (paraphrased).
"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence in society." Ha!
NO PANTS ALERT You're Welcome, Plaid.
GASP! Actually, Single Tear came as no surprise, but Et tu Brian? Double offensive and triple gasp for LT. But, thanks for the alert. I think my conscience is becoming numb.
I thought this thread was for on-line behavior, not dictating our actions in the real-world. My dad thinks we're getting dangerously close to discrimination against the pants-less.