ipernity workshop: content rating and filtering system / Discussions

I understand the need for a rating and filtering system. For what ever reason, some people don't want to see certain types of material. If members can set a filtering system for themselves, they don't have to complain about content they don't like to either the poster or to Ipernity Team.

But, the posters will be required to properly set the filters for this to work for those sensitive to the viewing of posted work. Posters may make an error in setting the filters or has different ideas of what is "red" or "orange". Where a poster draw lines, viewers may draw them at different levels. Even what is illegal can be challenged in some cases. That is why we have lawyers and rulings in court. Laws can change and laws can vary considerably from country to country. Being from the US, I am not very knowledgeable of current French laws.

The biggest challenge I see with a rating and filtering system has to do with enforcement and appeal. To suspend or revoke a membership for a single transgression would be overly harsh. I fear one day going to my home page only to find out my account has been closed because of some minor error in rating an image wrong. I fear a group of morality do-gooders seeking out offenders sending complaints to the Ipernity Team to demand violators are kicked out.

A system of warnings with clear examples of suspected violations should be instituted. Only the offending material should be blocked, not the whole account. A member should have the right to appeal a suspension, and not have the rest of a members posting be blocked. If a person has filed a complaint with Ipernity Team, the offender should be informed of who this person was. This will give complainers second thoughts before they issue complaints. Restrictions against retaliation should also be part the enforcement of these new rating and filtering systems.

A fair established set of rules covering the enforcement and appeal process is as important as the rating system itself. Many of the posters are passionate about their work and to have their account suspended without explanation or justifiable cause is something nobody wants to have happen to anyone.