Our brand new editor’s column starts out with an important topic, which doesn’t seem to be winning us many friends lately. As the saying goes: You can please all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but if you try to please all of the people at any time you’ll make everyone super-pissed. I think that was Abraham Lincoln.
So does GateWorld allow freedom of expression, or do we censor opinions that don’t agree with the Stargate party line? If you dislike something (say, Stargate Universe), will GateWorld’s moderators let you have your say?
On the flip side of that, why does GateWorld allow so much hate and criticism of the new Stargate show? Some days it seems like you can’t go two clicks without running into the same old names posting the same diatribes against SGU. Particularly since the show’s premiere in October, we get a constant stream of flack from both sides: “You’re censoring me!” and “You shouldn’t allow this!”
What’s a guy to do?
Both here on the news comment threads and at GateWorld Forum — which I’m proud to say is now nearly a decade old — our decisions about what we allow boil down to two guiding principles, which are elaborated in the posting rules:
1) We want to be a place where free expression wins the day, where fans of all stripes and points of view can share their opinions and have meaningful conversations.
2) We want to be a place where respect wins the day, friendly and fun to visit, where members of the community are held to the most basic standards of decency and dignity.
Mutually exclusive goals? Some days it feels like it. Is it actually possible for critics, many of them angry and disappointed, to express their opinions in a respectful way? Is it possible for devotees to read tactful criticism and not take offense? Some days I want to tell those who think that we allow too much to try moderating GateWorld for 48 hours under the conditions of #1. Other days I want those who seem to have nothing to say apart from their bitter condemnation of SGU to show their appreciation for #1 by trying #2 on for size.
In my opinion, GateWorld’s writers, editors, and moderators have been working hard to provide a moderating voice in a Stargate fandom “war” that is quickly putting all past scuffles to shame. We have vocally supported the show, publishing news and publicity and talking on the weekly podcast about how the writers seem to be giving us just we want: a show more focused on character drama than action, with more extended story arcs and a fresh take on storytelling in the Stargate universe. From the first frame, I think SGU has been delivering.
On the other hand, I think those who have criticized certain aspects of the series have a point. So we’ve also criticized aspects of various episodes, though we’ve tried to be thoughtful and respectful in doing it. But more than any specific criticisms with which I might agree (too much use of the stones) or disagree (I think “shakey cam” is dynamic and not overdone), viewers have a right to be heard. If they can comment on the show tactfully and with respect for its cast and creators, and for those fans who do like it, they should be able to do so. Even if they do it a lot.
Unfortunately, the tactful and respectful criticism has been too rare for my tastes. Words like “crap” and “stupid” and “idiot” aren’t respectful to anyone, and we’ll continue to delete posts where readers insist on voicing their discontent through hate and insult. Call it “censorship” if you like, but I don’t come over to your house for dinner and rant about how the pot roast tastes like crap and that your kids are ugly. There’s a time and a place for criticism — but, more importantly, there’s a right and a wrong way to do it.
So, my advice for those who are complaining about censorship and who want to get their voice heard: Do it with class. Think it through. Be specific, and be constructive. Self-edit. If you are moderated, try and figure out why so that you can improve your posting habits. If you’re trying to get your comment noticed by the producers, think about the fact that they really do want to know what people think of their work … but if the critique is couched in insults and malcontent, they won’t hear anything you have to say.
We don’t want to censor anyone. And we don’t want to continue to crumble into a place known only for hatred and bile. And so we try to maintain the balance. And most days, no one seems happy with the result. So, tell me — what would you do differently?
Q&A
“I really enjoy the podcasts. Please keep up the great work. I’d really like to hear a podcast on the comparison of Babylon 5 vs. Stargate in general.” (Eagle1)
I would love to do a Stargate vs. Babylon 5 show, but first I have to convince David to watch it! If you listened to this week’s show, you’ll know that I bring up B5 just about every time we talk about story arcs or religion in sci-fi. He’s rather selective and doesn’t seem to like watching 10 shows at the same time, like me … so I guess you need to get on his case, too!
“I would like to know your take on the issue of the SG-1 / SGA movies. Sources say that MGM is out of money or running out of money, yet we get such deep thought provoking fair as Hot Tub Time Machine …” (OCD4theSGC)
Any time MGM releases a film I take it as a good sign and pray for its success. The studio is down to something like one or two releases per year, which I take to be just this side of out-of-business. They need hits other than Bond, Stargate, and (sometimes) Rocky. Otherwise the studio has to live off its archives, which probably just won’t work.
“What is going on with the Stargate Movies? I know about all the financial trouble … but give us some more details on when Brad Wright thinks they will start filming?” (Jimmy007)
Obviously everyone is eager (and growing frustrated) about the next Stargate movies. Will they happen? Won’t they happen? MGM is on the auction block at the moment, so I don’t think anyone knows for sure. Ask the new owners. There’s no point in The Powers That Be at Stargate saying anything more right now, because there is nothing definitive to say. They’d like to make the movies, but need money from MGM to do it.
The movies aren’t dead, gang. The more time that passes, perhaps the longer the odds get. But the people with the purse strings have to say “Yes” or “No” before anything else happens.
“How do you view SGU’s treatment by Syfy? Since it’s been pushed to April, does that mean Syfy has little to no faith in it?” (Mrja84)
I think the network has done well by the show. The 4-month break in the middle of the season has nothing to do with Stargate and everything to do with Syfy’s desire to air original programming all year long. It’s a strategy they’ve used with Stargate just about every year, with a few exceptions (including the last two years of Atlantis).
Unfortunately, while it may be better for the network to not have to show reruns of Sharktopus and Mansquito, I don’t think it’s better for the show. SGU is too arc-driven for that long of a break to be anything but harmful. MGM and Syfy spent a lot of money and effort getting viewers to tune in for the October premiere, and now they’ll have to do it all over again for April. ABC learned a long time ago that when they split up a season of LOST, they can’t get nearly as many viewers to come back. (Same with FOX and 24.) There is definite wisdom in running the season all the way through and then making us wait six to eight months for the next run.
With SGU, there’s also the added factors that 1) it’s a brand new show, so viewers are deciding whether to follow it; and 2) it’s controversial with established Stargate fans because it’s such a departure. Many fans gave it 10 episodes, but may not come back for #11 — which we hear is when things really get good. If there was a small (or no) break between “Justice” and “Space,” I suspect audience retention would be higher.
“Do you see SGU using any previous elements of Stargate in future episodes? Technology may be the easiest, but would characters/cultures likely appear that are not apart of the previous main characters?” (Mrja84)
I would just about guarantee it. The show’s writers love to bring in elements from the show’s established mythology, which is one of the reasons we love it so much. Take the Ancient chair interface, for example. We also know already that a certain group of baddies from SG-1 will turn up before the season is out …
“Realistically, how deep in the hole do you think CME is?” (Mrja84)
From the statement the video game studio released this week: Deep enough to declare bankruptcy, but not deep enough that everyone at CME is convinced they should have.
“What happened to the Friday 5! I really miss those.” (Emily)
That series was a lot of fun to do but a lot of work. Add to that a cross-country move, a wedding, an international move, and then the launch of SGU, and I decided to limit it to a summer series. Time permitting, it may return next summer.
Last but not least, we received the following alternate title suggestions for this weekly column:
“Windows of Opportunity” (David Bloch)
“Indeed!” (Cindy Billings, Brett)
“I Was Told There’d Be Cake” (Brett)
Thanks, everyone! I think we’ll stick with “For Cryin’ Out Loud,” at least for the time being. It captures the way I feel just about every Friday, after spending a week of moderating comments.
We got lots of comments and e-mails with topic ideas and questions, so if yours didn’t show up this week, we might work it in next Friday! In the meantime, your questions and comments about this week’s column are always welcome. See you in the thread below — but please, keep it nice!
The root of problem isn’t the Gateworld mods, it’s the thought Nazi who wants to control how fan should feel and what they should say.
At this point, I’d be happy for ANY expression on GateWorld. Signed up, made a hello post (and no, not a flaming heap of insults entry post) and my access at the forum has been squelched. I keep getting told to contact the mods. Fair enough. Just try to do that when your access to the forum has been zapped. So at this point, ANY expression would be nice :)
Do contact the mods — you can e-mail webmaster -at- gateworld.net and I will forward it on. On rare occasion they moderate new accounts preemptively when the e-mail address, linked Web site, etc. smells of spam. Not saying yours did, but it does happen on occasion.
@Pot Thats a bit harsh. I like SGU, but I am happy to hear criticism of the show. However when every single newspost, has 4 or 5 people verbally abusing SGU the whole time it gets ridiculous. Hell The article about Stargate Worlds being delayed was rife with it. Why do people feel the need to tell the world over and over again that a show is s***. They aren’t adding to the debate, they are Trolls, it’s like going onto a Mac forum and going. PC’S RULE MACS SUCK! or going onto a Windows forum and going. Microsucks is… Read more »
Everyone should be able to post something without writing ugly and vulgar words, it shows a lack of class, character, and knowledge. I personally have enjoyed watching every episode of all of the Stargate franchises. If I had to rank them, they would be in the following order: (1)Stargate Atlantis; (2)Stargate SG-1;(3)Stargate Ark of Truth & Continum; (4)Stargate Universe. We all should not agree about everything that comes on TV, but we all should be able to post comments without being rude to others.
Thank You for all the stargate shows!
You will always encounter heated discussion/debate when you have a myriad of different opinions and more so when you get emotions thrown into the mix. Not everyone expresses themselves the same way and sometimes in hind sight some posts could be worded better, but overall I don’t understand the fuss the SGU criticism has generated. Most of the criticism has been in threads where posters have been asked their opinion, or discussions on the Home Page such as the Brian Smith one. There are many places that fans of the show can go and discuss what they like about the… Read more »
As far as censorship goes on this site I have noticed a few posts that I agree with have suddenly vanished but over all I have found the site to be more or less fair. Those who don’t like SGU have been given more than their fair share of chances to state the reasons why they don’t like the show. As have those who do. The back and forth between the two however has not always been very mature or respectable on either side. This does not apply to all and I will refrain from naming names but this problem… Read more »
@canonfodder There are so many holes in the logic of your comment, namely: 1. It is not same people telling over and over again, it is many people expressing similar opinions. 2. People are free to express their opinion as long as they are not attacking anyone. 3. This is not like PC vs MACs at all, this is like XP vs Vista, two different product from the same company with the same root. When microsoft released Vista, it was exactly like when Syfy released SGU. There was massive uproar by many of the windows users. All expressing simialr opinions… Read more »
I like the moderation. I do believe in freedom of speech but that does not excuse rudeness or verbal cruelty. I only came back to the forums at GateWorld a few years ago because I was going to a Stargate Convention by myself and had hoped to find some Con vets to get some info. A long time ago I was a GateWorld forum member. I ended up leaving because of repeated verbal attacks. The straw that broke the camels back was when I was asked who my favorite character was. My reply was not even a sentence, just two… Read more »
“Fair and Balanced”
Where did i hear that before?
Oh right…
Also the need to respond to accusations of censorship and denial of freedom of expression is proof enough that something is very wrong on this site.
Seriously, you had the need to write a column about freedom of expression, so I’m guessing its not just one or two trolls whining but enough people to warrant an official response.
Also, you know, the more you say you are “fair and balanced” the less it’s true.
If all one wants is praise about this new show then just write a blog and don’t allow any comments at all. If all you want to read mirrors your opinion then you can just read your own writings. Just wait until SGU starts up again. The diatribe will dominate once again.
I am going to try and keep this has civil as I can. GW censors, cannot get any more to the point. Why? Negative posts about SGU would be removed in a heartbeat. Then when members start bashing SGA and SG-1 those posts don’t get removed. Obviously since I am far from the only person who sees this, there is a problem. I think it is interesting that GW’s new vision statement came into play right before SGU was released. It seems BW and the producers asked Darren to cut things down or they would pull their endorsement or whatever.… Read more »
I don’t really want to get involved in another argument but will just give my 2 cents. Those who do dislike SGU and wish to continue to post criticisms about it can I please ask that you do it in places that make seance.
Like for example what’s the point behind having anti SGU comments here: https://www.gateworld.net/news/2010/02/stargate-video-game-developer-files-for-bankruptcy/ & here: https://www.gateworld.net/news/2010/02/propworx-stargate-auctions-week-five/ those articles have nothing to do with SGU but some felt the need to throw in dissatisfaction towards SGU in the comments which would only lead to the discussion going off topic.
Are you guys getting pressure from people in charge of universe and family members of actors to censor negative comments? Has there been a spoken or unspoken threat of discontinuing your insider access if you don’t censor? These are honest questions and many people are asking them. Some now see gateworld as less of a site for all fans and viewpoints and more of a sterilized mouthpiece for the show.
@adamtn
It would have been more wrong if Gateworld did not responded at all to the critisism.
My opinion is that Gateworld is a fansite, not a federal agency. They don’t have to be fair and balanced if they don’t want to. And yet, I believe GW is the most neutral place about all Stargate. And that’s a big compliment to the website
@Scott Watson
you have asked that we post criticisms in places that make seance.
this implies that you want us to talk to the dead.
SGu isnt there yet but it is only a matter of time.
@Darren: Just to clarify, “I don’t come over to your house for dinner and rant about how the pot roast tastes like crap and that your kids are ugly. There’s a time and a place for criticism” Are you referring to Comments left by posters to your Articles and Editorials, or are you referring to poster comments about SGU? I know it’s a bad example about people coming over for dinner, and complaining about the pot roast. But then, I don’t give out open invitations to every Dick, Tom and Harry to walk in and eat my Pot Roast. The… Read more »
adamtm, you are blowing smoke. Tell me how you would moderate this site under these conditions, while upholding both principles outlined above? Or would you sacrifice one? ScoobyDoo: “Negative posts about SGU would be removed in a heartbeat.” Then why on earth are so many people complaining to me about the SGU hate that is posted here every day? You may not like the level of moderation we’ve chosen for our site, but you can’t tell me that we bar negative comments about SGU. Anyone with eyes sees that it ain’t so. You’ve seen posts removed. You’ve had posts removed.… Read more »
I think GW does a fine job of moderating. I understand not liking SGU, I really do. I absolutely hated SGA and can rarely find anything good to say about it. So y’know what I do? Nothing. I don’t need to insult SGA, or its cast, or its fans. I don’t crack jokes about it being “dead.” I don’t go into a thread about a video-game company going bankrupt and say things like (to borrow a few words from Darren) “I’m so glad they cancelled that crap SGA. SGU is loads better than that stupid show!” It’s unnecessary and it’s… Read more »
Darren, nobody here expected you to come out and say Gateworld isn’t fair, of course that is what you’re going to say. But come on, everyone knows the so called “tact and respect” bar for the Gateworld forum is at least 10x higher than the news article comment section. The same posts that would appear on the Syfy forum, would never see the light of day on Gateworld forum, it has been this way for months. I am sure about this because I posted the same post on Gateworld and Syfy, the ones on Syfy forum showed up but the… Read more »
@Scott Watson: sooo… to get this clear. you want free speech, as long as people don’t post an opinion that differs from yours? Are you sure you understand the meaning of the term?
@ashizuri:
When you say “I’ve yet to see them being modded.”
That’s simply because by design you can’t see the ones being modded.
It was common sense never to post anything against SGU on the GW forums or you’d never see them approved.
Unless of course your post count is 1000+ and is already know the mods or something.
Darren, I would not moderate at all. I am strictly against any and all moderation on a closed internet forum (one that is not accessible by Guest or Anonymous accounts and uses an image verification system like captcha to prevent spam.) If posters go at each others throat, let them, its not your business, you just provide the platform to conduct the discussion. I even accept insults against people, not to mention a SHOW which is an impersonal entity with no feelings. Having worked in the industry i can say, if you get all worked up because someone insulted your… Read more »
i have a feeling gateworld will be up for sale soon or canceled soon also. so whats the point?
@ Pot:
What I meant to say, and perhaps didn’t clearly express, was that not all negative comments are being modded, as I myself have made negative comments regarding SGU and they’ve been posted, and I can go into any thread in the SGU subsection and find negative comments. Respectfully expressed negativity is making it through the mods just fine.
Grif, just what is the point to do anything at all babe?
It would seem that double standards are in play here as it is fine for certain people to say as they please but negative posts are removed. That is completely biased and removes credibility.
Darren I understand the trials and tribulations of running a website. I run a message board (Won’t name it because it is an other hot topic in some circles) and I have users to message me about being too strict or violating this right or that right and the list goes on and on and on. It’s a tricky role to play when you are the Administrator or Moderator of ANY website. You can’t make everyone happy, but you can piss everyone off. I find it a delicate balance and weigh in the pro’s and con’s of any decision. And… Read more »
Wow – what a fractured fan base. When this much of the fan base is at war with itself it doesn’t bode well for the future of Stargate. Disassociate the forums from the main website and just run a news site like trekmovie.com.
I think some people have a rather distorted idea of what ‘freedom of speech’ actually means. Sure, you can say whatever you want to, but nobody is under any obligation to host it. If your opinions are so important and so fascinating that you think they can support themselves, then by all means go register a domain name, buy some server space, and make your own website. THAT is what freedom of speech means. You have the right to make your own web page (or print a newspaper, or stand on a street corner shouting). The reason you all keep… Read more »
If you are going to censor you must apply the same rules to everyone. It’s biased to remove a rude post from a non universe fan but allow a rude post from a universe fan. It’s biased to remove posts that trash universe but allow posts that trash sg-1 or atlantis. It’s biased to remove posts that insult the producers but allow posts that insult fans. It’s biased to say that “universe is the best show on tv” is okay but “universe is the worst show period” is not.
“@Scott Watson: sooo… to get this clear. you want free speech, as long as people don’t post an opinion that differs from yours? Are you sure you understand the meaning of the term?”
How the hell did you interpret what I said as meaning that? I said that people should not post there opinions about SGU on an article that has nothing to do with SGU. There is no need or reason to talk about SGU on an article about a Stargate video game developer for example.
@Scott Watson
you are again trying to force your own agenda onto other people and dictate what they can and can not do or say. have you been given the authority to police the forums in this way?
“Forcing others to host YOUR point of view is exactly the OPPOSITE of freedom of speech.” No honey, its not, it would only be the opposite of free speech if i forced them to actually WRITE IT THEMSELVES. The site/forum has been created for a purpose, the purpose is discussion and argument. If it has been not created with this purpose, just remove the comment section and the forums like suggested. Either you WANT to host others opinions or you DONT. Your whole argument is a non-sequitur. All the fluff in your well worded post does not mean anything, because… Read more »
Censorship — the control of the information and ideas circulated within a society — has been a hallmark of dictatorships throughout history. In the 20th Century, censorship was achieved through the examination of books, plays, films, television and radio programs, news reports, and other forms of communication for the purpose of altering or suppressing ideas found to be objectionable or offensive. The rationales for censorship have varied, with some censors targeting material deemed to be indecent or obscene; heretical or blasphemous; or seditious or treasonous. Thus, ideas have been suppressed under the guise of protecting three basic social institutions: the… Read more »
“you are again trying to force your own agenda onto other people and dictate what they can and can not do or say.”
No I want common seance. There is no need to talk about your opinion of SGU on a non SGU related article unless your deliberately trying to go off topic or provoke an argument.
@Scott Watson
seance is where a medium tries to contact someone in the spirit world.
do you mean sense?
I tend to agree with the commentor above who observed that it might be good to have a Criticisms and Contemplations thread for SGU. As it stands, I wouldn’t dare post on the SGU threads for fear of being ripped to shreds. The negative feeling of many fans who are not brave (or foolhardy) like myself have nowhere to go except here in the article comment sections. I don’t see fans as any less polarized for not maintaining a free zone for those who have problems with SGU. I think it just makes those who try to say something critical… Read more »
i usually moan and biatch about all sorts of things, all of them deals with the way SGU mythos is going, never once had I ever attacked another forum user, even if i had reason to, which i haven’t.
@ Sylvia:
Believe me when I say it’s not just the people with negative feelings regarding SGU that end up feeling berated and defensive. I consider myself a fan of SGU but I avoid the SGU folders like the plague because of the hostile environment created by both sides.
Here’s a suggestion for the name of the column: This is Kruvis!
It’s taken from the same quote (I think), and it is decidedly Stargate.
Why does every cute little idea have to turn into a fight?!? I’m not a fan of SGU and I would love to see it go or change but can’t we put up a good argument without personal remarks? I guess when I just join the online fandom, the forum I was part of was really nice and I got the sense the stargate magic rubs off on people and at my first stargate convention I was complimenting everyones cool shirts and getting that feel, though no one said they like my homemade stargate shirt :( lol. I guess I’m… Read more »
Lets be honest, this is a fan site. Pure and simple. The mods here I doubt are being paid (anything) to be fair and balanced so really anyone posting on this site should be aware of that fact and accept that at some point a mod that is a bit too for a show is going to come along and slap you around. Its the case with ANY site that is a fan site (or even the offical forums of a show for that matter). Im not saying that the mods here are complete and utter fanboys with no lives,… Read more »
I agree with moderating to some degree. I think there are times when posts should be removed. Most notably when they break the rules that have been very clearly stated for all to read and understand. If you break the rules you shouldn’t be surprised if your post is deleted. I have posted MANY negative comments about SGU and none of them have ever been deleted. Why? Because when I state my point of view I’m careful to keep it focused on SGU and not on one “camp” or the other or on one particular person in the thread. I’m… Read more »
Love Gateworld and love this column. Name is great – also an homage to Jack! I think Gateworld is very open and allows many voices – it’s fun when it gets *a little* heated but best when kept civil.
Please don’t get tired – we love you (well I do :)
“The avid podcast fan from Pegasus Galaxy”
@nell There are 4 problems what what you posted: 1. Nobody ever said “all negative comments are deleted”, you invented this just to argue. 2. You said: “I don’t venture into the forum section of this site anymore”, then why are you commenting on the subject? You simply lack the information needed to make judgement on the issue. 3. In one hand you said “state your opinion in a POLITE or at least RESPECTABLE fashion”, and then right after that you started calling people foolish, that’s not really respectable is it. 4. To me the guy who talks about about… Read more »
@Scott Watson
Don’t reply anymore at TokTanith’s messages. It’s totally clear that he or she just trying to make you angry by deliberately misinterpret everything you write.
@cupermacleod
Thumbs up!
The populist authoritarianism that is the downside of political correctness means that anyone, sometimes it seems like everyone, can proclaim their grief and have it acknowledged. The victim culture, every sufferer grasping for their own Holocaust, ensures that anyone who feels offended can call for moderation, for dilution, and in the end, as is all too often the case, for censorship. And censorship, that by-product of fear – stemming as it does not from some positive agenda, but from the desire to escape our own terrors and superstitions by imposing them on others – must surely be resisted. ~Jonathon Green
@johnny b
please explain how politely posing a query about the wrong use of a word can be seen as misinterpretation.
@TokTanith
Sorry I copied the wrong name(s), it was meant to be junebug and jaffa orange