Time for a (real) NSFW tag
Yesterday, the post appearing at the top of the Steemit's trending page was a [pretty spicy one]
(https://steemit.com/introduceyourself/@alexanova/introducing-myself-alexa-nova).
As expected, the post generated some mixed reviews in the comments section (although there were at least as many supporting comments as unsupporting ones).
Since the "pizza-gate" scandal, Steemit has been trying to brand itself as a community where your opinions cannot be censored or erased, and where you cannot be banned for saying anything. I completely support this idea, and I'm sure it will lead many more users joining the platform. But Steemit can still give everyone a voice without offending others. All it takes is a (real) NSFW tag, which users can use to block content from there own feeds and trending pages (similar to the one Reddit has).
This would have many benefits:
- First, it is not censorship. Anyone can still upload anything to the site, and no one can choose to remove it.
- Second, it allows people who do not want to be exposed to certain content to browse freely.
- Finally, NSFW content might discourage parents to let their kids join Steemit (Think of the Children!). This function could solve the problem.
I see no downside in adding this feature - It would allow everyone to browse the site in a more relaxing manner, without taking away from anyone else's enjoyment. Here's hoping this (or any other) solution will be implemented soon!
There already is a NSFW tag. When used the post will not display thumbnails. Problem is it also doesn't show up in your own blog unless the fixed that issue. People didn't like the censorship of the tag and made alternative NSFW ones.
Sill I don't understand NSFW. If your blogging at work then you have more issues then looking at adult material since you stealing from your employer.
The problem I have with the term NSFW is that it implies that everyone shares the same idea of what is or is not safe for work. It's a completely subjective definition. It really seems like it is up to the person who is browsing the internet at work to determine what is going to put their job at risk, and not everyone else.
I agree that it's not completely well-defined. It definitely seems like blocking all NSFW content would maybe block some content you would have wanted to see. This is just the price you'll have to pay for blocking NSFW content, and there's no easy way around that.
However, the comments on alexanova's post definitely made it seem like some people would be more than willing to pay this price. So at the very least, they could be given the choice and left to choose for themselves.
I'm not in favor of blocking any content on Steemit that isn't illegal in its hosting country. If someone has an issue with content somewhere being unsafe for their workplace, they should probably rethink browsing there while at work.
What people should learn is not to feel offended..