When Did Gather Become A Porno Site?

Nanci,
I DO have the mature content flag on, and I still got porn a couple of days ago, because the person posting it chose to not mark it for what it was. I guess you really can't win!!

gee nancy lighten up a bit "Women oohing and ahhing over male appendages, etc."I didn't know photos spoke. Maybe one in 1,000 photos here are not photographic art. and most of the photos here are very good and tasteful. The small amount that gets through is certainly not enough to write a article about. If you don't like it did you flag it? then maybe you are just like the ones flagging Randy's Articles. I have Been here on Gather for a long time and I very Rarely see any crude photos, and I certainly wouldn't flag them Just because they are distasteful to me. I have been to a lot of ART galleries and there is a lot more Graphic paintings in there than you will find anywhere. Freedom of expression is a very precious thing and I have no gripes with Others art.

This is disgusting, Nanci! Where exactly is this porn? (Just kidding)

BOW CHICA BOW WOW

Gary, as I said, I just don't want it in my face when I click on the comments page. I did not say that it shouldn't be on the site at all - just not in such a way that it is unavoidable.

And if you have never heard a photo speak, you haven't ben paying attention.

.

Enjoy yourself True.

I would find a photo of someone Smoking more offencive than a naked person and I can read an article and not look at the photo, But if the photo is there foe support of the article than it is ok. A photo is only a photo and written words are only just that, they can't hurt you, Don't feel shame and anger just because you see of read something, Some of Shakespeare's best work is quiet Vulgar, But it is art to those who like it. And being in a theatre group we get some funny parts in some very well known plays wearing some very silly outfits. It is Just life outside of the cubicle of home, and with the Internet all you are seeing and reading is what has been happening for 1,000's of years. It has to be accepted as a part of this quickly changing world. Have you ever been to the Theatre Nancy? go and sit in the front row and enjoy.

I grew up in NYC so trust me, I have seen just about everything imaginable. I prefer not to have it thrust in my face, so to speak.

it is getting to be a very deprived, and very indecent site that will allow that to happen, along with TA, and his blatant foul mouth, and sick icons.

It is too much really Nanci-it is

Thanks for the article

You don't have to grow up in NYC to see life. I have travelled the world and At present I live in Hungary. In the last 4 years I have travelled over 400,000 klm and mostly by car. It is a big world out there and you have it on a desk in front of you. One image in 1bl bits of information coming into your house does not mean it is a problem. You could see more in the local supermarket on the news stand. Like I said Lighten up, Doing this sort of thing is only causing your grief here on Gather.
I have not had any problems here and it is My fav site. I currantly have over 2500 points so I am here often, I think I have seen only 2 photos that I thought were a bit over the top, But I had seen worse in the movies.

"I did not say that it shouldn't be on the site at all - just not in such a way that it is unavoidable. "

I totally agree with you Nanci B.

Gary-i have been here less than 2 months and have had a total in excess of 6000 points

what is your point?

The sick garbage belongs nowhere!!!

I think I'll add my two cents here. I'm not at all a prude, and I think art photos can be beautiful...but, I too got the above mentioned images. If it had been one or two, I probably wouldn't have thought much about it-but there were probably 20 pictures and they were not art-they really were porn. I wrote a cordial note to the person who posted them and explained that we just weren't interested in the same things and I was removing her from my network. Once she is removed the pictures go away a few hours later. I think from the posts that she got does get points from some of the male population on gather-but, we shouldn't all have to see it.

Nancy,

It is my understanding that Gather will be making some changes in early 2007 to the Guarded Viewing and filtering options. This will provide us with greater flexibility in the type of content which we want to be exposed to. For example, we will be able to turn off viewing of mature images, yet continue to see articles marked for mature language.

I have not ran into any porn yet and I am so glad.

If I wanted to see that crap I'd look in a mirror...rofl

YUCK, please no porn on gather

Graphic art is one thing, porn is another.
Thanks for posting this.

Randy, So you don't cash your points in?
I have only 23 people in my group, Some here just join every group to get points and then you wonder why you get what you get. Any how I have had my say But it appears than you, Nancy and Randy stick together like glue and coment on each others articles at least 3 times to get extra points. Good on you , you are working the system. Just remember you don't own Gather so don't try to censor the site for others. We all have different tasts. and we all live in different parts of the world with different cultures. Think of some one else for a change and not your selfs for a change.

Gary you are a sad person, and you should not judge anything about me. For i think of myself last. I am not a selfish person, and i spend my days helping people, and being positive. What do you do?

I have written many articles, which includes poetry, short stories, news worthy articles, articles on current events, and controversial articles. I do not work the system.

I happen to be a person who does something with my life.

People whould really quit judging me.

i have to admit i was shocked when i opened an email and followed the link to an image of people engaging in oral sex. but i was more amazed that this member had published over 700 images in the month that shes been here. impressive!

fuk how come im not getting these emails!?.. im jealous =(

Thanks for the update Kevin - that may very well do the trick.

True - you are just not in the right places I guess.

Randy - Gary is sadly outnumbered if the response to the article is any indication. Guess he missed the heated exchanges we have had.

Gary - I am sorry you are so twisted and need to have everyone see the kind of porn you are obviously so attached to. I am happy to have you view it - just leave the rest of us out of it.

Everyone else - thanks for your support.

nanci, I agree with you . I dont want to have this porn on here either. If I wanted porn , it should be to my choosing and not forced on someone. Keep up the good work.

I'm not offended by porn at all. I am, however, offended by posting copyrighted material and not giving credit to the owner of the work. And honestly, if I want to look at porn, I'll go to a porn site. I really thought this was supposed to be more of an artists and writers site.

Nanci,
I think Gary hasn't heard the phrase: "A picture is worth a thousand words!" Now if you like porn, go look at porn, but don't JUDGE those of us who just aren't into it! That's being censorous. AND, I didn't get what traveling all over has to do with this topic. Did I miss something...or was that supposed to make him very cosmopolitan and above the rest of us????

TA, poor thing, always in the wrong place at the wrong time!

Randy, keep on writing. You do a good job!

Lori,
700 photos? The girl must have a very high speed connection!! lol

Art is one thing porn is another, whatever the media those that like or want porn will find away to infiltrate it. If these porn stars wana be's actually spent the same amount of time working as with their pursuit of porn they would be millionaires!

Matthew that is a good point. If you look at the pictures and then at the icon of the poster and it is clear that the woman in the icons is not the woman in the pictures and she sure isn't the man in the pictures.

"I did not say that it shouldn't be on the site at all - just not in such a way that it is unavoidable. "
I second that also.
Naked is one thing, flaunting is another and best left for those who want to view it--I don't like it popping up because, although I explain most things to my girls, somethings I'd rather be able to wait on. I don't have a problem with nudity done in good taste.

If all the people in the world were divided up into 100 people using the current ratio of populations, only 5 would be American/Canadian, 60 would be Asian, and 8 Latin American, then the rest it is also noted that there would be more Homosexuals than Americans11, and 89 Heterosexuals, only 33 would be Christian and 67 would be non-Christian. And as for what I do I am A teacher, A qualified Football Coach, and I am A member of the Indigenous Justice Committee. I have a safe card for working with children. I also have 4 children and I am not worried about my sexuality or theirs. I teach at Schools and Business and Business English at Major International Companies. I live in a country that Was run by the Communist and divided up to be 1/3rd of its former self. So I have a fairly good idea of being censored and how people get censored by the few,

What I was saying is that Look at yourselves and ask, Isn't what you are trying to do is what you were complaining about only two or three articles ago, being censored, and now you are trying to do it for the rest of the world, Remember you being an American only make up 5% 0f the world. You have many many filters available to filter Porn, Just the same as you can and can not choose to drive down the street where there are Hookers, you can choose the level of Porn you wish to look at and that you wish to block. But it just goes to show that you choose to look at it as you went and visited the persons page that posted the photos, I would never do that. But the fact that you went to look at it meant that you actually put your self and your children in a position to bring it on to your PC. This is the same reason I don't go to Porn Sites as it doesn't interest me.

You have taken the risk and weighed up all the possibilities and joined every possible Group and increased the possibilities of you receiving these Photos. I have only 23 people in my contacts and I know every one and they will never post Porn, Do you Know every one of your contacts?? obversely NO! this is why you are getting these Images. You have invited people into your home, via your PC that you don't have a clue about and then you want to censer the whole site because of your stupidly.

Like I said, Lighten up a bit, If you delete some of your groups and contacts you will be better off, Have a look at the groups you posted this article to and you can see the sort of person you are, ............. Gatherism, Our Neighborhood, Get Your Points, Opinionated Opinions, GatherChat, Troublemakers, Completely Shameless Point Whoring, Mindless Drivel, Gather Goofballs, Water Cooler - Chit Chat, What's Happening?, Ignorance Is Bliss OR The Truth Will Set You Free, Spacing Out at Gather, krazy news, memyself............... one of the groups is actually called WHORING..... and mindless DRIVEL..... and ....MEMYSELF, well we know what that means... Nude photos, Gather GOOFBALLS????? another mindless name for stupid people. and then you are in the trouble makers group, ummmm who would be in this group??? Nice people? who wouldn't post any thing stupid.

Gee ...........this will set your article on fire when they read this comment. And you will bask in the glory of points from the Point whores. Any one that would join a group called WHORES has just opened the front door to the brothel of garbage that you are complaining about. And to all those who stick up for you Have a look at the type of person you are standing up for ..... Someone that joined a group called SHAMELESS WHORES..... and MINDLESS DRIVEL.....

Marsha F. commented about Gary Duffy:

Did I miss something...or was that supposed to make him very cosmopolitan and above the rest of us????

And I read his post above...

"cosmopolitan" is putting it WAAAAAAAY too kindly!

I have only 23 people in my contacts and I know every one and they will never post Porn, Do you Know every one of your contacts?? obversely NO! this is why you are getting these Images

Corect me if I am wrong oh mr 'I am the world', but I believe there is a button that simply says Post To ALL of GATHER? How do you propose we jump through THAT hoop?!

Because of the cheap pornography and the articles with no substance, I am spending increasingly less time on Gather.

Something from Grateful 1 the one that posted the disgusting image of hangings in Iran. That was far worse than any Porn. That was making fun of the last moments of these 2 young men's lives, And the stupid by line was just as bad. What if they were your sons???????? how would have you felt about someone making fun of them. And I notice that most of the rubbish Articles come from people that have been here less than 3 months. and you are right Barb We used to have a fantastic site with very well written articles. now all we get is an article like this. I can't wait until most of them leave. One thing I have never said was that I was any Better than anyone else, I was just replying to the statement that If you lived in NY you have seen everything. Here is another 5 points for you

I removed her as a connection- I enjoy nudity as art, but find pornography rather disgusting.

Duffy the supreme Something from Grateful 1 the one that posted the disgusting image of hangings in Iran. That was far worse than any Porn. What if they were your sons????????

THAT my man was included with an article about Sharia Law and how they deal with "immorality" and the hanging and stoning of the young girls as well. If I was a good Muslim in Iran, I guess I should be proud of my religion and culture as so many seem to be. Praise MoMO and allah (pbh) (piss be upon them)!

If it stirred your senses, maybe it's because of the barbaric horror of it. Now maybe you really have something to channel some of your 'righteous indignation' about. Praise MoMO and allah (pbh) (piss be upon them)!

Ain't No HOMOSEXUAL PROBLEM HERE! WE ARE HOLY AND PURE. . .


To Rosie O'Donnel and Ilk: Women's Lib In Iran, No Problem!

Read those if you want something to get your panties in a wad about!

now all we get is an article like this.

Why not IGNORE it, find something that appeals to YOUR higher intellect (like a piece of 'artwork' showing some of the 'animal acts' in Tijuana) or any of the other 1,000 or so articles published here? Surely there is some literate snob you can relate to.

Where you are at, don't you get free nudity and porn on the broadcast TV channels? I'm sure you can find something to satisfy the needs of your broad range of 'redeeming social quality' standards.

Actually Gary, you are leaping to unsupported conclusions. The crap that i am complaining about is not coming to me on any of my group pages or through any of my connections. Obviously reading is not your strong suit. The images that I do not wish to see are on the comments page and they are repeated over and over again every time someone comments on the image. If I could make them go away by cancelling a connection, i would. In fact, I have done that. So until you know what you are talking about stop blathering.

Strangely, part of freedom is using it responsibly, something you clearly know nothing about. These two women are not being responsible and the other comments show that people do not agree with you.

Instead you have embarked on a jealous rant about my having more contacts than you. I'm sorry people want nothing to do with you. You have made comments about my not knowing anything about my PC. And you know this bit of incorrect wisdom how? Anyone who goes to such lengths to prove they are worldly generally isn't.

If you are so worried about the points this article is generating, you need do nothing more than stop typing and go away. It would be more peaceful that way anyway.

One thing Grateful ! I use my real name ..... not some site name to hide behind.....
I have held a person as they took their last breath, and there is no joy in looking into the deepness of their Eyes as they search for the last time the last image of their world. Public hangings and Executions are barbaric and to be masked. If they were tried in an American Court would it have happened under your Beliefs????

When I was 5, I was abducted, molested and rapped by 2 men, and left to drown in a creek. It was only that someone found me and Saved me that I am here today. Did I want him dead,, Every Day of my life, But I learnt to live with the inner shame ,knowing that the whole world Knew what had happened to me, and They have never been caught, I am 50 now and I know that They would be in their late 70's. I can only hope that they had been caught. Because I know in my mind they have done more than once Would I like them Killed in Public...NO!!!! Never.

If they did it to my kids I would take their life in an instant If I could, But It would never change what you carry for the rest of your life. And If I did kill them My children would loose their father too. 99% of every thought you think about every minute of my life has been of that moment, As fresh as the last Minute. And wondering what my life would have been like IF It had never happened.

So get off your Screen name and and learn to accept life and all its faults. Showing a photo of anyone loosing life is distasteful. and In My opinion worse than Porn. the only thing that can top that is Child abuse.

"If it stirred your senses, maybe it's because of the barbaric horror of it. Now maybe you really have something to channel some of your 'righteous indignation' about. Praise MoMO and allah (pbh) (piss be upon them)!"
This phrase makes you worse than them!

So Grateful 1 Never try to tell me about "immorality" .

Every comment you make floats further off until unreality. You obviously have issues and I would urge you to get some help rather than attacking people you know nothing about.

Nanci, I agree with you 100%. I fully support the rights of consenting adults who make pornography and those who willingly consume it. The problem here is that it's being foisted upon the unwilling, some of whom may have children present. Gather is simply not the place for it, especially when the image is impossible to avoid for those of us who rely on the "recent comments" function.

This is not the first instance that pornography has popped up on Gather. I've seen some really racy stuff posted to "boys on Gather" and there have been several instances of people posting photos of themselves engaging in intercourse. It's usually just a lone member or two posting this type of image, the images are dutifully flagged by the outraged, and eventually Gather management removes them.

Of course, there is sometimes a very fine line between "art" and "porn".

Thanks Auntie - it really is about the choice. I, at least, would be happy if the images would just stop repeating in the comments section which is how I was exposed to it.

Art can be very erotic and porn very boring - it is clearly in the eyes of the beholder.

I support anyone that can speak out like this because there is so much flack involved.
It takes guts and courage to stand up for your right not to be forced into seeing naked women. The reality is, that most of this kind visual abusive imagery is perpetrated by women.

I get it if your a man, it seems like no big deal, actually a bonus even and I must, and have to admit that if guys were prone to throwing sensual visuals at me of themselves, provided they are hot, I wouldn't mind a bit.

But this isn't about guys or wanting to please them with this 'freedom of expression bull*$!%'.

I have the right to not see graphic, sexualized images of women.

I have no problem with the expression but it's not appropriate for everyone and I don't want to deal with these images. I don't like them or appreciate them and I don't give a rat's @$$ who does, if you like it take it somewhere where you can have it without hurting anyone else.

I must add this isn't really about "porn" per say as much of this content is solely focussed on the female body. This isn't about sex because again, it's all foccussed on women's images. This is all about the vanity of a few, or alot as the case may be, women feeling a need to show everyone something alot of us would rather not see.

Forcing these images on others is abusive, no question about it.

I love looking at naked men but there is a time and place for that and I rarely experience having to look at them against my will.

Make no mistake, women are the abusers and perps, in this social case. It is a passive way to lash out at others. This is not about sex, love or beauty, not in the least.

I disconnected from the woman in question, and a few minutes later, I received a connection notice from her. She can't take no for an answer. Porn is a disease. Men that are addicted to porn can not function as a man to their wives. There was an extended report on this on the Science Channel. (And of course that does not mean that EVERY man cannot function properly, but the majority of men addicted to porn have trouble relating to the female in their lives.) Psychologists are finding more and more men who are becoming addicted. In fact, there are more addictions to porn than there are alcoholics. That is frightening. Nude "art" is not usually offensive, porn is. Even open minded people can find porn disgusting.

Thank you for pointing this out Nanci. I had noticed it also but took a passive stance. Thanks for your bravery.

I was so lucky, that i never received such a crude email, or invitation.

I am shocked at Gary. He has some very astute people listed as connections. And his groups are of the intellectual variety. I guess it shows we never know just how "dark" a person's soul can be. Perhaps we should check out our connections a little closer before we commit to them.

Nanci,

Many of the images this individual published were copyrighted by another source. This included celebrity/film photos, cartoons and artwork, as well as pornography. I reported a significant quantity of them, and wrote to the member explaining why I reported them, and advising her/him to remove the rest.

Today, all content has been removed by this member.

Wow Kevin - you rock!

Thanks June and Jennifer and everyone else for your support. Never let it be said that my big mouth stayed quiet when something bothered me!

Nanci, outspoken? Never!!!! :)

IMHO, Gather is not a site that has an "If you are under legal age in your state, get out now" disclaimer. I have been online for several years, and not much can shock me any more, but there is a time and a place for everything, and I do not believe Gather is that place.

(roxanne walks out of the room, dropping 2 pennies in the bucket by the door)

Thanks Rox. Every 2 cents helps.

I don't think Gather is a place at all for pornography , with all the zillions of sites on the internet , people that want to view should go to another site .

Nanci,very good article. I definitely believe in the freedom of speech but I also believe in your right to not have it shoved down your throat. Besides one person's opinion of porn and anothers of artictis erotic can be very different, with each person having the right to their opinion. Hopefully, like Kevin made reference to, Gather is working on a way to fix this.

Kevin V-thank you for initiating the removal of Cynthia Sutton's porn.

Nanci- thanks to you, as well for this article.

I'm glad you addressed this Nancy. I have given my feedback to gather on this matter and they got back to me immediately. They informed me they would be following up with this woman. I have nothing against this if it has it's own place to be shown. Why should everyone have to witness pages and pages of these photos? It would be considered art if it was presented in a polite way, but it's just porno when it is being posted page by page by page. This woman has much time on her hands for this, so maybe she should just start her own club for this stuff.

Or a private group?

I was sent one of of a female masturbating and I blocked that person. If I want to see porn I will find what I want myself. I don't need them sending it to me.

Those of you who have seen the images in question, are you reasonably certain that the rest of us would agree that they were pornographic? That can be a pretty subjective term.

If many of us think they are pornographic and not art, they should not be posted on the comments page. I am very liberal when it comes to freedom of speech but this stuff crossed the line. We have a wide cross-section of people who are suggesting they are inappropriate. I am reasonably certain that many, undoubtedly a majority, would agree they are pornographic.

A nude male can arguably be art but when you add a sex partner and sexually provocative poses, or masturbatory fantasy, you move into the realm of attempting to shock rather than educate so I feel comfortable with the label of pornography.

Then I'm confused about the images on the comment page. They only get on your comment page if you comment, right? I mean, wouldn't a perfect cure for that problem be to boycott the offending image, not visit it once you know what it is, and certainly not comment on it?

No Charles, if you go to the Comment page that includes ALL of the comments, you see every single comment that anyone has made on any article or image. They do not show on the comments made by me because, of course, I wouldn't comment on them. If you are still confused because I am not being clear, go to the top of this page and click on Comments. You will see what I mean.

I've had the unfortunate experience of opening my homepage and seeing some real nasty stuff! The reason it was on my homepage you ask? Because one of my connections obviously enjoys it and leaves comments on the photos, which means his comments show up on my homepage with the photos! Not cool! I do not want to see that crap! IMO it is not a spectator sport, if we have to have it on Gather it should be in private groups that you will only see if you become a member of!

DC TALK said this funny thing on their CD (Free At Last): "I don't Want It" "That Kinda Girl" "Will Power"

"Will power!
Will power!
Will power!
The power to will away...temptation!"

"[Temptation sold separately, batteries not included]"

DC TALK ROCKS. Man this is just too funny.
I just love how they play it real and say it so well.

For more check out my first article, great attack of the porn usage. IT will cause men to fail if they aren't using self-control. Even if they are, there shouldn't be any temptation to have a problem. I hope those people who are posting will be punished and Justice will be served. Thanks for the warning. I guess my posts really do help then on my first article ;)


Self-control just say NO

Pictues speak a thousands words so true. About the person is what they do. My friends plesae don't post those pictures, you know you don't want to be known for being a pervert, which is what you are if you do.

No women will want to be with you truly if you be such a pervert. Depends on the type of woman, if you must go be with an immoral women go get a hooker or go to the prostitute place and get one, don't post shit on here.

That's right I said shit, know why, because that is what you are posting. Sometimes poop, crap, and all the others aren't enough. YOU HAVE TO USE SHIT!!!!!! the reason is because it is the most offensive of all and it is what you are doing. Why do you think Kanye West put in his Rap about Jesus Walks "We Eat SHIT like you for breakfast" he then repeats what those evil cops said, "Wa, You eat SHIT like us for breakfast?"

Ok so it has begun. I will now expand on my article about this, because what is a word? If you are an evolutionist you can't argue so don't even try. I truly want to hear from the christians what is so wrong about using a word.

Now I do not ever agree to use these terms in a deragatory way unless that person used it that way just like Kanye West did. Also I do not condort the usage of the B or F words. As well as others, but SHIT truly means just the worst kind of poop. How about Piss? Well truly sometimes you need this as well.

Like my statement to you TA. Piss is just pee that has sat out for ever, it is the worst kind. Truly like using a superlative onlly even greater. Oh do you realize that Jesus is the most offensive name you can use. Why do you think some people use it as a curse word to be funny naw they do it because it offends people question is why? Read my article and post a response please.

Either the Freedom article will be exapanded or the first, or possibly both. I haven't decided, but truly it needs to be addressed. Truly it isn't crude or filthy language. That is the F and B word the others aren't.

They just mean adult language to describe a subject. Also why do people go out saying you shouldn't say DAMN and HELL but they turn right around and say YOUR GOING TO HELL seems like there is something wrong doesn't it?

I also dislike having ographic images and even writing on the site, primarily because it means that I'm unable to write articles for Gather unless I go to the library to use their computers. Our apartment complex has a community computer and it has a firewall on it that blocks sites with , gambling, use, etc.

God is Love and here is his gift to us

Growing weary of those on gather who say that we christians don't support pleasure, sex, and attraction. Oh really read Song of Solomon? That picture right there could have come right from it.

It is very provacative, it is all about marriage and it is all about LOVE not LUST. Read this article and then buy the book if you want more information. Are you tired of fighting lust, because Lust sends you on a treadmil of pain, guilt, and shame it keeps you going forever!

My friends get off the treadmill and address lust don't allow it to control your life. "Sex is not the problem (Lust is)" is a book written by Joshua Harris to all people believers and nonbelievers about this problem of lust and how to deal with it. It is very helpful.

I also address the issue of (C) stuff and how some are not respecting it. They have stolen some of my images and taken them for their own perverting them and other things. I hope this will soon stop. My friends are complaining.

TA you will suffer if you keep this up, justice will come quick and swift. Nanci thanks again for standing up for Purity. Please check out this article and tell your friends. I may send a mass email out again, but I rather the word to travel.

On the article I have both the image of the book, front and back included with acknowledgements, and if that is not enough for you I have the chapter outline as well as the preface. All you need to jump out and buy this powerful book. Joshua Harris wrote it, because believe it or not there was no book like it when he needed it. Just read it please, thanks.


Sex is not the problem (LUST is)br>

NWJ Keep UP the good work and God bless (+=-)