Originally posted by: Jay
Thanks for your posts, everyone. All very sound points coming from both sides of the argument.
Several have voiced their concerns about my recent shift in policy regarding the open discussion of bootlegs. I want you all to know that I take your opinions seriously, and forum policy, just like many things in this world, is open to debate and change.
To address the credibility issue, I'll direct users toward Bill Hunt, who uses one side of his mouth to condemn bootlegs, and the other side of his mouth to REVIEW the damn things. No one seems to think the Digital Bits has a credibility problem though. Also, the flood of bootleg discussions that were feared by some once the ban was lifted has not come to pass.
I'm not convinced the casual discussion of bootlegs in an open forum will destroy the credibility of this site or the petition.
I can promise that these forums will NEVER become a method for people to advertise bootlegs. A few members have posted links to reviews of particular bootlegs, and I think that's fine. I even suggested members get in touch with one of them, which was going too far.
From now on, the policy will be to refrain from open sales of laserdisc or VHS backups. All such discussions should be moved to private messages or e-mail.
I won't object to posts that discuss the quality of various bootlegs. However, any posts that say, "E-mail me at bootlegbastard@hotmail.com for the bestest bootlegs EVAR" should be reported so I can delete them. Same thing goes for posts like, "emale boottlegbastard@hotmail.com cuz his DVDRs r teh r0X0r5!!!!!!111"
Here's the twist: bootlegs of the Special Editions are off limits. No discussions, no reviews, no links, no sales. The SEs are a tangible, announced product that will receive an official release later this year. As such (and this is completely subjective on my part), they are no longer viable bootleg options. Back when Star Wars on DVD was a question mark, they were forgiveable. With their arrival now imminent, no one has any excuse for buying SE bootlegs.
To summarize:
1. No SE bootleg discussion, period. They've been announced. Preorder them if you want them.
2. No posting contact info to solicit backup sales, whether it be your own contact info or someone else's. Restrict this to private messages and e-mail.
3. No links to online stores that sell bootlegs. This includes ebay auctions.
4. Reviews and opinions of laserdisc or VHS backups are permitted. Links to reviews are acceptable provided the review doesn't advertise the bootlegs for sale or provide direct links to a site that offers them for sale.
Finally, and most importantly:
5. No naked pictures of Ernest Borgnine.
I hope this clears things up.
Thanks for your posts, everyone. All very sound points coming from both sides of the argument.
Several have voiced their concerns about my recent shift in policy regarding the open discussion of bootlegs. I want you all to know that I take your opinions seriously, and forum policy, just like many things in this world, is open to debate and change.
To address the credibility issue, I'll direct users toward Bill Hunt, who uses one side of his mouth to condemn bootlegs, and the other side of his mouth to REVIEW the damn things. No one seems to think the Digital Bits has a credibility problem though. Also, the flood of bootleg discussions that were feared by some once the ban was lifted has not come to pass.
I'm not convinced the casual discussion of bootlegs in an open forum will destroy the credibility of this site or the petition.
I can promise that these forums will NEVER become a method for people to advertise bootlegs. A few members have posted links to reviews of particular bootlegs, and I think that's fine. I even suggested members get in touch with one of them, which was going too far.
From now on, the policy will be to refrain from open sales of laserdisc or VHS backups. All such discussions should be moved to private messages or e-mail.
I won't object to posts that discuss the quality of various bootlegs. However, any posts that say, "E-mail me at bootlegbastard@hotmail.com for the bestest bootlegs EVAR" should be reported so I can delete them. Same thing goes for posts like, "emale boottlegbastard@hotmail.com cuz his DVDRs r teh r0X0r5!!!!!!111"
Here's the twist: bootlegs of the Special Editions are off limits. No discussions, no reviews, no links, no sales. The SEs are a tangible, announced product that will receive an official release later this year. As such (and this is completely subjective on my part), they are no longer viable bootleg options. Back when Star Wars on DVD was a question mark, they were forgiveable. With their arrival now imminent, no one has any excuse for buying SE bootlegs.
To summarize:
1. No SE bootleg discussion, period. They've been announced. Preorder them if you want them.
2. No posting contact info to solicit backup sales, whether it be your own contact info or someone else's. Restrict this to private messages and e-mail.
3. No links to online stores that sell bootlegs. This includes ebay auctions.
4. Reviews and opinions of laserdisc or VHS backups are permitted. Links to reviews are acceptable provided the review doesn't advertise the bootlegs for sale or provide direct links to a site that offers them for sale.
Finally, and most importantly:
5. No naked pictures of Ernest Borgnine.
I hope this clears things up.
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