News Disabling Direct Messages in the forums

[nopiano]

Nobody is exempt obviously. There's a key difference between Facebook whose platform is the bread and butter and it already has mechanisms to deal with it (it's a different matter that it isn't effective enough) and a forum like WHF that isn't the core business component of Future group.

It’s a fair point, that the forum is just an adjunct to the money-earning adverts on the main site.

But it does seem like risk avoidance has won out over risk assessment. That’s why it would be good if once the dust has settled it could be revisited.

 

[nopiano]

How many members will actually be affected by this? I’ve been a member for 10.5 years, I’ve never sent a direct message.

I just checked and I have 20 threads in my Direct Message inbox, that began in 2020 to late 2024. It included an offer to write some articles and a few requests for help, all very fruitful contacts.

Ironically, when the Haymarket WHF forum closed I moved over to the now defunct Wigwam Forum, and one of the first things I did was message a couple of contacts who had also moved. Via the Wam I’ve enjoyed half a dozen visits and meetings I’d otherwise have missed out on. But I realise that wouldn’t be everyone’s choice.

 

[Stuart83]

You know I'm having to bite my lip on this one,
I can only guess at some of the feelings shared perhaps with the users and hosts of this site over the whole thing hinted at maybe by the fact the comments are left on and it's not just a fixed message.

Nobody that I know has fallen for this sinister censorship "act" for all that are forced into it, as with anything the ulterior motives I can't state are fully covered on YouTube and everywhere else at length and already the holes have been exposed,

I can ask the simple unavoidable question on topic without breeching rules, the same question that's been answered for yrs now without anything been done about it

What's statistically the biggest risk to children's safety both online and offline especially in the current climate of things, and what's being done to stop it?

Almost a riddle but the censorship and erosion of our freedom to speak the truth stops even both a topical and statistical fact being directly shared which is if anything an excellent way of giving example of what this whole "act" is about

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

We're very much veering towards politics here, so let's not. Bottom line is that Future has taken a cautious stance to protect itself against non-compliance with legislation. Like it or lump it, the company is free to act as it sees fit to protect its own interests.

 

[Dave_]

But I realise that wouldn’t be everyone’s choice.

It's the first feature I disable on every forum, swiftly followed by thread/post notifications.

I view both as spam, especially on a hifi forum

 

[Angle Poise-Lamp]

It's the first feature I disable on every forum, swiftly followed by thread/post notifications

I do the same.

 

[nopiano]

It's the first feature I disable on every forum, swiftly followed by thread/post notifications.

I view both as spam, especially on a hifi forum

The choice I was describing was the choice to visit other people’s homes, but obviously if you want to stay private that’s fine. But now you won’t get a choice, and that’s all I want to retain.

 

[RayP]

A few months ago I visited a fellow member’s house to listen to a Chord DAC in his hi-fi system. It was good of him and it helped me decide if one would benefit my own.

I was only able to do that by using the private message feature. Can any moderator explain how members can arrange visits to each other without posting home addresses or phone numbers in a public domain?

With scammers and other undesirables possibly visiting this forum I don’t see how it’s possible.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

I was only able to do that by using the private message feature. Can any moderator explain how members can arrange visits to each other without posting home addresses or phone numbers in a public domain?

The mods don't represent the website or its administrators - we're just ordinary Joes entrusted with trying to maintain some order. Simple answer would appear to be that you can't, though.

I think you're just going to have to accept this and move on though - admin isn't going to change its stance because some people object.

 

[RayP]

The mods don't represent the website or its administrators - we're just ordinary Joes entrusted with trying to maintain some order. Simple answer would appear to be that you can't, though.

I think you're just going to have to accept this and move on though - admin isn't going to change its stance because some people object.

What a pity. The result of unintended consequences. Adults wanting to chat in private are now unable to do so because of a law that really hasn’t been thought through properly.

I’m a moderator on a flight simulation forum so I know their limitations.

 

[Angle Poise-Lamp]

What a pity. The result of unintended consequences. Adults wanting to chat in private are now unable to do so because of a law that really hasn’t been thought through properly.

But, whatever you, or anyone else thinks of it, Future Publishing cannot afford to not make sure they are compliant.

 

[RayP]

But, whatever you, or anyone else thinks of it, Future Publishing cannot afford to not make sure they are compliant.

It will be interesting to see how many other sites follow this rule. Still waiting for someone to point me to the law that makes PMs illegal.

 

[R2D2]

How many members will actually be affected by this? I’ve been a member for 10.5 years, I’ve never sent a direct message.

I have been a member for a year and 4 months and never sent one either.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

Still waiting for someone to point me to the law that makes PMs illegal.

They aren't - it's how the company has interpreted its responsibilities and potential liabilities. As is its right...

 

[Jasonovich]

It will be interesting to see how many other sites follow this rule. Still waiting for someone to point me to the law that makes PMs illegal.

It seems like a gut reaction from Future Publications. If forum members existing or new are required to validate their age, surely this would then resolve the PM issue?

I understand the moderators are there to secure the peace and really have no say in the policy decisions of the Future Publishing upper echelons but perhaps the administrators or the appropriate parties can take note of comments from the forum members and review their policies?
I suspect it isn't going to happen! 🙂

 

[RayP]

They aren't - it's how the company has interpreted its responsibilities and potential liabilities. As is its right...

Knee jerk springs to mind. Also known as ar*e covering. 🤣

 

[RayP]

Not a single mention of this on AVForums.

 

[Angle Poise-Lamp]

Not a single mention of this on AVForums.

It doesn't matter how much you moan about it, Future Publishing policy on this issue, is not going to change.

You just have to get used to it or, go elsewhere.

 

[Gray]

If forum members existing or new are required to validate their age, surely this would then resolve the PM issue?

Not for me.
I don't exist.
No photo ID whatsoever.
Could let AI estimate my age but.....no thanks.
I've never had to prove my age - no plans to start.

 

[nopiano]

Not for me.
I don't exist.
No photo ID whatsoever.
Could let AI estimate my age but.....no thanks.
I've never had to prove my age - no plans to start.

You’d break the algorithm, you would!! 🤣😉😇😱

 

[Jasonovich]

Not for me.
I don't exist.
No photo ID whatsoever.
Could let AI estimate my age but.....no thanks.
I've never had to prove my age - no plans to start.

I think, therefore I am. 🙂
But I see your point!

 

[RayP]

It doesn't matter how much you moan about it, Future Publishing policy on this issue, is not going to change.

You just have to get used to it or, go elsewhere.

I’m not moaning. Just stating facts.

 

[Al ears]

I’m not moaning. Just stating facts.

I think that the only fact is the ability to comply with the UK's Online Safety Act 2023 is not possible with the current PM facility so they have disabled it.
Perfectly understandable.

 

[Revolutions]

@Jasonovich is finally rid of my crazy ideas & endless questions sent via message every few weeks 😎

 

[Jasonovich]

@Jasonovich is finally rid of my crazy ideas & endless questions sent via message every few weeks 😎

It was my pleasure Matt, really nice to have direct messaging from likeminded posters, it was mutual, I got a great deal out of it also 🙂 Rotten shame WHF emptied the well 🙂