Excessive banning/Censorship on Steam: TOS should be modified.

[Squashbuckler]

Finally back after being banned for one month...


Thanks to everyone who kept this thread alive. Also, thanks to those who have not supported this thread by keeping out message heard!



Herein lies the problem with Censorship:

My Hypothesis was that "Helicopter Parenting" leads to overly sensitive children and a sterile environment. When that hypothesis was banned from the discussion, and "Idea" was effectively eliminated from the minds of anyone who was potentially following this topic.

This is inherently insidious, and damages the fabric our our society as we continue to have ideas eliminated by the gatekeepers of opinions and thoughts. Yes, this is just one forum, but why stop here? How many "bans" are we going to accept and perpetrate on other people? Just let people speak and stop reporting them.

Original Post:

In my 14 years on steam, I have to say that the banning and censorship has now reached a new level. (I cant even offer a descriptive word for fear of being "Banned", once again).

In fact, the TOS is unreasonable should be amended:
"This post contains content that is combative, argumentative, or likely to derail"

What kind of world are we living in when we cannot be "Argumentative?" The oxford Dictionary defines this as " given to expressing divergent or opposite views". This is the foundation of a civilized society, not censored speech.

Moreover, I dont think it is reasonable to be banned for weeks by asking if DEI initiatives are present in a game. That is not a discriminatory commentary, that is a legitimate inquiry with regard to a political position. If I were to ask if right wing ideology is present in a game, or to ask where on the spectrum a game exists, that is not discriminatory discussion. That is simply inquiring as to the political leanings of a game. A purchaser has the right to withhold monies from games that do not fit with his/her alignment.

As human beings, if you keep hitting report and desire to censor speech, eventually when they come for your speech, you wont have any. Speech suppression is a political tool, and those that desire to give up freedoms for security will regret it.

Let people debate and speak on these forums. Who cares if one person calls another person a name. Why do the readers of this post feel the need to hit "report" ?
It is the mark of an educated mind to hear an opinion or criticism, you don't need to accept it. Many have insulted me here and have disagreed with me, and that is fine. If I dont accept their gift (The insult), they are left holding the bag.

The molly-coddling of our youth that is allegedly the reason for mental health issues is nonsense. When an individual has confidence and is unaffected by social media and the opinions of others, they are more resilient.

It seems that any slight criticism or comment results in a "ban". This has absolutely gone too far.

Game companies can openly push political agendas, but any contrary opinion to it results in a ban.

Allow people to speak, and only moderate hate speech ( I.e: Prohibited grounds)

I dont like social justice/DEI initiatives in my games. When I ask about whether or not they are contained, I receive bans. How is this acceptable?

If you are banned by a dev, protest it! Don't let devs push their agendas in forums

If you are the kind of person that keeps hitting report, give it a rest.


At least steam kept this thread going..

Update: Had my Witcher 3 forum post deleted for saying the : " Main story was missing something, and generally weak". I was accused of being a "troll" because I had not yet updated my review from years ago. This is madness.

TL:DR : The forum rules need to change.

[xBCxRangers]

Nguyên văn bởi SlowMango:

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

Although i'd agree, there is no free speech in someone elses backyard, there have been cases like Tik Tok, or a dirty site, or even Disney, that may not be allowed to operate in certain states, at least as they have, if in fact the state feels customers are either being harmed, or are not able to construe their freedoms.

But this is not really the place to have that argument that has teeth, as much as letting your local representatives know, you're buying product that may be offending to you, or harmful to others, as an example, and not able to get redress from that company.

They can look to get word from that company of their policies, and in more serious cases, ban them from operating in the state. But your reps have to know what's going on.

They aren't going to ban Steam from operating because you got upset about getting banned on a forum.

All you'd be doing is wasting your time.

Oh well this has nothing to do with me. In fact i'm a big lefty. But if products sold to children, or otherwise matters that may be offensive to some, as we see in other states, come to fruition, and posters can show they're being banned from showing discontent on these matters, some of these states can and at times, will take action, IF, the matter is big enough, or in the least if the legislator even knows what's going on.

Here in the states, in fact nothing would suprise me given the political climate, and politicans who feel they're standing up for their base, by banning a Seatlle based company, from their state.

[Boblin the Goblin]

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

Nguyên văn bởi SlowMango:

They aren't going to ban Steam from operating because you got upset about getting banned on a forum.

All you'd be doing is wasting your time.

Oh well this has nothing to do with me. In fact i'm a big lefty. But if products sold to children, or otherwise matters that may be offensive to some, as we see in other states, come to fruition, and posters can show they're being banned from showing discontent on these matters, some of these states can and at times, will take action, IF, the matter is big enough, or in the least if the legislator even knows what's going on.

Here in the states, in fact nothing would suprise me given the political climate, and politicans who feel they're standing up for their base, by banning a Seatlle based company, from their state.

Again, it won't happen.

Sorry to crush your fantasy.

[xBCxRangers]

Nguyên văn bởi SlowMango:

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

Oh well this has nothing to do with me. In fact i'm a big lefty. But if products sold to children, or otherwise matters that may be offensive to some, as we see in other states, come to fruition, and posters can show they're being banned from showing discontent on these matters, some of these states can and at times, will take action, IF, the matter is big enough, or in the least if the legislator even knows what's going on.

Here in the states, in fact nothing would suprise me given the political climate, and politicans who feel they're standing up for their base, by banning a Seatlle based company, from their state.

Again, it won't happen.

Sorry to crush your fantasy.

"Won't happen. Never happen. In your dreams. Better chance of getting hit by lightening".

When it comes to politics...or tech, be careful of posters like this. Being they generally get it wrong.

[The Commendatore]

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

Nguyên văn bởi SlowMango:

They aren't going to ban Steam from operating because you got upset about getting banned on a forum.

All you'd be doing is wasting your time.

Oh well this has nothing to do with me. In fact i'm a big lefty. But if products sold to children, or otherwise matters that may be offensive to some, as we see in other states, come to fruition, and posters can show they're being banned from showing discontent on these matters, some of these states can and at times, will take action, IF, the matter is big enough, or in the least if the legislator even knows what's going on.

Here in the states, in fact nothing would suprise me given the political climate, and politicans who feel they're standing up for their base, by banning a Seatlle based company, from their state.

So far I've yet to see anyone provide proof for that example you gave being bannable.

[xBCxRangers]

Nguyên văn bởi The Commendatore:

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

Oh well this has nothing to do with me. In fact i'm a big lefty. But if products sold to children, or otherwise matters that may be offensive to some, as we see in other states, come to fruition, and posters can show they're being banned from showing discontent on these matters, some of these states can and at times, will take action, IF, the matter is big enough, or in the least if the legislator even knows what's going on.

Here in the states, in fact nothing would suprise me given the political climate, and politicans who feel they're standing up for their base, by banning a Seatlle based company, from their state.

So far I've yet to see anyone provide proof for that example you gave being bannable.

I'm not understanding, you mean Tik Tok being banned in Montana, or a huge "dirty" site being banned in Utah. Or Disney being punished? This is what's happening, and in this political climate, if a poster is speaking out say to "protect children" on these issues, and are being banned en masse on these issues, i can see a DeSantos or someone like that, saying "you're not welcome doing business in our state".

[Boblin the Goblin]

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

Nguyên văn bởi SlowMango:

Again, it won't happen.

Sorry to crush your fantasy.

"Won't happen. Never happen. In your dreams. Better chance of getting hit by lightening".

When it comes to politics...or tech, be careful of posters like this. Being they generally get it wrong.

You literally didn't know what DRM was.

[Boblin the Goblin]

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

Nguyên văn bởi The Commendatore:

So far I've yet to see anyone provide proof for that example you gave being bannable.

I'm not understanding, you mean Tik Tok being banned in Montana, or a huge "dirty" site being banned in Utah. Or Disney being punished? This is what's happening, and in this political climate, if a poster is speaking out say to "protect children" on these issues, and are being banned en masse on these issues, i can see a DeSantos or someone like that, saying "you're not welcome doing business in our state".

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ wasn't banned. They enacted extremely invasive verification laws and ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ just said "Nope." and blocked them.

Which isn't even concrete considering how the internet works. Especially when VPNs exist and are extremely cheap and easy to use.

[xBCxRangers]

Nguyên văn bởi SlowMango:

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

"Won't happen. Never happen. In your dreams. Better chance of getting hit by lightening".

When it comes to politics...or tech, be careful of posters like this. Being they generally get it wrong.

You literally didn't know what DRM was.

Well DRM has nothing to do with the political climate, the law, or the constitution. This issue of speech, is murky. Which is to say, it is true, or used to be, businesses had the right to operate n the way they see fit, in many cases.

That is factually not the case anymore.

And be it the Lefties that want to break these companies up altogether or highly regulate or tax them, or the Right that feels they inhibit speech or constitutional protections, to say "never gonna happen", is stupid atp. Being there is no way for you to know that, at all.

[Boblin the Goblin]

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

Nguyên văn bởi SlowMango:

You literally didn't know what DRM was.

Well DRM has nothing to do with the political climate, the law, or the constitution. This issue of speech, is murky. Which is to say, it is true, or used to be, businesses had the right to operate n the way they see fit, in many cases.

That is factually not the case anymore.

And be it the Lefties that want to break these companies up altogether or highly regulate or tax them, or the Right that feels they inhibit speech or constitutional protections, to say "never gonna happen", is stupid atp. Being there is no way for you to know that, at all.

It isn't murky.

Private platforms are allowed to control what is said on them to their heart's content.

Even the Texas law is literally frozen because it got struck down by SCOTUS. That's why nothing is going to change.

A state literally tried and got slapped down on a federal level.

[xBCxRangers]

Nguyên văn bởi SlowMango:

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

Well DRM has nothing to do with the political climate, the law, or the constitution. This issue of speech, is murky. Which is to say, it is true, or used to be, businesses had the right to operate n the way they see fit, in many cases.

That is factually not the case anymore.

And be it the Lefties that want to break these companies up altogether or highly regulate or tax them, or the Right that feels they inhibit speech or constitutional protections, to say "never gonna happen", is stupid atp. Being there is no way for you to know that, at all.

It isn't murky.

Private platforms are allowed to control what is said on them to their heart's content.

Even the Texas law is literally frozen because it got struck down by SCOTUS. That's why nothing is going to change.

A state literally tried and got slapped down on a federal level.

The SC just overturned Roe, voted for Citizen United, overturned Affirmative Action, and LBGT folks getting a product made for them, and you're gonna tell me, Alito, Thomas, Roberts, Barrett and Kavanaugh, are going to let a company from a Lefty state, that bans rightful customers who purchased a product, and are having a grievance based on these lefty socio issues they deem dangerous to children, not have their voice?

Stick to video games and drm dude.

[Boblin the Goblin]

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

Nguyên văn bởi SlowMango:

It isn't murky.

Private platforms are allowed to control what is said on them to their heart's content.

Even the Texas law is literally frozen because it got struck down by SCOTUS. That's why nothing is going to change.

A state literally tried and got slapped down on a federal level.

The SC just overturned Roe, voted for Citizen United, overturned Affirmative Action, and LBGT folks getting a product made for them, and you're gonna tell me, Alito, Thomas, Roberts, Barrett and Kavanaugh, are going to let a company from a Lefty state, that bans rightful customers who purchased a product, and are having a grievance based on these lefty socio issues they deem dangerous to children, not have their voice?

Stick to video games and drm dude.

None of those are related considering it has been ruled multiple times that platforms are allowed to control what is posted on them.

Also, Steam didn't ban you from those forums, the devs did.

It's funny you're now going at the faux "for the children" angle as an argument.

[xBCxRangers]

Nguyên văn bởi SlowMango:

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

The SC just overturned Roe, voted for Citizen United, overturned Affirmative Action, and LBGT folks getting a product made for them, and you're gonna tell me, Alito, Thomas, Roberts, Barrett and Kavanaugh, are going to let a company from a Lefty state, that bans rightful customers who purchased a product, and are having a grievance based on these lefty socio issues they deem dangerous to children, not have their voice?

Stick to video games and drm dude.

None of those are related considering it has been ruled multiple times that platforms are allowed to control what is posted on them.

Also, Steam didn't ban you from those forums, the devs did.

It's funny you're now going at the faux "for the children" angle as an argument.

You keep mentioning "me". I purposely atp get banned. We're talking about folks freedoms of speech, in regards to a product they may have purchased, or feel dangerous to children.

I don't feel that way. They do. And if you're gonna tell me, one day, Steam. or any other company may find their way on the wrong side, of a wrong person or poltician, you can make that bet. But if you're someone else, i would not. Not in todays age.

[Boblin the Goblin]

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

Nguyên văn bởi SlowMango:

None of those are related considering it has been ruled multiple times that platforms are allowed to control what is posted on them.

Also, Steam didn't ban you from those forums, the devs did.

It's funny you're now going at the faux "for the children" angle as an argument.

You keep mentioning "me". I purposely atp get banned. We're talking about folks freedoms of speech, in regards to a product they may have purchased, or feel dangerous to children.

Yeah, you don't really care about that.

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

I don't feel that way. They do. And if you're gonna tell me, one day, Steam. or any other company may find their way on the wrong side, of a wrong person or poltician, you can make that bet. But if you're someone else, i would not. Not in todays age.

Uh huh.

[xBCxRangers]

Nguyên văn bởi SlowMango:

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

You keep mentioning "me". I purposely atp get banned. We're talking about folks freedoms of speech, in regards to a product they may have purchased, or feel dangerous to children.

Yeah, you don't really care about that.

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

I don't feel that way. They do. And if you're gonna tell me, one day, Steam. or any other company may find their way on the wrong side, of a wrong person or poltician, you can make that bet. But if you're someone else, i would not. Not in todays age.

Uh huh.

Again, as i said you have to stick to games, being on these political issues, you're not gonna beat me on that. If you say "never" on these issues, that is case number one for a poster to ignore.

[xBCxRangers]

Nguyên văn bởi SlowMango:

Nguyên văn bởi xBCxRangers:

And how's history playing out, now? The days of "conservatives" and neo liberals, are coming to a close. Companies are becoming accountable, rightfully, or wrongfully for what they do.

And if you're a Lefty like me, that want to see billionaires like Mr Newell regulated and taxed appropriately, and accountable to his consumers, or on the Right, where they feel children are being impacted, or their right wing views being stifled, these companies (and we're seeing it) are going to to be accountable.

That's just were the discourse is, in America today. Can't speak where you're from, or others. The OP i think is Canadian. I cant speak for folks over there.

Oh, so you have definitive proof they aren't regulated or taxed appropriately?

You seem to be forgetting that I've literally watched this whole thing unfold up until this new "I'm just saying." stance you've taken with trying to play both sides.

Attacking my credibility, is not helping your argument. Your argument, is flawed as to the times we're living in today.