School can't access this board...

Post by **Dale** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 6:59 pm

Here's an interesting problem for you. I got an email from a regular visitor who is a teacher and he tells me that, lately, this board cannot be accessed from school computers because of "inappropriate content." Evidently lichen and suicide content triggers these filters. Anybody have any idea of what post(s) could be doing this?

sturob · Post by **sturob** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 7:01 pm

Um, the flute lichen thread?

Blocking software isn't all that sophisticated sometimes. On that thread, we use the words "lichen" and "oiled" and "sexy;" just as I've done here. I think that's enough.

As a matter of fact, I think your post might be enough. Just because you used the word yourself. You'll notice that a lot of websites advertising software to bock those sites usually call it "adult content" so that they don't censor themselves.

But I don't think that warrants changing the forums because some stupid school district censors everything.

Stuart

TelegramSam · Post by **TelegramSam** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 7:02 pm

My high school had one of those filters. It blocked google and hotmail.

Trust me, there's probably nothing.

blackhawk · Post by **blackhawk** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 8:45 pm

There was a recent post using the F word, if that helps. It was in a Pogues thread.

IDAwHOa · Post by **IDAwHOa** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 8:49 pm

In most types of blocking software there are ways for the administrator of the block to override specific sites. Have the person look into that option.

peeplj · Post by **peeplj** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 8:56 pm

Well, there have been some threads on here I probably wouldn't have wanted a younger child to read.

Is there a way to "fix" that and still have the board retain its current unique character and personality? Probably not.

Is the personality and character of the board what its founder meant for it to be? Only Dale, perhaps with input from Rich and Alan, can answer that.

You know, I'm really sort of divided on this: in some ways I'd really hate to see it stay like it is, and in other ways I'd sure hate to see it change.

--James

PhilO · Post by **PhilO** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 9:11 pm

Dale - Government systems have been built to various degrees by whatever MIS directors to preclude access to sites based on the appearance of certain words (e.g., guns, kill, drugs, sex, etc.). It is a general kind of filter to prevent inappropriate access by government workers while on the job, and does not allow for discretionary interpretation or follow up to determine whether the site actually contains "objectionable" material. I doubt you'd be able or it would be worth the time to try to figure this one out; although I suppose that the school could be asked what it is that prevents access here.

Regards,

PhilO

Dionys · Post by **Dionys** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:48 am

Once.. This time at band camp...

Pat Cannady · Post by **Pat Cannady** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 11:03 am

Post by **Nanohedron** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:39 pm

It's all that talk about pipes and hemp over at the UP forum.

brownja · Post by **brownja** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 2:31 pm

It was probably all those radical left-wing posts about censorship, overzealousness, nanny-state, etc.

Daniel_Bingamon · Post by **Daniel_Bingamon** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:21 pm

I wonder if terms like "Admiral Viagra" cause government school filters to go crazy. Who knows, maybe misinformed school database administrators think that a fipple is something devious.

Darwin · Post by **Darwin** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 11:39 pm

Daniel_Bingamon wrote:Who knows, maybe misinformed school database administrators think that a fipple is something devious.

You mean it's not?