Ethical issues with a comedy forum

[Chris]

Here's the situation. A few years ago I had a simple forum to discuss all aspects of comedy. I Googled and found nothing that really modeled what I was looking for. So, I got to it. I installed phpBB and had a friend make a logo. I had forums for TV shows, movies, comedians, jokes, etc. It went pretty well, and a lot of my friends signed up and started posting content. Sooner or later, some random people signed up too. Things were going well, but I shut down the site because I was having host issues and at the time I didn't have time or money to look for a new host. Well, recently I got the hankerin' to start the forum up again.

But now I'm older and wiser. And I realize that the running of a comedy forum implies some inherent risk - mainly that the jokes will cross a line somewhere. It's inevitable that someone will post something that will offend someone else, and I'll have to take action. But how am I to draw that line? Anything posted can be of offense to someone somewhere.

So, do you guys think this is a good idea? How can I keep it (relatively) clean? Is having users agree to a waiver that I'm not liable for what's posted enough to protect me legally?

Thanks for your input guys, I appreciate it.

[SoftWareRevue]

But how am I to draw that line?
By knowing where you want the line. As a wise man once said, "Anything posted can be of offense to someone somewhere."

So, do you guys think this is a good idea?
Sure. Why not? You have experience.

How can I keep it (relatively) clean?
By being clear from the start where your line is.

Is having users agree to a waiver that I'm not liable for what's posted enough to protect me legally?
Are we still talking about offensive content here? I don't think there's anything legally that could transpire if someone reading was "offended."

There's bound to be Polish jokes. And, if you're lucky, Polish members. :)

I'd suggest thinking about where you want to draw the line, or if you even do. Maybe you want forum categories that aren't for the feint of heart. And forum categories for those that aren't.

[Jayso]

Either actually read what SoftwareRev said... (cos i didn't) or just whack a disclaimer on the bottom of the forum detailing that all jokes/comments remain those of the authors

Then, if you are able to define what that "line" is, create a very strict set of forum rules and get some well skilled moderators ;)

[Chris]

Awww, shucks Dennis :joker:
As a wise man once said, "Anything posted can be of offense to someone somewhere."

That's actually a great idea, I may do that. :fuheart:

I'd suggest thinking about where you want to draw the line, or if you even do. Maybe you want forum categories that aren't for the feint of heart. And forum categories for those that aren't.

And thanks Jayso, a good set of rules and obedient mods sounds like a good plan. Thanks for the help, guys!

[Jayso]

That's alright mate - good luck with your community :D

[Kaizen]

Some people will indeed cross the line but you could always but up notice warning people not to post anything that other members may find offensive or else suffer a ban. Good luck with your forum!