Theories on why IMDb message boards were closed (and wiped)

Theories on why IMDb message boards were closed (and wiped) Apr 9, 2017 23:57:32 GMT

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Post by Utpe on Apr 9, 2017 23:57:32 GMT

Apr 6, 2017 13:25:08 GMT troliusmaximus said:

What's far more likely, in my opinion, is that sponsors, and the like, sent not-to-ambiguous encouragement to websites, like IMDb, to either start implementing Gestapo-like policing of its communal message boards ― particularly for material that was deemed 'inauspicious' for the industry (even if it was edifying for consumers) ― or risk losing $upport.

I believe this is what the problem was. They were afraid of losing sponsors because of some of the harsh statements people had made about certain celebrities and movies. Their buggy automated report system was practically useless, so the most logical step for them was to wipe the boards entirely.

Anybody noticing something similar going on with YouTube? There's a guy called T.J. Kirk who made a whole video about Google losing advertisers because the material people uploaded was being deemed offensive. So, they took a lot of the controversial channels and dropped most of the sponsored content on their videos. He had the word "Atheist" in his name, so Google marked that as a red flag. I think his ad revenue was cut by 85%. That's huge considering the guy makes a living off it.

So, there you have it. First IMDb, now Google. As long as there's always somebody out there complaining, our free speech diminishes little by little. I don't care what excuses Col Needham made. It's all bologna. Thank goodness for this site.