I've linked to exploding chipmunk heads and other gory or uncomfortable content before, but I'm trying to think of the last time I actually put up "sensitive content" of my own on the blog. I think Google is finally coming for me, for it disagrees: my recent post, "images 2," just got flagged for "sensitive content," and it's now been placed behind a warning. You can still see the post, which hasn't been blocked or deleted, but you have to click past the warning to access it. Here's the email I got about the situation:
Click to enlarge, then right-click, then hit "open in new tab." |
I'd been thinking about moving to Squarespace, but Squarespace—another Soviet sphere—polices its content, too. (Here's Squarespace's draconian "acceptable-use policy.") The only recourse I can think of is starting my very own website on my very own server. I can't do that, though, without learning about servers and websites from the ground up—something I've never had to learn up to now since I've passively relied on Google/Blogger for both the software that allows me to blog and the Cloud-related hardware that stores my data in some server somewhere on Planet Earth. More reason to sign up for SkillShare, to learn the relevant skills, and to become an online beast who doesn't need to rely on anyone and who can't be canceled by anyone.
To be clear, the above warning by Google isn't a canceling, but it's definitely a step in the wrong direction, and a sign of things to come. Thus do we non-Soviets build the so-called "parallel economy." It's all thanks to stupid shit like this.
Kevin, have you ever thought about buying a domain and then hosting it wherever you want, like John McCrarey does? I also bought a domain (thought I dont really use it except for email) because I wanted a bit more control.
ReplyDeleteI dont really know anything about blogging in general or blogspot specifically, but I assume that when you signed up with them, ultimately, they control the content, correct? And, if they went "poof" tomorrow, is there any recourse since you are on blogspot.com rather than e.g. bighominid.com?
Domains are pretty cheap nowadays.
(i checked to see if BigHominid.com was available and it is already taken, so maybe that is you. LOL)
Brian
I suppose I could purchase a domain and port my blog over to it if Blogger still allows that (it used to), but I'd have to check carefully as to whether buying a domain comes with any freedom-of-speech restrictions.
ReplyDeleteYeah, my BigHominid account on Twitter was quickly replaced by someone going by "Big Hominid" (2 separate words), but with the same @bighominid handle. Nature abhors a vacuum.
I'll check what the options are. Thanks.
Yeah, if Google suddenly went poof, I'd lose everything. I don't think that's happening anytime soon, though.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad we've come to this sorry state of existence. I just reviewed the post in question and saw nothing warranting the content warning. I'm guessing some bleeding-heart lefty encountered the post and didn't like the mocking of his political religion. Apparently, reporting your hurt feelings is all it takes to generate a Google warning. Maybe you should consider it an honor--somewhere in this great big world you made a snowflake's head explode! Well done!
ReplyDeleteAs commenter Brian alluded, I expect Google will become even more aggressive in its viewpoint control efforts. Being anti-vaxx in the next scamdemic might get you dropped from the platform. It might be wise to look into the domain purchase/hosting services. I've never had any issues with content control since switching from Blogger in 2005. The main thing is transferring all your history/archives to the new host. I moved to Bluehost earlier this year, and they did all the work (for a price). GoDaddy is another possibility.
Maybe when Google starts losing customers, they'll change their ways.
Looks like it is in reference to your first picture.
ReplyDeleteAnd you don't want to get on her bad side as deadly accidents and suicides are commonplace for those who cross her. At least you don't have to worry about falling out of high windows as that is Putin's style. But be careful sitting on benches though.