While I am not into "censorship" personally, with the growing numbers of members of the forums, I am finding that we are getting growing numbers of complaints/comments about SS units in particular. People need to understand that many find a lot of these things distasteful; elements of them are still illegal in some jurisdictions.
So - I am going to indulge in some clarification and some rule-giving here.
ALL CLANS WISHING TO BE LISTED ON THESE FORUMS WILL COMPLY OR WILL BE REMOVED FROM THESE FORUMS.
If you are going to represent units from the war that people feel very sensitive about - you will also ensure that you portray a balanced view of those units. This means acknowledging the darker side of those units publically and permanently, in order to assist in continued education.
If you need assistance in the research - contact me.
Edited 29th April 2006, to include Partisan units. The reason for including partisans (and this applies to ALL behind-the-lines/volunteer units) is simply that many view these as being bunches of bandits and terrorists. Some of them WERE no better than terrorists and made a career out of terrifying the local populace. Others were indeed very brave and very heroic. Therefore care and consideration needed, please!
So - I am going to indulge in some clarification and some rule-giving here.
ALL CLANS WISHING TO BE LISTED ON THESE FORUMS WILL COMPLY OR WILL BE REMOVED FROM THESE FORUMS.
- There will be a list of unit names banned completely from these forums at all times. The list is currently:
- SD Einsatzkommando/ Sonderkommando der SS
- SS-Polizei Battalion 303
- 13.Waffen-Geb.Div. der SS "Handschar" (kroatische Nr. 1)
- 21.Waffen-Geb.Div. der SS "Skanderbeg" (albanische Nr. 1)
- 29.Waffen-Gr.Div. der SS (russische Nr. 1) and all reference to "Kaminski" units
- 36.Waffen-Gren. Div. der SS and all reference to "Dirlewanger" units
- There will also be a list of names of people also banned, starting with the blindingly obvious - so don't use these as Clan names or user ids:
- Hitler
- Stalin
- Beria
- Himmler
- Heydrich
- Kaminski
- Dirlewanger
- Eicke
- Mengele
- There are "complex" times, including the fact that some units carry "honorific" names, such as LSS Adolf Hitler. When representing these units and any other "dubious" units (including all SS and NKVD; Partisan and other "volunteer"/"behind-the-lines" units are also included in this list), the management of the clan WILL:
- Educate all their members publically on the war crimes and atrocities committed by the members of the real life unit, both proven and alleged. Ensure this is carried on your clan website. If you don't know - do the research. You owe it to all those who died, as well as to all those who were honourable enough to refuse to commit war crimes. You also owe it to all those who were purely front line combat soldiers.
- Disclaim any and all political and ideological allegiances publically on your clan website
- Ensure that ALL clan members understand these rules and follow them. The Clan management WILL be held accountable for the behaviour of any and all clan members on these forums and elsewhere. Do not bring your clan or us into disrepute
- If you find any neo-nazi or neo-Stalinist ranters in your Clans - deal with them; there will be no "holocaust denial" or apologists; neither will there be any denial of the vast Stalinist purges and atrocities.
If you are going to represent units from the war that people feel very sensitive about - you will also ensure that you portray a balanced view of those units. This means acknowledging the darker side of those units publically and permanently, in order to assist in continued education.
If you need assistance in the research - contact me.
Edited 29th April 2006, to include Partisan units. The reason for including partisans (and this applies to ALL behind-the-lines/volunteer units) is simply that many view these as being bunches of bandits and terrorists. Some of them WERE no better than terrorists and made a career out of terrifying the local populace. Others were indeed very brave and very heroic. Therefore care and consideration needed, please!