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The Spoiler Tag
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jamesi
Sentient Being


Joined: 25 Sep 2002
Posts: 2195
Location: Canadia

 		The Spoiler Tag
From what I've noticed in the various forum sections here, particularly in the Lost Experience forum section, people are using the spoiler tag a lot. I'm a huge fan of the spoiler tag, personally, for hiding information that would 'spoil' the ending to a television show, or movie, or book. However, a thought occurred to me, and it was in how the spoiler tag is now being used to hide information about a game's story or a puzzle solve.

I open up the floor for thoughts on this topic: As Unfiction is, for all intents and purposes, a player's resource. Even by simply visiting the various sections of the site, I would assume that players are reading the threads to keep themselves involved with the game. Essentially, the UF forum becomes a warehouse of information that allows all players unfettered access to all element of a game they are playing. Therefore, is it truly necessary to 'hide' information gathered about the story or the puzzles within the construct of any given game, or is it safe to assume that sort of information is free to exchange within the confines of this space?

As a basis for my argument, which is No, we do not need to be hiding information about the game itself in spoiler tags, I will make three points.

First off, I did state clearly that spoilers about out-of-game elements, such as movies, TV, and books which relate to the game are not only necessary but courteous. I had an issue with the fine people who discuss the ReGenesis game at sciencesucks.com this past weekend and how one post spoiled the ending to this season's finale, for me. The spoiler code here works wonderfully for that purpose.

Secondly, back in the days before the UF forums, when Yahoo groups were the venue for many to stay abreast of ARG happenings, there was no such thing as a spoiler tag within a post. Instead, people had to rely on post labels which gave indication on what each particular post was about. We have adopted a similar post labeling practice here, and the majority of the membership use the labels with consistency and accuracy. The existence of the labels on the thread title eliminates the mystery behind what content may be inside of the thread, allowing people the choice to read the thread or not, based on the amount of information they may wish to read at any given moment.

Thirdly, we are a collaborative community, and as such, the free exchange of information is not only accepted, but encouraged. Isn't it a given that if you are here, you are looking for information?

Alright, so my points aren't as clear as I'd like them to be, but at least let's start the discussion. There is no right or wrong answer here, I don't think, and I'm not trying to make new policy here by any means. Just something interesting I was thinking about for the past two weeks or so.

edit: moved to the appropriate forum - imbri
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:49 pm
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Varin
I Have No Life


Joined: 02 Dec 2002
Posts: 2456
Location: South of where I used to be

 		I think spoiler tags are used a bit excessively, but I'd rather have too much than too little.

I like when people spoiler whois that breaks the curtain since some people don't want to know that info. Now if whois info was put in its own thread with a label, I don't think it would need to spoiler it.

I also like when a puzzle's final answer is spoilered because I like to try to follow through the solution step-by-step myself without accidentally seeing the answer first.
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 2:49 pm
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colin
Entrenched

Joined: 13 Oct 2003
Posts: 810
Location: Australia

 		Re: The Spoiler Tag
Quote:
edit: moved to the appropriate forum - imbri
Now that made me laugh. Almost sent food flying across my keyboard.

I agree with the whole spoiler thing, they calmed down for a while in TLE but seem to be on the rise. I might go on a crusade and strip then out Pony?!

PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 10:00 pm
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MageSteff
Pretty talky there aintcha, Talky?


Joined: 06 Jun 2003
Posts: 2716
Location: State of Denial

 		Re: The Spoiler Tag
colin wrote:
Quote:
edit: moved to the appropriate forum - imbri
Now that made me laugh. Almost sent food flying across my keyboard.

I agree with the whole spoiler thing, they calmed down for a while in TLE but seem to be on the rise. I might go on a crusade and strip then out Pony?!


How about a "Excessive use of spoiler tags! 5 yard penalty!" an umpire with a yellow flag emoticon thing?
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A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead


PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 10:39 pm
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catherwood
I Have 100 Cats and Smell of Wee

Joined: 25 Sep 2002
Posts: 4109
Location: Silicon Valley, CA

 		no more specialty emoticons, please. (except maybe the threadjack one we gained from realSabotage)

I often wish the spoiler function could be customized, perhaps with [ spoiler=plot ] or [ spoiler=solution ] so the Spoiler: text label would announce exactly what was being hidden. With TLE, I've tried to consistently insert episode numbers when people reveal specifics about the show. On the other hand, with TLE we have minor puzzles but major site updates. Some people seem to think it's polite to hide what the update reveals, so they can (and are forced to) go to the in-game website to experience the update. While I understand that logic, it does seem silly. People come here to discuss the details of the game.

So, spoiler tags for TV reveals, puzzle solutions, and nothing else?

PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 10:49 pm
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Delusional
Entrenched


Joined: 16 May 2005
Posts: 839

 		Personally I like the spoiler tags. When playing a game I don't like to always read the IG updates on the forums, but it's nice to know there was an update and what page/site it occurred on if I cannot find it myself.
Then after looking over it on the IG sight it's convenient to have all that information in one place thats easily accessible for quick review.
My thoughts are, if you think there's any chance that a post or piece of info could be a spoiler than spoiler it. I mean there's nothing stopping anyone from reading spoilered posts anyway if they feel so inclined.

PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 11:26 pm
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konamouse
Official uF Dietitian


Joined: 02 Dec 2002
Posts: 8010
Location: My own alternate reality

 		I'm not afraid to remove excessive spoilers. I already remove excessive quotes in the CTW2 forum. If someone gets too Spoiler-Happy, then I PM them that I removed the tags and why. Haven't had any death threats yet. I'm saving them for puzzle methods & answers.
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 11:47 pm
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