Lately I have noticed a few instances of photos of dead birds being posted. It isn't a big deal but some people would rather not look at these sort of pictures. It would be appreciated if posters would put a warning in the topic subject and maybe Holly could flag them if this isn't done.
In my opinion “death is part of life” death and killing is certainly part of a bird’s everyday life, the majority of them have to kill or get killed to survive. It is also very important to find out what bird, where and why? Might give you an understanding what went wrong in the environment , but also how to prevent some environmental disasters from occurring.
But just in case some people might like a warning, that’s fine by me. I’d be interested to hear what other members think. Thanks Greg for starting this discussion.
M-L
Growing up and living in the country means you deal with life and death, pic's don't offend me, from young to old we need to stay aware of what life holds for everything. By all means post some "warning" with what some may believe is sensitive material but no sensorship please.
I also live in the country and deal with dead animals. That isn't the issue here, just a bit of courtesy when posting photos others may not want to view. I can't see that being a lot to ask, but maybe some think I am imposing on their rights.
Yes I think if people could just post a warning in the thread title that would be great. I can edit any thread titles if people just send me a PM or email.
We do have children who view and use the forum and some members who might not like to see sensitive content, so a heads up to others would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Holly
I'm concerned about Birds in Backyards contributing to the sanitized environment that seems to be promulgated by many sections of society. Perhaps this is partly due to our litigious society & partly due to the need for an antidote to all the violence being foisted upon us through the media. So photos of dead birds, unless they're gratuitously posted, are perfectly acceptable to me. Even children have to deal with dead pets. It all depends on the context. As yet I can't recall reading a post which has complained about photos of dead birds which might be a reflection of the maturity of Birds in Backyards members.
Not going to censor these types of posts by any stretch - but a warning gives people the option to know what they are going to see if they click the link. The forum is visible to anyone who visits (registered or not) but no complaints have been received which is great. Maybe everyone will still click through, but at least the option is there by giving people a heads up.
Woko you are making a few good points " in my opinion". I can think of other topics that are complely natural to me. I , and other members, have posted many photos of birds mating. Should we also sanitize those? Or put up a warning?
M-L
You are interpreting asking for a warning as a complaint. People have a right to choose what media to consume, sex is purely natural but most people don't want to view pornography while looking at forums. I am not telling other people what to look at, I just don't find pictures of dead animals or people entertaining, and would rather avoid them.
Would you be likely to find photos of dead birds in context educational (as opposed to entertaining), Greg?
Araminta, your point about photos of birds mating is well made. And what about photos of birds consuming worms or insects? Should there be warnings about those? I think we need to be alert to becoming too precious about normal behaviour or events. The critical thing for me is the context in which the photos are posted. If people consider any photos on Birds in Backyards objectionable then there are processes for dealing with those objections.
And you're right, Greg. People do have the right to choose which media they consume. So far I haven't heard of anyone resigning from Birds in Backyards because of photos of dead birds. Again, this probably reflects the maturity level of Birds in Backyards members.
So woko would you find pictures of dead people educational?
Quite possibly if I was a surgeon, medical student, forensic pathologist, coroner etc. & the photos were in context, Greg.
It might look as if this is getting a bit off track, but then again it's not. If people wouldn't have investigated road fatalities by examening the victims, we wouldn't have safer cars with seat belts or air bags, or little kids would still be sitting in the front seat.
That relates to what I said earlier, it can be very inportant to investigate dead birds and the circumstances of their deaths.
M-L
Its a really interesting discussion guys. As I said earlier - a warning on the type of content for images of dead birds is a great idea and anyone who still wants to see it (and I know none of you are offended by it) is a very easy step to take. We have no problem with images being posted of that nature - it can be very educational - but a warning about what is in the post gives people the option if they want it.
No need to censor or warn for any other posts (like images of birds mating) unless you individually see fit (e.g. if you have a story or issue that you found particularly stressful or traumatic that you think may upset others - but that is still within the forum rules) - as Woko has said, there is great maturity amongst BIBY members - its just utlising common sense.
All in all, a thread title that encapsulates what the thread is about should give a good indication of what the reader will find when they click the link.
Thanks Holly.
I'm sure that everyone here has seen/witnessed a dead bird, a bird being killed or a dying bird/animal while birding. There shouldn't be anything wrong about a photo of one and shouldn't be discouraging, even with a warning (IMHO).
Brandon (aka ihewman)
You are making a very subjective judgement. There is a difference between seeing a dead or suffering animal in real life and seeing a digital representation of that animal intended for the entertainment/education of people on a forum. While you don't have any problem with pictures of dead animals you shouldn't assume the same thing for other people. In real life an animal dies and then slowly returns to the environment as organic matter in the process of providing food for a range of scavengers and decomposers. This is a dynamic process which is seen in context. An image of that animal removes the context and freezes the process in one moment of time.
Nothing in my statement mentions "I assume". It seems that this conversation is discussing whether dead bird photos are veiwed as entertainment or education. My opinion is based on the fact that everyone on this forum has a like-minded passion for birds/animals, so I simply can't imagine anyone here seeing a dead bird as entertainment... even visitors to the site, as they wouldn't need to be on this site unless they wanted to learn something about birds.
Sorry if I misunderstood... I gather that, by posting this topic, you intended others to share their opinions about the topic... [I shouldn't have to finish that sentence]
I'm not going to argue over this... we have already agreed that a warning is to be included in the title of a post, and I think, either way it won't take much to write a little warning.
Brandon (aka ihewman)
Perhaps you don't quite understand the purpose of a Help forum.
.........to me that was exactly what the person who posted the " dead bird" was asking for? Help with the identification of the bird he found. One of the many purposes of this forum as I understand it.
All should be well if the words "dead bird" are in the title.
One other idea might be to not even have a photo, but a link to it? Then only people who don't mind could look at it?
M-L
Holly there is a photo of a dead bird in the general forum, could you put a warning on it.
M-L has edited the thread before I could. Thanks for the heads up Greg.