Good Housekeeping…
…and more, some stuff you might like to know.
First, starting Monday I’ll be a contributor at Bilerico. I’m very excited about this. The site is a great read, and it’s been a frequent stop on my daily news and blog web circuit for a while now. I’m both thrilled and proud to be a part of the great roster of contributors it boasts. Check it out through the link above and the one posted in my links list.
Also, my live show is coming back, quite soon in fact. Producer Mike Scott is just about ready to return, and I’m working on getting some guests who I think you’ll find quite interesting and informative. There’s also many more changes in the works for the show as well. More on this, including webcast times and such, as I have it.
Another interesting and Queer-relevant thing’s going on as well. This one I’ve written about on my other blog, in which I talk about my thoughts and experiences in the online game EvE-Online, called Just A Girl And Her Thorax.
In the official discussion forum associated with the game, certain words are blocked by an automatic word filter. Among these are the standard curse words you’d expect, but it doesn’t stop there. Not only are relatively innocuous, commonly used words such as “crack” banned from appearing in print on this message board, but also both “gay” and “lesbian”. Interestingly, the words “transgender” and “transsexual” are not prohibited. I suppose, considering the fact that about half the characters in the game are female but the game’s actual playerbase is estimated to be 97% male, it would be hypocritical in the extreme, even with this oppressive level of moderation, for them to do so. Personally, I believe this is an intentional and direct homophobic attack on Queer identity on the part of the forum moderators, and I wrote a long post about it there. Check it out if you’re interested.
Also, I’d point out, just in case anyone’s considering signing up, that I don’t blame the creators of the game itself, I blame the forum moderators. The policies and attitudes within the actual game are far more positive and accepting than those players are subjected to on these forums. Shades of Sara Andrews, no? I’m actually considering taking this on as a topic for the podcast or the live show, so if you’re some form of Queer or supportive and play EvE or other online video games, I’d like you to get in touch with me (email: rjuro@verizon.net) and tell me about your own experiences, and I may ask you to join me on the air as a guest to add your own perspective to the discussion. Thanks!
So, let’s see, what else?
I’m planning to record a new podcast tonight or tomorrow, so keep an eye out. I’m still not quite sure what I’m going to cover yet, but I’ve got a few ideas, and maybe even a hint or two about what changes I’ve got planned for when the show returns.
Oh yeah, and one other thing: I got into a pretty interesting discussion over at OurChart yesterday. It was all about the HRC/LOGO forum, stemming from a blog on the subject by OurChart President and forum producer Hilary Rosen. I thought it was both an interesting and educational discussion, including comments from women on all sides of the issues. Well worth checking out. During the discussion, I also invited her to be a guest on my show. No response as yet, but it is the weekend after all. I hope she does take me up on the offer…I think we could have a very good discussion on many issues of importance to Queerfolks. I’ll keep ya posted on that one.
Alright, I guess that’s about it for now, but only for now. I’m looking forward to the future with great anticipation, as I hope you are.
More soon.