NO PIX PLEASE

[jimpollard]

This forum does not allow images. We understand this is annoying because a picture can be helpful.

Unfortunately, when pictures were allowed, the system was abused with unnecessary penis pics and invitations to post penis pics unrelated to any health issue.

We're sorry that this rule is necessary but please respect it.

The one advantage of not being able to post images is that it encourages us to explain the situation clearly in words - a very useful skill when, for example, having a telephone consulation with a health professional.

Thanks for your understanding.

[xsevenx]

jimpollard - why was the decision taken to re enable picture uploading about a month ago, when it had previously been disabled for around two years?

Not being critical, just curious!

[jimpollard Partner in reply to xsevenx]

A mistake as I understand it. Apologies to all.

[Stones331305 in reply to jimpollard]

Great shame….pic uploading was a great help to so many people 🤷‍♂️

[BexyBoy in reply to jimpollard]

How would I go about offering to be a moderator? If pics are wanted by some, surely it should be possible to make them available to those who request them? I have a backgound in psychology and sexology as a qualified psychotherapist. I'm now retired and have time to preview posts to check suitability.

[Posthoodop]

It’s a real shame that you’ve made this decision. For me personally seeing Photos is very useful for my understanding, education and mental health. As this is such a ‘no go’ subject matter for most - Guys find it hard to talk about and discuss anyway, Photos means less words.

Seeing ‘real’ people and having genuine conversations is what is needed. In my opinion the photo feature is what stepped this forum above others in a safe and educational place.

Could there not be another way to filter posts to ensure it is with the right intentions?

I can honestly say the platform and the photos has helped me more than any other platform, so it’s a shame you’ve made this decision. I hope you can find another solution.

[NIMan38 in reply to Posthoodop]

I agree. For me it has been the exact same as I recovered from surgery. All those worries and stresses were easied by seeing that everything was normal.However, it goes to show the society we live in that the minority who obviously have been using this for their own gratification have ruined it for the rest!

[GSA1250]

Isn't it the role of the moderator to regulate what gets posted?

GP's made extensive use of images during the pandemic, so there is clearly a medical case for their use.

[jimpollard Partner]

All good points. Don't disagree in principle. Our moderator left some time ago and we have no volunteers to replace him.

[jaglad]

Problem I think was that a number of Penis Pic's where uploaded for no reason other than curiosity or comparison. Not really health related.

[sinombre]

Is this restriction just for thread posts or also between user DMs?

[Hidden]

Totally understand the decision but can’t say that I agree with it. Ultimately the internet is awash with penis pictures, and if someone wants to get a thrill from seeing one or showing one, they’re not very likely to do it here - although I appreciate that there are always exceptions.

The bigger problem for me is that men have historically stayed away from seeking diagnoses of genital problems for fear of having to show someone their penis or balls. This comes down to societal conditioning, and a pervasive attitude that such things should be kept private and are shameful. There have been a number of threads on this very subject, where men have made clear that they will not expose their genitalia to medical professionals because of how they’ve been brought up. Anything that encourages men (or women for that matter) to be less ashamed of their naked form should be embraced, not shut down. As others have said, the issues caused by the few who are using it for the wrong reason can surely be addressed through moderation. Censoring pictures just adds to the outdated attitude and resulting problems.

I also think it would be helpful if there was a separate category just dealing with circumcision - perhaps even with some pinned posts dealing with the most common topics. This subject dominates the forum and can be quite repetitive. Other issues get lost in the fog.

[xsevenx in reply to Hidden]

I agree with all your comments. I also note all pictures have now been purged.

[S2BC in reply to xsevenx]

They did even remove the pictures before the 'new no-pix rules' earlier than July 2020. C'est la vie.

[Uncutdad]

Disappointed to know you have removed pics. They provided a great visual comparison of the circ methods and outcomes; stitch marks, scar lines, cheloids, ZSR, high cut, low cut. It seems many many men (no offense but NIH seems to be the most common) have no choice in method, or style. If it’s “free” medicine you get a medical circ with no choice, no input and men saying “if I had known I would have gone private doctor to have a choice “.

And I don’t know how some could think the stitched/infected/swollen post-circ photos were erotic.

[SteveR12]

Hi Jim,

When you say "The one advantage of not being able to post images is that it encourages us to explain the situation clearly in words". To be honest, I don't think not being able to post images is an advantage in any way at all, I think the phrase "A picture is worth a thousand words" says it all. It is almost, if not completely, impossible for someone to describe exactly any affliction/ growth/whatever on their body in an attempt to give someone a clear "picture" (see what I did there 😀) of exactly what they're talking about. And, even if afew people did manage to guess a "picture" in their mind (see what I did there, again😁) of what someone is trying to describe, it may be totally and completely inaccurate causing them even more problems. A picture is an absolutely instant, totally 100%, clear explanation of what someone is talking about. Trying to use words instead does not begin to compare to the usefulness and accuracy of a picture, especially when people are trying to improve their health. I realise you didn't actually mean what you said, that words are in any way at all a replacement for a picture, and you only said it because you don't have a moderator at present, but it just seems a huge shame that people are having their health potentially put at a disadvantage because of this problem.