Old Hub Suddenly Unpublished Due to Adult Content.

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   Jodahposted 10 years ago

   I have just received an email notification that one of my "micro-poems" has been unpublished as it was found to contain "adult" content.
   Now this hub, "Micro-poem (No.8) Five Times a Day" was published months ago on my first attempt and featured. I have never made any changes to it in that time, but suddenly, it is found to be unsuitable.  As anyone who knows my micro-poems realises, they are never what they first appear, and this one is in fact about trying to write five hubs per day. It isn't about "sex" in any shape or form. The only thing slightly adult is the main image and one other from a viagra ad which I have since deleted due to this notification.( I often see worse Amazon and Adsense ads on hubs).
   Has anyone else had this happen to one of there older long published hubs?

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      bravewarriorposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Not yet, John. Apparently HP is doing a sweep. This might happen to all of us. I'll have to keep my eyes out. One thing you can try is to disable ads on the hub. I wrote one about rape a year or so ago and the only way they'd allow me to publish is if I disabled ads.

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         Jodahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         Hi Shauna. Thanks for your comment. Previously I had ads disabled on one of my hubs due to 'adult' content, but HP left it published . Eventually after a lot of trial and error I managed to get ads enabled again, but this time they didn't even give me the option of having ads disabled they just unpublished the hub.

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            bravewarriorposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Sounds like you need to have further conversation with whoever sent you the email. See if you can get clarification and the option to address whatever they think the issues are.

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         Ericdierkerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         I wrote a metaphor type hub on the "Rape of Nanking" and it just got blasted -- definite disabled on that one ;-)
         I will just plan on losing 20 or so hubs as this bluehaired led censorship wave runs through. Dang I will probably get banned for using "hell" in the forums.

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      ocfirefliesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It seems to me if something is unpublished for "adult" content, then writer should be given more specific information.  For the hub to be unpublished after all of this time also seems very strange.  I will be interested to see what happens with your hub.  I have read and commented on lots of your hubs, and I have never seen anything but high quality work.

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         Jodahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks for you support Kim.  I will keep you up to date of the outcome. I emailed Hub Page Staff about it, so we'll see what happens. I would help a lot if they were more specific. It can't be that difficult.

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         bethperryposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         I agree. And I find it amazing they may be performing a sweep of "adult" content when trolls, flamers and ordinary vipers can leave the most hate-spewing things in forum comment sections. Rather a lop-sided sense of ethics going on, if you ask me!

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      FlourishAnywayposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Email the staff back and engage them in a conversation about what the alleged offense is and what the essence of your micro-poem is.  That poem was very clever.

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         Jodahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         I have emailed them back Flourish, just waiting to hear now. Thay usually won't engage in conversation. From previous experience I'll just get a generic email saying it was either approved to republish, or still found to be unsuitable.

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      JayeWisdomposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      This is something I can't understand, that HP will unpublish a hub that is educational in content, not meant to be provocative, but will allow other material that is raunchy to a R-rated degree to stay on the site. I've seen supposedly romantic poetry left on HP that should meet anyone's criteria of extreme erotica right up to verbal porn, yet the HP 'powers-that-be' have a conniption fit about a factual article referring to rape. If your poem (Jodah) even has innuendo, it can't be as 'adult' as the material I referred to above. Like I said, I don't understand the reasoning behind a lot of HP decisions.
      
      A couple of years ago, I wrote a series of short stories that, linked together, told the life of a girl to adulthood , middleage and death.  In one of the first segments, when she was a child, I wrote an explanation that fellow HP member Dr. BJ (rather than writing it as DRBJ) made a suggestion about continuing it. All the ads on the hub were suddenly cancelled due to 'inappropriate content.'  All we (DRBJ and I) could think of to cause this was that the juxtiposition of a young girl with the abbreviation 'Dr.' apparently equaled possible child molestation in the eyes of HP or its computer guardian of morals!  I changed the writing to 'DRBJ' and all was okay.
      
      Because of this crazy episode, I have absolutely no idea why anything happens on HP.  HAHA!

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      Faith Reaperposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Seems they are going through our older hubs too due to lack of engagement in a while.  I had one that was in the 90s since published over a year ago and then it dropped to 90 and then back up to 91 and it was always the hub at the top of my page. All of a sudden I did get comments, so I thought, well, that is good, so it will not be unfeatured due to lack of engagement.  After the comments, it dropped from 91 to 74! When it had been in the number one spot since publishing? The only adult hub I have ever had was about men's sexual health and an important hub, it was featured but they disabled the ads.  It has been featured the entire time.  I just recently unpublished myself.  It had a lot of comments and good score.  It said "Warning, this hub is about men's sexual health and your ads will be disable" and I thought well ... yes it is?  I just left it as I really did not care about the ads on that one anyway.  I agree with Sha (Bravewarrior), as some of the ads or obscene and a hub about a dog or unrelated to the subject matter.  For a long time, they were showing those ads with the bouncing female breasts and then the character would turn around and pull her pants down and show her butt!  The ads are far worse than anything in a hub!  So, I think they are doing a sweep of all the hubs or either that Panda thing hit?  You can go under your profile account and change it to allow your unfeatured hubs to show up anyway.  However, Google will not pick them up, but people will still be able to read them.

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      kenneth averyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Jodah,
      I am sorry this has happened to you. Why wasn't your hub flagged earlier than recently?
      The only thing close to your note from HP, was during one of my hubs that I was publishing, a yellow substandard content warning popped up on the top and after emailing team@hubpages.com, they said it was AdSense who gets upset if we use words or phrases that are sexually-explicity.
      My hub was entitled, "What Will You Do When "He" Comes to Visit Your Wife?" This was a fantasty hub. Not real.
      I was describing a woman who while in college, fell for this Greek god of a man, but he broke up with her and went his own way, but he was coming to visit this girl an her husband for dinner and as I was describing her, I said she had that sultry look about her; her beautiful brunette hair spilled odwn over her shoulders and so on.
      When I was told what was their definition of things that cause sexual arousal, (their exact words), I watered my hub down to a point of it just being generic and bland. Like most hospital food.
      I knew then that with AdSense and Google acting as "Big Brother," I had no freedom of expression on HP, but it is quite funny to me that I read some others' hubs and found cursing, sexual terms galore and they weren't flagged.
      I wrote the HP team again and asked why. No reply as of yet.

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      erinshelbyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Regarding these ads... we don't have complete control over what they show, do we?
      Meaning: if you wanted your hubs to have only G or PG-rated ads, you wouldn't be able to guarantee that, would you?

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      Marisa Wrightposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      This happens quite a lot.  As Relache says, moderators only look at Hubs which are flagged for their attention.   Obviously this Hub didn't contain anything "adult" which could be found by the automated filters, so it has survived until a moderator saw it. 
      
      Please don't be scathing of people who flag Hubs, they're protecting your livelihood and the survival of HubPages.  The Adsense rules are unbelievably prudish (and hypocritical - they are far more lenient with advertisers than with content providers) and if a member of HubPages breaks those rules, the whole site could lose its Adsense account.  That would probably spell the end of HubPages as it wouldn't be economically viable to continue without Adsense.  Adsense is particularly strict on adult content, so be thankful other Hubbers are watching your back.
      
      Don't think I'm exaggerating - last year, Wizzley had its Adsense account suspended because a member uploaded an image that broke the rules.  They got their account reinstated on appeal, but Adsense is notoriously harsh and doesn't often reinstate accounts - so they were very lucky.  If they hadn't, I doubt the site would be around today.
      
      As for people who go looking for Hubs to flag - there may be a few who have malicious intent, but that doesn't matter - moderators don't act on a flag unless they think it's justified, so malicious flags are just discarded.

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         Jodahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks for that information Marisa,  I didn't mean to be harsh on those who flag hubs just that it's not something I am comfortable doing. I didn't realise Adsense were as strict as you say but if they actually close down a site's account that easily it explains why HP are as strict as they are. As I said, I was grateful that this time HP staff responded to me promptly and confirmed where the problem was, it made it easy to rectify.

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2. 96

   LongTimeMotherposted 10 years ago

   Can't help you with an answer to that one, Jodah ... but I love the title.

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   1. 87

      Jodahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Haha LongTimeMother. My micro-poems are written to make people think they are about one thing when they start to read only to find they are really about something entirely different. I have copied the poem below:
      
      "Five Times a Day
      
      What's that you say?
      You want it how much,
      Five times a day?
      This ain't no rabbit hutch.
      
      I love you dearly,
      But I don't think I can.
      No, not really,
      I'm not Superman.
      
      Maybe I could pop a pill,
      But is that the answer?
      It takes desire and will,
      To be a sweet romancer.
      
      I think even billybuc,
      Would simply say,
      "I wish you luck,
      But five times a day?"
      
      "I'll give it my best shot", I'd say.
      But you still won't pay my wages,
      Despite writing five poems a day,
      For you, my dear Hub Pages."

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         JayeWisdomposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         I think your poem is funny, and the final verse clarifies that you're referring to writing five hubs a day.

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         Aneegmaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         !!!
         
         Sorry John I can see why HP are making a fuss.. My mind went that way too!

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            Jodahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Haha Aneegma, you bad girl....letting your mind get carried away like that.

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3. 87

   Jodahposted 10 years ago

   I just received an email from HP saying this hub is now cleared and has been republished, but appears it is no longer featured.

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      bravewarriorposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      John, that may take another 24-48 hours. See what happens then.

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      Jackie Lynnleyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Some jealous someone has no doubt flagged you; for clearly whatever hover tool they use did not zing you. I do think something is seriously wrong at Hp and certain people get by with flagging and maybe even gets points for it I dunno. It truly sucks though and I am so tired of trying to reach 90 which was low for me back when I mostly had poems but because they were against them I started giving them what they wanted and now look at me. I did a hub yesterday that went up to 81 and featured in a couple of hours and my profile score dropped 2 points! I think I am going to be out of here pretty soon. We are only human and enough is enough.

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   ocfirefliesposted 10 years ago

   Republished but no longer featured?  What is up with that?  I would think the comments regarding the poem would indicate engagement.  Thanks for copying.  It allowed me to enjoy it all over it again.  Maybe the mysterious "HP" is just jealous...Smiles, Kim

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      Jodahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks again Kim, maybe it is only unfeatured temporarily, I'll see what happens. Sometimes it takes awhile for HP to restore things.

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5. 73

   word55posted 10 years ago

   Maybe with the new Google Update (Google Analytics) it is disapproving  old certain content. Also, you should try taking out the Warning of Adult ...

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      Jodahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the tip word55, but it has just been re-featured.

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   word55posted 10 years ago

   Way to go Jodah, fight for your write!

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7. 66

   relacheposted 10 years ago

   HubPages has been tightening up publishing on this site for over a year now, and having older content get flagged is now fairly common.
   
   From the HubPages FAQ:
   
   3. I want to publish Hubs about adult topics. What is allowed?
   Hubs are not allowed to contain adult content. Below are some examples of prohibited adult content; this should not be interpreted as exhaustive list of what is prohibited. Further, your Hubs must also comply with Google AdSense Program Policy on Adult Content.
   
   The following are not allowed:
   
   Inappropriate language, including excessive profanity
   Content on sexual aids, toys, or enhancements
   Fetish content or content with sexual intent
   Sexually explicit content, including descriptions of sexual acts, tips, or practices
   Mail order brides, escort services, adult or sexual dating
   Nudity and lewd, obscene, or provocative images (including strategically covered nudity, see-through or sheer clothing, and close-ups of breasts, butts, or crotches)
   Or, links to sites that contain any of the above
   Hubs that are produced in a professional style, that use medical terms rather than slang, and that are not attempting to sell dubious treatments or products are more likely to be evaluated favorably. If you are unsure if your content is allowed, please contact us for a clarification before publishing your Hubs.
   
   You should also be aware that advertising may automatically be disabled on potentially adult content, and on content that touches on certain sensitive topic areas.
   
   
   You can find more details in the Learning Center.

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   FlourishAnywayposted 10 years ago

   How about adding "stuff" to it like a sidebar about famous writers who wrote for marathon sessions, a poll, and/or a quiz about the most prolific writers?  That might help you get it back to featured??

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      Jodahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks to everyone who replied, but it is now 'featured'. The problem was obviously the image from the 'Viagra advertisement'. I removed that and it's all up and running again. Now all my hubs are featured once again. Yes Flourish I have started going through all my older hubs and adding videos, polls or extra content anyway. Maybe the problem is that I re shared this poem recently. Possibly someone took offence and flagged me. I do think HP is far too strict in its censorship for hubs however, and the forums do often have much worse language. Also look at what is on Facebook etc and it is used by all ages. I am offended by constantly seeing Adsense 'weight loss' ads on every hub I visit but just have to put up with that.

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         kenneth averyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         Jodah,
         That still does not help in my question as to why "some" hubbers can get away with sexually-suggestive wordings and I was flagged for describing a fictitious girl.
         What I am saying is, I DO NOT USE profane or vulgar words in my hub to start with and that is not due to HP's strict guidelines. It is not my lifestyle to do this.
         But to have HP tell me NOT to use certain things and then allow others to do it, wouldn't you be a bit miffed?

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            Jodahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            I can understand your confusion and ire Kenneth. As long as rules are policed consistently you ca live with it. I must say that Hub Page staff did kindly email me and confirmed that the 'Viagra advertisement' was the reason for the hub being unpublished. I do appreciate their reply. It helps to know the reason for decisions made.

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               kenneth averyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

               Yep, Jodah, my friend, you are right. I sometimes get so naïve that I think everyone should follow the rules.

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            relacheposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Admin/moderators only look at the stuff that is brought to their attention.  Someone suggested they look over your Hub.  They did.  The Hubs that "get away with stuff" only do so because no one has pointed them out to the moderators.
            
            If you see something that you know violates community standards, admin wants you to flag the Hub for them to review.  If you don't flag violations that you come across, you are the reason "some" other site users get away with content you were asked to change.

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               Jodahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks relache, but it would have to be something very major for me to flag a hub. I am broadminded and not easily offended. It would have to be something very racist or discriminatory for me to complain. From some other forum posts I have read some people seem to go deliberately looking for things to flag hubs for, I don't think that helps the community.

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   Dana Tateposted 10 years ago

   I have no idea what hubpages base their criteria on, but i will tell you that my most viewed and money making hub had dropped to a score lower then my least viewed hubs. Although I update it every time I receive new information the score stays the same. Sometimes I'm afraid to update hubs because if I do they lower the score. Now has anyone experienced that?

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      Jodahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hmmm not sure why that happens Dana. I have a few hub that are 'editors choice' but they are among my worst performing hubs even though a lot of work went into them. Give me the link to the hub you are concerned about so I can read it and share it.

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    LongTimeMotherposted 10 years ago

    Hi Jodah. I enjoyed the poem.
    
    Re your ec's not performing well, I had the same problem. Dropped out of ec and they are back to their previous stats.

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    Marie Flintposted 10 years ago

    At first it seemed sexually suggestive, Jodah, but there is nothing pornographic about it. I think the analogy is quite clever, really. Why not try adding a commentary about the creation of the poem? Talk about the analogy and the technique of metaphor. You could also discuss your Hub Pages experience of trying to write "five times a day." Added length will, more than likely, qualify this one for feature status. Be sure your topic choice is something like "Writing - Poetry." We have no control over ads, except to turn them off. That choice is yours. Good luck and best wishes for success! P.S. To answer your question, no, I haven't had any problem with being featured; however, I have deleted many hubs due to low scores (probably not the wisest thing to do).

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    1. 87

       Jodahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks Marie, I probably will add content to the hub to make it more 'evergreen', and you offer good suggestions. It is now featured again however.

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    Greensleeves Hubsposted 10 years ago

    Jodah; Glad to hear John that this poem has now been re-featured. Clearly the content does not include any words which would have been picked up by any filter, so it must have been a conscious decision to unpublish it, and that is actually more disturbing than if it was just electronically generated censorship. But it is gratifying that HubPages has recognised that the content - though obviously implying something different throughout all but the last of the verses - is neither pornographic nor offensive to the vast majority of readers, and really innocuous in terms of the 'denouement' in the final verse.
    
    It does seem sometimes that freedom of expression and the right to express viewpoints on controversial subjects - qualities which are supposed to be almost sacrosanct in our societies, are increasingly being compromised and censored because of the sensitivities of a minority.
    (And by a 'minority' I do not mean the HubPages staff who seem to have acted reasonably here, given their difficult position of being responsible for the conduct of the site - I mean that minority of the population who believe that their own sensitivities about certain material should deny all others the right to view that material).
    
    It's sad, and a regressive step if that minority are pandered to, too much. I'm quite sure much respected classical literature and art would not today be allowed, because it would be too bawdy for today's supposedly more liberal society. And yet a creative writing site like HubPages really must be more - not less - tolerant of essays and poems which push the boundaries, than are social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

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13. 87

    Mel Carriereposted 10 years ago

    I had advertising omitted from a recent hub because some bot found that it had inappropriate content.  I sent a protest email to the hub pages staff and to their credit they graciously reinstated the ads.  Maybe you should do the same.  Perhaps human eyes just need to look at it.  But Five Times a Day?  Were you on your honeymoon, buddy?

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