Keyframe Chopper

So. Tom Fulp removed Oney's page. Why? At a time where external entities, corporations, and governments are tightening the noose around free expression on the internet, there are very few places where that freedom is allowed to be exercised. Newgrounds, for a very long time, was a strong proponent for that idealistic view on the internet and to read the news that Tom made a decision before all information was discovered, is extremely disheartening. Everyone is clamoring over the fact that Oney did something bad- but It's one of those things where I really don't give a shit. He hadn't been around here for ages, so what does removing the content do for the reputation of NewGrounds other than illustrate that the idealism that Tom pontificated about free expression is conditional, which, if you're going to argue epistemically, he's within his right to do whatever he wants, it's his platform, he owns it- but it sets a very disturbing precedent that I had been confident we had moved past in recent years. Turns out, no, we're still in this era of performative bullshit, it's just gotten far more concentrated into hyper-specific situations. Again, I don't lean heads or tails about the situation- Someone did something that has been judged as bad in the social climate without any concrete evidence other than a human being a flawed animal and making stupid decisions as every young adult does? Must be a day that ends in 'Y'. Oh, but we gotta make sure we're doing the right thing- that we look like we're on the 'Right side' of this situation. Quick, someone ask Ja Rule if what we're doing is correct, or better yet, ask another dozen e-celebs what they think, because we've all just lost the ability to think for ourselves. Everything has to be binary, and if you aren't with that crowd, you're apparently against them, and god help you if you have a nuanced position on anything, you're just a sick disgusting freak that deserves hell fire if you don't agree 100% with the loudest voices in the room. Fuck this decade. All this has done is illustrate that Tom's previous actions with Sandy Hook or other offensive games and media that came out in the face of previous tragedies was more for optics than genuflective sincerity, which I was willing to overlook, because those were serious actions that were committed, and they were tragedies in their own right, but this? Speculation on accusations without any certain evidence illustrates a need to delete actual internet history over optics about a situation we don't know all the details about? On Par with Sandy Hook in terms of the necessity to remove content, it seems. I've been on this site for 20 years, Tom. If the day comes where someone decides they think I deserve a proper shellacking, you've proven that a historical footprint can be wiped away instantaneously if I fall out of social favor or fail to issue a timely public response to accusations, however flimsy. What the fuck is this place anymore. "Everything, by Everyone; As long as you remain in good standing with the court of public opinion, or don't personally displease the owner." Good work, Tom. We're all so proud. What principles does this place have anymore if you just let the mob influence the policies and demands? Nothing. It's about as empty as every other social media website. That's all I'm going to say on this, for however little it's worth.