Alex, I see what you're saying. However, it's a courtesy, as well as a requirement, to use an icon on obviously triggering material.

I do agree that if a thread is entitled with explicit and descriptive wording, that's a warning in an of itself to a large degree...HOWEVER it might not always be enough...

It's just always good practice, as well as a guideline, to use the icon as a primary or backup tool. For instance, alot of members (I know I do) might look at the member name more than the title and jump in and start reading. Another member might scan the title and see just one word, etc. Yet another member might just click on the thread because it's showing "unread" for them without fully viewing its title. It's a good guideline and a good tool. In these cases I don't find it redundant, not at all.

It's obvious that every trigger of every member can't be known and exceptions made to help that. We're here to talk...sometimes about rough stuff. Triggers can be anything, literally. We risk that when coming online. For instance, how could anyone know that saying the word "mustard" might make me physically ill...quickly with a flashback. My stomach just jumped hard writing that even though I was prepared. We can't know every trigger. There are the obvious triggers though that we need to, for our fellow members and because it's required, use that icon for.

Might it be redundant to use an icon when a title clearly states the content? That would be a personal perception I believe. I personally don't believe it redundant. Redundant is an unnecessary repetition or excess. With all the survivors and triggers here, it's certainly proven necessary, yes? As a guideline it's stated as necessary. If it helps one member, is it excessive? I don't think so.

It's a guideline...bottom line. If you'd like to discuss changing the guideline (or the requirements within one), please shoot a PM to myself, Jan or DocJohn. Just as members are required to post within the guidelines, many many members depend on the guidelines for their experience and the trigger icon guideline would be at the top of the list there.

Now, I do agree that there's pretty much one exception to that and it would be the sexuality forum. It can be almost "anything goes" there in the form of conversation. I do appreciate the warning on pics showing explicit images of any kind. That was used and that is great and appreciated. However, in every other forum I think the trigger icon is appropriate, necessary and useful.

I do think an icon appropriate for this thread in that the discussion was a *bit* descriptive. According the the title, one might just have been reporting or discussing what should be allowed at the blogs. Not everyone would assume that the convo would use specific wording, description, etc.

The issue was dealt with, and is monitored. The original poster's questions were answered and I hope her mind was eased a bit. Any further discussion as to whether a guideline should be changed should be had in PM with an admin.

Thanks!

KD