Model Mayhem’s ‘no outing’ policy

Lately, there’s been some uproar over at Model Mayhem about a photographer using the handle FokusFoto. He is reported to use several names including Jim Hines or Jay Hanes. Apparently, he’s been ripping off models all over the DC area and have been doing this for years. There’s a lot of information on this blog post. I’m not really here to discuss him on this post. This post is more about how Model Mayhem handles situations like this by preventing any dissemination of information under the no outing policy. In short, the ‘no outing’ policy states:

• Protect Private Information: Respect the privacy of others. Unless you have expressed permission, please do not post private or confidential info such as addresses, email, actual names, phone numbers, personal images, etc. Private messages and CAMs should not be reposted without expressed permission. We refer to publicly calling out people for bad behavior as outing. Regardless of where it happened, we don’t allow it here.

While I generally support the no outing policy, they have to realize the no outing rule is completely arbitrary as it should be if they are to do any kind of enforcement. To try and defend it with any kind of logical argument is a joke. I have seen the no outing rule applied to current members, former members, non members. I have also seen it ignored for the same. I have seen Model Mayhem try to argue that identifying an alias profile which uses a made up name is a violation of the real person’s privacy. Yet I have seen personal information like emails, addresses, and phone numbers for accused scammers published on the forums with impunity.

This latest incident regarding Fokus Foto and the no outing rule is just another example of mods standing firm regardless what is so obviously clear. I am certain many mods have a very different opinion of what is being argued by Brian and Dean. Hell, even Brian and Dean may think this is a good idea to let this one open up for discussion. The problem is that once they made up their mind to defend the no outing rule, they will defend it at all cost against all reason. It is no longer about the issue but the argument itself. For years I have said the no outing rule is the most inconsistent rule/non-rule that exist. The more they talk, the more inconsistent it becomes. It has nothing to do with national news, current members, former member, liability, protecting the innocent, etc.

CDA Section 230 gives Model Mayhem immunity from liability for what members post.