Today we announced the suspension of some limited areas of our Personals and Adult sections while we build up our safety defenses. We also announced some significant steps we are taking to ensure that the content and images in the ads placed on our site is legal and in line with our terms of use. Finally, we also believe that we are at a stage in our industry’s growth where we can all benefit greatly from a multi-stakeholder national task force to identify key best practices to prevent illegal ads and those intent on victimizing the vulnerable. We call upon our friends in the industry, like YellowPages.com, Twitter, Yelp, YouTube, and Eros.com, and others we have listed below, to join us at the table in working with state Attorneys General, law enforcement, and child advocacy groups to take on the challenges of this new frontier. Only then can we all succeed in isolating the abusers.
We treat the development of a holistic safety and security program as a journey not a destination. We will remain committed to working diligently in providing a place to advertise that puts user safety and security first.
Here are just some of the things we are doing:
- The review of all ads and images in the personals and adult sections of the site.
- The implementation of key word searches to quickly identify banned advertisements and inappropriate discussions.
- The significant increase in staff to quickly identify illegal ads.
- The implementation of roadblocks to prevent minors from accessing mature content.
- The implementation of dedicated tools on the site to educate users regarding online safety and security.
- The empowerment of users to report abuse and an expeditious process to handle user complaints.
Other online classified and personals sites for national task force:
Adultfriendfinder.com, alt.com, amateurmatch.com, ashleymadison.com, bdsm.com, bestgfe.com, bigdoggie.net, citysearch.com, cityvibe.com, elclasificados.com, escorts.com, escortsite.com, fling, gay.com, gayfriendfinder.com, myproviderguide.com, myredbook.com, naughtyreviews.com, openadultdirectory.com, sexsearch.com, sipsap.com, sugardaddy.com, superpages.com.
what about the people that paid money to post in these sections,will we be getting a refund?when will these sections be viewable again?
ReplyDeleteAbout 2 weeks now BackPage has been violating me with my ads in the adult section. First they started deleting my pictures from my ads when none of my pictures violated the terms & conditions. I had a verbal war going back and forth with a representative name Taylor. Then two days ago I went to "re-post" my ad (the same one I used for MONTHS) at a cost of $6.30 (70 cent savings) only to find out they wanted to charge me $10 to repost. Yet about 4 friends of mine can repost for $7. So I used another of my email addresses to post an ad that cost me $7 & the ad went up. I went to repost AGAIN they wanted to charge me $10. So I decided to post (not repost) and they charged me $6.30 off my credit card and all now my ad has not been posted. This was 3 hours ago. I have sent countless email which have yet to be answered. I have located an address for BP in Phoenix, AZ which I will be sending all my correspondence to the address that was posted on the Better Business Bureau site. As anyone else been experiencing the same problem?
ReplyDeleteStill no response to these peoples comments? I guess we can take it to the forums and then to the local news, maybe attorney, about backpage taking your money from the ads you posted and not giving a refund. What else is there to do?
ReplyDeletei hope this is not regular i need to no how to post or whats good to say or not
ReplyDeleteI personally am extremely grateful and welcome the new changes to the Adult Section of the Back Page, as I want to continue to utilize their advertising venue. With the very risque photos, and inappropriate content, it would be no time before the "powers that be" come down with a less than the desired outcome. I commend the Back Page for taking precautionary and the necessary steps to ensure that we can post our adverts and remain their loyal customers. THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteWhile I welcome the safety changes to the adult section, limiting the characters to 500 limits me as a provider! I'm begging you to give me more than that. It's impossible for me to put all the necessary information in my ad like website, e-mail address, description of my sessions, etc. I am professional and I also check references, I need to convey the information in my post and I want it to look nice, it's the first thing clients see. You can already see the level of professionalism going down the toilet. Limit characters...fine. But at least give me 800. Okay 750. No? 725? C'mon!
ReplyDeleteNo Sales with Backpage so far - is there a place at this blog for networking/hints/helps or individual counselling to improve success? Dooooo find me. ...ellefagan
ReplyDeleteI still place my Backpage ads constantly - they are lovely fun and easy to do and to update. When one must advertise in many venues, the efficiency of the Backpage ads are a godsend.
Congratulations to the iPad winners. I work on Mac and am ambitious for one of my own, since I work in art and with iPad I won't need to carry my entire laptop to onsite projects so much. It will be a real help. Soon you can get a phone widget for it too! Finallly - one bit of tech to carry around, instead of the messy pile of stuff hanging all over us. :-D HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
They think they are real hip with their new rules but some people just dont take into consideration that there are some people out here who have to do things that they would rather not do to put food on the table and have a place to sleep at night. so when you start getting high and mighty with your rules about illegal activities you should thank the god lord above that you arent forced to be an escort or whatever so that you can eat & have a warm place to sleep. We all dont do it because we want to victimize anyone. We arent twisting anyones arms and making them see us. We are just trying to make ends meet like everyone else and if no one will hire you for a damn job then you have to do what you have to do to get by.
ReplyDeleteI have read the new terms of use several times due to the fact that my ads have been “flagged” and I can not edit them as I supposedly violated the terms of use…..
ReplyDeletePictures where removed from my ads that showed absolutely no nudity, genitalia etc etc they are pictures of me in lingerie something you see in Victoria Secrets catalog’s ! one of the pictures was of my feet !!
As a traditional mistress I do NOT offer any sexual acts what so ever !
I send a e-mail to support@backpages and did not get a response and that is after nearly a year of posting ads, rotating ads to the top of the listings every day, that is a lot of money !!
I agree that some guidelines should be in place but it seems that ads are being flagged at random.
Meanwhile I see multiple ads that offer 15 minute sessions
that use the words GFE & PSE
b*b*b*j G*R*E*E*K
dildos and strap ons
bare breasts, just to name a few yet they are all untouched so I am wondering how my ads could have been flagged ????
I truly am disappointed about the lack of customer service and support and am in hopes to hear back from someone to remedy the situation.
Regarding concerns of "safety" and/or the digression about supposed BP "violations": photographic nudity is allowed by law at San Diego CA
ReplyDelete(all over the US according to the Constitution, by designation of current legal statutes) when a proper adult content disclaimer is posted (written declaration) prior to a viewer being enabled to access nude content.
BP has such a disclosure/disclaimer page posted long before any naked truths escape to the public at large. As far as BP removing nude fotos from ads?! It seems irrational for photos that cannot--by a reasonable
(not jealous nor vindictive) mind--be considered as obscene (explicit sexual insinuated content for example) for the justification of nudity
alone. And if an ad is posted that does show some nudity, shouldn't
an advertiser first be addressed with the accusation of a violation?
prior to the advertisment being declared as no editing allowed due
to the mystery of an alleged violation of BP policy?
A sponser advertisment for which I pay a monthly fee has been decided
no longer editable (for any of my own practical purpose) and several photographs have been removed (since the only remaining photos
are ones of myself more fully clothed or not nude) for a violation
that I cannot find out?! What violation, please?
Shouldn't an advertiser be notified of what is the supposed violation and
couldn't there be some arbitration to the issue versus just the careless
(for the sake of professionalism and prosperity for all concerns) state
of not being allowed to change it if one could find out what was a (the,
a or any ) BP violation...
With or without the tolerance of a rightful argument as to whether or not there was a violation, it still seems prudent to allow the advertiser to understand (know) the BP complaint: personally, I find it best to allow persons to voice (to enable the ability for justification) opinions (an other side to a story) if for nothing more than gaining insight to what possibly is/was overlooked--not known/not considered--or rather ignored for the sake of someone's (someone else's of course) ignorance.
Seems extremely odd to have the personals section down a month at a time. How hard would it be to just erase all prior ads and then monitor them going forward. I understand the issues facing the adult section -- but this eternal navel-gazing at the sections that are supposed to be between consenting adults who are seeking each other out smacks of laziness.
ReplyDeleteI reckon I will head to CL -- not worth waiting a year for what will ultimately by insubstantial changes. No matter what posting systems you employ, the dregs of societal will use any and all means to hunt their quarry. In the meantime, the rank and file amongst us pay for the apprehension they cause. And btw, if y'all are going to puff out your chest and say that you're operating for 'our' wellbeing, then don't compromise your newfound 'morals' by taking the money of advertisers for adverts you aren't going to run. Poorly produced all the way around, BP
Amazing how on one instance you make statements that you would not cave to politicians and the like in defining what would be allowed on backpage, especially in a campaign year.....
ReplyDeleteAmazing how you spouted off about the freedom of press and speech.
Now you are caving to the politicians....Amazing how you have no backbone......It is a huge pity and utter shame for Village Voice Media to be associated with such a coward......
Thank you for all the precautions, but i am just wondering when they will be back up and rinning
ReplyDeletewell i think its great there working against human trafficking of minors and some adults but in all honesty i think the number was less then 100 for minors found during stings this is a pathetic attempt from government officials to tell people what they can and cant do meanwhile you have children getting murdered every second i think that our government should put there resources to better use if they legalized it they would actually benefit better then tying up our police force for foolish issues.
ReplyDeletethink about the benefits std testing on a monthly basis make the girl carry her std card if she don't then put her in jail
a license to escort certain hours ,
and certain places everything behind closed doors .
and with a business license they could check for felony's or drug testing
and taxes they would make more then spend more ?
problem is church and state are supposed to be separated we have to many bible banger's trying to tell everyone whats right and whats wrong in this world
Sounds to me like Backpages are running scared and kissing ass because they are in fear of being closed down. They will say and do anything at this point, but I fear the gusto Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and band of merry men are going for adult ads, I fear the days are limited.
ReplyDeleteI think Amber Lyon of CNN needs to get laid.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I do not condone sex services (by and for people 18 and over). I did not like seeing those same ads in any and every single category.
ReplyDeleteI paid money to post an ad as well in the the (lost connections section) and it was drowned in nothing but smutty ads...
Not only did it make my ad look bad, it was just terribly ineffective.
I want my money back too.
P. S. I meant I condone. (scratch the word "not" please)
ReplyDeleteTall order, I just wonder how successful one can be in monitoring the multitude of emails that come in to this site. Time will tell.
ReplyDeleteHey there everyone!
ReplyDeleteI remember when I first began to use the internet for business. Over time I found appropriate websites for my purposes. I was so elated that I found a place to do my thing and I was welcomed to do it. When I found cl my standard ad was just a title, and my phone number.
There seems to be a small group of hobbyist that basically controlled that site, (and a few others.) They forced me, by flagging me and emailing me, to post rates and services. Something I am not comfortable doing and shouldn't have had to step outside of my standard in order to use that site.
Providers paid absolutely no attention to the rules about verbiage and photographs. And flagging became a hobby in itself. We all know what a vile, hateful environment it became. It reminded me of the movie, (The Lord Of The Flies). There was absolutely no appealing to the over-site and finally the site imploded as far as the adult entertainment department.
So when I see Backpage developing and enforcing the Terms Of Use in the way that they have been, I am over joyed. By requiring us to advertise discretely they ensure the longevity of the adult entertainment department.
That is important to me. So even though some things that have been done to some of us such as deleting pictures of our feet etc. and even though feed back is difficult to get at times, it is far superior to cl and shows me that there is a mind to be publicly responsible.
I know that pornographic raunch sells. But it isn't necessary to be raunchy to advertise your services. You CAN be modest in public and raunchy in private!
YOU GO BACKPAGE your working it out sensibly!
but could we PLEASE have a new promotional code
Renee
All that responsibly participate in adult entertainment on the internet should be thankful that there is a place like backpage. Applaud the opportunity to live your life how you wish with people that share similar interests safely. We all live busy lives and have become accustomed to instant gratification. We want what we want and we want it now. What more could we ask for its all right here in one great place. I personally enjoy the ability to qualify what I am looking for in a safe direct uninhibited forum that these type of sites provide. Safety first is a phrase we all have heard. However, safety can only be provided as a framework for us to follow but ultimately it is our responsibility to manage. To be safe we must combine our experiences with our instincts and the knowledge we have gathered in order to make our choices. Be grateful for this great tool that someone with great vision created for us to use as we choose. How did you meet your needs before sites like this were developed. I mean think about it. When was the last time you used a telephone book? Anyone for a game of horseshoes or have a grenade I could use? Good luck and have fun. Pay attention and learn from your time spent wherever you choose to spend it. It will save us all time and uncertainty. Good, discreet, direct communication is where a positive limitless experience begins.
ReplyDeletei think they need to do more checking on these people that post ads i have responded to threee have recieved checks totaling over ten thousand doallrs and all are frauds this web site must be fraud too
ReplyDeleteI hope that they keep all the "Adult people" over there!!! I am a LEGIT Licensed Massage Therapist; and if they close that down then all the hookers will be posing as a "so called" CMT, and bait legit clients in, then solicite them for "extra services" and take my business. Just like what happened to CL, all there are is the "trafficked Asians", M4M, and hooker rings on there now. NO or VERY few (like 10 out off 100 ads) Legit Licensed Massage business on there anymore, we were forced off by the hookers. How fair is that? So when I saw BP, I was like this is cool, I did not have to worry about how long my ads where, and the HTML codes are activated, so I can make my ads look nice with images....this was GREAT!!!! For a while at least...until......they made restrictions on the "Adult Providers" now they are all on Therapuetic Massage....posting in Escorts, Body rubs (whatever that may be) and posting on Therapeutic, AGAIN taking over the site. Now I say LEAVE THE ADULT SERVICES UP THERE! Also They need to start removing sexual ads off Therapeutic, and just review the adult sections to make sure they are all posting what and where they are supposed to be. This is confusing to LEGIT clients, unfair to them when they are out looking for a REAL Therapist, and its not fair to someone who is LEGALLY working and paying taxes!
ReplyDeleteI do not care what you Girls and Guys do, but please have some respect, and post properly, in the right section. You cant say I am an Adult Provider offering sexual services and favors for money and then turn around and post all over the Therapeutic Massage if you dont, then BP will be just like CL, and you Adult Providers will lose big time! I called last week and I managed to get 5 ADULT ads off there. I just hope that we don't lose this site too.
i think the number was less then 100 for minors found during stings this is a pathetic attempt from government officials to tell people what they can and cant do meanwhile you have children getting murdered every second i think that our government should put there resources to better use if they legalized it they would actually benefit better then tying up our police force for foolish issues.
ReplyDeletethink about the benefits std testing on a monthly basis make the girl carry her std card if she don’t then put her in jail
a license to escort certain hours( 001 Escort Directory)
THIS IS BULL SHIT I POSTED 1O ADS TODAY AND MY PICTURES WHERE NOT INAPPROIAT NOW I HAD TO DELETE THEM BECAUSE THEY WOULDN'T LET ME EDIT THEM I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL COSTUMER TO BP FOR 10 MONTHS NOW. THIS IS BULL SHIT YALL ARE RIPPING PEOPLE OFF. I WANT A REFUND FOR ALL MY ADS YALL HAVE TAKEN OFF.
ReplyDelete