Neocities Founder Trapped in Chatbot Chaos After Bing Blocks 1.5M Sites
Neocities has faced significant challenges following Bing’s decision to block over 1.5 million sites. This action has raised concerns about content moderation practices and the visibility of legitimate websites.
Overview of Neocities
Founded by Zachary “Drake” Decker, Neocities serves as a web hosting platform that allows users to create their own sites. As the platform expands, Drake has recognized the need for effective content moderation.
Content Moderation Efforts
Drake has implemented a dedicated content moderation team to respond swiftly to any issues. He stated that they strive to take down problematic sites within 24 hours after receiving reports.
- Full-time content moderation staff
- Response time of 24 hours for taking down flagged sites
- Proactive screening of new websites
Impact of Bing’s Actions
The blocking of 1.5 million sites by Bing has led to confusion. Drake noted that Microsoft’s criteria for blocking sites are not entirely clear. Despite consistently monitoring for violations, he has been unable to identify specific issues that prompted such a drastic action.
Examples of Affected Sites
One prominent example is “Wired Sound for Wired People.” Despite its popularity and numerous backlinks, it no longer appears in Bing search results. Meanwhile, Google continues to feature it prominently.
Challenges with Automated Support
Drake expressed frustration over Bing’s automated support systems. These tools make it difficult for creators to address random blocks of their websites. He argues that the issue affects a wide range of legitimate content and creators.
Drake emphasized the low ratio of problematic content on Neocities. He believes this block is an oversight, stating that many worthwhile sites are being hidden from potential visitors due to Bing’s filtering.
Conclusion
The situation underscores the complexities of content moderation in the digital age. As Neocities continues to grow, the platform’s dedication to moderation remains critical for protecting its community and enhancing site visibility.
