RF Blocking/Banning Viewing of Collecting Websites?

[deValcourt]

I have heard some potentially disturbing news for our friends living in the RF who are or have been collecting Soviet awards and was wondering if anyone else has either heard the same or experienced it personally.

In the case I am thinking of, a collector is unable to access forums where Soviet awards are also offered for sale. I am waiting for independent verification from Moscow of this to see if it is a nationwide situation or specific to him. I should know more Thursday.

I would not be too surprised given the recent laws giving the State Prosecutor's Office the final decision on which Websites to block/ban from public view. The laws were originally designed to prevent children from having access to sites deemed (again - by the Prosecutor's Office personnel) to be pro-gay/lesbian.

Aside from the obvious likelihood of misuse and/or major errors in which sites are blocked, I can see this easily being applied to sites where such "illegal" activities as buying and selling Soviet awards would be on the blocking board.

Any other cases of Soviet forums or sites devoted entirely to buying and selling awards being blocked by the authorities?

Just curious,
Phillip

[CtahhR]

If this is so it may explain why the forum has seen a growing trickle of new Russian Federation based members here.

Maybe this fantastic resource isn't on the "naughty" list?

[Eryk]

Given my non-existent skill in Russian it would be a case of lamb to the slaughter for me to visit such sites, so nothing directly here. I have though, over the past few months and with the help of Google Translate for Firefox, started visiting Faleristika.su. No trouble connecting for me from the USA.

Even without a translation the site is very cool. The pics alone are worth the visits.

[deValcourt]

Update: It turns out it was a ISP issue and certainly not a national problem since my Moscow friends had no trouble logging onto any website name I shot at them - including the New Jersey site most of us are familiar with.

He did say that though he knows the Prosecutor's Office has the green light to block sites allegedly disseminating "alternative lifestyle propaganda" to children. Enough on that.

At the same time, he has no great expectations that the bureaucrats will be able to help themselves from blocking any number of sites that they either get ordered to by the President or the FSB or - well, even people with a lot of money and nothing better to do with it.

I agree with him that it's probably not going to be a noticeable problem for quite some time (at least a year down the road).

Phillip

Oh - and as far as the Russian-based sites, yes they often have incredible photos. Just don't try to buy anything and you won't be breaking any laws unless the items you want to buy are located outside the RF, in which case the government can't really do anything except ask you to give them back - or buy them as a gift for the RF.

[desantnik]

I have not been able to get on podvignaroda for several days now...

[CtahhR]

Unfortunately I'm also unable to load PN. The site has never been that stable and it must take an absolute hammering.

The last time I did get a chance to access it, it seemed to confirm my suspicion that one of the "crown jewels" (in that thread) most likely is a fake entry Order booklet. Absolutely no prizes for guessing which user posted that.

Hopefully it'll be back and stronger than ever really soon.

[marsino]

Also in Russian forum, they do not know what happens in PN, is hoping an update, but they are also very worried.

[Tommy]

Podvig is back online

[CtahhR]

Back to work!