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Table of Contents
Introduction
The VoMeR – or Voluntary Media Rating –
is a content rating system for creators of literature, art,
music, film, video games, phone apps, web or other forms of new media. It is meant for global use, transcending international borders.
Motivations
The system was initially devised for US-based filmmakers
frustrated with the limitations and arbitrary classifications of
legacy film rating organizations; the Motion Picture
Association of America (MPAA) and Film Advisory Board (FAB).
However, it has been augmented to work with all media worldwide. With the continued growth of global internet usage, creative works increasingly transcend geographic borders. So creative producers need a simple, decentralized system of content rating.
Furthermore, if a particular title exists in multitple media - for example a graphic novel, which is translated to a motion picture and a video game - then having a common rating system (or rating) among all formats provides incredible convenience and consistency while minimizing confusion.
Key Advantages
- Complete disclosure –
system provides much finer classification of content than previous
rating systems.
- Parental Control –
much more beneficial to parents in making choices for their
children.
- Flexible – provides for more
age-appropriate levels.
- Immediate – Filmmakers no
longer need “This film is not yet rated” wording for
imminent releases.
- Greater control for filmmakers –
avoid political and religious censorship.
- Transparent & Decentralized –
No mysterious, dubious committees.
- Free – No licensing or trademark issues. Ratings and graphics are public domain.
- International – Same rating for a given title in multiple countries.
- Consistent system across various media formats.
- Avoids future Federal Trade Commission (FTC) crackdown on 'NR' (Not Rated) media.
Ratings
Content producers self-rate their content with the Voluntary Media Rating system. There are two levels of parental admonishment; with Adult under [ wA < ] and Restricted under [ Rc < ]. The admonishment level is refined by the age number.
Rating your content is very simple. There are two
informative parts to the voluntary self-rating; a Letter+Age code
and disclosure details.
The letter designations work in conjunction with ages:
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Ev
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Everybody
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wA < [age]
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with Adult supervision under [age]
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Rc < [age]
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Restricted content under [age]
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The disclosure section should use adjectives such as ‘mild,’ ‘brief’ or ‘extreme’ to qualify language; ‘implied’ or ‘graphic’ to qualify sex; ‘brief,’ ‘graphic,’ ‘emotional’ or ‘extreme’ to qualify violence, etc.
Moralistic tone or judgements such as ‘Deviant Behavior’ should be AVOIDED, as such assessments are highly subjective, misleading and counter-productive.
Note these ratings are recommendations by the content creators or distributors. How they are applied is up to parents, educators, websites and theatre operators. The differences between wA and Rc admonishment codes allow for many content and viewer situations. For example, Rc < 14 makes sense for sex-education materials, while wA < 14 makes sense for content with sporadic cussing.
Graphics for Marketing and Packaging
It is now recommended that content creators utilize the following graphics templates, which are public domain. (Use freely and often!
or Inverted:
'Decker' or other Sans-Serif fonts should be used for readability. Alternatively, the entire graphic can be created with an HTML table, as shown in Examples.
Metadata Embedding
Metadata methods and XML namespaces are in the works for the VoMer system. Please stay tuned…
Currently we're researching Dublin Core®, MPEG-7, and SMPTE methods.
With regard to DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) DCP mastering, metadata is very straightforward. The CPL (Composition Playlist) section of the DCP (Digital Cinema Package) is an XML, human readable header that has a field called 'Rating.'
This is where the VoMeR rating code shall be included.
With regard to ATSC transport streams, the recommended practice is placing VoMeR rating information into the PSIP's (Program and System Information Protocol) RRT (Rating Region Table). { dimension_name="VoMeR"; dimension_index=[highest number of rating dimensions used]; grad="0" } Content Advisory Descriptor information to be defined. VoMeR Rating enumerations for the RRT are below.
| ATSC RRT rating enumerations: VoMeR |
| code (hex) |
rating |
| 0x0 | Ev |
| 0x1 | wA < 6 |
| 0x2 | wA < 8 |
| 0x3 | wA < 10 |
| 0x4 | wA < 12 |
| 0x5 | wA < 13 |
| 0x6 | wA < 14 |
| 0x7 | wA < 17 |
| 0x8 | Rc < 12 |
| 0x9 | Rc < 13 |
| 0xA | Rc < 14 |
| 0xB | Rc < 15 |
| 0xC | Rc < 16 |
| 0xD | Rc < 17 |
| 0xE | Rc < 18 |
| 0xF | [reserved] |
With regard to the MP4 media container, it is possible to use typical metadata editors to write rating codes into the files. However, there is not yet a consensus on which metadata fields to use. We're working on it though.
With regard to iPhone and Android apps, we're also researching metadata methods.
If you wish to volunteer to help define these methods, please get in contact.
Please note that the system is ready to use in low-tech mode (graphics and text).
Examples
The best way to understand the VoMer system by studying
some examples of ratings codes with possible corresponding disclosure details.
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Ev
Family Fantasy
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Voluntary
Media Rating: vomer.info
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wA < 6
Mild Action; Carton Violence
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Voluntary
Media Rating: vomer.info
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wA < 14
Emotional Themes; Brief Language; Intense Action
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Voluntary
Media Rating: vomer.info
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Rc < 12
Mature Themes; Mild Language
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Voluntary
Media Rating: vomer.info
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Rc < 14
Supernatural Horror; Brief Sexuality; Intense Violence
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Voluntary
Media Rating: vomer.info
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wA < 17
Nudity; Adult Themes
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Voluntary
Media Rating: vomer.info
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Rc < 17
Graphic Sex; Caustic Images;
Torture
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Voluntary
Media Rating: vomer.info
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Rc < 18
Drug Use; Gore;
Extreme Violence; Graphic Sex; Extreme Language
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Voluntary
Media Rating: vomer.info
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History
The VoMer system was created in 2010 and first adopted by US-based indie film Spectrauma, which the producers gave a wA < 14 rating as detailed below:
Contact
Contact us via email: info [a t] vomer [d o t] info
or on facebook .
Let us know if you're using the system, we'll list your film/media title here! Also, post links to your media from our Facebook page.
Appendix
Equivalent VoMeR, MPAA, ESRB, BBFC and FSK ratings.
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VoMeR
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MPAA
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ESBR
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BBFC
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FSK
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Ev
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G
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EC
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U
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FSK 0
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wA < 6
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[n/a]
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E
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[n/a]
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FSK 6
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wA < 10
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PG
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E 10+
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[n/a]
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[n/a]
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wA < 12
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[n/a]
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[n/a]
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12A
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[n/a]
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wA < 13
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PG-13
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T
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[n/a]
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[n/a]
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wA < 14
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M*
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[n/a]
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[n/a]
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[n/a]
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wA < 17
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R
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M
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[n/a]
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[n/a]
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Rc < 12
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[n/a]
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[n/a]
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12
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FSK 12
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Rc < 15
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[n/a]
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[n/a]
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15
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[n/a]
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Rc < 16
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[n/a]
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[n/a]
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[n/a]
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FSK 16
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Rc < 17
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NC-17
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[n/a]
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[n/a]
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[n/a]
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Rc < 18
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X*
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AO
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18 / R18
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KJ
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* = archaic
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FAQ
Q: Since the rating system is public domain, does that mean I'm required to make my film public domain or creative commons?
A: No, You can of course still copyright and control your content.
Q: Can I still use other rating systems along with VoMeR?
A: Yes, that is your choice. However, depending on the situation, that may defeat the purpose.
Q: I'm a U.S. filmmaker and like your system. If I use it, will the MPAA/Hollywood blacklist my film?
A: Spineless filmmakers can never achieve anything great. Let your voice be heard. Stand for a principle. Do not tolerate bullying or intimidation.
Q: I am a film producer in [insert country name]. Will I get in trouble with my country's film authority or censor board?
A: Depending on the country, there could potentially be implications, so use at your own risk. Ask your legal counsel if you have any doubt. With regard to use within the United States, our lawyers see no legal isses in adopting the system. VoMeR and its affiliates, however, will not be liable for any legal woes which you may encounter.
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