An [URL=http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/contributors/rating-games-a-delicate-balance-20100105-lrzv.html]editorial[/URL] in the [URL=http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/contributors/rating-games-a-delicate-balance-20100105-lrzv.html]Sydney Morning Herald[/URL] penned by a retail software advisor offers yet another argument for an adults-only rating down under.

David Heslin's piece in the Australian paper is notable for its subdued rhetoric, a strong counterpoint to the passionate language employed by most proponents of an R18+ rating, which often comes off more like a screed than reasoned debate.

The core of Heslin's argument is that the government's refusal to adopt an R18+ rating belies a lack of confidence in the rating system itself and is, therefore, inconsistent with its own mission:

[INDENT] Indeed, it is curious that so many pro-status-quo arguments revolve around the impact on minors, as this implies scepticism of not just the proposal at hand, but the entire structure of the classification system. While the protection of children from disturbing and/or inappropriate content is indeed a valid consideration, the very purpose of classification and ratings categories is to serve this concern. [/INDENT]The real issue, Heslin maintains, has nothing to do with ratings but enforcement. And if the government doesn't believe in its ability to enforce ratings, then the entire ratings scheme must be called into question:

[URL=http://www.gameculture.com/2010/01/06/australian-editorial-brings-cold-hard-reason-adults-only-ratings-debate]read more[/URL]

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