Marketplace sets content standards; sex and drugs are out, rock 'n' roll is OK

When we saw the first draft of technical guidelines for apps in the Windows Marketplace for Mobile, we noticed the distinct lack of content guidelines. We never for a minute figured that it'd be an "anything goes" Marketplace, and sure enough Microsoft has released content guidelines [pdf link, via]. Here's the rundown:

• Any content that is illegal under applicable local law, obscene, or indecent.
• Any content that contemplates harm against a person or animal.
• Any content that is defamatory, libelous, slanderous, or threatening.
• No hate speech or discriminatory content. No threats.
• Any content that facilitates or promotes, whether directly or indirectly, the illegal (under applicable local law) or excessive sale or use of alcohol or tobacco products, drugs, or weapons is not allowed on any section/site, regardless of targeting.
• Any content with prolonged and/or excessive use of firearms or weapons or other content that facilitates the use of firearms or weapons
• No sex and nudity.
• Violence is out.
• So's excessive profanity.

That's it in a nutshell. What we like to call the Apple Paradox presumably is still in effect: Ban all the dirty stuff, you want, but users can indulge in as many deadly sins as they want via the Web browser.