Swearing

[CountArach]

Alright, I suppose this is best put back here given that some may (apparently) be offended by its content.

What I have a concern with is the apparent suggestion that the word "Damn" is considered swearing. It is about the most low-level profanity I can think of, and yet there is an insistence on removing it from all the posts. I would just like to hear the justification for it, because honestly I just don't see the point and the word "Darn" just doesn't have the same effect.

So yes... could someone explain what the official position is on "Damn", and why?

[pevergreen]

Where?

Gameroom, thats now not accepted, as per the new rules. I believe hell is not either.

[CountArach]

Where?

Gameroom, thats now not accepted, as per the new rules. I believe hell is not either.

Gameroom, yeah. Though I think the same may have happened in the Backroom at some point.

[pevergreen]

As of 25/7/09

The Gameroom mods have recently decided to, in order to help foster the spirit of friendly play, adopt a strict anti-swearing policy. We are stopping short of saying that it's zero-tolerance, but the policy can be summed up in one word: don't.

Along with the major curse words, we also frown upon the minor ones that may slip by in some of the other sections of the .Org. In addition, certain words that are acceptable in the US but are regarded as curses in other areas such as the UK are also not allowed, and vice versa.

If you feel that alternatives such as "heck" and "darn" don't cut it, then feel free to replace the entire word (emphasis on entire) with asterisks, other colorful symbols such as *#%!, or the ever-popular smiley.

Thank you for your cooperation, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact one of us.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Not every word has the same level of intensity in every country. Take "damn", for instance, the word you cited. I agree that it's rather low-level as compared to some of the others out there (and I do share your feelings about "darn" having little effect). However, I am only familiar with its intensity in the USA. When we were originally mapping this policy out, Sigurd informed us that "damn" was one of the strongest profanities in Norway.

After having a back-and-forth conversation about what nationalities were better to cater to in terms of language editing, we decided to adopt the current policy as an all-inclusive way around this problem. It may be annoying to someone who doesn't view it as a profanity, but there may be other people who view it as an equivalent to our "F***" or something similar.

[Beskar]

I heard democracy was a strong profanity in China. I think we should ban that too.

(I am not kidding, the Chinese government and Chinese Google filters it.)

[CountArach]

Not every word has the same level of intensity in every country. Take "damn", for instance, the word you cited. I agree that it's rather low-level as compared to some of the others out there (and I do share your feelings about "darn" having little effect). However, I am only familiar with its intensity in the USA. When we were originally mapping this policy out, Sigurd informed us that "damn" was one of the strongest profanities in Norway.

After having a back-and-forth conversation about what nationalities were better to cater to in terms of language editing, we decided to adopt the current policy as an all-inclusive way around this problem. It may be annoying to someone who doesn't view it as a profanity, but there may be other people who view it as an equivalent to our "F***" or something similar.

I still think its a little ridiculous, but ah well, I can at least see the rationalisation for it now.

"Damn" and "crap" are not really even considered swearing among most people as I've experienced throughout life.

"Hell" isn't swearing at all, calling it as such is utterly ridiculous.

That's been my experience as well, and my yardstick is that I say them in front of my mother.

[Vladimir]

Wanker.

[Whacker]

"Damn" and "crap" are not really even considered swearing among most people as I've experienced throughout life.

"Hell" isn't swearing at all, calling it as such is utterly ridiculous.

[johnhughthom]

Some people may think your username is swearing.

[Beskar]

Craps is a game of dice.

[Vladimir]

The F word is a TV show.

[Veho Nex]

Wanker.

I don't know about you guys but I am incredibly offended by this mans words! I demand action and retribution!

[Andres]

I don't know about you guys but I am incredibly offended by this mans words! I demand action and retribution!

*** Reports Veho Nex for quoting explicit material ***

Not so funny now, eh, Mister Comedian?!

[Beskar]

I don't know about you guys but I am incredibly offended by this mans words! I demand action and retribution!

I actually reported it, but nothing was done. Curse those moderators.