Swearing

[Beskar]

Craps is a game of dice.

[Vladimir]

The F word is a TV show.

[econ21]

When I was a moderator, I decided to go for a zero-tolerance type policy much like the gameroom is doing. It doesn't mean that people using soft swearwords necessarily get warning points or even warnings - a PM or a moderator edit might be appropriate in some cases. With potentially intense and competitive inter-personal exchanges like the gameroom, I can see the logic in the policy as way of helping to keep things cool.

One reason for a zero-tolerance stance is precisely the difficulty of drawing a line and how that line will vary by culture. Better to kill them all and let God sort them out, sort of thing.

As a non-moderator, I know really appreciate the Org's lack of swearing. I think it does help maintain a respectful and friendly atmosphere. I have no problem with swearing in movies or swearing in real life with friends, but when it comes to reading cold hard print written by impersonal strangers over the internet, swearing is a potential minefield.

[Louis VI the Fat]

Swearing, swearing...

It is most often not the words themselves that matter. It is not even blanketing words out or not, partly or wholly, that matters. What matters is use and intent, and perceived intent.

Case in point:

Wanker

Oh yeah? Well, you're a Incompatible language Incompatible language who likes Incompatible language ing his father's tiny Incompatible language and Incompatible language ing his mother Incompatible language in the Incompatible language. And while I'm talking about your mom, she's a Incompatible language Incompatible language who's Incompatible language ed so many people it's a wonder she doesn't explode from ingesting all of their Incompatible language.

[Hooahguy]

what if the curse word is in a name of something? like, for instance, there is a Metallica live album called "Live : binge and purge."

[johnhughthom]

Thats a bit like saying all the words to "So what?" are OK to use as they are written on an album sleeve...

[Hooahguy]

Thats a bit like saying all the words to "So what?" are OK to use as they are written on an album sleeve...

true, didnt think about that.

[Caius]

I think Im the one who said that word. I would like to apologize if it is a swear word.

[Banquo's Ghost]

Swearing, swearing...

It is most often not the words themselves that matter. It is not even blanketing words out or not, partly or wholly, that matters. What matters is use and intent, and perceived intent.

Since the Backroom is mentioned, Louis has explained the policy for "harmless" swearing very well. I would be surprised if we had ever censored "damn" but we may well have done based on intent, context and overall temperature of the forum at the time.

A strict policy is applied in the Backroom because of the strong emotions often expressed during discussions. Whilst in one thread the use of damn might be innocuous, in another it will be the spark that sets off a flame-war and consequent infractions.

I wonder from time to time whether we are too strict at the Org, but a visit to almost any other forum convinces me that the pleasant atmosphere is always preferable. As can be demonstrated perfectly by this thread, some members will push the boundaries at any opportunity. We therefore keep the boundaries tight and secure so that most transgression are minor and result in an edit rather than a ban-stick.

It's also rather hard to be respectful when one is swearing.

[Tribesman]

Bollox

[Louis VI the Fat]

Gah! Nobody has quoted my post yet. There is a surprise hidden in there. Quote it to find out...

[Vuk]

I would be surprised if we had ever censored "damn" but we may well have done based on intent, context and overall temperature of the forum at the time.

Really BG? That is funny, because I remember getting in trouble for using that one innocently on a number of occasions.
SURPRISE!!

[pevergreen]

I think we should make pever a swear word.

Then Vuk would have to change everything or be banned.

[Monk]

Really BG? That is funny, because I remember getting in trouble for using that one innocently on a number of occasions.
SURPRISE!!

Nice recall. You're right. You did get warned for using 'damn' three years ago.

[johnhughthom]

Oh yeah? Well, you're a Incompatible language Incompatible language who likes Incompatible language ing his father's tiny Incompatible language and Incompatible language ing his mother Incompatible language in the Incompatible language. And while I'm talking about your mom, she's a Incompatible language Incompatible language who's Incompatible language ed so many people it's a wonder she doesn't explode from ingesting all of their Incompatible language.

Aww.

[johnhughthom]

Oh yeah? Well, you're a lovely person who likes petting his father's tiny kitten and giving his mother gifts in the month of May, specifically on the second Sunday thereof. And while I'm talking about your mom, she's a kind, considerateindividual who's helped so many people it's a wonder she doesn't explode from ingesting all of their cookies, which they bought her in thanks.

How nice.