Quote Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat View Post
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.