To be honest, we did loosen the language rules and became more lenient. This was well spotted by Philippvs.

It started mostly as some sort of experiment, to see where it would get us and has to be seen as part of a switch to a more "hands off" approach in moderation.

The reason not to communicate the change to the membership at large, was because we wanted to see things developping naturally and to avoid somebody ruining the experiment by abusing the leniency and making "f-bomb, f-bomb f-bomb lol f-bomb"-posts.

The .Org always presented itself as a place for a mature audience where mature people come together, have a good time and can be in good company in a civilised and friendly atmosphere. Over the years, our language policy became pretty strict. The reasons for it were good and reasonable: bad language gives the impression of a less friendly and civilised atmosphere. But the balance probably shifted a bit too much to the "clean" side.

Strict moderation on language conflicts somehow with the .Org being "mature" part. If the membership is mature, then surely it doesn't need somebody to tell them how to behave as such.

After reading this thread, I believe most of us don't mind a "bad" word here and there, but a few of you don't really like it. Some of you foul mouthers promised to tone it down, others said they don't see a problem with bad language and gave good reasonable arguments. I think we're all mature and wise enough to find some sort of unwritten agreement and compromise that takes into account everybody's desires. As long as nobody exaggerates, the lenient rules can stay, imo. The leniency doesn't mean everything goes, however. F-bombs will still be frowned upon and slurs will always be no. Excessive swearing with the sole purpose of provocation, without real substance in the post may still result in moderator action. But you can consider it offical that we'll be far less strict than we were in the past when it comes to language.
Our software also allows to use a language filter. How would you feel about such a filter? And if most agree on using a filter, would you prefer ***, or another smiley to replace the filtered words?

I'll move this to the Watchtower, but will leave a redirect in the BR