Much better.Originally Posted by Dayve
However, these reasons have been proposed before, and successfully disputed. Please note that these are not my arguments but a summary of sorts -- based on what I perceive of the why behind this rule -- of what has been argued upon in a lot of threads lately. You can, of course, look around for yourself:
The org is not a place to start your moral crusade for greater acceptance of swear words in a semi-"polite" setting. If a parent finds the words to be inappropriate to his or her children -- and it happens a lot -- then this website is no longer "family friendly," which is one of its stated goals for as wide a demographic of org users as is possible. The moderating staff is not in a position to judge by themselves whether they find being offended over swear words to be ridiculous or reasonable. They merely adhere to a greater standard.
"Be friendly with your customers," I guess. After all, this is a fansite for a particular game franchise. If a potential member is turned away then it's only our loss to bear.
Also, the general use of swear words are deemed unnecessary; meaning, while many org members and staff are unlikely to be offended by swear words, some do, and the banning -- this is a private forum after all, so don't go for a Freedom of Speech or censorship angle -- of swear words is considered a better alternative. Such regular daily speech vulgarity can easily be circumvented in a way that does not alter the message.
I myself would like to have a little more freedom, but it's not that important anyway.
Moreover, the use of swear words clearly increases a chance of flame wars and perceived insults. In such a climate as the Backroom, or anywhere for that matter, an inherently hostile post is made thrice as offensive, and twice less effective, by a liberal use of the vulgar f-words, s-words, [alphabet]-words, etc. We have enough regular paddling and batting as it is. No need for them to turn heated up.
And lastly, the liberal use of swear words often cause more trouble in the atmosphere. At least the regulars do tend to know each other (as far as the internet allows) and wouldn't take offense if another person slips. A junior member insulting the other person with vulgarities would quickly display himself an undesirable troll -- surely not someone a happy little virtual community would like to welcome? And trust me, a site with more people regularly throwing an f here, a s there, an a+h here and there, can be very flamey, since insult provokes insult, and a vicious cycle is easily escalated.
Try this instead: $#%@!*&
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