Language & The Forums by F. R. Sham. Illus. by Priss

[Priss]

Just so it's all clear, and for other members who don't know, what is the rules about language here?

I've seen people use "curse" words before, so I wonder if there is a place where we draw the line. I understand that if it's directed at anyone it's not allowed, but what about beyond that?


Yours Truly,
Captain F. R. Sham

 

[Arison]

Well, I always thought that since there were younger members, it would be better to not use much profanity... though I didn't write the rules.

I would also like to know. I don't believe there's ever been any comment or statement on the issue. o_o

 

[Seventh Arm]

Well I posted 'c**t' (minus the '**'s') a couple of days ago in off-topic and nobody commented. Though I eventually edited it to 'bastard', just in case it offended anyone.

I would assume that the more common, less obscene curses are ok in moderation?

 

[Formless]

I remember addressing this once and being told that it wasn't a big deal.. so I dunno.

 

[Kyuketsuki]

suffice it to say, I have been a twice repeated offender in this department and have yet to be repremanded. I try to stay away from it (and it didn't help that one of the times I did cuss, it got caught at the top of a page... ) and only do so on occation if at all.

~ketsu

 

[navate]

I drop curse words quite casually on the forum, so I'm a bit hesitant about correcting others about it. I do, however, draw the line at racial and sexual slang. And we probably shouldn't allow the F-bomb either. Bad, bad me. I don't see a problem with low-grade curses used in moderation and acceptable context--not every other word, not to insult people, etc.

We've never had a strict statement on it, and I don't really think we need one (no one reads the rules anyway; why make it longer?). Just use common sense, I suppose. And yes, this applies to me too. I clearly need to start setting a better example. XD

 

[Arison]

(no one reads the rules anyway; why make it longer?)

You shouldn't have to say that! We may have had problems in the past and recently with it, and especially new members... but it just doesn't try to knock it into peoples' heads to actually follow them.

I just don't like seeing the administration being so pessimistic about the forum.

 

[flowersofnight]

As far as language is concerned - every once in a while is OK. I'm not going to put up any specific dividing line because our members are mature enough that we don't need to micromanage their posting. Keep the language clean in signatures though because they do go out with every single post you make.

 

[Orchid]

I would assume that the more common, less obscene curses are ok in moderation?

That's what I try to do, for the sake of general courtesy and etiquette, Internet board or not, but I've let myself slip a few times, undoubtedly (over J&H). I'll try not to in the future.