Posted by mair on April 3, 2002, at 7:46:27
In reply to Re: Civility vs. Propriety – Words, posted by mist on April 2, 2002, at 23:59:17
The only time I've actually seen Dr. Bob reproach someone for using four letter words are when they've been used in headings or in a confrontational way, so from a practical perspective, I'm not sure there really is a prohibition. (Bear in mind that this discussion arose on account ot 2 instances that I can think of where the words were used in headings) The real expression of how we feel is generally in our posts and not in the headings we use, so I guess I don't see this rule as inhibiting, particularly since you can use asteriks also. But then again I'm not a writer and I'm not a big fan of four letter words myself although I've certainly used (and now less frequently still use) plenty of them.
I do know that some people find them to be very offensive and off-putting and I'm assuming some of those people frequent this board. I know you can't please everyone and there are always going to be people who are offended by something. However, four letter words in particular seem to convey different meanings - it's easier to sort those our if you're hearing someone speak, less so if you see them written. I think it would make Dr. Bob's role much more difficult if he was left to make those judgments, and to endure the discussion that will inevitably follow every time he makes a call that the words were inappropriately used.
Mair
poster:mair
thread:3683
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020308/msgs/3770.html