Posted by Dr. Bob on June 26, 2002, at 9:48:14
In reply to Two quickies and then I'll leave this for others.., posted by krazy kat on June 25, 2002, at 10:43:47
> Thanks Bob, for the dictionary reference. Being Canadian, I prefer to use an English-based dictionary rather than American but I hope that won't be a problem for you.
That's fine. Is there one online?
> As for people not willing to unwrap the package (because of some mild swear words), that can go for many other things too. Personally, I haven't been able to 'unwrap' the package of some posts due to the way they were formatted ... or those that were increadibly long.
OK, but finding the wrapping too difficult is different than being offended by it.
> > Can we agree that *some* censoring is appropriate but disagree on exactly how much?
>
> That's great! So all we're suggesting right now is not to be too ready to censor mild swear words.IMO, of course, I don't consider myself *too* ready to censor *mild* swear words...
> > Maybe they're lurkers? Maybe they feel unwelcome?
>
> It's possible that the same amount of people might feel unwelcome for fear of being censored for using some words as much as those lurkers who feel unwelcome because they're offended by these words.True, Mist made that same point, but if I had to choose, I'd rather have this be a safer place and have those who wanted to swear go elsewhere than have this be a more tolerant place and have those who were easily offended go elsewhere.
> Acceptable: I feel so shitty since taking XXX med & just want to know what the hell is the matter with me?
>
> Unacceptable: IMO, I think his views are pure shit. He & his ideas can go to hell.
>
> So what's your opinion of this sort of example? Like I suggested, it's the message that's given, not the packaging only. I don't mean every sentence would be peppered with swearing - just that it can be very descriptive of how desperate, depressed people feel.According to M-W, "shit" is "usually vulgar", so neither is great. But I agree, the first is more civil -- and I'd probably let it go, depending of course on the context (whether every sentence is peppered with swearing, etc.). I agree, it's one way to convey desperation, depression, etc. But I don't think it's the only way.
----
> Suggestion:
>
> Perhaps install some sort of optional censorship feature so that those who are sensitive to language could have select words replaced by "expletive deleted" or a black rectangle covering the word.I like creative suggestions :-) but what about when someone comes for the first time?
----
> It is Very difficult for me not to have specified rules. I have learned to deal with it better than I used to, but never knowing if one is going to get a PBC is very stressful, imho.
I'm glad you're learning to deal with it better. :-) I already explained how you can be sure not to get a PBC:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020510/msgs/5728.html
> Think of good parenting:
>
> You have a teenager. You tell them they have a curfew and that it's between 9:00 pm and midnight. Now, being a teenager, that kid is going to stay out until midnight. The first night you don't say anything. On the second you kind of imply they've overstepped the boundaries with a light slap on the wrist. Then, on the third night, you light into them and ground them (block them).And if they get back at 12:01? Because their car broke down?
> Dr. Bob needs to do a list or an easier reference for what words are never allowed. A sick person is not going to use the dictionary to edit their posts.
>
> - kkAnd if the teenager doesn't look at their watch?
Bob
poster:Dr. Bob
thread:5720
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020510/msgs/5812.html