Suggestion - self regulation trial

[George]

I get virtually no thanks for defending this forum against the use of bad language. In fact, curryhell, has recently given me negative feedback, without having any better ideas.

Here's my suggestion, as a trial - that I stop the editing/moderation of bad language for an initial period of one month and leave matters, instead, to the individual conscience, discretion, and/or self-regulation of members. Given that nearly all the bad language is posted by a relatively small number of well-established members, they will be aware of the new situation and will need to decide what to do.

Instead of editing/moderating anything, I will make a note of who has written what, in terms of bad language. Then, at the end of the trial I can send the list to Admin and he can decide what action to take, if any.

What do you think? The cost or downside, of course, is that if the level of bad language stays the same as recently (before moderation) then some members might not like it. Or all (curry)hell could break loose and we could have the F word or the C word, or any word used multiple times within one post, let alone a thread. I won't alter anything for the period of the trial. It's the real world as curryhell says, so who cares? Do you care?

[livo]

Perhaps we need a Swear Jar George, or even a naughty corner.  We used to use the Glasser System when I was a starting out teacher, where you offered "Fredos" for good behaviour and put the naughty kids in the "Castle".

If I'm on a fishing boat or building site, I can keep up with the boys.  I just do not see the point of using profanity in a public forum.  So the words we all know, and many use, including myself in certain company, have become common place in our modern world.  I personally don't think it is a better place for it.

My vote is NO George. Keep up the good work.

[madpower]

The ones that can take the time to type in a swear word amongst people they dont know must be the sort that swear in front of women and children because basically its highly likely that is what they are doing on here and they are not the sort of people i would want on my site i would ban them instantly if they cant respect your wishes,i guess they have taken from here all they need to know and now trash the place how ungratefull.

[Peripatetic Phil]

I just do not see the point of using profanity in a public forum.  So the words we all know, and many use, including myself in certain company, have become common place in our modern world.  I personally don't think it is a better place for it.  My vote is NO George. Keep up the good work.

Hear hear.  Well said, Livo.  I would, however, allow the use of Bowdlerised versions, so if someone wanted to write (for example) "tasted like sh1te", I would allow it.   By Bowdlerising the spelling, the author is shewing that he/she is aware that the un-Bowdlerised form is unacceptable, but is still able to express him/herself such that others can recognised what he/she wishes to say.  Of course, such usages should still be very much the exception rather than the rule.

** Phil.

[noble ox]

I swear in the company of men NEVER in the earshot of females or children
Anyone with an IQ slightly higher than a ham sandwich should be able to control what they say,
They do when it suits them
Respect for others and good manners is not too much to expect

George
That idea will give the culprits a licence to swear
Its is not an accident swearing used here only to provoke a response and cause trouble
A thanks from me as well ;D

[Graeme]

"Bowdlerised versions"

No it's not allowed.

[macferret]

I'm for self-regulation. It would give George a break - I'm sure he has better things to do. Most of the bad language seems to be for emphasis and comic effect rather than to insult anyone. And I doubt that this site has ever been or ever will be viewed by children.

[noble ox]

And I doubt that this site has ever been or ever will be viewed by children.

Just for the doubters my Daughter in law is a teacher
Kids are all over the net doing projects world cooking etc
It would be a shame to all if the teachers had to ban the kids for the sake of a few very selfish posters

[George]

is still able to express him/herself such that others can recognised what he/she wishes to say.  Of course, such usages should still be very much the exception rather than the rule.

I disagree. The use of full swear words, or thinly veiled versions like your example, are neither necessary or desirable in my opinion, as Graeme indicated.  There are so many other words available to use. I agree with noble ox that you have to wonder about the intelligence of people who chose to use bad language on this forum. Your masked version of the S word screams out that you really wanted to use the full version. It's just as bad and, outside of this discussion, I would delete it.

noble ox - yes, the culprits will be allowed to write whatever they want and, hopefully, if these few people carry on swearing or using Bowdlerised versions, we'll hopefully have a strong case for one or more permanent bans.

[macferret]

Fair point N.O. - I'm not promoting bad language by the way. I just find it less offensive than bile and vitriol.