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Do you have word censoring enabled? If so, what kinds of words do you not allow? I think I have it turned on but I don't have any words on the list. It hasn't really been an issue.
since our forum is a help forum for the Ultra software and since we are trying to maintain a professional atmosphere on our forum, we have added some words to the ban list. The more common swear words have been added. We will add more if people start swearing like sailors on the board wich:
I don't believe in them, really. People can indicate and get around them just as easy so either one is going to enforce the spirit of it or not. I also find that most people feel more comfortable if they can curse just a little, so if I was going to use a ban filter it would be for the really bad ones. Little dumb ones that religious people tend to get uptight about, like "damn," isn't something I would want to hold a person to because that is too much a part of normal speech.
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I think words like the "N" word and other universally prejudice completely offensive words should be censored. Unless you are running a hate site I see nothing professional or justifiable with allowing words like that to be posted on a site you run. It is almost like saying you endorse that type of language.
Wolverine wrote: Little dumb ones that religious people tend to get uptight about, like "damn," isn't something I would want to hold a person to because that is too much a part of normal speech.
It would have been funny if damn showed up as ****. Bit awkward haha
In fact, sometimes the **** is worse because then I might think it is something worse than it really is!
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In my opinion, even at forums with riskier or aggressive subject matter, there are still certain words (as I mentioned above) that should be censored. There is a level of "hate" type words that should never be used IMO.
I don't censor anything; I find it more immature than using the words to begin with. The intent will be there, even if the word isn't, and I don't believe in censorship. In my rules, I state that swearing is allowed but to please use moderation, and anyone who has a problem with a member's language can report it to me and I'll talk to them. There's also a part in my rules stating that hate language (i.e. racist terminology) is not allowed and any use of that will be warned, but they can still use the word if they so choose. By using it they accept the consequence.
My members are mature enough to make their own decisions and not have their thoughts or words filtered. If they choose to behave in an immature manner, that's their own fault, but I give them the benefit of the doubt.
What about the "N" word for example. What if someone on your board starting using it all of the time. It is an incredibly offensive word (that is not allowed on this forum under any circumstances). In my humble opinion allowing use of this word on your forum is almost like approving of it. You are allowing a word, that is universally offensive, to be promoted under your forum's rules. This is just one example, but I think it makes sense.
I am not talking about a specifically themed "hate site" - just a normal forum like yours. What justification could there ever be for allowing that word OR any other racially intended slur to be used?
ps - Crystal, I LOVE your forum and can not imagine that word ever being used there, but if it was it would offend a lot of people and potentially hurt the forum if people left.
If they used it all the time, they would be reprimanded. I don't censor the word, but I don't allow its use. Just like you cannot prevent theft all the time, you can't prevent certain words from being used. People will find a way around censored words, and I don't feel like putting in effort because, like I said, the intent will be there. Saying "stupid (insert nationality or race here) people" may not be exactly the "N word," but the intent is the same, is it not? A statement against that person or people, calling them worthless or something else? Hate speech is not allowed on Mercury Ice. But I will not censor it, because everyone will know what the person means when they say it, whether it's ****** or the actual "N" word. I am also a firm believer that words only have the power you give them. The word "fuck" has become a bad word because people decided it should be bad; nothing is inherently different between "fuck" and "have sex."
Do you see what I mean? To answer your question again, yes they would get in trouble, but they're going to get in trouble whether they call someone the "N" word or "white trash."
Unfortunately while I might agree with your thinking above, the viewing public and public impression is usually vastly different. Someone checking a forum for the first time has no history with the site or members and may not know what is or is not being implied. They will not know the forum owner's policy on use of these words. All they will see is a word that potentially turns them off and drives them away before they ever participate or before the ever join. As we both know there are different levels of bad words. I am mainly talking about negative racial slurs not being allowed.
IMO if the forum's theme is one of hate, then this is expected and the norm. The viewer is probably looking for this type of behavior and verbiage, and the forum owner probably allows it due to the over topic of the site.
But if the forums theme is general, or about cars, or any regular topic, then this use of language is going to seem out of place. And if allowed to remain, this use of language is going to reflect poorly not only on the entire community, but also the owner of the forum. Just my opinion.
To me (again just to me) this is counter productive to the ongoing and overall goals of starting a forum and building. We agree to disagree.
kensh wrote: If you turned on censoring at your Mock forum, it would be nothing but ****s
LOL, partially true ... but, beside the point. :evil: ;)
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Honestly, TVDinner, if someone is going to turn away from my forum because someone uses a swear word here or there, they don't really need to be on my forum. None of my members swear copiously, except perhaps Piggie, and even then he has been warned when his attitude goes too far. I have never, EVER, had anyone use racist terminology on my forum and if they did, their post would be soft deleted and they would be banned. Like I said, members on my forum may use any type of language they wish, but I am not going to be their babysitter. They can choose to be mature or not; at the end of the day it will be me they're dealing with.
Crystal Shards wrote: Honestly, TVDinner, if someone is going to turn away from my forum because someone uses a swear word here or there, they don't really need to be on my forum. None of my members swear copiously, except perhaps Piggie, and even then he has been warned when his attitude goes too far. I have never, EVER, had anyone use racist terminology on my forum and if they did, their post would be soft deleted and they would be banned. Like I said, members on my forum may use any type of language they wish, but I am not going to be their babysitter. They can choose to be mature or not; at the end of the day it will be me they're dealing with.
~Crystal
That's how I feel. I think the word filters look and feel stupid. Like grammar school or something.
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I word filter sites and forums that I catch advertising through private messages. This helps cut back on spammers and people who abuse the private message system.
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I don't mind of members use small bad words like "damn" or "hell" those words are okay.
The only thing I do not like is if someone for example is saying to another person..
"go to hell" Also, I don't word filter bad words. I shouldn't have to babysit my members. What they do is their choice, but they will face the music for every action they take.
I highly believe in "every action has a consequence"
Even if they say the f bomb and all those bigger and more "offense" words.
Also, since the "B" word has more than one meaning. The one that can mean a female dog isn't blocked.
JPiC Forum has a strict no-censorship policy - so most things are acceptible... As far as the "N-word" - isn't saying "N-word" the same thing? I mean if you get right down to the gist of the situation - there's a bit of hypocrisy and double-standard by saying "N-word" IMO - The definition is the same. By taking out 4 letters, does that negate the negative terminology. I think perhaps too much emphasis are put on words in the name of political correctness. And wow - yep - There's some issues with that one LOL - too many to go into in this thread possibly - but yeah... As a Black Artiste & Poet I think the best policy for my Forum is to allow fellow Artistes to be free with their words.
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