Swearing and Enworld's Policy

[Thagdal]

Hello,

I've just joined recently and had a question.

In the few threads I've read already I've noticed swear words like slut and piss. Is this considerable fine for use at Enworld, or have I just noticed ones that slipped passed the mods?

I found reference to the grand mother rule but I know what I would say around my grand mother is different - particularily if slut is acceptable here.

Thanks,
Tans

 

[jaerdaph]

Our New Policy

 

[Plane Sailing]

Generally speaking no, that is not considered appropriate language. There is a filter which catches a wide range of swear words (and we are not happy with people attempting to 'cleverly' bypass the filter by including numbers or symbols).

Mods would love to read everything which is posted at ENworld, because there is so much really good stuff, but essentially we rely upon people reporting problem issues (or potential problem issues) via the triangle icon in a post so that we can spot them and take such action as is necessary.

best general rule - express yourself without swearing at all.

Thanks

 

[surfarcher]

This is an interesting topic!

Now I understand the need to curb really offensive language - this hobbie does need it's slow trickling influx of juniors and putting that at risk is a BAD THING.

By the same token, one man's swearing is another expressiveness... And culture plays a bigger role here than you might expect.

You see, I'm an aussie and many terms that are considered strong expression where I come from seem to be considered outright swearing in other countries... Particularly the US.

Strong words, yes. But not "real swearing", as it were.

Anyway, just something the mods might want to think about before getting too heavy handed with "swearing offenders"

Cheers!

 

[renau1g]

Am I jaded but neither of those seem like swear words?

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piss
Slut - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Hmmm...both in Webster's, the first is listed as sometimes vulgar, while the second has no notes. A word like the F-word is in there but is listed as Obscene. Now, of course, it's all in context.

My problem is I watch too much network TV...

 

[surfarcher]

Same here... That's kinda my point.

Also w*nk*r and d*ckh**d aren't swearwords here

 

[Umbran]

We take context into account, and judging foul language is definitely subjective.

For example, in the "Play by Post" threads, many things said in-character are apt to be allowed, where if you said then out of character in the General Discussion forum, we'd slap you with a 3-day ban.

Calling people (either specific individuals or general groups) names is apt to get moderator attention if we hear about it, even if it isn't what you'd think of as a swear word.

Grandma doesn't like very direct swearing, and thinks people should be treated with respect. Innuendo, however, is something she often doesn't get.

 

[surfarcher]

Yeah that makes sense. If someone is being abusive the actual specific words don't really factor in.

But if someone is just getting picked up in general for "swearing"... Well I'd imagine a first offence nice warning might be reasonable.

If they ignore that they deserve to get their but banned

 

[Umbran]

But if someone is just getting picked up in general for "swearing"... Well I'd imagine a first offence nice warning might be reasonable.

While every case is unique, we don't regularly ban people just for using a swear word. We more typically edit out the offense, and give the offender a warning. Repeat offenders or someone with a truly egregiously foul or offensive mouth may be given more harsh treatment more quickly.

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

Repeat offenders or someone with a truly egregiously foul or offensive mouth may be given more harsh treatment more quickly.

Clean it up!