Poll Request: Censorship

[Iain Lindley]

It would be interesting to see the thoughts of the Apolyton community on the issue. It particularly frustrates me that seemingly inoffensive words are censored out. Perhaps we could at least reconsider the list of words used?

[Ming]

Unfortunately, it's not up to the posters. It's up to the Owners of the site. You remember them... the guys that slave away to give you this great place to come.

If they don't want it... no poll will do any good

People disagree with many of the rules here. That is their right. But, the rules are made by the owners... and it's that simple!

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Ming
CivII & Off-Topic Forum Moderator
Ming@Apolyton.net

[Iain Lindley]

Of course I realise that... but I've heard precious little on the subject from either of the owners. I certainly think that the current 'banned list' is somewhat strange, there are some words that perhaps ought to be on the list that aren't, and likewise some that are that I don't think ought to be. There's no harm in raising the issue, and it would be interesting to see what the Apolyton community thinks...

Of course, the bottom line is that this is a private site - but I would like to think that there is at least some flexibility, or else people would not visit. Although this is hardly a life and death issue...

[SilverDragon]

Which words are censored, anyway?

f--- is, *****, ****, *******, ass, **** , **** , screw
test

[Ming]

Well, I think it is obvious what the Apolyton Community would think... Down with Censorship... You don't need a poll to determine that.

But I agree that the selection of words on the list is interesting... I don't know what's all on the list, and the first name of our next Vice President is kind of silly to have on any list. Plus, some "British" phrases that are just as bad as any of the words on the restricted list are allowed. (That's what happens when Americans write the software and set the defaults)

So maybe they should take a look at the current list and see if it should be updated. I know I have no control over the list

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Ming
CivII & Off-Topic Forum Moderator
Ming@Apolyton.net

[DanQ]

I thought that this was a poll thread for the community, not a place for the owners to make their bureaucratic stance?

Seriously though, the English language is a funny beast -- always has been, always will be I'm sure. In this case, I'm referring to the fact how some words are offensive in some contexts and others not. Unfortunately, some of the words on our Ban List fall under this banner. It may be simple to identify some or all of them, but remember that the demographics of the people who visit this site indicates a wide age spread across the spectrum.

We have to do what we can, within reason, to ensure that whatever words are spoken here can be regularly used in any and all contexts that will not be deemed to be offensive to the audience en masse.

We understand the occasional voice of opposition to this practice, but we cannot please everyone.

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Dan; Apolyton CS

[Lefty Scaevola]

<center><table width=80%><tr><td><font color=000080 face="Verdana" size=2><font size="1">quote:
<img src="/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1>
</font><font size=1>Originally posted by Iain Lindley on 12-04-2000 03:13 PM</font>
It particularly frustrates me that seemingly inoffensive words are censored out.
<img src="/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1></font></td></tr></table></center>

. All words are offensive, when used as such.

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Gaius Mucius Scaevola Sinistra
Pontificator Pendanticus
older richer & wiser than you

[Provost Harrison]

The word di<x>ck should be repealed. This as a profanity is only mild, and can refer to a name. Hell, you could even call me Di<x>ck...

[Snapcase on Snapcase]

Will do, D<iaiai>ick.

My suggestion:

Words that should remain censored - F*ck, C*nt, B*tch

Words that are too mild expeltives - Sh*t, Assh*le

Words with fully legitimate uses - C*ck, D*ck

Words that should be added to the list - All sexually discriminating or deregatory words, like Whore. British expeltives, like Arsehole. Can't think of any more at the moment.

[Iain Lindley]

I'm afraid the word used to describe a female dog is not in the slightest bit offensive to anyone but the most sensitive US nationals... and are you suggesting that 'arsehole' is unacceptable but 'as<x>shole' is?

[Snapcase on Snapcase]

Yup. I am.

And I think bi<falalala>tch should stay on the list. In the english language its only use is a general deregorative of strong and independant women. Really. Just say "Female Dog" if you mean it.

(In swedish the loanword B<whoopwhoopdeedee>itch has only positive connotations. )

[Mercantile]

is ***** on the list? Why are you defending women and *****? Defend both sexes or none at all. Ever notice when women are pissed they use penis synonoms to describe guys. Mind you men do the same thing. ***** should stay on the list but **** is a name and **** is a rooster, mind you ***** is a dog, damm, and *** is a smoke or bundle of sticks. Sheesh, this is getting ridiculous, ban every word and we can learn gibberish

[Provost Harrison]

I also noticed the word pu$$y is on the list. What if you are referring affectionately to a cat? I didn't realise this the other day until I tried to call someone that term, not in the vulgar sense but as in a wimp...

[Lefty Scaevola]

. It would make a difference if we could truthfully say "we're all audults here" but it ain't so.

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Gaius Mucius Scaevola Sinistra
Pontificator Pendanticus
older richer & wiser than you

[MikeH]

I could write incredibly explicit and disgusting stuff even with the restrictions placed on word use. I don't mind that there are some words censored here. It actually makes me tone down my language. A bit like the difference between my conversation at work and in the pub.