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Cursing and drawing the line
Apr 15 2005 07:39pm

Mookie
 - ex-Student
Mookie
I no longer play on the servers, but I still sometimes frequent the chat and the forums. I don't want to be controversial on purpose, but I've lately had several conversations with our members on cursing in the Academy, on both sides of the argument.

Obviously, the first rule on cursing in our Academy is 'don't'. The Jedi Knight games can be sold to anyone who is twelve years old, or older. The f-word has no place here, really, and I agree. But some recent developments (and I've been with the Academy long enough to know that these developments are indeed 'recent' and not a policy that has been active throughout my 1.5 year stay at the Academy) have caused me to write this post because I'm curious how you all feel about the question I'm going to pose you.

Maybe a little information about myself is handy for you guys. I'm twenty years old, and I'm officially studying the English language. I'm no linguist like Casual, but in International Communication you obviously deal with the language enough to develop some sensibilities regarding its usage. I realize that a lot of young people visit these forums, our servers and our chat, and that we should keep them in mind when conversing.

However, a few people (including myself) have become concerned about the JA's policy because it also extends to words like 'shit' and 'damn', and people have even been reprimanded for using 'bastard' and 'crap'. So where do you draw the line?

As four-letter words become an ever more popular form of communication, it's hardly surprising that athletes might use them, or that one might slip out in a TV interview. NBC's Matt Yocum had just asked Dale Earnhardt Jr. how it felt to win a race at the Talladega Superspeedway for the fifth time, and he replied modestly that his famous dad, Dale Earnhardt Sr, had won there ten times. "It don't mean s---," he said.

The sky fell in. Earnhardt was fined $10,000 and docked points, knocking him out of first place in the Nextel Cup series. But what's interesting is Earnhardt's defense of his naughty word.

"It was in jubilation," he said. "When you're happy and joyous about something and it happens, it's different than being angry and cursing in anger. Of course, we don't want to promote that. But if a guy's in Victory Lane, jumping up and down, and lets a 's---' slip out, I don't think that's something we need to go hammering down on."

Is he right? Does it make a difference whether the word is used in anger or exuberance? Does it matter whether it's literal or figurative? Is there a distinction among different types: obscenity, profanity, cursing, and blasphemy?

When forbidding words such as 'bastard' or 'crap', are we becoming insensitive to the context of a situation? Do we realize people are becoming very self conscious in an environment where we are supposed to be relaxing?

I'm not supporting the use of insults in our Academy, but I'm pointing a finger at our censors for becoming sloppy and insensitive to the use of our language. We have many members from many different backgrounds here, and I'm sure there are a lot of opinions on this subject. However, I for one wouldn't be at ease if I had to worry about using the word 'crap' in a room and getting a reprimand for it. Would you?

-Ken

This post was edited by Mookie on Apr 09 2005 11:48pm.

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Comments
Apr 10 2005 02:09am

Tallepyon
 - Student
 Tallepyon

Quote:
Quote:
I'm surprised that Kenyon made this post as well as he did. Some of you may know that Kenyon and I have had problems in the past regaurding this subject, problems that may have turned us against eachother at some point, over something so small. Anyways, I'm going to throw in my 2 cents.

Those of you who talk to me on Teamspeak, or have seen me in any other game, know that I use swears in just about every sentence. Mainly because I'm not bound by any rules that prohibit me from doing so. Of course, the first thing you see when you hop on TS is "Please watch your language." But the "usuals" on TS are all mature, they all can handle hearing constant foul language and are fine with it, which is why I continue to do it. If someone who is younger came on, and heard me or anyone else using foul language and asked us to stop, we do. It's as simple as that. If we feel a need to curse, we move down to a private channel.

IRC and ingame are a completely different story. When people actually speak, they often can't control certain things from coming out of their mouths. But when they type, they can. It's not really a matter of protecting the children as much, although I may have said otherwise to people. It's more of a matter of keeping this place clean and respectable. If you go to a website, and you see "f**k this" and "eat my s**t" it's going to turn you away. If you come to this place and see people enforcing a rule that clearly states "no swearing is tollerated" people will respect that.

Most of you know, I crack down on people using foul language like crazy. When I was a student who first joined the JA, it happened to me constantly. This is my way of doing things how I was "taught" to do them. Even now because I've been here for so long, when I go on a public server and seeing people using foul language, it turns me away. It may be hypocritical for me to say that, but it's true.

Now, I really don't care what anyone else says in this thread. I'm going to punish you for using foul language, wether or not you think it's bad. Just because you or others may not find it offensive, doesn't mean everyone doesn't. It's not that hard to use other words to replace them. When was the last time any of you saw me use foul language in IRC, forums, or ingame other than "damn" or "ass," neither of which I find to be offensive. If I, a constant practicer of foul language in RL, can hold it back from the JA because the rules say to, any of you can do it as well, no problem. If it seems to come out in your typing as naturally as it does when you speak, then maybe you need to start typing slower. Just know that I will always be on the lookout for these words, and I will be there to pounce on you for using them, no matter what other JAK+ say, or what context they were used in. So unless you want constant kicks/bans, you should take care of what you say around me. And I'm always around, everywhere, all the time. If you wanna test me, feel free, just know that I won't hesistate, and I won't take any crap from anyone.

Now, with a "threat" like that being said, is it possible for you guys to control what you say within the JA and not make a fuss about it???


Oh, and by the way, if you get kicked for using foul language without first receiving a warning, consider that your warning. If you're a person who has had trouble controlling your language and has been punished for it, consider your self realization your warning. I don't give warning to repeat offenders. You know who you are and what you're doing wrong. Reminders are not needed from the JAK+. Consider this your warning.


I'm now sexually aroused. Grad, make love to me. :eek:


No he is mine!

Apr 10 2005 02:07am

Bubu
 - Hubbub
 Bubu

I'd like to extend what Casual said about acronyms like 'wtf' and 'stfu' to "censoring" bad words.

Typing ***** stars all over the place doesn't make your words any less offensive.
_______________
make install -not war

Apr 10 2005 01:26am

 
 - Student

Quote:
I'm surprised that Kenyon made this post as well as he did. Some of you may know that Kenyon and I have had problems in the past regaurding this subject, problems that may have turned us against eachother at some point, over something so small. Anyways, I'm going to throw in my 2 cents.

Those of you who talk to me on Teamspeak, or have seen me in any other game, know that I use swears in just about every sentence. Mainly because I'm not bound by any rules that prohibit me from doing so. Of course, the first thing you see when you hop on TS is "Please watch your language." But the "usuals" on TS are all mature, they all can handle hearing constant foul language and are fine with it, which is why I continue to do it. If someone who is younger came on, and heard me or anyone else using foul language and asked us to stop, we do. It's as simple as that. If we feel a need to curse, we move down to a private channel.

IRC and ingame are a completely different story. When people actually speak, they often can't control certain things from coming out of their mouths. But when they type, they can. It's not really a matter of protecting the children as much, although I may have said otherwise to people. It's more of a matter of keeping this place clean and respectable. If you go to a website, and you see "f**k this" and "eat my s**t" it's going to turn you away. If you come to this place and see people enforcing a rule that clearly states "no swearing is tollerated" people will respect that.

Most of you know, I crack down on people using foul language like crazy. When I was a student who first joined the JA, it happened to me constantly. This is my way of doing things how I was "taught" to do them. Even now because I've been here for so long, when I go on a public server and seeing people using foul language, it turns me away. It may be hypocritical for me to say that, but it's true.

Now, I really don't care what anyone else says in this thread. I'm going to punish you for using foul language, wether or not you think it's bad. Just because you or others may not find it offensive, doesn't mean everyone doesn't. It's not that hard to use other words to replace them. When was the last time any of you saw me use foul language in IRC, forums, or ingame other than "damn" or "ass," neither of which I find to be offensive. If I, a constant practicer of foul language in RL, can hold it back from the JA because the rules say to, any of you can do it as well, no problem. If it seems to come out in your typing as naturally as it does when you speak, then maybe you need to start typing slower. Just know that I will always be on the lookout for these words, and I will be there to pounce on you for using them, no matter what other JAK+ say, or what context they were used in. So unless you want constant kicks/bans, you should take care of what you say around me. And I'm always around, everywhere, all the time. If you wanna test me, feel free, just know that I won't hesistate, and I won't take any crap from anyone.

Now, with a "threat" like that being said, is it possible for you guys to control what you say within the JA and not make a fuss about it???


Oh, and by the way, if you get kicked for using foul language without first receiving a warning, consider that your warning. If you're a person who has had trouble controlling your language and has been punished for it, consider your self realization your warning. I don't give warning to repeat offenders. You know who you are and what you're doing wrong. Reminders are not needed from the JAK+. Consider this your warning.


I'm now sexually aroused. Grad, make love to me. :eek:

Apr 10 2005 12:38am

Gradius
 - Ex-Student
 Gradius

I'm surprised that Kenyon made this post as well as he did. Some of you may know that Kenyon and I have had problems in the past regaurding this subject, problems that may have turned us against eachother at some point, over something so small. Anyways, I'm going to throw in my 2 cents.

Those of you who talk to me on Teamspeak, or have seen me in any other game, know that I use swears in just about every sentence. Mainly because I'm not bound by any rules that prohibit me from doing so. Of course, the first thing you see when you hop on TS is "Please watch your language." But the "usuals" on TS are all mature, they all can handle hearing constant foul language and are fine with it, which is why I continue to do it. If someone who is younger came on, and heard me or anyone else using foul language and asked us to stop, we do. It's as simple as that. If we feel a need to curse, we move down to a private channel.

IRC and ingame are a completely different story. When people actually speak, they often can't control certain things from coming out of their mouths. But when they type, they can. It's not really a matter of protecting the children as much, although I may have said otherwise to people. It's more of a matter of keeping this place clean and respectable. If you go to a website, and you see "f**k this" and "eat my s**t" it's going to turn you away. If you come to this place and see people enforcing a rule that clearly states "no swearing is tollerated" people will respect that.

Most of you know, I crack down on people using foul language like crazy. When I was a student who first joined the JA, it happened to me constantly. This is my way of doing things how I was "taught" to do them. Even now because I've been here for so long, when I go on a public server and seeing people using foul language, it turns me away. It may be hypocritical for me to say that, but it's true.

Now, I really don't care what anyone else says in this thread. I'm going to punish you for using foul language, wether or not you think it's bad. Just because you or others may not find it offensive, doesn't mean everyone doesn't. It's not that hard to use other words to replace them. When was the last time any of you saw me use foul language in IRC, forums, or ingame other than "damn" or "ass," neither of which I find to be offensive. If I, a constant practicer of foul language in RL, can hold it back from the JA because the rules say to, any of you can do it as well, no problem. If it seems to come out in your typing as naturally as it does when you speak, then maybe you need to start typing slower. Just know that I will always be on the lookout for these words, and I will be there to pounce on you for using them, no matter what other JAK+ say, or what context they were used in. So unless you want constant kicks/bans, you should take care of what you say around me. And I'm always around, everywhere, all the time. If you wanna test me, feel free, just know that I won't hesistate, and I won't take any crap from anyone.

Now, with a "threat" like that being said, is it possible for you guys to control what you say within the JA and not make a fuss about it???


Oh, and by the way, if you get kicked for using foul language without first receiving a warning, consider that your warning. If you're a person who has had trouble controlling your language and has been punished for it, consider your self realization your warning. I don't give warning to repeat offenders. You know who you are and what you're doing wrong. Reminders are not needed from the JAK+. Consider this your warning.
_______________
- Proud padawan of Kueller.
- We really are at the beginning of it all. The trick, of course, is to make sure we never find the end. - Bill Bryson, A Short History of Nearly Everything
- <gen-e-sis-happy> Liek, you can train, liek, a n00b, but he'll just be a trained n00b... --> Wise words!
- "daer SOE me likes your a company i am having your some money for letting me do stuff cos mes the best amd i do it all meself" - Slider


This comment was edited by Gradius on Apr 10 2005 12:44am.

Apr 10 2005 12:31am

SaZ
 - Student
 SaZ

i prefer wth over wtf.
whats better?
this 'word' is a must to show your :confused::confused::confused: mood.
_______________
playing jk3 since 30th of january (2005), member since 1st of february. [Unofficial Master to Vision and Z�diac ] If you can make a fool of yourself infront of 300 people you can do anything - Jaiko D'kana

Apr 09 2005 11:30pm

Casual
 - Student
 Casual

Hmmm...

First of all, good post Kenyon, very good actually. I might have to shed some light on my background as a swearer (sounds like I'm in a Dr. Phil show). In Finland, swearing has blown itself out of proportions. The Finnish equivalent for f**k is vittu (not a literal translation but parallel in vulgarism) and it's basically used whenever possible: as an adjective, a noun, an adverbial, a conjunction, a hedge, whatever. Thus if some colloquially conservative person would encounter me in Finland in a Finnish language setting, he/she would probably be intimidated by the language I use.

I chose to provide this background information because I have noticed that it rubs off in my English too. I use the f-word (synonym for copulation) a lot, and the s-word (human excrement) even more. I am also aware of the JA's policy towards swearing of this kind, and have been noted and even kicked out of the IRC channel for my language a couple of times. BUT here comes my point: I think it's hypocrite AND ridiculous that the very same people (JAK+) who are prone to say "Watch you language" after every single authentic cuss-word, in the IRC channel or in the servers, THEMSELVES use acronyms such as wtf or stfu excessively. Now, lets figure out just what "wtf" and "stfu" are short for. Let me help you out: the 'w' in "wtf" is for 'what', the 't' is for 'the' and the 'f' is for ... well you know, the f-word. And it's the same thing in stfu.

I know they are acronyms. I know they are ambiguous. I know they aren't 'direct' swearing. But I would like to point out that if some specific words or terms are banned in the academy then any linguistic references (such as the implementation of acronyms) to them should be banned too.

And I'm not saying all of this because I'm a firm supporter of swear words. I'm just being realistic. If 'f**k' is banned, but wtf is not, the same 12-year old kid, who is still an amateur when it comes to this unnoble albeit popular use of our predominant lingua franca, will without question start wondering about the interpretation of the letters 'w', 't', and 'f'. And thus he/she will inevitably face the ugly nasty f-word.

I'm making a big issue out of this because I hate hypocrisy in all its forms (just like I hate allegory and picking the raisins out of your breakfast cereal). If the f-word is banned, and those who use it are to face punishment of any sort (whether it be the notice of "watch your language" or a kick from the channel/server) I demand equal treatment to those who use the acronyms wtf or stfu etc. since their use is in no way ambiguous.

-Cas
_______________
Thanks to the human heart by which we live,
Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears,
To me the meanest flower that blows can give
Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.


This comment was edited by Casual on Apr 09 2005 11:36pm.

Apr 09 2005 10:44pm

 
 - Student

Yeah, that was exactly my point, Squib.

You know, I try to look at it this way. If you get caught speeding on a highway, the cops don't pull you over without explaining WHY you've been pulled over. I really feel that the JAK+ *are* obliged to explain what they do, because quite frankly speaking, it's not like they're any better than any student. I'm not going to treat what every JAK+ says as the word of God when they don't explain their actions. After all, us Students are usually expected to explain OUR actions. :P

I've probably offended someone with this, so yeah, sorry, but it's my opinion, whether you like it or not. :eek:

Apr 09 2005 10:33pm

Squibit
 - Student
 Squibit

Quote:
We trust completely in all of the JAK+ judgement. So they word is where the line is. Simple as that.


Quote:
What bothers me is the standards of punishment. One dude might be like, "Dude, don't say that again!" while another might be like, "OMG BANT!11". It's silly. :P


What if a person says a mild word on the servers regularly, and it is ignored completely by a JAK,

Then the next time they get punished. I don't think a list should be produced. But I do think the JAK+ should agree on a certain level of what is classed as "bad language".

If anything this thread has shown that we all (even among the JAK+) have different standards and that is generaly a bad thing, especialy for new members who don't know what is usual here. Also if they specificaly ask about it then responding "Well its fine aslong as XXXXX[JAT] isn't around" is not good.


EDIT: Jeez people posted before i finished typing this ! :P

Quote:
Would any JA member step up to a random guy IRL and say "stop swearing"?


Yes sure, If there was a 12 year old party and someone near by was swearing heavily near by im sure the parents would ask them to tone down thier language.

Quote:
Some people have to realize that there's no such thing as "Jedi".


Didn't Virtue say in the "Architects of Community" interview that he wants our JAK to acctualy BE Jedi knights ?
_______________
Quote:
fiZZe: its SIR Fizzy Fluffy :p

Quote:
FiZZ[JAK]: that was what I call a counter

Ah, things you only ever expect to hear once :)


This comment was edited by Squibit on Apr 09 2005 10:37pm.

Apr 09 2005 10:23pm

Fire
 - Student
 Fire

Some people have to realize that there's no such thing as "Jedi".

Apr 09 2005 10:18pm

Jacen Aratan
 - Student

Quote:
Quote:
Would any JA member step up to a random guy IRL and say "stop swearing"?


I asked my roommate at school not to swear early in the year, and after a bit of time and understanding, he stopped. I also asked him not to look at pron in the room, I don't think he ever intended to, but he hasn't. In fact, everyone in my dormitory is respectful enough not to curse in our room, and some not even in my presence.


I respect that, because you don't hold double standards, then. However, I think you're one of very few to actually do that.

Apr 09 2005 09:02pm

Plo Koon
 - Student
 Plo Koon

My two cents:

I think the way your raised can change alot of your views on cursing and just about everything. I will admit I have said "crap" and "WTF" here at the JA, but I was very young and I have grown so much older. I know now that it's petty and immature if you can't come up with a better word in your brain.

I don't think people should go around saying "crap" every two or five minutes but once or twice with a forty minute gap inbetween might be able to slide. On the other hand very serius curse words (I think you know what I mean) shouldn't be said at all,If it was said and I was JAK+ I'd have a talk with that person while they where silenced.

Besides it's not very jedi like folk's,We all know we can think up a more productive word. :)
_______________
Free Tibet!
Click this link,and learn
Here too


This comment was edited by Plo Koon on Apr 09 2005 09:03pm.

Apr 09 2005 08:48pm

SaZ
 - Student
 SaZ

its sad that ppl swears so much.
im not talkin about dumb retards but about young ppl. when i was like 8 years old i never dreamed about saying a bad word or somethin.
few days ago in the bus i heard some 8-10 years old talkin to the girl : wanna s*** ?
some says that the level of life is gettin better, ppl has more money and such
but im starting to see that everyone will end up in total degradation.
_______________
playing jk3 since 30th of january (2005), member since 1st of february. [Unofficial Master to Vision and Z�diac ] If you can make a fool of yourself infront of 300 people you can do anything - Jaiko D'kana

Apr 09 2005 08:28pm

SaberWeildinKow
 - Student
 SaberWeildinKow

Quote:
Which is why I didn't draw a conclusion in my first post, but asked a question. :) I see what you're saying.


I have to say, that post was well written!

Apr 09 2005 08:21pm

 
 - Student

You know what? Swearing is bad! That's why it's fun! What bothers me is the standards of punishment. One dude might be like, "Dude, don't say that again!" while another might be like, "OMG BANT!11". It's silly. :P

Generally speaking though, I think everyone should turn their attentions to our staff being a bunch of wise-asses in situations that would get anybody else hung by their nuts, instead of something as trivial as vulgar language. But, that's just my opinion. :D

Apr 09 2005 08:18pm

SaberWeildinKow
 - Student
 SaberWeildinKow

Quote:
Would any JA member step up to a random guy IRL and say "stop swearing"?


I asked my roommate at school not to swear early in the year, and after a bit of time and understanding, he stopped. I also asked him not to look at pron in the room, I don't think he ever intended to, but he hasn't. In fact, everyone in my dormitory is respectful enough not to curse in our room, and some not even in my presence.

Quote:

There's also accountability on JA's part. Some 12 year old gets this game, joins the JA and see's some curse words and thinks it's cool. Next thing ya know his mom's wondering why he's cursin. "Sorry mom, JA members are rubbin off on me!"

I think this instance is pretty true though, "you become who you're with." I began cursing in 3rd grade, not because my parents did, but because the kids at school did. The reason I request that people not to curse around me now is so that I don't start back up again (easily influenced maybe? Oh well, whatever keeps me straight).
--

Quote:
This is the internet. Wether you LIKE IT OR NOT, you (yes, YOU) have seen words and images FAR worse than "shit" and "crap". If hearing that word makes you sad, you should consider unplugging your network cable.
...
It's about context, and sad as it is, context can not be defined.


I guess you're right Aron, and perhaps oversensitivity is something that may describe me, though I am confident I don't speak out too much of the time, in RL or online. Lots of times when I'm on TS (JA or SWG) I'll just throw on the headphones so no one else in the house is bothered, and sometimes I'll just mute someone or sign off myself. I guess when it comes down to it, light cursing intended to create/emphasize humor is (or should be) cool with me, it's just the anger/intention to offend (ie. losing a duel) that bothers me.

This comment was edited by SaberWeildinKow on Apr 09 2005 08:41pm.

Apr 09 2005 08:16pm

SilkMonkey
 - Distributor of Cold Ones
 SilkMonkey

Here's the deal guys. I know I don't really get bothered by swearing. And I have been known to swear in IRC or on the servers. Do I apologize about it? If someone is offended, I will. Otherwise...nope.

I think context definitely is a major part of use in the language. I mean...calling a random JA member a f**kstick or something for no reason is uncalled for, and you deserve what ya get.

But on the other hand, if I blow up a good lead during a duel, or I blow myself up with a rocket launcher during a gunfight...you better believe I'll express something...usually a 'shit' but I have dropped an f bomb before. Of course, if its someone who doesnt know what happened to make me say it...then I am the ultimate bad guy, out to subvert the dominant paradigm...or something.

Good to see Aron posting on the matter. I <3 council responses. :)
_______________
|-HK-47 -SilkMonkey: You are receiving a warning for being_too_sexy. If you do not stop, action will be taken against you.|| (11:13:43) � Virtue dances for Silk ||Smiling owner of Smilykrazy's 6000th comment =) ||Odan Wei's Proud Big Brother|| Janus is my official TaruTaru Cuddly Animal Type Person. ||(@Virtue) Or you could just be a man and set fire to your genitals.....you won't fall asleep for days after that.......trust me.||Thomas Skywalker er for sexy for sitt eget beste!!!!| Not changing sig until the JA loosens up. (Started: Aug 31, 2005)

Apr 09 2005 07:48pm

Aron
 - Retired
 Aron

Agreed.

We should not think like "oh, every one swears, so we can do it just as well".

We should set an EXAMPLE. A REALISTIC example, not one that requires us to do a triple check on every line we type.

Apr 09 2005 07:44pm

Katan
 - Student
 Katan

Aron summed it up for me pretty much


Quote:

I think anyone who uses the "excuse" that younger members use the academy, and bad language is not to be used for this reason, is either not of this planet, or dilusional.



I disagree. Sure, these kids are gonna learn the words at some point, right? Personally, I'd rather not have them learn those words from us. They are gonna learn it at some point, but I'd rather have a clear conscience about it. Who are we to influence children?

Now words like "damn" and "crap" and such.. I dont consider those swearing. Thats just me. Words like the F-word and sh!t get on my nerves, although I'll usually ask someone to not say sh!t just because I dont like seeing it, not nessecarily because of the rules..
_______________


This comment was edited by Katan on Apr 09 2005 07:47pm.

Apr 09 2005 07:37pm

Aron
 - Retired
 Aron

HW, Aratan: no more of these posts in here, please.

I won't say anything about right or wrongs, but this thread is going just fine; don't start a totally off-topic discussion between the two of you in here please.

Apr 09 2005 07:35pm

Aron
 - Retired
 Aron

We already have a swear filter; it is just not enabled.

It's not about blocking out the bad words. It's about changing ATTITUDES.

If we actually censor the words on the server, people will only tend to be more creative with their cussing, or simply use l33t speak.

Apr 09 2005 07:15pm

NotSoLittleCaesar
 - Student
 NotSoLittleCaesar

well, i know C1 has had hundreds of requests, but on this issue, a server clean fillter, blanking out the bad stuff like 'Shi*' nad the f word ect
_______________
Quote:
I mostly agree oh Lord of the squeezy mop


Apr 09 2005 07:03pm

Hardwired
 - Retired
 Hardwired

Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Would any JA member step up to a random guy IRL and say "stop swearing"?


I know you are smarter than using such a weak example. Try again.

- HW


How is it weak? Why act any different here from what you'd do IRL?

I thought *you* wanted it to stay civil.


I did stay civil. What I mean by weak is the comparison of RL to an internet comunity.

You know what? I give up. If you wanna be a pain since you no longer hold a rank. Fine...you go do that. I ain't doing the things I do for my health. And I do not explain myself to you.

- HW
_______________
::Nothing wrong with a little shooting.....as long as the right people get shot::

Apr 09 2005 05:31pm

Mookie
 - Ex-Student
 Mookie

Yeah, you summed up my opinion as well, good post. :)

Apr 09 2005 05:24pm

Jacen Aratan
 - Student

Nice post Aron, I completely agree.

Apr 09 2005 05:19pm

Aron
 - Retired
 Aron

Good post Kenyon :)

What the Academy will NOT do is make a "list" of the "forbidden words".

However, I do think that there are some words that everyone knows are not appropriate in a community such as ours, with ages varying between 8 and, let's say... 50.
The F-word, the C-word, etcetera. No question about it.

However, like some of you have already pointed out, there are some other words that ARE questioned.

Personally, I really don't get offended by "shit" or "crap".

HOWEVER, what I do find an important factor is the amount of using it, and the occasion.

I have seen staff members hopping on the servers, noticing a "shit" 10 seconds after they got in-game, and immediately saw this a chance to say something about "language".
Now, in this particular case, it was someone who had been on the server for about an hour, playing peacefully, without saying a "bad word" ANY other time than that.

However, if this person would have been saying it every 5 minutes, it would definately have gotten on my nerves.

Talking "generally" in this way is, in my eyes, a form of disrespect. Even if you are not saying it directly to anyone. Just saying it where others can SEE it, is a form of disrespect, and sometimes even a provocation.

Generally, besides the "no question" words, it comes down to the person saying it, the reason he says it, the context he says it in, the person he says it to and how often he uses such terms.

Sadly, we just can't make any concrete rules for this. We can tell you that swearing is not allowed, and that you should keep in mind that the standards that seem "normal" to you, might seem totally different for others.

On the other hand, we should also say that there is no place for "oversensitive" people (don't take that as a harsh comment).

This is the internet. Wether you LIKE IT OR NOT, you (yes, YOU) have seen words and images FAR worse than "shit" and "crap". If hearing that word makes you sad, you should consider unplugging your network cable.

Swearing is bad, but we are still on the internet here. We can't (read: should not) police around the servers, scanning for so-called "bad words".

It's about context, and sad as it is, context can not be defined.

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